Kerala at a glance
Kerala is a state in India. It is located on the south-western region of the country. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act bringing together the areas where Malayalam was the dominant language.
The state has an area of 38,863 km2 (15,005 sq mi) and is bordered by Karnataka to the north, Tamil Nadu to the south and the east and the Lakshadweep Sea[note] towards the west. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital and largest city of Kerala. Kochi and Kozhikode are the other major cities. Kerala is also known for its many small towns that are scattered across the state, thus creating a higher density of population.
Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station building
Kerala, a State in the Republic of India, has 14 districts or administrative divisions. The major cities are Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. There are three airports in the state which provide international and domestic connections.
Here is some quick information on Kerala which will be useful for travellers visiting the State.
Location : Southwestern tip of India.
Area : 38,863 sq km.
Population : 31,84,1374
Capital : Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Language : Malayalam. English is widely spoken.
Religion : Hinduism, Christianity, Islam
Time : GMT +5:30
Currency : Indian Rupee
Climate : Tropical
Summer : February - May (24 - 33°C)
Monsoon : June - August (22 - 28°C)
October - November
Winter : November - January (22 - 32°C)
Districts
The districts of Kerala are Kasargod,Kannur,Wayanad,Kozhikode,Malappuram,Palakkad,Thrissur,Ernakulam,Idukki,Kottayam,Alappuzha,Pathanamtitta,Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.
Kerala History
Kerala's history is closely linked with its commerce, which until recent times revolved around its spice trade. Celebrated as the Spice Coast of India, ancient Kerala played host to travellers and traders from across the world including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, French and the British. Almost all of them have left their imprint on this land in some form or the other - architecture, cuisine, literature.
Kerala People
One of India's most literate and socially advanced, the people of Kerala enjoy a unique cosmopolitan viewpoint, which is reflected in their spirit of tolerance and catholicity of outlook. This can be attributed to Kerala's composite culture to which several lands and races from across the world have contributed significantly.
Through the ages, Kerala has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to new traditions and values in almost every sphere of human thought and endeavour. This positive response to changes and challenges is what sets the Keralan people as well as the society apart.
Keralites have a high degree of awareness and political consciousness. In the field of education too, Keralites hold a unique position. The literacy rate for women is one of the highest in all of Asia. Which is perhaps why the women in the State enjoy a privileged status both within the family and society.
Kerala Government
Government of Kerala is setup according to rules and regulations by Government of India. State is governed via a parliamentary system of representative democracy; universal suffrage is granted to state residents. There are three branches of government. The unicameral legislature, the Kerala Legislative Assembly, comprises elected members and special office bearers (the Speaker and Deputy Speaker) elected by the members from among themselves. Assembly meetings are presided over by the Speaker and in his absence by the Deputy Speaker. Kerala has 140 Assembly constituencies. The state sends 20 members to the Lok Sabha and 9 to the Rajya Sabha, the Indian Parliament's upper house.
The Kerala Legislative Assembly Building in Thiruvananthapuram
The Marvel Called Kerala…
Wedged between the Western Ghats on the East and the Arabian Sea on the West, the narrow strip of land known as Kerala is a destination of a lifetime.
The timeless beauty of the palm fringed beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, the majesty of the undulating hills of Munnar and Vagamon, the serenity of the pristine backwaters of Kumarakom & Kuttanad and the enchanting woods and forests of Thekkady and Silent Valley will have you bowled over.
Come, explore and experience…
Kerala Attractions
Kerala, known as the 'God's Own Country' is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Kerala is known for its beautiful beaches and extensive backwaters, and is one of the major tourist attractions in India, both for Indians and foreigners.
Famous Beaches
Kozhikode Beach
A tract of 3 km across the beach, this avenue remains deserted and quiet during the day. The aquarium at the North end of the road draws visitors occasionally. The place comes alive in the evening when people venture out for a stroll across the beach. Vendors selling peanuts, snacks and ice creams can be seen. You can also take a walk across the beach road course to the Dolphin’s Point during dawn to get a glimpse of the leaping dolphins.
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam offers an excellent diversity with Kovalam beach to suit all desires and occasions. Three curve shaped beaches, alienated by stony outcroppings, from the major attraction of this coastal resort.
