Top Game sites

http://www.top100gamesites.com/
http://www.topgamesites.net/
http://www.gamesites200.com/
http://www.gamessiteslist.com/
http://www.top-game-sites.com/
http://www.gametopsites.com/
www.ebizmba.com/articles/video-game-websites
http://www.addictinggames.com/
http://www.gamesites100.net/
http://www.gamesites1000.com/
http://www.topofgames.com/
http://www.miniclip.com/
http://www.topsites.primarygames.com/
http://www.top30gaming.com/
http://www.shockwave.com/
http://www.top-gamesites.com/
http://www.ign.com/
http://www.gamesites600.com/
http://www.bestgamesland.com/
http://www.gamesites101.com/
http://www.xtremetop100.com/
http://www.gamespot.com/
http://www.arcade.top-site-list.com/
http://www.kidsites.com/
http://www.games.yahoo.com/
http://www.aiontop.net/
http://www.hopzone.net/
http://www.gamesradar.com/
http://www.gamerankings.com/
http://www.gameloft.com/
http://www.games2download.com/
http://www.topgameslist.com/
http://www.gametrailers.com/
http://www.jagtoplist.com/
http://www.gamespy.com/
http://www.topgamesites.org/

Entertaintment sites

www.kerala.cc/keralaentertainment
http://www.keralatopsites.com/
http://www.mallusfun.com/
www.my-kerala.com/dir/Entertainment/Music
www.zonkerala.com/Entertainment
http://www.keralacafe.com/
www.keralawebsites.org/Entertainment
http://www.prokerala.com/
http://www.keraladaily.com/
http://www.cyberkerala.com/
http://www.ammamalayalam.com/
www.kerala.cc/keralatvnradio
www.keralaeverything.com/ent/mus.htm
www.topmalayalamwebsites.com/9/Malayalam_Portal
www.rhmoz.com/entertainment
http://www.keralawebsites.org/

Newspapers

Malayalam Journalism

www.en.wikipedia.org/.../List_of_Malayalam_language_newspapers

Newspapers :  Malayala Manorama · Mathrubhumi · Deshabhimani · Madhyamam · Kerala Kaumudi · Deepika · Thejas · Varthamanam · Chandrika · Janmabhumi · Sirajdaily · Mangalam Publications · Janayugam ·

Radio : Club FM 94.3 · Club FM 104.8 · Radio Mango 91.9 · BEST FM 95 · Red FM 93.5 · Red FM 91.1 · Big FM 92.7 · Radio Mirchi 98.3 · Radio DC · Asianet Radio 657AM · Radio Asia 1269 AM · Oxygen FM 102.4 · Radio Me 95.3 FM · Hit FM 96.7 · Radio Joy Alukkas · Radio Dum Dum

TV channels :  Asianet · Asianet News · Asianet plus · ACV · Amrita TV · Surya TV · Kairali TV · People TV · WE TV · DD Malayalam · Indiavision · Yes Indiavision · Jeevan TV · Kiran TV · Manorama News · Bharath TV · JaiHind TV ·

Periodicals : Mathrubhumi · Desabhimani · Madhyamam · Bhashaposhini · India Today · Samakalika Malayalam · Chandrika · Kala Koumudi · Keralasabdam · Chintha · Yuvadhara · Sasthragathi · Sunday Indian · SilverLine · Visesham · Nostalgia · Vanitha · Kanyaka · Balamangalam · Balarama · Poompatta · Balabhumi · Eureka · Thaliru · Thaththamma · Kurunnukal · BobanumMoliyum · Unnikkuttan · IT Lokam · InfoKairali · TechVidya · Yathra · FastTrack · Mathrubhumi Sports Masika · Mathrubhumi Arogya Masika · ThozhilVartha · Manorama Arogyam · Student Masika · Thozhil Veethi · Nostalgia · CableScan · Mahilarathnam · Gruhalakshmi · Vellinakshatram · Nana · Chithrabhumi · Cinema Mangalam · Labour India

Educational Institutions in Kerala

Colleges

www.collegeskerala.com/
www.worldcolleges.info/kerala/KeralaColleges.php
www.kerala.gov.in/dept_collegiate/list.htm
www.keralaeducation.net/Colleges/
www.cyberjournalist.org.in/deepak/colleges.html
www.keralaeverything.com/edu/uni.htm
www.ipsr.org/placements/engclg.asp
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_colleges_in_Kerala
www.edugrid.ac.in/webfolder/download/list-engg-colleges.pdf
www.indiaedu.com/polytechnic-colleges/kerala.htm
http://www.amitbhawani.com/
www.hindustanlink.com/careertex/india.../kerala.htm
www.edukerala.com/2010/04/engineering-colleges-in-kerala/
www.hospitals-directory.com/nursing_colleges.htm
www.highereducationinindia.com/india/dental-institutes-kerala.php
www.successcds.net/MBA.../MBA-Colleges-in-Kerala.html
www.indicareer.com/6-colleges-in-Kerala.html
www.mbapursuit.com/mba-colleges-in-kerala
www.indiastudycenter.com/univ/.../kerala/engineering-colleges.asp
www.zonkerala.com/Private-Dental-Colleges-28/
www.parinama.org/2009/06/list-of-polytechnic-colleges-in-kerala/
www.infinitecourses.com/engineering-colleges-in-kerala.aspx
www.indianmba.com/kerala
www.keralaeducation.net/Biotechnology/
www.cyberjournalist.org.in/deepak/medical.html
www.keral.com/college/listofcolleges.html
www.keralaeducation.com/
http://www.keralacolleges.com/


Schools

www.keralaeverything.com/edu/sch.htm
www.kerala.gov.in/dept_highersecondory/hs_index.htm
www.keralaeducation.net/Schools/
 www.schoolskerala.com/
www.indiaedu.com/kerala/schools/secondary-schools.html
www.indiaedu.com/kerala/
www.zonkerala.com/Education/Schools
www.education.kerala.gov.in/Report%20on%20Unaided%20Schools.pdf
www.listkerala.com/kerala_schools.htm
http://www.keralaschools.com/
http://www.hscap.kerala.gov.in/
www.keralaeducation.com/
www.hospitals-directory.com/nursing_colleges.htm
www.indiaedumart.com/kerala-education/
http://www.simplymalayalees.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=407
www.kerala.com/kerala_education/index.php
www.keralaeducation.net/Schools/State-Schools/Ernakulam.aspx
www.dhsekerala.gov.in/
www.keralaeverything.com/edu/sch_cbc.htm
www.globalshiksha.com/list+of+schools+in+kerala/search/
www.listkerala.com/
www.keralaindex.com/csearch.asp?scatid=84
www.keralaschools.co.in/
www.educationwebs.info/?p=961
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_boarding_schools
www.hssta.com/

Matrimonial Sites

www.keralamatrimony.com/
http://www.jeevansathi.com/
www.SimplyMarry.com/Matrimonials
www.spiderkerala.com/kerala/matrimonial/
www.malayogamonline.com/
http://www.intimatematrimonials.com/
www.shaadi.com/matrimonials/kerala-matrimonial
www.m4me.com/
www.jeevanjodi.com/
www.keralamatchmaker.com/
www.malayalam.matrimonialsindia.com/
www.inmatri.com/
www.m4marry.com/
http://www.keralamatrimonials.com/
www.matrimonial.mathrubhumi.com/
www.h1bmarriages.com/
www.jeevan4u.com/matrimonials/
www.malayaleemarriage.com/
www.bharatmatrimony.com/matrimonial/kerala/
www.123kerala.com/matrimonials.html
www.keralawebdirectory.com/Matrimonial/
www.bigvivah.com/
www.trinitymatrimony.com/
www.keralawebsites.org/
www.keralaeverything.com/matr/
www.manamaalai.com/
www.keralawaves.com/
www.123-matrimonials.com/matrimony/.../Kerala-matrimonial/
www.brahminsmatrimony.com/
www.sunmatrimony.com/
www.newmatrimonial.com/
www.zonkerala.com/Kerala-Matrimonial-Sites-143/
www.topkerala.com/Matrimonial-Services.htm
www.cckerala.com/Matrimonial/
www.keralamatrimony.com/matrimonial/
www.1rupeekeralamatrimony.com/
www.subamuhurtham.in/
www.matrimonials4all.com/
www.keralamatrimonial.in/
www.hindusonlymatrimony.com/ -Hindus Only Matrimony
www.godblessmatrimonials.com/kerala/
www.cyberkerala.com/
www.my-matrimony.com/kerala/index.shtml
www.vivahabandhan.com/Matrimony/kerala.html
www.markosweb.com/www/keralamatrimony.com/
www.freemarriage.com/
http://www.divorceematrimony.com/ (for divorcees)
http://www.malayaleeshadi.com/

