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Kerala Piravi marks the birth of Kerala as a state in South India. The state was formed on November 1st in the year 1956. Before its formation, the place was known by its three independent provinces namely Malabar, Cochin and Travancore. The state gets its name from the first ruler Keralian Thampuran, who ruled one of the three independent provinces long time ago.
The province of Malabar consists of Thalassery, Kannur, Kasargode and Mahe, which was a French colony and was returned to India in the year 1950. The middle part of the state formed the princely state of Cochin and the southern part Travancore. Keeping aside all these, legends say Kerala was created by Parashurama after he threw his axe over the ocean.
On its 61st birthday, let us know more about why Kerala is one of the most visited places in the country and why it is known as God's Own Country.
The Large White Sand Beaches
PC: Mehul Antani
Kerala has a long coastline which stretches approximately up to 564 km and these coastlines and filled with a number of shiny white-sand beaches which attract tourists from near and far. Some of the most well-known beaches in the state are Kovalam, Varkala, Cherai and Muzhappilangad, which also happens to be the only drive-in beach in the country.
With the gentle and warm waters of the Arabian Sea, there are plenty of resorts, homestays, etc. which can be found on the shores which attract visitors from across the globe.
The Magical Network Of Waterways
PC: Mehul Antani
Kerala is home to one of the largest waterway networks in the state. With its interconnected lakes, channels, rivers and lagoons, one would feel that they are not in Kerala but in Venice. Hence, the place is fondly known as the Venice of the East.
These waterways are not only tourist attractions but are also providers of fresh fish for food, a source of irrigation for the paddy fields, sporting ground for the famed snake boat race and much more.
The Evergreen Western Ghats
PC: Ashwin Kumar
The majestic Western Ghats is fondly called the Sahyadris, which originated as a faulty edge of the Deccan Plateau, which separates the plateau from the narrow coastal plains along the Arabian Sea.
They are home to large natural treasures, which also provide homes to numerous tribal settlements, who have been harmoniously living with nature for centuries together.
About 40% of the Western Ghats is in Kerala, from which 41 rivers out of the 44 take birth in the state. The state is also home of the highest peak of the entire range which is Anamudi.
The Legacy Through History
PC:Shahinmusthafa
The state of Kerala has a very rich and deep history to narrate, starting from Vasco Da Gama, who was the first person to discover the sea route to the state, followed by St.Thomas, who reached the port of Kodungallur in 52 CE to spread the message of Christ.
Many more events followed. The state is home to the first mosque to be constructed in the country, it opened up its ports for trade purposes to the Portuguese, Dutch and the French.
The state was the birthplace of many social reformers and great personalities, such as Sree Narayana Guru, Pazhassi Raja, Cherman Perumal, Raja Ravi Varma and many more.
Rich Cultural Heritage
PC: Mullookkaaran
The state of Kerala is home to a rich cultural heritage which comprises of many art forms, festivals and much more. The famous art form of Kathakali, Mohiniattam and Pulikali take birth in this land, Kerala is also home to a large number of ancient temples and festivals which are associated with it, such as the Thrissur Pooram, Attukal Pongala, etc.
Coming to temples and other places of worship, the state is home to a large of ancient temples, which date back to thousands of years along with churches and mosques. Kerala is also home to a synagogue, which still remains active.
