Fact Sheet |  Geography | Culture  | Map | Recognition

Kerala the southern most state of India took birth on 1st November 1956, long after Indian Independence on 15th August 1947. Beforehand it was three Independence provinces named Malabar, Kochi and Travancore. Kerala originally got its name after the first ruler, Keralan, who ruled one of these Independent provinces in the early Centuries. Kerala Stretch along from Gokarnam to Parasala with Arabian Sea as the border on one side. The other border is the western Ghat with the rich flora and fauna.

According to the Hindu mythology Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Mahavishnu (The God-Lord), created Kerala. Parasurama flung his "Mazhu" (a weapon) from Kanyakumari (cape comerin) to the sea and the sea receded to create the land Keralam.

Kerala is a 560-km long narrow stretch of land. At the widest, Kerala is a mere 120-km from the sea to the mountains. Gracing one side of Kerala, are the lofty mountains ranging high to kiss the sky. And on the other side the land is washed by the blue Arabian Sea waters. The land is covered with dense tropical forest, fertile plains, beautiful beaches, cliffs, rocky coasts, an intricate maze of backwaters, still bays and an astounding 44 glimmering rivers. Kerala's exotic spices have lured foreigners to her coast from time immemorial.

Jewish and Arabs trade's were the first to come to Kerala sailing in the ships to set up trading stations. The Apostle of Christ, St. Thomas- An Apostle -is believed to have come to Muziris in AD 52 and established the first church in Kerala

Portuguese discovered the sea route to India from Europe when Vasco Da Gama landed with his ship near Kappad in Kozhikode in AD 1498. Slowly the Kerala society became a mix of people belonging to various sects of Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. The arrival of Portuguese was followed by the Dutch, the French and finally the British. The State of Kerala was created on the 1st of November 1956. The Keralites celebrate this day as 'Kerala Piravi' meaning the 'Birth of Kerala'. 


Geography

Kerala is situated at the Southwest tip of India main land on the Arabian Sea. Kerala is bound by Arabian Sea on the west, Karnataka on the north and northeast, and Tamil Nadu on the east. The state can be divided into hills and valleys, midland plains and coastal belts. The hills of Kerala dot the Western Ghat from Ponmudi in the south to Munnar in the centre and Sultan's Bathery in the north. In the coastal belts of this state are situated world famous backwaters that are more or less main attraction of Kerala. Climate of the Kerala is tropical. Summer comes to Kerala in April and continues for the next four months. The maximum temperature during this season is around 33°C. Monsoon touches the state in June and remains there till September though not much difference in temperature can be felt. Winter is from October to January and temperature drops a bit. Kerala has one of the richest varieties of flora and fauna in India and they are also the best managed in the country. Eravikulam, Periyar, and Silent Valley are the three national parks in the state.


Economy
 
Since its inception as a state Kerala has witnessed development in various spheres. Kerala has the highest rate of literacy in India, and a public transport system that is quite efficient going by Indian standards. Tourism has grown to be a frontline industry with consistent government backing and better private management of the destinations. Information Technology is another key area of economic excellence in the state.

Culture
 
A majority of the people of Kerala are Dravidians, who also inhibit most of the southern part of India. Hinduism is the principal religion with considerable percentages of Muslims and Christians. The craftsmen of Kerala here can pick up the humblest and meanest bits of material and imbue them with magical mastery. Woodcarving is the most important of craft forms that this state has developed. Kathakali is a 300-year-old dance form developed exclusively in Kerala combining the performing art forms of opera, ballet, masque, and pantomime. Other dance forms of Kerala are Krishnanattom, Mohiniyattom, Thullal, Koodiyattom, Kolkkali, Thiruvathirakali, Kakkarishi Natakom, Oppanna, and Chavittunatakom. Panchavadyam, Nadanpattu, Omanathinkal Kidavo and many more music forms have evolved over the centuries in Kerala. 

Onam is a time for sports and festivities and in Kerala-where one third of the area is low lying, covered with canals, lakes, and backwaters-the people take to their boats and country crafts to celebrate. Christmas is another festival that is celebrated with much vigor and enthusiasm in the state. Other important festivals of Kerala are Eid, Muharram, and other festivals that are traditionally celebrated all over the country.

Kerala is noted for its variety of pancakes and steamed rice cakes made from pounded rice. For the Muslims, the lightly flavored Biryani-made of mutton, chicken, egg or fish-takes pride of place. In seafood, mussels are a favourite. For the Christians, who can be seen in large concentration in areas like Kottayam and Pala, is stew (a derivation of the European stew), with appam is a must for every marriage reception. Kerala also has it's own fermented beverages -the famous kallu (toddy).