Recipes of Kerala

The cuisine of Kerala (കേരളീയ പാചകശൈലി) is linked in all its richness to the history, geography, demography and culture of the land. Kerala cuisine has a multitude of both vegetarian and dishes prepared using fish, poultry and meat. Coconuts grow in abundance in Kerala, and consequently, grated coconut and coconut milk are widely used in dishes and curries as a thickener and flavouring ingredient. Kerala's strong fishing industry have contributed to many sea- and river-food based dishes. Having been a major production area of spices for thousands of years, black pepper, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon play a large part in its food.

Breakfast

Kerala cuisine offers many delicious vegetarian breakfast dishes that are often relatively unknown outside the state. These include Puttu (made of rice powder and grated coconut, steamed in a metal or bamboo holder) and kadala (a curry made of black garbanzo beans chana), idli (fluffy rice pancakes), sambar, dosa and chutney, pidiyan, Idiyappam (string hoppers - also known as Noolputtu and Nool-Appam), Paal-Appam, a circular, fluffy, crisp-edged pancake made of rice flour fermented with a small amount of toddy or wine, etc. Idiyapam and Paalappam are accompanied by mutton, chicken or vegetable stew or a curry of beef or fish moli (the most common dish is black pomfret in a coconut based sauce).

Lunch and dinner

The staple food of Kerala, like most South-Indian states, is rice. Unlike other states, however, many people in Kerala prefer parboiled rice (Choru) (rice made nutritious by boiling it with rice husk). Kanji (rice congee), a kind of rice porridge, is also popular. Tapioca, called kappa in Kerala, is popular in central Kerala and in the highlands, and is frequently eaten with fish curry.

Rice is usually consumed with one or more curries. Vegetarian dinners usually consist of multiple courses, each involving rice, one main dish (usually sambar, rasam, puli-sherry), and one or more side-dishes. Kerala cooking uses coconut oil almost exclusively.

Popular vegetarian dishes include sambar, aviyal, Kaalan, theeyal, thoran (dry curry), pulisherry (morozhichathu in Cochin and the Malabar region), olan, erisherry, puliinji, payaru (mung bean), kappa (tapioca), etc. Vegetarian dishes often consist of fresh spices that are liquefied and crushed to make a paste-like texture to dampen rice.

Common non-vegetarian dishes include stew (using chicken, beef, lamb, or fish), traditional or chicken curry (Nadan Kozhi Curry), chicken fry (Kozhi Porichathu/Varuthathu), fish/chicken/mutton molly(fish or meat in light gravy), fish curry (Meen Curry), fish fry (Karimeen Porichathu/Varuthathu), lobster fry (Konchu Varuthathu), Spicy Beef Fry (Beef Ularthiyathu), Spicy Steamed Fish (Meen Pollichathu) etc. Biriyani, a Mughal dish consists of rice cooked along with meat, onions, chillies and other spices.

Although rice and tapioca may be considered the original Kerala starch staples, wheat, in the form of chappatis or parathas (known as porottas in Kerala), is now very commonly eaten, especially at dinner time. Numerous little streetside vendors offer an oily parathas (akin to the croissant in its flakiness and oiliness) with meat, egg, or vegetable curry for dinner. Grains such as ragi and millet, although common in the arid parts of South India, have not gained a foothold in Kerala.

Pickles and other side-dishes

Kerala cuisine also has a variety of pickles and chutneys, and crunchy pappadums, banana chips, jackfruit chips, kozhalappam, achappam, cheeda, and churuttu.

Sadya

A typical sadya, where banana leaves are used as plates. Sadya items ready to be served, Clockwise from top Paayasam, Bittergourd thoran, aviyal, Kaalan, Lime Pickle, Sambar, Buttermilk with Boiled rice in centerKerala is known for its traditional banquet or sadhya, a vegetarian meal served with boiled rice and a host of side-dishes served especially during special occasions and festivals. The sadhya is complemented by payasam, a sweet dessert native to Kerala. The sadhya is, as per custom, served on a banana leaf, and is a formal-style meal with three or more courses of rice with a side-dish (usually sambar, rasam, buttermilk, etc.). In south Kerala the Payasam in followed by more (butter milk). Whereas in North Kerala it is considered to be the last dish to be served. A typical sadhya would have

Boiled Rice, sambar , Parippu, Aviyal, Kaalan, Thoran, Pulisherry, Olan, Puliinji, Pappadam, Mooru, Kaya upperi , Sharkara upperi , Banana , Paayasam.

Cooking Utensils

There are utensils that are used in Kerala which are significant to cuisine in Kerala. An aduppu is a square hearth, Mun Chatti is cooking pot made from clay, Cheena Chatti (literally Chinese pot) is a deep frying pan.

Glossary of vegetables and spices

Asafoetida : Kaayam
Ash gourd : Kumbalanga
Banana : Pazham, Ethapazham
Bengal gram : Mani Kadala
Bitter gourd : Kaipakka (Pavakka)
Black pepper : Kurumulaku
Cabbage : Mottakkoosu
Cardamom : Elakkaya
Cashew nut : Kasuvandipparippu
Cinnamon : Karuvapatta
Clove : Karayampoo
Coconut oil : Velichenna
Coconut : Nalikeram, Thenga
Colocasia : Chembu
Coriander : Malli or Kothamalli
Cucumber : Vellarikka
Cumin : Jeerakam
Drumstick : Muringakkaya
Egg plant : Vazhuthananga, brinjal
Fennel : Perumjeerakam
Fenugreek : Uluva or Vengayam
Garlic : Veluthulli
Ginger : Inji
Gooseberry : Nellikka
Green Chili : Pacha mulaku
Green gram : Cherupayar
Guava : Perakka
Jack fruit : Chakka
Jaggery : Sarkara (bellam or vellam)
Milk : Paal
Mustard seeds : Kaduku
Nutmeg : Jathikka
Okra / Lady's finger: Vendakka
Onion : Ulli, Savala, Sabola
Papaya : Omakaya, Koppakaya, Papakaya, Pappali , Kappalanga
Pea : Payar
Groundnut : Kappalandi or Nilakkadala
Red gram : Van Payar
Plantain : Nendrakkaya, Etheka
Potato : Urulakkizhangu
Pumpkin : Matthanga
Raisin : Unakka munthiri, kismis
Salt : Uppu
Shallot : Chuvannulli or Cheriyulli
Snake gourd : Padavalanga
Sugar : Panjasara
Tamarind : Puli
Tapioca : Kappa, Marichini
Taro : Cheambu
Tomato : Thakkali
Black gram : Uzhunnu

Some useful sites for making delicious Kerala recipes:-
www.pachakam.com/
www.newkerala.com/recipes/
www.keralarecipes.com/
www.spiderkerala.com/kerala/recipes/
www.recipes.malayali.me/
www.123kerala.com/recipes.html
www.recipes.keralaz.info/
www.my-kerala.com/p/cook/
www.kerals.com/dish/recipe.htm
www.zonkerala.com/recipes/
www.kerala-recipe.com/
www.mallukitchen.com/
www.prokerala.com/general/recipes/
www.recipesfromkerala.com/
www.webindia123.com/cookery/region/kerala/intro.htm
http://wwwkerala-india.blogspot.com/

Water Parks in Kerala

Veega Land http://www.veegaland.com/
Veega Land, India's first water theme park, has since its inception been an irresistible attraction for hundreds of thousands of fun loving people of all ages from all over India.

