Page 631 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

SOUTH INDIA  629

KERALA

Nestling between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Kerala is an
enchanting mosaic of coconut groves and paddy fields, wide beaches
and labyrinthine backwaters, verdant hills and rainforests. Its diverse
culture is enriched by the three great religions that have ancient roots
here. Hinduism is the religion of the majority, practised here with a
rare rigour that prohibits non-Hindus from entering most temples.
Christianity, followed by a quarter of the population, was brought here by
the Apostle St Thomas, while Islam was introduced by Arab traders in the 7th
century. The architectural treasures of the state include the beautiful wooden palace
at Padmanabhapuram, stately colonial buildings and a 16th-century synagogue
in Kochi. This politically conscious state, where power alternates between Left and
Centrist parties, boasts the highest literacy rate in India. Many of its people work
in the Middle East, their remittances home adding greatly to Kerala’s prosperity.

Sights at a Glance
Towns, Cities & Districts d Thalaserry
1 Thiruvananthapuram f Kannur
6 Kottayam g Kasaragod District
• Kasaragod 9 Palai Historic Sites
0 Kochi
• Bekal t Kodungallur 2 Padmanabhapuram
y Thrissur Palace
Taliparamba u Palakkad Temples & Holy Places
o Malappuram 3 Aranmula
•
Mananthavady p Kozhikode 4 Mannarsala
• Kalpetta a Wayanad District 7 Sabarimalai
Arabian • s Mahe w Kaladi
Sea Thusharagiri
• Cruises
NH212 5 Backwaters Tour
Kapad •
NH17
q Lakshadweep Islands
Beypore • National Parks & Areas
of Natural Beauty
•
Tanur NH213 8 Periyar Tiger Reserve
•
Thrithala r Eravikulam National Park
NH47 • Kollengode i Silent Valley National Park
Guruvayur • Hill Stations
e Munnar
NH49
Agatti Periyar
•
Lakshadweep • •Ettumanur 0 km 50
Islands Vaikom NH220
Alappuzha 0 miles 50
• NH47
Key
Kollam • NH208
National highway • Tuticorin
Major road Tirunelvelli • NH7A
Minor road NH7 • Tiruchendur
Major railway
State border
•
Kanniyakumari
A houseboat moored on the enchanting backwaters of Kerala For keys to symbols see back flap

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