KERALA STATE

Geographically located in the Southwest region of India, Kerala was established on 1 November, 1956. Many Malayalam speaking regions were merged together to form this beautiful state which is spread across an area of 38,386 square kilometers. Situated in the extreme of Southwest peninsula of India, this place lies between the Western Ghats on the east and Arabian Sea on the west. The varied demography, different traditions and culture have made it one of the most attractive tourist destinations in India. Fondly known as 'God's Own Country', it is considered as one of the paradises of the world.

The state has 14 districts which are further divided into 21 Revenue divisions, Taluks and Revenue Villages. Few of the districts were renamed in the year 1990, such as Thiruvananthapuram (earlier known as Trivandrum). Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of the state, while other important cities include Kannur, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kolam, etc.

Tourism in Kerala

Kerala has emerged as one of the most popular tourist places in India. The natural beauty in the form of beaches, mountain ranges, wildlife, backwaters and lush green areas offer a splendid view to the visitors. There are many places to be visited here. The cities and the places in Kerala have significance of their own.

Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of the state, where tradition and modernity coexists. Beautiful beaches, monuments and museums, intricately carved temples, art galleries and the greenery makes the city more attractive for the tourists. As the state is blessed by nature, it has something to offer to everyone.

Kochi, earlier known as Cochin, is popularly known as 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' and is also called 'Gateway to Kerala'. Beaches, museums and islands are greatest tourist attractions. The boat ride and the live Kathakali performances impress and draw the visitors.

A small town and a hill station, Munnar is located in the Southwest of Kerala. Tea plantations, waterfalls, holiday facilities make it a famous resort town. National parks and wildlife are also not to be missed. Activities such as rock climbing, bicycle riding and boating gives the visitors another reason to love this place.

The Backwaters of Kerala are other important tourist destinations in the state. They are made up of the interconnected rivers, lakes and canals which merge into Arabian Sea. Houseboat or Kettuvallam rides and the boat races during festivals are alluring for the tourists.

Kerala has much more to offer to its visitors. The magical festivals, splendid art forms, exotic cuisines, ayurvedic health vacations give a unique experience to the tourists in the state.

Beaches in Kerala

Alappuzha Beach
Cherai Beach
Kovalam
Kozhikode Beach
Muzhappilangad Beach
Thirumullavaram Beach
Payyambalam Beach
Kannur Beach, to name a few.

Best Time to Visit Kerala

Kerala is popular for Ayurveda treatment and if you also want to avail it, please your trip during the monsoon season, between June and August.

How to Reach Kerala

Kerala can be accessed through different modes of transports. It is easily reachable through roads, railways and air. The western coast of the state is mostly approachable through national highways and the eastern coast is accessible through state highways. The railway network is spread across the entire state connecting almost every major city and town. There are three major international airports which make Kerala well-connected to all the major cities and states in India.

Kerala State Information
Capital	Thiruvananthapuram
Date of formation	01/11/56
Governor	P. Sathasivam
Chief Minister	Pinarayi Vijayan
Recognition	The first state to be declared as "Complete Digital State"
Tourist attractions	Kovalam, Wayanad, Kannur, Thekkady, Kasargodu, Moonnar, Kumarakom, Alappuzha
Festivals	Snake Boat Races, Chinakathoor, Dharani Dance Festival
Major dance and music forms	Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, Kalaripayattu
Arts and crafts	Kalamezhuthu paintings; Murals in temples using 'pure' colours such as white, red, black, green and ochre; Bell metal idols, lamps etc.
Languages	Malayalam
Size	38,863 sq. km
Population (Census 2011)	33,387,677
Rivers	Periyar, Bharathapuzha
Forests and wildlife sanctuaries	Periyar NP, Wayanad NP, Silent Valley NP
State animal	Elephant
State bird	Great Indian hornbill
State flower	Kanikonna or Indian laburnum or amaltas
State tree	Coconut
Major crops	Coconut, rubber, coffee
Factoids	Edakkal caves in Arnbukutty Moun am have petroglyphs or rock carvings and are believed to have been made by Neolithic men.
	Believed to be the oldest of all martial art forms, Kalaripayattu gets its name from lalari' or school and 'payattu' or practice.
No. of Districts	14