Dream World Water Park http://www.dreamworldwaterpark.com/
The most modern man made sophisticated Water Theme Park is situated on Athirappilly route very near to the magical natural beauty of Athirappilly.


Fantasy Park
It is the only theme park of its kind in the State where the entire family can find some form of amusement.


Happy Land : This Water Theme park is the place to be when you want to be relaxed and happy irrespective of seasons and occasions.
Sadhoo Merry Kingdom, Kannur : The most modern man made sophisticated water theme park.


Silver Storm : Introducing a novelty of Amusement with the hearty touch of elegance.

VISMAYA Amusement Park : As a classic example of an Amusement Park clubbed with Information and Entertainment.

More details including tariff, timings etc can be found on
http://www.leisurekerala.com/main/AmusementParksInKerala.asp

Ayurvedic Hospitals in Kerala, India

The real origin of Ayurveda is lost in time and there are many myths, stories and legends about it. .Ayurveda is the oldest science known to man for health, healing, prevention and longevity.  The practice of Ayurveda has been an ancient reality for this state.

List of Ayurvedic Hospitals in Kerala

ARYA VAIDYA SALA - Kottakkal www.aryavaidyasala.com/

Punarnava Ayurveda hospital  www.punarnava.net/

ANNVIN Ayurvedic Panchakarma Hospital  www.keralaayurveda.org.in/

Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam  www.samajam.org/

Ayurveda Therapy Hospital  www.ayurvedichospitalkerala.com/
AyurVAID Hospitals  www.ayurvaid.com/
Amba Ayurveda Hospital www.ambaayurveda.org/
SARADHY AYURVEDA  www.sarathyayurveda.com/
Kerala Ayurved Pharmacy Limited http://www.keralaayurveda.biz/
Athreya Ayurvedic Resorts http://www.theathreya.com/
Parathuvayalil Hospital www.parathuvayalilhospital.com/
Sree Sankara Group Ayurveda Hospitals http://www.sreesankara.com/
PVA Ayurveda Hospital  www.ayurvedaacharya.com/
NANDAVANAM AYURVEDIC HOSPITAL  http://www.nandavanam.in/
Ayurkendra Ayurveda Hospital  www.ayurkendra.com/
Rajah Ayurvedic Hospital http://www.ayurvedichospital.com/
KERALA AYURVEDA Centre http://www.ayuryog.com/
Caritas Ayurvedic Hospital, www.ayurvedahospital.com/
Thulasi Ayurveda Hospital www.thulasiayurveda.com/
Sreepathy Ayurveda Hospital www.sreepathyayurveda.com/
Krishnendu Ayurveda Hospital  www.krishnenduayur.org/
Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre www.sreedhareeyam.com/
Amala ayurvedic hospital www.amalaayurveda.org/
Birla Kerala Vaidyashala www.birlakeralavaidyashala.com/
Amba Ayurveda Hospital www.ayurvedatreatmentkottayam.com/
Ayush Ayurveda Hospital  www.ayushayurvedam.com/
Sanjeevani Ayurveda Hospital www.vedicremedies.com/
Kayalvarathu Ayurvedic Hospital www.kayalvarath.com/
Kurunhikkattil ayurveda hospital www.kurunhikkattil.com/
Ahalia Ayurvedic Hospital www.placidway.com/profile/810/
Kottathil Ayurvedic Centre www.kottathilayurveda.com/
Somatheeram - Aryuvedic Health Resort www.mysomatheeram.com/dev/
VYAS Ayurveda Hospital & Research Centre www.vyasayurveda.com/
Guruprakash Ayurvedic Centre www.guruprakashayurvedakovalam.com/
MALABAR AYURVEDIC HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTER www.maharayurvedic.com/
Amruthanjali Ayurvedic Hospital www.amruthanjali.com/Herbs.htm
Punarnava Ayurveda hospital http://www.ashextourism.com/hotelsresorts/kerala/punarnava%20ayurveda%20hospital.htm
Krishnendu Ayurveda Hospital  www.krishnenduayurvedahospital.com/
SREE SANKARA AYURVEDA VAIDYASHALA, Changanassery in Kottayam
St. Josephs Hospital Karuvanchal  www.stjosephshospitals.org/
Ashwini Ayurvedic Hospital & Research Centre www.ashwiniayurvedic.com/
Thaikkattu Mooss ETM Ayurveda Hospital http://etmayurvedahospital.com/
P.V.A Ayurvedic Hospital,Kannur http://www.ayurvedaacharya.com/
Punarnava Ayurveda hospital http://www.punarnava.net/
Shafi Ayurveda Nursing Home www.shafiayurveda.com
Warriers Hospital and Panchakarma centre, Alapuzha
Vruksha Ayurveda Clinic
Ayurveda Academy
Sarathy Ayurvedic Hospital, Aluva, Ernakulam ‎ www.sarathyayurveda.com/
Aluva Ayurveda River Retreat, Shiva Temple Road, Ernakulam
Sukhodaya Ayurveda hospital, Kanjirappally
Kandamkulathy Ayurveda Hospital, Chittoor Road, Ernakulam kandamkulathy.com
Santhigiri Ayurvedic Hospital,Thrisur www.ayurvedasanthigiri.com
Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute,Tvm www.ananthapurihospitals.com/
Sree Chithra Panchakarma Research Centre,Thrissur http://www.sreechithra.com/
Krithanjali Ayurveda Nursing Home, Valappad,Thrissur
Kerala Vaidyasala (I) Pvt Ltd, Jos Junction, Ernakulam
Sitaram Ayurveda Speciality Hospital,Thrissur
Ayurvedic Hospital and Research Centre,Malappuram
Arya Vaidyasala ,malappuram
Ayushkara ayurveda hospital, Palakkad
Rogasamharini Vaydhyasala,Thrissur,
Krithanjali Ayurveda Nursing Home, Thrissur
Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Centre, Ernakulam http://www.nagarjun.com/
Aswani Ayurveda Nursing,Alleppy
K P Pathrose Kandamkulathy Vaidyasala, Thrissur http://www.kandamkulathy.com/
Reyalans Ayurveda Nursing Home, Thrissur
Siddha Vaidyasram,Thrissur
Keerthi Ayurveda Hospital (p) Ltd, Thrissur
Girija Ayurveda Hospital,Thrissur
Edisons Sidha Vaidyasala,Thrissur & Thiruvananthapuram
Thrissur District Ayurveda Co-Op Hospital ,Keralavarma College Rd, Thrissur
Sitharam Ayurveda Pharmacy, Thrissur www.sitaramayurveda.com
Nambiyath Ayurvedic,Thrissur
Kalya Ayurveda Pharmacy and Herbal Research Remedies,Thrissur
Ayurveda Hospital Irinjalakuda, Thrissur
Kottakayal Arya Thrissur
Government Ayurveda Hospital, Pathanamthitta
District Ayurveda Hospital, Pathanamthitta
Jayabharatham Arya Vaidya Sala, Kollam
Sreerangam C.V.N. Kalarai Chikilsakendram,Kottayam
Mercy Nature Cure and Yoga Centre, Kottayam www.mercynaturecure.com
Sreedhari Rejuvenation Centre(P)Ltd, Kottayam  www.sreedhari.com/
Sukhodaya Pharmacy & Research Centre,kottayam
Sahyadri Ayurveda Pharmacy, Kottayam www.ayurvedaexcellence.com
 Annvin Ayurvedic Panchakarma
Dhanwanthari Centre,Kottayam
Ayur Research Centre, Tripunithura, Ernakulam
Navajyothi Ayurveda Hospital,Idukki
Charakas Ayurveda Nursing Home, , Thodupuzha, Idukki www.charakayurveda.com
Irinjalakuda Ayurveda Hospital, Thrissur
Dhanwanthari Vaidyasala And Treatment Centre, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Ernakulam
Vrindavan Ayurveda Hospital, Alappuzha
Varriem Dispensery,Iduki
Co-Operative Hospital Thodupuzha, Idukki
Ayurvedic Hospital & Research Centre, Ernakulam
Govt Ayurveda Hospital,Ernakulam
Sreedhareeyam Ayurveda Gaveshana Kendram Hospital And Research Centre,Ernakulam,
Shivapriya Ayurveda Hospital,Kollam
Karuna Ayurvedic Hospital,Kozhikode
Aswathibhavan Chikilsalayam, Pathanamthitta
Vaidyamadham Mana,Palakkad, Kerala
Keraliya Ayurveda Samajam, Palakakd
Vaidaratnam Oushadasala,Thrissur
Santhigiri Hospital Complex, Trivandrum www.santhigiri.com
Aluva Ayurveda River Retreat, Shiva Temple Road, Ernakulam
Chempakasseril Ayurveda Hospital, Kottayam
Parathuvayalil Hospital  http://www.parathuvayalil.com/
Keraleeya Aurveda Samajam Hospital http://www.samajam.org/

