It is on these shores Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese mariner set
his foot in 1498 tracing an easiest maritime trade route to India.
Bekal is another serene beach set in the backdrop of an array of
swaying palms and the elegant Bekal Fort. Cherai Beach, Chowara
Beach and Poovar Beach are also tourists’ paradises with golden
sand and surf. Black rocks protected Muzhappilangad beach is
the only drive in beach in Kerala. Nattika, the hidden treasure of
Malabar Coast is a beautiful beach with panoramic views.
090 m e d i c a l t o u r i s m
ANCHOR
INDIA
Vibrant Festivals and Cultural Diversity: It is the land of colourful
and beautiful art forms and festivals. The major festival in Kerala
is Onam. Kerala has a number of religious festivals. Thrissur
Pooram is the major temple festival in Kerala. It is conducted at
the Vadakumnathan temple, Thrissur. The tradition of classical
arts in God’s own country dates back over a thousand years. The
UNESCO has recognised some of the art forms as the part of world
heritage. Kerala’s culture is mainly Dravidian in origin, deriving