ABOUT KERALA

AT A GLANCE

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.



Districts




Location

Kerala is situated on the southwestern coast of India, a country in South Asia. This tropical paradise enjoys a unique topography with Arabian sea, a part of the Indian Ocean on the west and the Western Ghats on the east.


Date of Formation1 November 1956
LocationSouth West tip of the India's main land/
North latitude between 8°18` and 12° 48`
East longitude between 74° 52` and 77° 22`
CapitalThiruvananthapuram
Area38,863 sq.km.
Principal LanguageMalayalam
CurrencyIndian Rupee
National FestivalOnam
State AnimalElephant
State BirdHornbill (Bensyrus bicemis)
State FlowerKanikonna(Cassia fistula)
State TreeCoconut Tree(Cocos nucifera)
Staple FoodRice
State FishPearl Spot ("Karimeen" in Malayalam)(Etroplussuratensis)
Neighbouring States/ Union TerritoriesTamil Nadu, Karnataka and Lakshadeep

CENSUS OF INDIA 2011-PRIMARY CENSUS ABSTRACT KERALA
Demography Population3,34,06,061
Male1,60,27,412
Female1,73,78,649
Sex Ratio (Females Per 1000 males)1,084
Population density860/sq.km
Urban Population1,59,34,926
Rural   Population1,74,71, 135
Decadal Growth rate4.9
Child Population (0-6 years): Total34,72,955
Rural Child Population18,23,664
Urban Child Population16,49,291
Scheduled Caste Population30,39,573
Scheduled Tribe Population4,84,839
Literacy Rate2,81,35,824
Male Literacy Rate1,37,04,903
Female Literacy Rate1,44,30,921
Literacy Rate(%)94.0
Male literacy Rate(%)96.1
Female Literacy Rate(%)92.1
Rural Literacy Rate1,45,49,320
Urban Literacy Rate1,35,86,504

No. of Administrative Units
Districts14
Taluks63
Villages1018
Statutory Towns59
Census Towns461
Grama Panchayats978
No. of Community Development Blocks152
District Panchayats14
Assembly Seats140+ 1 Anglo Indian Nominee
Lok Sabha Seats20+ 1 Anglo Indian Nominee
Rajya Sabha seats9
Municipalities53
Municipal Corporations5
Cantonments1(Kannur)
Township1(Guruvayoor)
Legislative Constituencies140
Loksabha Constituencies20
Rajya Sabha Seats9
Seat of High CourtKochi
Highest Populated DistrictMalappuram
Lowest populated DistrictWayanadu
Largest DistrictIdukki
Smallest DistrictAlappuzha
Longest riverPeriyar
Highest peakAnamudi
Largest LakeVembanadu Lake

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KERALA-Outline

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India
Kerala is the most popular state in South India. Kerala was founded by merging the numerous Malayam speaking regions in south India on1 November 1956. Spreading across an area of 38,863 km sq Kerala shares its borders with Karnataka in the north, Tamil Nadu in the south and the Lakshadweep in the west. Thiruvananthapuram serves as the capital of the state. Also known as Gods Own Country Kerala is the favorite tourist spot of many Indian and foreign travelers. There are 14 districts in Kerala. Based on certain cultural, historical and geographical similarities the districts of Kerala are grouped into; Malabar Region North Kerala), Kochi Region (South Kerala) and Travancore (Central).

KERALA

KERALA
God's Own Country

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