History
One of the most frequently used spices in European cuisine, black pepper has been highly prized since antiquity for its unique flavour and use as a preservative.
In Medieval England Black pepper was used extensively in charms and amulets for protection, most likely because it was used as an antidote to poison and to prevent the spread of infection.
It is usually agreed that black pepper was probably first cultivated on the Malabar coast of India. In 1776, Edward Gibbon noted in The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, that pepper was "a favourite ingredient of the most expensive Roman cookery". Referring to the expense of Indian spices such as pepper, Pliny the Elder complained that "there is no year in which India does not drain the Roman Empire of fifty million sesterces".
Keralam once known to Marco Polo as Melibar, for Ibn
Batuta
as Malibar and for Hiuen Tsang as Malakota, played host to kings, commoners,
traders, adventurers and to diverse religions and faiths. But through
trials and turbulence, peace and war Keralam has emerged as a destination of peace
and
plenty through the ages. The very essence of Keralam has remained intact
through the centuries.
Culture
Isolated from the rest of India by the mountainous belt of the western ghats, but
with a long coastline open to foreign influences, Keralam has evolved with
a unique culture. Western and Eastern influences have helped shape its
uniqueness in culture, art forms, music, dance and the very ethos of the
people
of Keralam.
Art forms of Keralam range from Kathakali, considered to be amongst the oldest Indian dances styles, to the graceful, Mohiniyattam. The vibrant and distinct music of Keralam, so closely related
to temple
festivals and the elegant snake boat races have been always been the
favorite
of tourists visiting Keralam.
Hill Stations
The Western Ghat mountain range makes an impressive fortress all along the eastern side of Keralam. These mountains extending from the southern tip of Keralam all the way
to Mumbai, along the western coast of India have been a natural barrier on the eastern border of Keralam and a helping hand to reap the bounties of both
the
southwest and the northeast monsoons.
The mountains of Keralam have drawn the attention of tourists for their
agreeable
climate and proximity to the wildlife sanctuaries. These mountain ranges
are also
home to most of the the world's precious spices and have over the centuries attained
a
certain mystique. The principal hill stations are at Wayanad in north Keralam, Munnar and Thekkday in central Keralam and Ponmudi in south Keralam.
Lagoons
Backwaters are an amazing phenomenon of Keralam with a necklace of lagoons,
lakes,
canals and rivers that run through the length of this beautiful land. Infact,
much of
Kerala's uniqueness lie in its backwaters, found nowhere in the world.
Visit to the backwater destinations of Kumarakom, Kollam and Kozhicode can be
the
most rewarding experience. The lagoons at these destinations with their
spectacular view and fringed by coconut trees have been featured in many travel
books
all over the world.
No journey to the backwaters is complete without a stay on board a "Kettuvallam"
or a house boat which takes you on a journey through the length and
breadth of
the lagoons and waterways.
Forest & Wild Life
Elephant is the symbol of Keralam, signifying the deep links that the
forests
have on the lives of the people of Keralam. These forests have been closely
associated with the custom, traditions and social life of Keralam for
centuries. The
forests here are indeed the most magnificent and varied than
any other forest
in the world.
A number of excellent Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks
have
been created to protect the forests and the multitudes of animals.
Periyar
Tiger Reserve Park, Silent Valley National Park, Eravikulam National Park are some
among the best managed sanctuaries in India.
This module is under construction.
