ABOUT KERALA
Nestled between the sparkling Arabian Sea to the west and the majestic Western Ghats rising between 500 to 2700 meters to the east, Kerala stands as a jewel of natural diversity and harmony. Crisscrossed by 44 life-giving rivers, this land is a tapestry of landscapes and experiences that few places in the world can rival.
Kerala’s distinctive geography gifts it an array of breathtaking sights: a calm and pleasant climate year-round, serene coastlines dotted with unspoiled beaches, tranquil emerald-green backwaters, mist-covered hill stations, and thriving forests rich in wildlife. Picturesque waterfalls, expansive spice and tea plantations, and endless paddy fields add to the visual and sensory feast.
The state also offers a blend of tradition and wellness that is truly unique—authentic Ayurvedic therapies, vibrant art forms, grand festivals, and centuries-old monuments of historical and cultural significance. Add to this the rich and flavorful local cuisine, and Kerala becomes more than a destination—it becomes an experience.
What sets Kerala apart is its compactness. Whether you're basking on the beach or exploring the high ranges, most destinations are no more than a couple of hours apart by road, making it easy to discover the region’s many treasures without long journeys.
Beyond its scenic beauty, Kerala also shines as a model of social development. It boasts 100% literacy, some of the best healthcare standards in the country, the lowest infant mortality rate, and the highest life expectancy. The state consistently ranks at the top for quality of life indicators and is widely recognized as India’s cleanest and most peaceful region.
Kerala isn't just a place you visit—it's a place you experience, cherish, and carry with you. Whether you come for rest, rejuvenation, adventure, or cultural immersion, God’s Own Country offers something rare: a complete and fulfilling journey for the body, mind, and soul.
Geography
Kerala is characterized by a unique and diverse landscape, flanked by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats rising between 500 to 2700 meters in the east. A network of 44 rivers crisscrosses the region, enriching its natural charm. Geographically, Kerala is divided into three distinct regions: the Highlands, which descend from the Western Ghats; the Midlands, featuring rolling hills and fertile valleys; and the Lowlands, marked by a continuous coastline dotted with scenic backwaters, rivers, and canals. Notably, the Western Ghats remain within 120 kilometers of the coastline at all points.
Seasons
Kerala enjoys a mild and stable climate year-round, thanks to its tropical location. The long coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats acting as a natural shield against northern dry winds help maintain this balance. The state mainly experiences two monsoon phases—from June to September and again from October to November—alongside a distinct summer season from February to May. Winters are subtle, marked only by a slight dip in temperature, usually ranging between 28°C and 32°C.
People and Life
Kerala stands out as one of India’s most socially advanced states, with strong indicators in education, healthcare, and overall quality of life. It has one of the highest literacy rates in the country—particularly among women—and boasts impressive life expectancy figures along with low infant mortality. The people of Kerala enjoy broad access to public services and opportunities, and participate actively in civic life. The state's inclusive and progressive outlook is reflected in its diverse, cosmopolitan society and well-informed citizenry.
History
The history of Kerala is deeply rooted in its thriving maritime trade, especially in spices like black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon, which earned it the title Spice Coast of India. For over two millennia, Kerala attracted merchants, explorers, and empires from across the globe. The Malabar coast was a bustling hub of commerce as early as 3000 BCE, drawing the attention of Phoenicians and Babylonians. By the time of the Greeks and Romans, Kerala had established direct trade links, exporting spices, timber, ivory, and precious stones.
Arab traders were among the earliest to arrive by sea, many of whom settled in the region, significantly influencing Kerala’s culture, language, and religion. They introduced Islam long before it reached many other parts of India. Chinese traders also frequented Kerala’s ports, leaving behind traces in local boat-building techniques and cuisine, notably the use of large fishing nets still seen in Kochi today.