The whole list of Ayurvedic, Allopathic, Dental hospital lists are available on http://www.hospitalskerala.com/ It also provides list of district wise hopsitals in kerala

 Ayurvedamonline http://www.eventshost.net/ayurvedamonline/ayurvedic_treatments.html

Freelancing Job Sites

http://www.academia-research.com/
http://www.elance.com/
http://www.aquent.com/
http://www.adveres.com/
http://www.governmentbids.com/
www.cityitjobs.net/
http://cgilance.com/main.html
http://www.codelance.com/
http://www.cityitjobs.net/
http://www.coswap.com/
http://www.christianlance.com/
http://contractedwork.com/
http://www.designquote.net/
http://www.developreneurs.com/
http://www.ework.com/
http://www.freelanceauction.com/
http://www.freelanceauctionnetwork.com/
http://www.freelance.com/
http://www.freelancesuccess.com/
http://www.freelancewriting.com/
http://www.freelancefree.com/
http://www.freelancewebprojects.com/
http://freelanceseek.com/
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Spices of Kerala, India

No country in the world produces as many kinds of spices as India with quality spices come from Kerala, an Indian state.

A spice is a dried seed, fruit, root, bark or vegetative substance used in nutritionally insignificant quantities as a food additive for the purpose of flavoring. Spices and herbs are good not only for our taste buds but also for our health. They supply calcium, iron, vitamin B, vitamin C , carotene and other antioxidants.

Major Spices

cardmom, ginger, cassia, chilly, cinnamom, nut meg, clove , pepper coffee, tamarind , curry leaf, tea,  turmeric , vanilla

Cardamom : It is called Queen of Spices and one of the most exotic and highly prized spices. The dried fruit of a herbaceous perennial, cardamom is grown mainly in Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka. Cardamom oil is a precious ingredient in food preparations, perfumery, health foods medicines and beverages. Many historical Indian texts mention cardamom as a flavouring and medicine. n the 11th century in India cardamom was included in the list of ingredients for panchasugandha-thambula or 'five-fragrance betel chew' in the Manasollasa or Book of Splendour. It was also included in recipes from the court of the Sultan of Mandu dating from about 1500. All the different cardamom species and varieties are used mainly as cooking spices and as medicines.
Uses : It  has a strong, unique taste, with an intensely aromatic fragrance. It is often used in baking in Scandinavia. One of the most expensive spices by weight, little is needed to impart the flavour. In India, green cardamom is broadly used to treat infections in teeth and gums, to prevent and treat throat troubles, congestion of the lungs and pulmonary tuberculosis, inflammation of eyelids and also digestive disorders. It is also reportedly used as an antidote for both snake and scorpion venom. The pods can be used whole or split when cooked in Indian substantial meals.

Ginger : one of the earliest Oriental spices known in Europe, ginger has been cultivated in India both as a fresh vegetable and marketed as a dried spice since time immemorial. Ginger has always meant many things to many people. A taste- maker. A flavorant. An appetizer. A drug. Though grown all over India, the finest quality ginger comes from Kerala endowed as it is with a congenial climate and a rich earthy soil. India offers ginger in a variety of forms; oils, oleoresins, fresh ginger in brine, pickles, candies and syrups.

Uses:  Ginger roots are juicy and fleshy with a very mild taste. They are often pickled in vinegar or sherry as a snack or just cooked as an ingredient in many dishes. They can also be stewed in boiling water to make ginger tea, to which honey is often added as a sweetener.Ginger roots are fibrous and nearly dry. The juice from old ginger roots is extremely potent and is often used as a spice in Chinese cuisine to flavor dishs such as in seafood and mutton . Ginger is also candied, is used as a flavoring for candy, cookies, crackers and cake, and is the main flavor in ginger ale, a sweet, carbonated, non-alcoholic beverage, as well as the similar, but somewhat spicier beverage ginger beer. Medical research has shown that ginger root is an effective treatment for nausea caused by motion sickness or other illness,and also contains many antioxidants. Powdered dried ginger root is made into capsules for medicinal use.

Cassia : Cassia is the dried husk (bark) of a small, bushy evergreen tree. There are different varieties of cassia, obtained from different species of Cinnamomum and originating from different sources.The oil of cassia finds extensive application in liquors and beauty products. Cassia is often used as a less costly substitute to true cinnamon. In India, cassia is grown in the North-Eastern states and in the evergreen tracts along the high ranges of the Western Ghats.
Uses: Cassia bark (both powdered and in whole, or "stick" form) is used as a flavouring agent, for candies, desserts, baked goods, and meat; it is specified in many curry recipes, where cinnamon is less suitable. Cassia is sometimes added to true cinnamon but is a much thicker, coarser product. Cassia is sold as pieces of bark (as pictured on the left) or as neat quills or sticks.

Nutmeg : Nutmeg is the hard kernel of the seed of an evergreen tree, native to Moluccas. Mace is the lacy growth known as the aril, surrounds the seed. Nutmeg had long been used in India, unknown to ancient civilization of the west.

Chilly : Chilly is the universal spice of India. Chilly has two important commercial qualities. If some varieties are famous for red colour because of the pigment capsanthin, others are known for biting pungency attributed by capsaicin. India is the only country rich in many varieties with different quality factors. Chilly is an essential ingredient of Kerala curry. Curry is characterized by tempting colour and titillating pungency.Both are contributed by chilly. In curry, chilly is used as a paste, powder, broken split or whole form. There are Kerala pickles, especially with tender mango in which chilly powder is added lavishly to form a thick paste with biting sensation at the end of curing. In all Kerala homes, chilly is used by the poor and the rich alike.
Uses: The fruit is eaten cooked or raw for its fiery hot flavour which is concentrated along the top of the pod.

Cinnamon : Bushy evergreen tree of the laurel family (Lauraceae) native to Sri Lanka. he spice is light brown in colour and has a delicately fragrant aroma and warm, sweet flavour. The native to Sri Lanka. In modern times, cinnamon is used to flavour a variety of foods, from confections to curries; in Europe and the United States it is especially popular in bakery goods. The Sri Lanka cultivator harvests his main crop in the wet season, cutting the shoots close to the ground. Cinnamon contains from 0.5 to 1 percent essential oil, the principal component of which is cinnamic aldehyde. The oil is distilled from the fragments for use in food, liqueur, perfume, and drugs. The aldehyde can also be synthesized. Cinnamon has been known from remote antiquity, and it was so highly prized among ancient nations that it was regarded as a gift fit for monarchs and other great potentates.

Uses: Cinnamon bark is widely used as a spice. It is principally employed in cookery as a condiment and flavouring material, being largely used in the preparation of some kinds of desserts, chocolate and spicy candies and liqueurs.Cinnamon is also used as an insect repellent.