Backed by precipitously mounting headlands and covered by fertile coconut palms, the beaches, especially the southern most part of lighthouse beach.
Hill Stations
Kerala’s unique topography includes some of the best hill stations in South India. The hills draped in emerald green plantations topped with misty halo make it worth your trip uphill.
Watch the majesty of the undulating mountains, the meandering rivers, the tea plantations and the purple hills dominating the vista. Experience the summer resorts which are thousands of metres above sea level and along with it – the joy of being in the lap of nature.
Be it Munnar, Thekkady, Nelliampathy, Ponmudi or Peermede, the breathtaking hill stations here will make for one of the best holidays you have ever had.
Watch the majesty of the undulating mountains, the meandering rivers, the tea plantations and the purple hills dominating the vista. Experience the summer resorts which are thousands of metres above sea level and along with it – the joy of being in the lap of nature.
Be it Munnar, Thekkady, Nelliampathy, Ponmudi or Peermede, the breathtaking hill stations here will make for one of the best holidays you have ever had.
Munnar
This idyllic hill station with sprawling green tea estates was the summer resort of the erstwhile British Administration in South India. Munnar, (Mun meaning three and aar meaning river) derives its names from the location it is situated at- at the convergence of three mountain streams- Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, set at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level. The places of interest in this hill station are: the Tea Museum, CSI Church, Mount Caramel Church, Mattupetty Dam, Blossom International Park, Kundala, Top Station, Echo Point, and Devikulam Lake among many others.
Ponmudi
The enchanting hill station of Ponmudi is at a distance of 61 kms from Thiruvanthapuram. Located 915 metres above sea level, its narrow, winding pathways and dark woods make it an exotic location. A multitude of beautiful wild flowers, colourful butterflies, rivulets and springs and the deer park nearby are just some of the reasons for visiting this alluring hill station.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Watch wildlife at close quarters. Kerala, with its lush green tropical forests, attracts some exotic flora and fauna that make it worth your while to get a glimpse of life in the wild.
Periyar National Park
Periyar beckons are the adventure seekers, nature lovers and the animal watchers alike. Periyar is renowned for the Thekkady/Periyar National Park. At the Periyar National Park you may spot the wild elephants, leopard, wild dog, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur (a primate), bonnet macaque, sambhar, porcupines, squirrels, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar and sloth bear besides the tigers and the Nilgiri tahrs. Along with animals Periyar is home to monitor lizards, pythons, king cobras and flying lizards. Birds like darters, cormorants, ibises, gray herons, mynas, flycatchers, orioles, wood pigeons, kingfishers, kites, ospreys, thrushes, and parakeets add to the attraction of Periyar. You may watch the animals on the move from the motorboats on the lake or from watchtowers only after prior permission.
Eravikualam
The Eravikulam National Park (15 kms from Munnar) is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. It lures the travellers with its irresistible grace and beauty. The 97 sq km park lies along the high ranges of the western coast in the Munnar Forest Division of Idukki district in Kerala. It is situated on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the north where it extends as the Annamalai National Park. The mountains covered with the rolling grasslands and high level sholas is breath-takingly beautiful. This park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr also known as the Nilgiri Ibex. The Rajamala is the natural habitat of this rare mountain goat. Half the world population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres) lives here. (Around 1317, according to the 1991 census). Besides the Nilgiri tahr other important fauna are elephant, leopard, tiger, malabar civet, sambar, barking deer, nilgai, langur, phyhon etc. The birds found are imperial pigeon, grey jungle fowl etc.
Backwaters
The coastal regions of Kerala have a network of waterways, inlets from the sea, and estuaries of over forty rivers, lakes and natural canals connecting coastal towns. This interlinked body of waterways is known as the backwaters in Kerala.Cruise the backwaters for an unforgettable experience that lets you delve into nature’s magical realm.
Alappuzha»Kuttanad Backwaters.
The beautiful backwaters of Kuttanad are famous for their Kettuvalloms(Houseboats). There are several villages in the Kuttanad region and people travel from one place to the other by boats. Vendors even go from house to house on their boats to sell vegetables, fish and small household goods. This serene village is full of meandering canals and rivers and has thus earned for Alappuzha, the sobriquet – Venice of the East.
Kottayam»Kumarakom Backwaters
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarakom. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Kumarakom.
