Introduction: Kerala is the first state of India to be declared full literacy in one town and later the whole state in 1991. Kerala is also popular for its commercial crops like tea, rubber, coconuts, coffee, cardamom, pepper, cashew, nutmeg and many more. Kerala is also known as the Spice Garden of India. It is a beautiful coastal state with beautiful palm trees lined up the beaches. It has thick jungles; the hills are all covered green with plantation. A popular Malayalam saying says that god has made Kerala with a green thumb quoting its greenery. The National Geographic Traveler quoted Kerala as the most verdant state of India and one of the world's 50 must see destinations.

History: The history of Kerala is found recorded in the inscriptions of Ashoka, the Mauryan Empire. There were four independent kingdoms ruling in the south of the Ashokan Empire, which are the Cholas, Pandyas, Keralaputrasand and the Satiyaputras. The Keralaputras or the Cheras ruled the area of present day Kerala over Malabar, Cochin, and North Travancore. These kingdoms have friendly relations with the Mauryan Empire. The information of Kerala was very scarce during the Mauryan age. It is from the legends and myths of the Sangam Literature that the history of Kerala emerges. The Kalabhras rule after Sangam Age was the era of darkness. After four centuries several kingdoms like Rastrakutas, Pandyas, Challukyas and Pallavas uprooted them.

Places of interest: There are many places for tourists to visit in Kerala. Trivandrum, the official name Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala. It is known for its climatic condition and the beautiful nature. Museums, art galleries, temples and zoos are the main attraction of the visitors. Kovalam near to the Thiruvananthapuram is an excellent beach resort. It is also known as the "Paradise of the South". Kochi or Cochin is the industrial and commercial center of Kerala. It has the pride of having one of the world's finest natural harbors. Varkala is popular for being an ayurvedic resort. The beautiful topography of Varkala beaches makes it a place of tourists' choice.

Travel information: Kerala is in the southwest tip of Indian mainland. English is widely spoken in this area while their local language Malayalam. Kerala has a fine tropical type of climate. The temperature throughout the year ranges from a minimum of 22 degree Celsius to 33 degree Celsius maximum. Even though tourist visit throughout the year, December to May is regarded as the best season to visit. It is easy airline access to all the important cities of the world and India. Trivandrum, Cochin and Calicut are the international airports of Kerala. There is excellent railway and road service too.