Kerala, on India’s tropical southwest coast

Kerala, on India’s tropical southwest coast, is a land of timeless beauty shaped by the sea and monsoon. Once known as the Malabar Coast, it was a centre of the ancient spice trade, drawing Arab, Chinese, and later European merchants for its prized pepper and cardamom. The Chera dynasty ruled early Kerala, and successive Portuguese, Dutch, and British powers left enduring influences on its ports and culture.

The historic port city of Kochi (Cochin) became a vibrant crossroads of East and West, where Chinese fishing nets, colonial forts, and the Jewish Synagogue still tell stories of centuries of global contact. Southward lies Alappuzha (Alleppey), famed for its tranquil backwaters — a labyrinth of canals, lakes, and lagoons where traditional houseboats (kettuvallams) drift past lush paddy fields and coconut groves. Kollam (Quilon), another ancient port, was once a major stop on the maritime Silk Route, exporting spices and cashews worldwide.

Further south, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the modern capital, blends tradition and governance, with landmarks like the Padmanabhaswamy Temple and colonial architecture. Today, Kerala is admired for its education, health, and natural harmony, earning the title “God’s Own Country”, where nature, culture, and spirituality coexist in serene balance.