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Paradise on Earth: Kerala, India

They call it "God's Own Country." It could be the pristine beaches and towering cliffs rising high above them, or it could be the endlessly intricate network of rivers, lagoons and canals fringed by palm trees and greenery that earned the southwestern Indian state its nickname. Or it could be the cultural mix of Muslims, Hindus and Christians who all live peacefully side by side. Whatever the origin of the slogan, Kerala continues to fulfill and even exceed the expectation of travelers who have been lured by the pull of a paradise on Earth.

Bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Whestern Ghats to the east, Kerala has been a destination for fishermen, merchants and settlers for 3,000 years or longer, says PBS, and the rulers of Kerala made the unusual gesture of welcoming outsiders when most of India was sealed off to foreigners. Evidence of the mixing cultural traditions can be seen in the tea plantations started by the British, the varied architecture, and the Chinese fishing nets and Portuguese structures in Fort Kochi, reported the Washington Post.

Visitors today can enjoy the unique blending of cultures and the relaxed atmosphere that pervades the cities and villages of Kerala. For those who love wildlife, there are bird watching tours that lead the way to 500 species of feathered flyers. Those who prefer seeing Kerala from the water can go for a cruise on a local houseboat through the backwaters of the state.

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For tourists interested in sociology and women's rights, a trip to Kerala offers the opportunity to learn about Kudumbashree, one of the most successful government programs in India that has been empowering women in Kerala for almost two decades. According to the New York Times, the program now has about 3.7 million members and helps women create sustainable small businesses and cooperative farming groups through grants and low-cost loans.

If you're more interested in arts and culture, shadow puppet theater, one of the state's oldest art forms, has been gaining popularity again, reported the New Indian Express. And if you're in the mood for something a little different, one home stay will teach guests how to climb coconut trees the traditional way (it involves a climbing rope and little else).

Whether you travel to Kerala in search of the gods or simply the land they watch over, the experience is sure to be a memorable one.