Portrait Kerala

Idyllic backwaters, lush coconut groves, pristine beaches, verdant plantations, mist enveloped hills and luxuriant forest have admirers waxing eloquent about Kerala. But this enchanting state offers so much more. Look beyond its exquisite beauty, and you will find a character shaped by a long and chequered history: a people enriched by the influence of foreign lands and diverse faiths: and a vibrant culture quite unlike any other in its customs and rituals.

'Portrait Kerala' unveils the state in all its glory - the unmatched natural beauty and fascinating history, its distinctive people and unique traditions, its colourful arts and vibrant festivals and its unrivalled array of cuisines. Read about every facets of the state. Revel in sumptuous photographs. And taste some of the magic that is Kerala.

With an introduction by Shashi Tharoor

"Kerala's ethos is a reflection of the Malayali miracle: a state that has practised openness and tolerance from time immemorial; which has made religious and ethnic diversity a part of its daily life rather than a source of division; which has overcome caste discrimination and class oppression through education, land reforms and political democracy; which has honoured its women and enabled them to lead productive, fulfilling and empowered lives."