In this article, we provide comprehensive information about the geography, history, population, and top tourist destinations of Kerala. Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” is a tropical haven on the southwestern coast of India. Known for its lush green landscapes, serene backwaters, and golden beaches, the state is a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
| About: | Kerala is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South Canara, and Travancore. Spread over 38,863 km2 (15,005 sq mi), Kerala is the 21st largest Indian state by area. It is bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the east and south, and the Lakshadweep Sea to the west. With 33 million inhabitants as per the 2011 census, Kerala is the 13th-largest Indian state by population. It is divided into 14 districts with the capital being Thiruvananthapuram. Malayalam is the most widely spoken language and is also the official language of the state Kerala is situated at the southwestern end of the Indian subcontinent. Kerala has a long history of art and cultural heritage and foreign trade with other countries. The state with the highest literacy rate in India is noted for its achievements in education, health, gender equality, social justice, law and order. In addition to these, the state has the lowest infant mortality rate in the country. |
| History: | The term Kerala was first epigraphically recorded as Cheras (Keralaputra) in a 3rd-century BCE rock inscription by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka of Magadha. It was mentioned as one of four independent kingdoms in southern India during Ashoka’s time, the others being the Cholas, Pandyas and Satyaputras. The Cheras transformed Kerala into an international trade centre by establishing trade relations across the Arabian Sea with all major Mediterranean and Red Sea ports as well those of Eastern Africa and the Far East. The dominion of Cheras was located in one of the key routes of the ancient Indian Ocean trade. The early Cheras collapsed after repeated attacks from the neighboring Cholas and Rashtrakutas. |
| Geography: | Kerala (38,863 km2; 1.18% of India’s land) is situated between the Lakshadweep Sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the east. Kerala’s coast runs some 590 km in length, while the state itself varies between 35–120 km in width. Geologically, pre-Cambrian and Pleistocene formations comprise the bulk of Kerala’s terrain. The topography consists of a hot and wet coastal plain gradually rising in elevation to the high hills and mountains of the Western Ghats. Kerala lies between northern latitude of 8°.17′.30″ N and 12°. 47′.40″ N and east longitudes 74°.27′.47″ E and 77°.37′.12″ E. Kerala’s climate is mainly wet and maritime tropical, heavily influenced by the seasonal heavy rains brought up by the monsoon Weather. Kerala lies between the Arabian Sea in the West and the Western Ghats (Sahyadris) in the East with an area of 38863 sq km. It is one of the five states in the linguistic-cultural area known as South India. The neighbouring states of Kerala are Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Mayyazhi (Mahe / Mahe) is a part of Pondicherry (Puducherry) and lies within Kerala. Though the Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea is part of the Union Territories, it has a close alliance with the linguistic and cultural heritage of Kerala. |
| Economy: | Kerala is the 9th largest economy in India, with an annual gross state product (GSP) of ₹9.78 lakh crore in 2020–2021. The state’s economy is driven by tourism, healthcare, and education. In recent years, the state’s economy has been growing steadily and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. |
| Country : | India |
| Capital: | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Region: | South India |
| Language: | Malayalam |
| Population: | 3,33,87,677 |
| Literacy rate: | 96.2% |
| Major Attractions to Visit: | Thiruvananthapuram Kollam Pathanamthitta Alappuzha Kottayam Idukki Ernakulam Thrissur Palakkad Malappuram Kozhikode Wayanad Kannur Kasaragod |
