Kerala, a state in the southwest coastal area of India, is spread over 38,863 kilometres squares kilometres. It is the 21st largest state in India in terms of area. Kerala has 14 districts that are enriched with natural beauty. Though a small state, Kerala carries the Western Ghats, farmlands planted with various trees, most significant of which is coconut, the rivers Ponnani (Bharathapuzha), Periyar, Chalakudi, and Pamba that flow to the Arabian Sea and also comprise a variety of flora and fauna as the land and hilly areas are covered with rainforests.
Kerala is the 8th largest economy in India which is growing at a faster pace. The IT, industrial, and agricultural sectors in Kerala are flourishing. Tourism in Kerala is at an all-time high because the environment offers different experiences with the changing environment.
Location of Kerala
Kerala state is located in the southwest corner of India. It is surrounded by the Arabian sea from the south and west, the north is Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu is to the East. The capital of Kerala is Thiruvananthapuram.
Specialty of Kerala
Kerala is a unique state containing its own features. The most notable specialties found in the state of Kerala are:
- The beautiful geography comprises rainforests, hills, valleys, waterfalls, and beaches such as Kovalam, Varkala, and Kappad, which are the most visited tourist places in Kerala.
- The Houseboats floating on the waters of Kerala are as comfortable as a hotel room.
- Artforms of Kerala include dance forms ‘Kathakali’ and ‘Theyyam’ and martial art ‘Kalaripayattu.’
- The Architecture of Kerala is certainly different from the rest of the country, which attracts tourists to Kerala.
- The festivals like Onam and Thrissur Pooram are celebrated in Kerala with enthusiasm.
- Ayurvedic treatments done in Kerala are one the ancient practices. People from foreign countries not only visit for tours in Kerala but also for the miraculous treatments.
- There is a wide variety of spices found in Kerala.
Amazing Facts About Kerala
- Kerala is referred to as ‘God’s own country.
- Alappuzha, a city in Kerala, is known as ‘Venice of the East.
- Vasco Da Gama landed in the Kozhikode city of Kerala.
- The literacy rate of Kerala is 94% and is the highest of all of India.
Language and Religion in Kerala
The most spoken language in Kerala is Malayalam which is also the official language of the state. People speak English or Hindi as their second language.
The major religions found in Kerala are Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.
Symbols of Kerala
Symbol | |
Mammal | Indian Elephant |
Bird | Great Hornbill |
Fish | Green chromide |
Flower | Kanikonna (Cassia fistula) |
Fruit | Jackfruit |
Tree | Coconut tree |
Government in Kerala
The Constitution of India avails the parliamentary system of representative democracy in Kerala. There are two major political alliances: the United Democratic Front (UDF), led by the Indian National Congress, and the Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)).
Unique Biodiversity of Kerala
A large variety of flora and fauna are found in Kerala, including many mammals, birds, fishes, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the most renowned animals are the Indian elephant, Indian Leopard, and Bengal tiger. The most notable trees among the thousands of diverse trees in the forests of Kerala are Dalbergia latifolia, snorkelling, Cassia, mullu murikku, and Erythrina. There are other plants also such as bamboo, wild cardamom, wild black pepper, the calamus rattan palm, aromatic vetiver grass, etc.
The rich biodiversity is an attraction for tourism in Kerala as the most endangered species of animals are found here. Every year thousands of people from all over the world gather in Kerala to experience nature.
Tourism in Kerala
Kerala is among the top 50 must-visit destinations on the Earth. This is due to beaches, backwaters, lakes, mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient ports, palaces, religious institutions, and wildlife sanctuaries which are major attractions for both domestic and international tourists. The state’s ecotourism programme includes mountaineering, trekking, and bird-watching. The city of Kochi ranks first as the most visited tourist place in Kerala. The best time for touring Kerala is around December- February. Kerala tourism expenses are one of the cheapest in India.
The capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, is an industrial hub. The manufacturing as well as agricultural activities carried out in the Kerala capital are important for the economy of the state. The Kerala Capital has a rail terminus, road facilities, an airport, and a harbour. It is also an educational site with the University of Kerala and other large Institutions set up here.
Conclusion
Kerala is a beautiful state in India enriched with all kinds of eye-catching features and magnetic destinations. Tourism in Kerala has been in place even before it was found and mapped. Dutch, Portuguese, and Britishers had explored the state, but it still retains its natural beauty with its distinguishing characteristics. Kerala tourism is increasing as people are intrigued by the diversity in the state. One should take a tour to Kerala in a lifetime and know what it is like to be the closest to nature.