Clove : Small, reddish-brown flower bud of the tropical evergreen tree Syzygium aromaticum. The clove tree is an evergeen that grows to about 25 to 40 feet. Cloves are strongly pungent owing to eugenol, which is extracted by distillation to yield oil of cloves. This oil is used to prepare microscopic slides for viewing and is also a local anesthetic for toothaches.

Uses: Strong of aroma and hot and pungent in taste, cloves are used to flavour many foods, particularly meats and bakery products. Cloves can be used in cooking either whole or in a ground form, but as they are extremely strong they are used sparingly. Cloves have historically been used in Indian cuisine (both North Indian and South Indian). In the north indian cuisine, it is used in almost every sauce or side dish made, mostly ground up along with other spices. They are also a key ingredient in chai tea along with green cardamoms. In the south indian cuisine, it finds extensive use in the biryani dish (similar to the pilaf, but with the addition of local spice taste), and is normally added whole to enhance the presentation and flavor of the rice.

Along with the recreational uses of cloves, they are also said to be a natural anthelmintic.

Nutmeg : Nutmeg is the hard kernel of the seed of an evergreen tree, native to Moluccas. Cultivation of this species is only possible in warm humid climates. Nutmeg is usually associated with sweet, spicy dishes. Nutmeg and mace have similar taste qualities, nutmeg having a slightly sweeter and mace a more delicate flavor.

Uses: It is used to relieve bronchial disorders, rheumatism and flatulence as treatment for digestive, liver and skin complaints. It is also used in perfumery, soaps and shampoos. Nutmeg is usually associated with sweet, spicy dishes. The essential oil is obtained by the steam distillation of ground nutmeg and is used heavily in the perfumery and pharmaceutical industries. The oil is colorless or light yellow and smells and tastes of nutmeg. Used in small dosages nutmeg can reduce flatulence, aid digestion, improve the appetite and treat diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. 

Pepper : The King of Spices, is one of the oldest and best-known spices in theworld. The finest Indian pepper is grown in the monsoon forests of the Malabar coast in Kerala. Pepper has a sharp, hot and biting taste. India holds a supreme position in the production of pepper. Pepper is a perennial climber requiring the support of live or dead standards.
Uses: For colds and flu, it can be taken as a steam inhalation. Pepper is used in certain tonic and rubefacient preparations and also used as flavour ingredient in most major food products including non alcoholic beverages, candies, baked foods, meat and meat products, Cheese, Condiments and relishes. Both black and white pepper have been used in the East for the treatment of stomach aches, digestive problems and fever for over 4,000 years.

Coffee:  The Malabar Coast, the Arabian Ocean, the West facing slopes of India’s Ghat Mountains, these things supply ideal coffee growing conditions to the region centered in Karnakata.
Uses : Much processing and human labour is required before coffee berries and its seed can be processed into the roasted coffee. All coffee is roasted before being consumed.


Tamarind : The fruit of a tropical tree, tamarind is an indispensable spice in most south Indian dishes. India is the only producer of tamarind on a commercial scale.
uses : The fruit pulp is edible and popular. It is used as a spice and is also an important ingredient in  sauce. The pulp of a young fruit is very sour and acidic and is most often used as a component of savory dishes. The ripened fruit is sweeter and can be used in desserts and drinks, or as a snack. Traditionally extracts of tamarind fruits and leaves have been added to body lotions. They have also been added to deepen the colour of turmeric- or henna-based red hair dyes. Tamarind extracts are added to face masks, lip balms, body butters and soaps.Tamarind seed oil is used in a similar way to linseed oil. It is suitable for making paints and varnishes.The wood burns at a high temperature so is frequently used as a fuel in the ovens of brick factories which require high temperatures.


Curry leaf : It is a small deciduous tree. Most Indian cuisine cannot do without the subtle flavouring of this highly aromatic leafy spice. Its leaves are highly aromatic and are used as a herb. Curry leaves are extensively used in South India.


Tea : Tea is a drink made from the leaves and buds and is the most important non-alcoholic beverage in the world. It has two basic forms: black tea and green tea.

Turmeric : The dried rhizome of a herbaceous plant, turmeric is closely related to ginger. The spice is also sometimes called 'Indian saffron' thanks to its brilliant yellow colour.
Uses:The medicinal properties of the turmeric have for millennia been known to the ancient Indians and have been expounded in the Ayurvedic texts. Turmeric has found application in canned beverages, baked products, dairy products, ice cream, yogurts, yellow cakes, biscuits, popcorn-color, sweets, cake icings, cereals, sauces, gelatines, direct compression tablets, etc. In combination with Annatto it has been used to colour cheeses, dry mixes, salad dressings, winter butter and margarine.


Vanilla : It is a climbing orchid cultivated for its pleasant flavour. Vanilla flavor in creams, cakes and other foodstuff may be achieved by adding some vanilla extract or by cooking vanilla beans in the liquid preparation.

Ayurveda & Kerala

Ayurveda, The ancient, time-tested system of Indian medicine that is practiced with the utmost dedication in Kerala.

Ayurveda is a simple, practical science of life, the principles and practices of which evolved through many centuries. Ayurvedic science is based on eternal wisdom of people who acquired the knowledge from experience and meditation. Ayurvedic system is applicable universally to all those seeking harmony and peace. The Classical Ayurvedic texts discuss all forms of science like biology, toxicology and subjects like philosophy and theology.

Ayurveda has its own views about principles and philosophy of life. Ayurvedic system describes man as a universe within himself which is a child of the cosmic forces. His existence is inextricably intertwined to the total cosmic manifestation. The entire universe, as well as the body is made up of five basic elements. These elements are Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space.
The word Ayurveda is composed of two sanskrit terms - Ayu meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge. Therefore Ayurveda means the knowledge of life or science of life. It is defined as the science, through which one can obtain knowledge about the useful and harmful ways of life, happy and miserable types of life, conditions that lead to the above types of life, as well as, the very nature of life.

According to Ayurvedic medicine, human body consists of three primary life forces or biological humors, which are Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. These three doshas are called the tridoshas. A balance among these life forces is essential for proper health. Any imbalance among the tridoshas causes a state of unhealthiness or disease.

Ayurvedic system says that this imbalance is the effect of the constant reaction of the internal environment of body to the changes in external environment. It is only required that we bring back normalcy to the balance of these doshas, to bring back the state of healthiness.
Other basic concepts of Ayurvedic system are the Saptha Dhathus (the bodily tissues), Srotas (Channals), Ama (toxins and filthy matter) and the trinity of life - body, mind and spiritual awareness.

The first step in the method of diagnosis in Ayurvedic form of medicine is to determine the constitution of the person. That means it is the patient who is diagnosed first and not the disease.
The same disease might appear in different forms in two persons because their constitution is different. Due to this variation in constitution the medicines and treatment may be different for two people with the same illness. This difference in treatment methods according to the constitution is essential to bring back the natural balance of the biological humors. The constitutional approach is the essence of the Ayurvedic system. Understanding ones constitution helps one to lead a life style that is most befitting his constitution, thus optimizing his health and creative potential.

Ayurvedic treatments can be classified under two groups - tonification and reduction. Reduction therapies decrease excesses in the body while tonification methods nurture insufficiency in the body. Reduction therapy has two parts called pacification and purification. Pacification is done with herbs, fasting, exercise, sunbathing and exposure to wind. Purification is a special form of therapy for elimination of the disease causing humors. The power of Ayurvedic elimination therapy is its system for guiding the toxins to their sites for elimination. It consist of five parts - The pancha karmas - cleaning enemas, nasal medication, Purgation, Emesis and blood letting. All these require preliminary Ayurvedic practises of oleation and sweating. Kerala a southern state of India, has developed its own Ayurvedic treatment modalities like Dhara, pizhichil, Navarakizhi, Elakizhi, Sirovasthi, Thalapothichil etc. which are highly effective in a number of diseases which include Motor neuron diseases, Arthritis of various kinds, skin diseases, heart diseases, peptic ulcer, Asthama, Peripheral vascular diseases and Gynecological disorders.

