Enraged by the arrogance and excesses of the early Kshatriya kings, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Parasurama (avatar of Rama with the axe), and swore to annihilate 21 generations of them'. However, once this mission was accomplished, rivers of blood began to flow over the land, making it unsuitable for Brahmins to live on. Overcome with remorse, Parasurama threw his axe into the sea. Where it landed, the waters dutifully receded to create a narrow   strip of land, forming Kerala. This myth may be fanciful, but it is a fitting explanation nonetheless for the birth of a land that has come to be known as 'God's own country'. The sobriquet is not linked to the myth however, but to the captivating charms of the region.

     The name 'Kerala' is derived from keralaputra or the 'Land of the sons of the Cheras', who were the very first rulers of Kerala. Wars have raged over this coveted land since very ancient times. The neighbouring Cholas engaged the Cheras in battle since as early as 985 AD. Later, local principalities emerged as power centres. Foremost among them was a group of Samoothiri Brahmins, who soon gained control of the region's famed spice trade. The new rulers (later anglicised as 'Zamorins'), who established their capital in the port city of Kozhikode, grew to be the wealthiest in the entire sub-continent and had trade links with the Arabs, Jews, Romans and the Chinese. Later, the Portuguese, who first came as traders, began to covet the land more than its spices. Subsequently, the Dutch and later, the British, waged endless wars against the Portuguese and the local rajas. By the early 17th century, the British had gained control over vast stretches of the land and the spice trade. They went on to rule the subcontinent for over 200 years until India gained independence in 1947.

     Kumarakom is typical of this water world. With its backdrop of rich green paddy fields and still grey waters, the region is resplendent in scenic beauty. The many resorts that have sprung up in and around Kumarakom have transformed this once quiet and peaceful settlement into a much sought after destination.

     Places such as Thekkady conjure up images of nature at its purest - undulating hills, crisp, clean air, and spice-scented plantations. Then there are the elephants - one of India's finest wildlife reserves is situated in Thekkady's Periyar forests. The first in the State to promote environmental tourism, Thekkady continues to beckon the adventurous traveller. Many other well protected pockets of wildlife elsewhere in the State draw visitors for the variety of local fauna and the captivating greenery.

Kerala is also a land with a variety of celebrations that transcend regional and religious boundaries. What stands out is the thread of harmony that runs through the different ceremonies and rituals. The most spectacular event of all, Onam, epitomises a newfound vigour and optimism about life. The festival celebrates the return of King Mahabali, who is believed to visit his subjects every year. To convince their beloved king that Kerala is still the land of milk and honey; people decorate their homes and celebrate to the fullest, sometimes even faking prosperity, to present a happy facade for their king.