goldroger [none/use name]

either they try to form a Dravidian peoples republic essentially causing a war with the central government

This is a joke. Kerala has no industry and does not grow enough food for itself. Its economy is based on tourism and exporting cash crops (wood, tea, spices, cashews and seafood) and educated people to the rest of India and abroad. (Doctors / nurses being from Kerala is a usual stereotype.)

The only Indian state that has any negotiating power with the union government is Tamil Nadu. This is why Tamil nationalism is a thing. But even they benefit from being part of a large country, so when you talk to people the demand is usually only for more federalism.

In Kerala, and many other Indian states, the tradition is for the ruling party to always lose the election. So the two big blocs - the Communist-led LDF and the Congress-led (social democrats + neoliberals + Muslims) UDF take turns. In 2021, the LDF won re-election because they handled Covid very well.

Kerala is a medium-sized state, and its government is led by the Communists, who are nationally in opposition. So this was achieved with very limited resources. But now other states can copy this. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are larger and richer states (still ruled by opposition parties), and currently have subsidised food programmes beyond the national ration system. TN is experimenting with other subsidies and schemes, and is important enough that the national government cannot ignore it.

Actually surprisingly high number among Muslims (32% satisfaction).

This is not surprising. Indian politics is very local. Most people are more affected by their panchayat (village council) / municipal and state governments than by the Indian government. So Muslims who live in places not ruled by the BJP probably don’t have strong opinions about Modi. Also Modi has a very carefully made ‘image’, where he tries to look his best.

So first of all, this is based on memory, so you are encouraged to check specifics:-

• Kerala is very densely populated but there are no big cities (at least by Indian standards). The coastal side of the state has closely spaced towns and villages. The eastern side is hilly and mostly forested, with a few villages and hill stations.
• Kerala food is different from the usual Indian food, with a lot more seafood, meat, alcohol and Arab dishes.
• Tourists are common in Kerala. No one will mind. And almost everyone can speak English. Kerala has a very good education system.
• Graffiti is common on walls. A lot of this is political, often election related. People take elections very seriously.
• Kochi is the main economic and industrial centre. It has an old fort, a few palaces, India’s only functional synagogue, and good seafood (caught using what are locally called ‘Chinese nets’). The lake and sea are somewhat polluted, so do not go into the water. The famous beaches (Kovalam, Varkala) and lakes (Aleppey) are in south Kerala, and these are popular and somewhat crowded.

Some warnings:-

• Kerala faces floods and landslides during the SW monsoon (June to August). Do not go there during this time.
• Kerala is hilly and has very narrow and winding roads. Travelling by road will take time.
• Less crime than other parts of India, but there are scams. Government-run services (bus / boat, hotels, tourist trips, etc.) are safe.
• Unfortunately some foreign tourists do stuff like carrying drugs or doing immoral stuff with women. While people of course welcome tourists, these are no-nos in India. Do not even joke about such stuff.
• In Kerala, don’t get into political or football-related arguments. People get angry.
• Kerala people, unlike most Indians, are very sarcastic. Pay attention to tone.

Kerala is a popular tourist destination both for Indians and foreigners. It has beaches, hill stations and forests. What are you interested in?

And unless you have some pressing reason, don’t go within 100 km of Delhi. It is the worst part of India.