Ayurvedic pharmacology is based upon the concepts of rasa, veerya and vipaka. A vast variety of plants, metals, minerals, animals, birds and even mud and sand are used as medicines in Ayurveda.

Knowledge about Ayurvedic type of medicine is divided into eight branches. The branches are 1. Kaya chikilsa (general medicine), 2. Shalya (surgery), 3. Shalakya (ENT and Ophthalmology), 4. Graha (Psychotherapy), 5. Damshitra (toxicology), 6. Bala (Pediatrics and Gynecology), 7. Jara (rejuvenation) and 8. Vrishya (Aphrodisiacs).

Of the above the seventh one, that is rejuvenation therapy is a unique method which Ayurveda performs. Until death our body is engaged in a continuous struggle against the ageing process. Hence the body is called Shareeram - something that degenerates.

Ayurveda is a simple, practical science of life, the principles and practices of which evolved through many centuries.

Ayurvedic science is based on eternal wisdom of people who acquired the knowledge from experience and meditation.Today, Kerala is the only State in India which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication.

Hotels in Kerala

Hotels owned by KTDC ( Kerala Tourism Development Corporation )

Aranya Nivas, Thekkady
http://www.ktdc.com/AranyaNivas.htm

Bolgatty Palace, kochi
http://www.ktdc.com/Bolgaty.htm

Water Scapes, Kumarakom, Kottayam
http://www.ktdc.com/WaterScapes.htm

Chithram, Thiruvananthapuram
http://www.ktdc.com/Chaithram.htm

Lake Palace, Thekkady
http://www.ktdc.com/LakePalace.htm

Malabar Mansion, Kozhikode
http://www.ktdc.com/MalabarMansion.htm

Mascot, Periyar
http://www.ktdc.com/Periyar.htm

Samudra, Kovalam
http://www.ktdc.com/Samudra.htm

Tea Country, Munnar
http://www.ktdc.com/Teacounty.htm

Thanneermukkom Ayurvedic Lake Resort
http//www.ktdc.com/ThannerMukkom.htm

Tamarind Hotel, Wayanad
http://www.ktdc.com/TamarindHotel.htm

A Lil About My Beautiful Kerala

KERALA is a state on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India. To its east and northeast, Kerala borders Tamil Nadu and Karnataka; to its west and south lie the Indian Ocean islands of Lakshadweep and the Maldives, respectively. Kerala is one of four states that compose the linguistic-cultural region known as South India. The principal spoken language is Malayalam, but other languages are also spoken.Natives of Kerala, known as Keralites or Malayalees, thus refer to their land as Keralam. Kerala's tourism industry, among others, also use the phrase God's Own Country.

Time zone : IST (UTC+5:30)
Area : 38,863 km² (15,005 sq mi)
Capital : Thiruvananthapuram
Largest city : Thiruvananthapuram
Largest metro : Kochi metropolitan area
District(s) : 14
Population : 31,838,619 (12th) (2001)
Density : 819 /km² (2,121 /sq mi)
Language(s) : Malayalam
Governor : R. L. Bhatia
Chief Minister : V.S. Achuthanandan
Established : November 1, 1956
State symbols of Kerala
Animal : Elephant
Bird : Great Indian Hornbill
Flower : Cassia Fistula (Indian laburnum)
Tree : Coconut
Fruit : Jack fruit
Costume : Sari (women) / Mundu & Shirt (Men)

History

According to a legend, Parasurama, an avatar of Mahavishnu, threw his battle axe into the sea. As a result, the land of Kerala arose and was reclaimed from the waters. During Neolithic times, humans largely avoided Kerala's rainforests and wetlands. There is evidence of the emergence of prehistoric pottery and granite burial monuments in the 10th century BC that resemble their counterparts in Western Europe and the rest of Asia. These were produced by speakers of a proto-Tamil language. Thus, Kerala and Tamil Nadu once shared a common language, ethnicity and culture; this common area was known as Tamilakam. Kerala became a linguistically separate region by the early 14th century. The ancient Cherans, whose mother tongue and court language was Tamil, ruled Kerala from their capital at Vanchi and was the first major recorded kingdom. Allied with the Pallavas, they continually warred against the neighbouring Chola and Pandya kingdoms. A Keralite identity—distinct from the Tamils and associated with the second Chera empire—and the development of Malayalam evolved between the 8th and 14th centuries. In written records, Kerala was first mentioned in the Sanskrit epic Aitareya Aranyaka. Later, figures such as Katyayana, Patanjali, Pliny the Elder, and the unknown author of the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea displayed familiarity with Kerala. The Chera kings' dependence on trade meant that merchants from West Asia and Southern Europe established coastal posts and settlements in Kerala. Many, especially Jews and Christians, escaped persecution and established the Nasrani Mappila and Muslim Mappila communities. According to several scholars, the Jews first arrived in Kerala in 573 BC. The works of scholars and Eastern Christian writings state that Thomas the Apostle visited Muziris in Kerala in 52 AD to proselytize amongst Kerala's Jewish settlements. However, the first verifiable migration of Jewish-Nasrani families to Kerala is of the arrival of Knai Thoma in 345 AD. Muslim merchants (Malik ibn Dinar) settled in Kerala by the 8th century AD. After Vasco Da Gama's arrival in 1498, the Portuguese gained control of the lucrative pepper trade by subduing Keralite communities and commerce. Conflicts between the cities of Kozhikode (Calicut) and Kochi (Cochin) provided an opportunity for the Dutch to oust the Portuguese. In turn, the Dutch were ousted at the 1741 Battle of Colachel by Marthanda Varma of Travancor(Thiruvathaamkoor). Hyder Ali, heading the Mysore, conquered northern Kerala, capturing Kozhikode in 1766. In the late 18th century, Tipu Sultan, Ali’s son and successor, launched campaigns against the expanding British East India Company; these resulted in two of the four Anglo-Mysore Wars. He ultimately ceded Malabar District and South Kanara to the Company in the 1790s. The Company then forged tributary alliances with Kochi (1791) and Travancore (1795). Malabar and South Kanara became part of the Madras Presidency. Kerala saw comparatively little defiance of the British Raj. Nevertheless, several rebellions occurred, including the 1946 Punnapra-Vayalar revolt, and leaders like Velayudan Thampi Dalava, Kunjali Marakkar, and Pazhassi Raja earned their place in history and folklore. Many actions, spurred by such leaders as Sree Narayana Guru and Chattampi Swamikal, instead

protested such conditions as untouchability; notable was the 1924 Vaikom Satyagraham. In 1936, Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma of Travancore issued the Temple Entry Proclamation that opened Hindu temples to all castes; Cochin and Malabar soon did likewise. The 1921 Moplah Rebellion involved Mappila Muslims rioting against Hindus and the British Raj. After India gained its independence in 1947, Travancore and Cochin were merged to form Travancore-Cochin on July 1, 1949. On January 1, 1950 (Republic Day), Travancore-Cochin was recognised as a state. The Madras Presidency was organised to form Madras State several years prior, in 1947. Finally, the Government of India's November 1, 1956 States Reorganisation Act inaugurated the state of Kerala, incorporating Malabar district, Travancore-Cochin (excluding four southern taluks, which were merged with Tamil Nadu), and the taluk of Kasargod, South Kanara. A new legislative assembly was also created, for which elections were first held in 1957. These resulted in a communist-led government—one of the world's earliest—headed by E.M.S. Namboodiripad. Subsequent social reforms favoured tenants and labourers. As a result, living standards, education, and life expectancy improved dramatically.