The arrival of European colonial powers dramatically reshaped Kerala’s destiny. The Portuguese landed in Calicut (Kozhikode) in 1498 under Vasco da Gama, marking the beginning of European colonization in India. They were followed by the Dutch, the French, and finally the British, each vying for control over the lucrative spice trade. These colonial encounters left lasting impressions in architecture, place names, religion, and education.
Throughout these centuries, Kerala remained a mosaic of small princely states and powerful kingdoms such as the Chera dynasty, the Zamorins of Calicut, the kingdom of Travancore, and Cochin. Each contributed richly to the region's culture, governance, and identity.
Kerala’s modern political evolution, especially in the 20th century, was shaped by social reform movements, literacy campaigns, and its early adoption of democratic governance. It was one of the first states in the world to elect a Communist government through democratic means in 1957, under E.M.S. Namboodiripad. This progressive outlook continues to define Kerala’s social fabric to this day.
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Kollam
- Pathanamthitta
- Alapuzha
- Kottayam
- Idukki
- Ernakulam
- Thrissur
- Palakkad
- Malapuram
- Kozhikode
- Wayanad
- Kannur
- Kasargod
Date of Formation | 1 November 1956 |
Location | South West tip of the India's main land/ North latitude between 8°18` and 12° 48` East longitude between 74° 52` and 77° 22` |
Capital | Thiruvananthapuram |
Area | 38,863 sq.km. |
Principal Language | Malayalam |
Currency | Indian Rupee |
National Festival | Onam |
State Animal | Elephant |
State Bird | Hornbill (Bensyrus bicemis) |
State Flower | Kanikonna(Cassia fistula) |
State Tree | Coconut Tree(Cocos nucifera) |
Staple Food | Rice |
State Fish | Pearl Spot ("Karimeen" in Malayalam)(Etroplussuratensis) |
Neighbouring States/ Union Territories | Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Lakshadeep |
CENSUS OF INDIA 2011-PRIMARY CENSUS ABSTRACT KERALA
| |
---|---|
Demography Population | 3,34,06,061 |
Male | 1,60,27,412 |
Female | 1,73,78,649 |
Sex Ratio (Females Per 1000 males) | 1,084 |
Population density | 860/sq.km |
Urban Population | 1,59,34,926 |
Rural Population | 1,74,71, 135 |
Decadal Growth rate | 4.9 |
Child Population (0-6 years): Total | 34,72,955 |
Rural Child Population | 18,23,664 |
Urban Child Population | 16,49,291 |
Scheduled Caste Population | 30,39,573 |
Scheduled Tribe Population | 4,84,839 |
Literacy Rate | 2,81,35,824 |
Male Literacy Rate | 1,37,04,903 |
Female Literacy Rate | 1,44,30,921 |
Literacy Rate(%) | 94.0 |
Male literacy Rate(%) | 96.1 |
Female Literacy Rate(%) | 92.1 |
Rural Literacy Rate | 1,45,49,320 |
Urban Literacy Rate | 1,35,86,504 |
No. of Administrative Units
| |
Districts | 14 |
Taluks | 63 |
Villages | 1018 |
Statutory Towns | 59 |
Census Towns | 461 |
Grama Panchayats | 978 |
No. of Community Development Blocks | 152 |
District Panchayats | 14 |
Assembly Seats | 140+ 1 Anglo Indian Nominee |
Lok Sabha Seats | 20+ 1 Anglo Indian Nominee |
Rajya Sabha seats | 9 |
Municipalities | 53 |
Municipal Corporations | 5 |
Cantonments | 1(Kannur) |
Township | 1(Guruvayoor) |
Legislative Constituencies | 140 |
Loksabha Constituencies | 20 |
Rajya Sabha Seats | 9 |
Seat of High Court | Kochi |
Highest Populated District | Malappuram |
Lowest populated District | Wayanadu |
Largest District | Idukki |
Smallest District | Alappuzha |
Longest river | Periyar |
Highest peak | Anamudi |
Largest Lake | Vembanadu Lake |