About Kerala
Kerala – God's Own Country
Kerala is one of India's most beautiful and progressive states, located on the southwestern coast of the country. Popularly known as "God's Own Country", Kerala is famous for its backwaters, beaches, hill stations, wildlife, Ayurveda, literacy, healthcare, and sustainable tourism. The state lies between the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the east.
Kerala at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Kerala |
| Country | India |
| Formation | 1 November 1956 |
| Capital | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Largest City | Thiruvananthapuram (city) |
| Commercial Hub | Kochi |
| Area | 38,863 sq km |
| Coastline | About 590 km |
| Population | About 3.6 crore (36 million) |
| Official Language | Malayalam |
| Additional Language | English |
| Number of Districts | 14 |
| Legislative Assembly Seats | 140 |
| Lok Sabha Seats | 20 |
| Rajya Sabha Seats | 9 |
| Time Zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| State Animal | Indian Elephant |
| State Bird | Great Hornbill |
| State Tree | Coconut Palm |
| State Flower | Golden Shower (Kanikonna) |
Population, area, literacy and administrative profile are based on recent Government of Kerala and official statistical sources.
Kerala Map
Kerala stretches for nearly 580 km from north to south.
Neighbouring States
- Karnataka (North)
- Tamil Nadu (East)
- Arabian Sea (West)
The 14 Districts of Kerala
| No | District | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thiruvananthapuram | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 2 | Kollam | Kollam |
| 3 | Pathanamthitta | Pathanamthitta |
| 4 | Alappuzha | Alappuzha |
| 5 | Kottayam | Kottayam |
| 6 | Idukki | Painavu |
| 7 | Ernakulam | Kochi |
| 8 | Thrissur | Thrissur |
| 9 | Palakkad | Palakkad |
| 10 | Malappuram | Malappuram |
| 11 | Kozhikode | Kozhikode |
| 12 | Wayanad | Kalpetta |
| 13 | Kannur | Kannur |
| 14 | Kasaragod | Kasaragod |
Important Statistics
Geography
- Area: 38,863 sq km
- Forest Cover: Nearly 30%
- Highest Peak: Anamudi (2,695 m)
- Longest River: Periyar
- Largest Lake: Vembanad Lake
- Largest Dam: Idukki Arch Dam
- Largest National Park: Eravikulam National Park
Population
- Population: About 3.6 Crore
- Population Density: 928 persons/sq km
- Urban Population: Around 79%
- Rural Population: Around 21%
- Sex Ratio: One of the highest in India
- Life Expectancy: Among the highest in India
Education
Kerala is internationally known for its educational achievements.
- Literacy Rate: Around 95%
- Highest literacy districts:
- Kottayam
- Pathanamthitta
- Ernakulam
- Excellent school enrolment
- High female literacy
- Strong public education system
Economy
Major sectors include:
- Tourism
- Agriculture
- Information Technology
- Fisheries
- Rubber
- Coconut
- Spices
- Healthcare
- Education
- Overseas Remittances
Major Agricultural Products
- Coconut
- Rubber
- Tea
- Coffee
- Cardamom
- Pepper
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
- Cocoa
- Cashew
- Banana
Wildlife
Kerala has rich biodiversity.
Major protected areas include:
- Eravikulam National Park
- Periyar Tiger Reserve
- Silent Valley National Park
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
- Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Climate
Kerala enjoys a tropical climate.
- Summer: March–May
- Southwest Monsoon: June–September
- Northeast Monsoon: October–November
- Winter: December–February
Average temperatures range between 18°C and 35°C depending on the region.
Major Tourist Attractions
Hill Stations
- Munnar
- Wayanad
- Vagamon
- Thekkady
- Ponmudi
- Nelliyampathy
Beaches
- Kovalam
- Varkala
- Bekal
- Cherai
- Marari
- Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach
Backwaters
- Alappuzha
- Kumarakom
- Ashtamudi Lake
- Vembanad Lake
- Kuttanad
Wildlife
- Periyar
- Eravikulam
- Silent Valley
- Chinnar
- Wayanad
Waterfalls
- Athirappilly
- Soochipara
- Meenmutty
- Palaruvi
- Thommankuthu
Heritage
- Fort Kochi
- Mattancherry Palace
- Bekal Fort
- Padmanabhapuram Palace
- Jewish Synagogue
- Hill Palace Museum
Pilgrimage
- Sabarimala
- Guruvayur Temple
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple
- Malayattoor Church
- St. Thomas Mounts and Churches
- Cheraman Juma Masjid
Tourism Achievements
Kerala is recognised as one of Asia's leading tourism destinations.
Major achievements include:
- Popularly branded as God's Own Country
- Pioneer in Responsible Tourism
- Internationally famous for Ayurveda Tourism
- Leader in Eco-tourism
- One of India's most visited leisure destinations
- Globally recognised houseboat tourism
- World-renowned wellness tourism
- Record tourist arrivals in recent years, with strong growth in domestic and international visitors.
Why Kerala is Famous
- Highest literacy among major Indian states
- Excellent healthcare system
- Rich cultural heritage
- Classical arts like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam
- Ayurveda and wellness tourism
- Scenic backwaters
- Tea plantations
- Spice gardens
- Wildlife reserves
- Beautiful beaches
- Diverse cuisine
- Friendly and welcoming people
Culture
Kerala is known for:
- Kathakali
- Mohiniyattam
- Koodiyattam
- Theyyam
- Chakyar Koothu
- Panchavadyam
- Chenda Melam
Famous Festivals
- Onam
- Vishu
- Thrissur Pooram
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race
- Theyyam Festivals
- Attukal Pongala
- Aranmula Boat Race
Famous Foods
- Kerala Sadya
- Appam & Stew
- Puttu & Kadala Curry
- Malabar Biryani
- Karimeen Pollichathu
- Kerala Fish Curry
- Banana Chips
- Payasam
Transportation
Kerala has excellent connectivity through:
- 4 International Airports
- Extensive railway network
- National Highways
- Inland waterways
- Major seaport at Kochi
Major Achievements of Kerala
- Among India's highest literacy rates
- High Human Development Index (HDI)
- Excellent public healthcare
- Strong local self-government system
- Leader in responsible tourism
- Pioneer in digital governance
- Significant progress in digital literacy initiatives.
Interesting Facts
- Called God's Own Country.
- Home to India's first planned ecotourism projects.
- Largest producer of natural rubber in India.
- One of the world's leading spice-producing regions.
- Known for centuries-old Ayurveda traditions.
- Has one of India's longest coastlines.
- Home to the world's highest tea-growing regions in South India.
- Birthplace of Kalaripayattu, one of the world's oldest martial arts.
Kerala in One Line
Kerala is a unique blend of breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, high human development, world-class healthcare, responsible tourism, and warm hospitality, making it one of India's most admired and visited states.
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