Climate

With 120–140 rainy days per year, Kerala has a wet and maritime tropical climate influenced by the seasonal heavy rains of the southwest summer monsoon.In eastern Kerala, a drier tropical wet and dry climate prevails. Kerala's rainfall averages 3,107 mm annually. Some of Kerala's drier lowland regions average only 1,250 mm; the mountains of eastern Idukki district receive more than 5,000 mm of orographic precipitation, the highest in the state. In summers, most of Kerala is prone to gale force winds, storm surges, cyclone-related torrential downpours, occasional droughts, and rises in sea level and storm activity resulting from global warming. Kerala’s maximum daily temperature averages 36.7 °C; the minimum is 19.8 °C. Mean annual temperatures range from 25.0–27.5 °C in the coastal lowlands to 20.0–22.5 °C in the highlands.

Flora and fauna

Almost a fourth of India's 10,000 plant species are found in the state. Among the almost 4,000 flowering plant species (1,272 of which are endemic to Kerala and 159 threatened) are 900 species of highly sought medicinal plants. Altogether, 24% of Kerala is forested. Altogether, 24% of Kerala is forested. Two of the world’s Ramsar Convention listed wetlands—Lake Sasthamkotta and the Vembanad-Kol wetlands—are in Kerala, as well as 1455.4 km² of the vast Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Subjected to extensive clearing for cultivation in the 20th century, much of Kerala's forest cover is now protected from clearfelling. Kerala's fauna are notable for their diversity and high rates of endemism: 102 species of mammals (56 of which are endemic), 476 species of birds, 202 species of freshwater fishes, 169 species of reptiles (139 of them endemic), and 89 species of amphibians (86 endemic). The Bengal Tiger inhabits Kerala's eastern forests. Eastern Kerala’s windward mountains shelter tropical moist forests and tropical dry forests, which are common in the Western Ghats. Here, sonokeling (Indian rosewood), anjili, mullumurikku (Erythrina), and Cassia number among the more than 1,000 species of trees in Kerala. Other plants include bamboo, wild black pepper, wild cardamom, the calamus rattan palm (a type of climbing palm), and aromatic vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Living among them are such fauna as Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Leopard (Panthera pardus), Nilgiri Tahr, Common Palm Civet, and Grizzled Giant Squirrel. Reptiles include the king cobra, viper, python, and crocodile. Kerala's birds are legion—Peafowl, the Great Hornbill, Indian Grey Hornbill, Indian Cormorant, and Jungle Myna are several emblematic species. In lakes, wetlands, and waterways, fish such as kadu (stinging catfish and Choottachi (Orange chromide—Etroplus maculatus; valued as an aquarium specimen) are found.

Subdivisions

Kerala's fourteen districts are distributed among Kerala's three historical regions: Malabar (northern Kerala), Kochi (central Kerala), and Travancore (southern Kerala). Kerala's modern-day districts (listed in order from north to south) correspond to them as follows: Malabar: Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad Kochi: Thrissur, Ernakulam Travancore: Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram Moreover, Kerala's 14 revenue districts are further divided into 62 taluks, 1453 revenue villages and 1007 Gram panchayats. Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is the state capital and most populous city. Kochi is the most populous urban agglomeration and the major port city in Kerala. Kozhikode and Thrissur are the other major commercial centres of the state. The High Court of Kerala is at Ernakulam. Kerala's districts, which serve as the administrative regions for taxation purposes, are further subdivided into 63 taluks; these have fiscal and administrative powers over settlements within their borders, including maintenance of local land records.

Government

Kerala is governed through a parliamentary system of representative democracy; universal suffrage is granted to state residents. There are three branches of government. Kerala has 140 Assembly constituencies. The state sends 20 members to the Lok Sabha and 9 to the Rajya Sabha, the Indian Parliament's upper house. Like other Indian states, the constitutional head of state is the Governor of Kerala, who is appointed by the President of India. The executive authority is headed by the Chief Minister of Kerala, who is the de facto head of state and is vested with most of the executive powers; the Legislative Assembly's majority party leader is appointed to this position by the Governor. The Council of Ministers, which answers to the Legislative Assembly, has its members appointed by the Governor; the appointments receive input from the Chief Minister. The judiciary comprises the Kerala High Court (including a Chief Justice combined with 26 permanent and two additional (pro tempore, justices) and a system of lower courts. The High Court of Kerala is the highest court for the state; it also decides cases from the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. Auxiliary authorities known as panchayats, for which local body elections are regularly held, govern local affairs. The state's 2005–2006 budget was 219 billion INR. The state government's tax revenues (excluding the shares from Union tax pool) amounted to 111,248 million INR in 2005, up from 63,599 million in 2000. Its non-tax revenues (excluding the shares from Union tax pool) of the Government of Kerala as assessed by the Indian Finance Commissions reached 10,809 million INR in 2005, nearly double the 6,847 million INR revenues of 2000. However, Kerala's high ratio of taxation to gross state domestic product (GSDP) has not alleviated chronic budget deficits and unsustainable levels of government debt, impacting social services.

Politics
Kerala is one of the few regions in the world where communist parties are democratically elected in a parliamentary democracy. Compared with most other Indians, Keralites are well versed and keen participants in the political process; many elections are decided by razor-thin margins of victory. Strikes, protests, rallies, and marches are ubiquitous. At present, the LDF is the ruling coalition in government; V.S. Achuthanandan of the CPI(M) is the Chief Minister of Kerala and Oommen Chandy of the UDF is the Chief Opposition leader.

Economy
Kerala's economy largely operated under welfare based democratic socialist principles. In recent years, the state has liberalised its increasingly mixed economy, allowing greater participation by the free market and foreign direct investment. Kerala's nominal gross domestic product (as of 2004–2005) is an estimated 89451.99 crore INR, while recent GDP growth (9.2% in 2004–2005 and 7.4% in 2003–2004) has been robust compared to historical averages (2.3% annually in the 1980s and between 5.1% and 5.99% in the 1990s). Nevertheless, relatively few major corporations and manufacturing plants choose to operate in Kerala. This is mitigated by remittances sent home by overseas Keralites, which contributes around 20% of state GDP. Kerala's per capita GDP of 11,819 INR is significantly higher than the all India average, although it still lies far below the world average. Additionally, Kerala's Human Development Index and standard of living statistics are the nation's best. This apparent paradox—high human development and low economic development—is often dubbed the Kerala phenomenon or the Kerala model of development, and arises mainly from Kerala's strong service sector.

Transport
Kerala has 145,704 kilometers (90,539 mi) of roads (4.2% of India's total). This translates to about 4.62 kilometers (2.87 mi) of road per thousand population, compared to an all India average of 2.59 kilometers (1.61 mi). Virtually all of Kerala's villages are connected by road. Traffic in Kerala has been growing at a rate of 10–11% every year, resulting in high traffic and ressure on the roads. Kerala's road density is nearly four times the national average, reflecting the state's high population density. Trivandrum Central Railway Station. India's national highway network includes a Kerala-wide total of 1,524 kilometers (947 mi), which is 2.6% of the national total. There are eight designated national highways in the state. The Kerala StateTransport Project (KSTP), which includes the GIS-based Road Information and Management Project (RIMS), is responsible for maintaining and expanding the 1,600 kilometers (994 mi) of roadways that compose the state highways system; it also oversees major district roads. Most of Kerala's west coast is accessible through two national highways, NH 47, and NH 17. The state has major international airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode, that link the state with the rest of the nation and the world. The Cochin International Airport at Kochi is the first international airport in India that was built without Central Government funds, and is also the country's first publicly owned airport. The backwaters traversing the state are an important mode of inland navigation. The Indian Railways' Southern Railway line runs throughout the state, connecting all major towns and cities. Kerala's major railway stations are Trivandrum Central, Kollam Junction, Ernakulam Junction, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Shoranur
Junction, and Palakkad.

Health
Kerala's healthcare system has garnered international acclaim. UNICEF and the World Health Organization designating Kerala the world's first "baby-friendly state". Representative of this condition, more than 95% of Keralite births are hospital-delivered. Kerala's female-to-male ratio (1.058) is significantly higher than that of the rest of India. However, Kerala's morbidity rate is
higher than that of any other Indian state—118 (rural Keralites) and 88 (urban) per 1,000 people. Kerala's 13.3% prevalence of low birth weight is substantially higher than that of First World nations.

