Kerala

Kerala, aptly termed as the "God's Own Country," is India’s most famous and picturesque beach and backwater destination, amongst the travellers of India and abroad. It is situated at the Southern tip of India. Kerala state was formed in 1956 by combining the states of Travancore with Cochin, as well as Malabar. The myth about Kerala is that it was formed when the Hindu God, Parasuram (sixth avatar of the ten avatars/Desavatar of Lord Vishnu) threw his axe into the Arabian Sea, which is said to have parted to form the land of the small state of Kerala.

Language and Climate

The languages spoken are Malayalam, the native language of Kerala, and also English, Hindi and Tamil. The climate is tropical with hot summers, heavy rains and pleasant winters. To visit Kerala, the best time is during September to March. 

Regional Demarcations

Kerala has about 14 districts, networked by around 44 rivers and is extremely picturesque with lush greenery and vegetation. The districts include the capital Thiruvananthapuram/Trivandrum, Kollam/Quilon, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha/Alleppey, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur/Trichur, Palakkad/Palghat, Malappuram, Kozhikode/Calicut, Wayanad, Kannur/Cannanore and Kasargod. [The second names of this list is the old name.]

Festivals

The traditional festival of Onam is celebrated unanimously by people of all religions in Kerala, in the loving memory of the just and noble King Mahabali, who had ruled Kerala in ancient times. During his reign, people were said to be very happy and prosperous and there were no crimes. He was sent to a special place created by Vamana (the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu) for the just King. Although the popular story is that  he was sent to the underground world of Pathala. According to the legend, Lord Mahabali can return to Kerala on the Thiruvonam day of Malayalam month Chingam [i.e. it comes in August or September] every year to see how people of Kerala are faring and to spend time with them. 

Development Indices

Among the third world countries, Kerala is the most highly literate state in India. It also holds the record for having the best healthcare system. This region became noteworthy with the elimination of poverty to a large extent. It has top position in gender equality among all third world countries. By size, Kerala ranks only 22nd.

The indices for human development are almost equal to that of the developed world and it is extremely sustainable environmentally. Now, Kerala has topmost expectancy rates for life and comes lowest in the case of infant mortality rates.

Population

On the basis of  population it has 13^th position in India i.e.  3% of Indian population lives in the small state of Kerala. A major portion of the state works abroad, especially in UAE and USA. Both skilled and unskilled workers have migrated to the Gulf countries. But it is the IT boom in US that have attracted the educated people of Kerala the most.  It has a high immigrant population from West Bengal, Bihar and north east who have come here in search of better living conditions. The locals are highly aware of their fundamental rights. 

Food

People of Kerala love food made of rice and at times of wheat. Some of the Kerala delicacies are include vella appam and stew, kappa (tapioca) and fish curry, puttu and kadala (black chickpeas) curry, pathiri or parotta and beef curry, Thalassery or Malabar Biriyani, kozhukkatta, masala vada, sweets like boli, pazham pori, unniappam, paayasam, ukhiyan, ada etc.  You should also try Kerala sadya or special meals that include special curries like pulissery, erissery, kalan, olan, kootukari, avial, pineapple kichadi, thairinchi, pickles, inchikkari, pappadam, banana chips etc. 

Some problems faced by Kerala

Harthals or strikes announced by different political parties especially leftists are a part of lifestyle of people. It brings life to a standstill as no vehicles are allowed on roads and shops remain closed. Attendance in offices on such days are very low. Harthals have become a hindrance to Kerala's development as many companies are reluctant to invest here. Even Keralites are not willing to start new ventures here. They go to neighbouring states. 

Unfortunately with the recent heavy rainfall and floods, the state has taken a massive hit and is now reeling under its heavy loss of life, personal properties and infrastructure. There are a lot of people still living in relief camps awaiting relief aid. Kerala has to now undergo massive reconstruction.