Kerala is the 21st largest state in India. It is famous for its palm trees, backwater, and canals. It was formed in 1956. Water transport in Kerala connects major cities since the state has a large coastal area.
Kozhikode, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kollam are the four important cities of Kerala. Of this, Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city. Considering the GDP, Kochi, Kannur, Kollam, Thrissur, and Kottayam are the top developed cities in Kerala. Other major cities of Kerala include Palakkad, Malappuram, and Alappuzha.
Kerala
Kerala was formed on 1 November 1956. It has 14 districts – Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Kottayam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala. The state has a land area of 38863 km2. It is 1.18% of the total land area of India. Kerala has a coastal area of 580 km. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are the neighbouring states sharing borders. The Arabian Sea also borders the state on the west. Kerala has a literacy rate of 96.2% as per the 2018 census.
Four Important Cities in Kerala
Kozhikode, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kochi are the four important cities of Kerala.
Thiruvananthapuram
It is known as the ‘evergreen city of India’ due to its serene landscapes. It is the capital city and has a lot of historical importance; it is believed that King Solomon landed in port Ophir in 1936. It is 5 metres above sea level and has moderate exposure to earthquakes.
The first East India settlement took place in Anchuthengu, which is close to Thiruvananthapuram. Sree Padmanabha Swami temple is the most attractive tourist spot. Thiruvananthapuram is the highest populated city in Kerala.
Kollam
This city is known as the ‘Prince of Arabian Sea’. It is also known as the cashew capital of the world. Sapir Iso is the architect of Kollam. The famous punalur bridge in Kollam was designed by Albert Henry.
The first Butterfly Park in Asia is situated in Kollam. The first railway line in Travancore was from Kollam to Tirunelveli. The first eco-tourism project in Kerala started in Kollam.
Kochi
Kochi is a part of the Ernakulam district in Kerala. It is the largest and most densely populated metropolitan area. Since the 14th century, Kochi has been the trade capital of India. It is known as ‘the Queen of the Arabian Sea’. It is one of the 28 Indian cities that will contribute 50% of global GDP by 2025.
Kochi is the industrial capital of Kerala, having the highest GDP. Kochi still has colonial architecture, which makes the city a tourist destination. Vembanad Lake and the backwaters essentially attract foreigners along with its historical places.
Kozhikode
Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is considered the land of ghazals. It has a significant historical background as Vasco Da Gama landed here, the first sail from Europe to India. Kozhikode was the capital of Malabar during British rule in India.
It is the first plastic-free city in India. Kozhikode was always ahead in social status. They started the first gender park in India. It is only 1 metre above sea level with a 118 km2 area.
Top Developed Cities of Kerala
Mainly considering the GDP, Kochi, Kannur, Kottayam, Thrissur, and Kollam are the top developed cities of Kerala.
Kannur
This city is known as ‘Naura’ in periplus of the Erythrean Sea, which is the record of first-century Greek travelogue. It is 1.02 metres above sea level and has an area of 78.35 km2. It was formerly known as ‘Cannanore’.
The city is the most significant production house of cashew and is also known as the ‘Land of Theyyam’. Theyyam is a popular dance ritual worshipped in Kerala.
Thrissur
Thrissur is primarily known for its festivals and pilgrimage sites. Thrissur Pooram is known as ‘The mother of all festivals’. It is 2.83 metres above sea level with a 101.4 km2 area.
There are seven Taluks and 225 villages in Thrissur, along with seven municipalities. Due to the most significant number of gold businesses, Thrissur is known as the gold capital of India.
Kottayam
Kottayam is 3 metres above sea level and owns a 137.6 km2 land area. Kottayam was known as the first Indian town to achieve 100% literacy.
It is the central hub of the latex industry. It is also known as the mural city of Kerala. Due to the high literacy, it is called a city of letters.
Conclusion
Kerala is home to several major cities with crucial contributions to India. Every city holds its principles and uniqueness. Cities like Calicut are found to be providing good facilities to the natives. The majority of the cities maintain their historical path while developing.
Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, and Kozhikode are the four major cities in Kerala. Of this, Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala. The top developed cities in Kerala include Kochi, Kannur, Kottayam, Thrissur, and Kollam.