Education
Schools and colleges in Kerala are either run by the government or by private trusts and individuals. The schools are each affiliated with either the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), the Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE), or the Kerala State Education Board. English is the medium of instruction in most private schools; though government run schools offer both English and Malayalam. After completing their secondary education, which involves ten years of schooling, students typically enroll at Higher Secondary
School in one of the three streams—liberal arts, commerce or science. Upon completing the required coursework, the student can enroll in general or professional degree programmes. Thiruvananthapuram is one of the state's major academic hubs; it hosts the University of Kerala. Thrissur can be called as the Educational Capital of Kerala as Coimbatore to Tamil Nadu. Kottayam also acts as a main educational hub. According to the 1991 census, Kottayam District of Kerala is the first district to achieve highest literacy rate in the whole of India. Kozhikode is home to two of the premier educational institutions in the country; the IIMK, one of the seven Indian Institutes of Management, and the only National Institute of Technology in Kerala, the NITC.

Culture
Kerala's culture is derived from both a greater Tamil-heritage region known as Tamilakam and southern coastal Karnataka. Later, Kerala's culture was elaborated upon through centuries of contact with neighboring and overseas cultures. Native performing arts include koodiyattom, kathakali—from katha ("story") and kali ("performance")—and its offshoot Kerala natanam, koothu (akin to stand-up comedy), mohiniaattam ("dance of the enchantress"), thullal, padayani, and theyyam. Other forms of art are more religious or tribal in nature. These include chavittu nadakom, oppana (originally from Malabar), which combines dance, rhythmic hand clapping, and ishal vocalisations. However, many of these art forms largely play to tourists or at youth festivals, and are not as popular among most ordinary Keralites. These people look to more contemporary art and performance styles, including those employing mimicry and parody. Kerala's music also has ancient roots. Carnatic music dominates Keralite traditional music. This was the result of Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma's popularisation of the genre in the 19th century.
Raga-based renditions known as sopanam accompany kathakali performances. Melam (including the paandi and panchari variants) is a more percussive style of music; it is performed at Kshetram centered festivals using the chenda. Melam ensembles comprise up to 150 musicians, and performances may last up to four hours. Panchavadyam is a different form of percussion ensemble, in which up to 100 artists use five types of percussion instrument. Kerala has various styles of folk and tribal music. The popular music of Kerala is dominated by the filmi music of Indian cinema. Kerala's visual arts range from traditional murals to the works of Raja Ravi Varma, the state's most renowned painter. Kerala has its own Malayalam calendar, which is used to plan agricultural and religious activities. Kerala's cuisine is typically served as a sadhya on green banana leaves. Such dishes as idli, payasam, pulisherry, puttucuddla, puzhukku, rasam, and sambar are typical. Keralites—both men and women alike—traditionally don flowing and unstitched garments. These include the mundu, a loose piece of cloth wrapped around men's waists. Women typically wear the sari, a long and elaborately wrapped banner of cloth, wearable in various styles.

Language and literature
The predominant spoken language in Kerala is Malayalam, most of whose speakers live in Kerala. Malayalam literature is ancient in origin, and includes such figures as the 14th century Niranam poets (Madhava Panikkar, Sankara Panikkar and Rama Panikkar), and the 17th century poet Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan whose works mark the dawn of both modern Malayalam language and indigenous Keralite poetry. The "triumvirate of poets" (Kavithrayam), Kumaran Asan, Vallathol Narayana Menon, and Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer, are recognised for moving Keralite poetry away from archaic sophistry and metaphysics, and towards a more lyrical mode. In the second half of the 20th century, Jnanpith awardees like G. Sankara Kurup, S. K. Pottekkatt, Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillaiand M. T. Vasudevan Nair have made valuable contributions to the Malayalam literature. Later, such Keralite writers as O. V. Vijayan, Kamaladas, M. Mukundan, and Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy, whose 1996 semi-autobiographical bestseller The God of Small Things is set in the Kottayam town of Ayemenem, have gained international recognition.

Media
Dozens of newspapers are published in Kerala; they are printed in nine major languages.The principal languages of publication are Malayalam and English. The most widely circulating Malayalam-language newspapers include Malayala Manorama, Mathrubhumi, Deepika, Kerala Kaumudi, and Desabhimani. Among major Malayalam periodicals are India Today Malayalam, Vanitha, Veedu, Gruhalakshmi, Chithrabhumi, Kanyaka, and Bhashaposhini. Doordarshan is the state-owned television broadcaster. Multi system operators provide a mix of Malayalam, English, and international channels via cable television. All India Radio, the national radio service, reaches much of Kerala via its Thiruvananthapuram 'A' Malayalam-language broadcaster. BSNL, Reliance Infocomm, Tata Indicom, Vodafone and Airtel compete to provide cellular phone services. Broadband internet is available in most of the towns and cities and is provided by different agencies like the state-run Kerala Telecommunications (which is run by BSNL) and by other private companies like Asianet Satellite communications, VSNL. Dial-up access is provided throughout the state by BSNL and other providers. A substantial Malayalam film industry effectively competes against both Bollywood and Hollywood. Television (especially "mega serials" and cartoons) and the Internet have affected Keralite culture. Yet Keralites maintain high rates of newspaper and magazine subscriptions; 50% spend an average of about seven hours a week reading novels and other books. A sizeable "people's science" movement has taken root in the state, and such activities as writers' cooperatives are becoming increasingly common.

Sports

Several ancient ritualised arts are Keralite in origin. These include kalaripayattu—kalari ("place", "threshing floor", or "battlefield") and payattu ("exercise" or "practice"). Among the world's oldest martial arts, oral tradition attributes kalaripayattu's emergence to Parasurama. Other ritual arts include theyyam and poorakkali. However, larger numbers of Keralites follow sports such as cricket, kabaddi, soccer, and badminton. Dozens of large stadiums, including Kochi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Thiruvananthapuram's Chandrashekaran Nair Stadium, attest to the mass appeal of such sports among Keralites. Kerala has been the athletics powerhouse of India for decades. Several Keralite athletes have attained world-class status, including P. T. Usha, Suresh Babu, Shiny Wilson, K. M. Beenamol, M. D. Valsamma and Anju Bobby George.
Like the rest of India, cricket is the most popular sport in the state. However, the state has an illustrious history in other sports and games, most notably football and athletics.

Tourism
Kerala, situated on the lush and tropical Malabar Coast, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Named as one of the "ten paradises of the world" and "50 places of a lifetime" by the National Geographic Traveler magazine, Kerala is especially known for its ecotourism initiatives. Its unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demographics, has made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Growing at a rate of 13.31%, the state's tourism industry is a major contributor to the state's economy. Until the early 1980s, Kerala was a relatively unknown destination; most tourist circuits focused on North India. Aggressive marketing campaigns launched by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, the government agency that oversees tourism prospects of the state, laid the foundation for the growth of the tourism industry. In the decades that followed, Kerala's tourism industry was able to transform the state into one of the niche holiday destinations in India. The tagline God's Own Country, originally coined by Vipin Gopal, has been widely used in Kerala's tourism promotions and soon became synonymous with the state. In 2006, Kerala attracted 8.5 million tourist arrivals, an increase of 23.68% over the previous year, making the state one of the fastest-growing destinations in the world. Kovalam Beach, TrivandrumPopular attractions in the state include the beaches at Kovalam, Cherai and Varkala; the hill stations of Munnar, Nelliampathi, Ponmudi and Wayanad; and national parks and wildlife sanctuaries at Periyar and Eravikulam National Park. The "backwaters" region, which comprises an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals that centre on Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Punnamada (where the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held in August), also see heavy tourist traffic. Heritage sites, such as the Padmanabhapuram Palace and the Mattancherry Palace, are also visited. Cities such as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are popular centres for their shopping and traditional theatrical performances. During early summer, the Thrissur Pooram is conducted, attracting foreign tourists who are largely drawn by the festival's elephants and celebrants.