Understand

Central Kerala, once the cradle of the Imperial Chera civilization, had a glorious past dating back to 300 BC. The Great Cheras, with their capital at Muziris (now known as Kodungallur, located just 40 kilometers from Kochi), established a mighty empire that reached as far as the Ganges in North India. Muziris, which was mentioned in Greek literature, was renowned as one of the largest seaports in the ancient world. It had regular trade connections with civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, Mesopotamians, and Chinese. However, as the Chera powers declined in the mid-11th century, and the Great floods of Periyar choked the port of Muziris, Central Kerala became a boiling pot of social and political upheavals. The Chera Dynasty was replaced by the Kochi Kingdom, with its capital in the newly formed city of Kochi, which now covers the entire Central Kerala region. The trading relations with the West and Arabs attracted European powers to Kochi, establishing it as a major political force in Kerala. Eventually, the British dominated the political power in the 18th century, as was the case in other parts of India. The British influence brought various strong institutions to the area, and when the Kochi Kingdom merged with India in 1949, Central Kerala became part of the newly formed state of Thiru-Kochi (Travancore-Kochi). In 1957, when Kerala State was established, the area was renamed as a zone. Today, Central Kerala thrives as a major economic center, hosting several industries. Moreover, it is known for its rich cultural diversity, vibrant festivals, popular tourist destinations, and fertile agricultural regions.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Dish: Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)Butter chicken is a rich and creamy curry made with marinated chicken pieces cooked in a tomato-based sauce. The dish originated in the Indian subcontinent and gained popularity in Canada due to the large population of Indian immigrants. It's typically served with basmati rice and naan bread. Butter chicken contains meat – chicken.

Dish: BiryaniBiryani is a popular rice dish made by cooking Basmati rice with meat (usually chicken, goat, or fish), vegetables, yogurt, and a blend of spices. It originates from the Indian subcontinent and is often considered the national dish of Pakistan. It's known for its flavorful layers and distinct aroma. Biryani contains meat – primarily chicken, goat, or fish.

Dish: SamosasSamosas are deep-fried or baked pastry snacks filled with a savory mixture of spiced potatoes, onions, peas, and sometimes meat. They originate from South Asia and have become a popular street food across India. Often served as an appetizer or a quick snack, samosas can be found at roadside stalls, train stations, and even weddings. Samosas can contain meat – typically potatoes, onions, and peas, but some varieties may include meat such as chicken or lamb.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing