KERALA: FACTS & FIGURES

Area	:	38,863 sq km
Languages	:	Malayalam, English
Capital	:	Thiruvananthapuram
Best time to visit	:	October to March

KERALA: THE GOD'S OWN COUNTRY

If there is one place in the riveting diversity of India where there is tangible beauty and a phenomenal thing like total literacy, it is in Kerala. Kerala is a state full of good things. This small state at the southern tip of the Indian peninsula is an easy winner owing to its beautiful landscape, intriguing customs, high-intensity cultural life and an educated public so often dressed in white. From Kasargode to Thiruvananthapuram, the state in choc-a-bloc with places that attract tourists and travellers from all over the world.

KERALA: LOCATION

Kerala is situated on the south-western tip of the Indian mainland on the Arabian Sea. The state extends between the latitude 10°00 North and longitude 76°25 East. Kerala is bound by the Arabian Sea on the west, Karnataka on the north and northeast, and Tamil Nadu on the east.

KERALA: VISITING TIME

Kerala can be visited throughout the year, but one must avoid the extreme hot summers (April-June) and rainy season (July-Sept). The most suitable time to visit Kerala is in winters i.e. from October to March.

KERALA: THE PAST

The name of the state of Kerala has been taken from the word Keralaputra (land of the sons of Cheras), as mentioned in one of the Ashokan edicts dating back to 273-236 BC. There is not much known about the history of this region of the period after the Ashokan edicts, except the fact that there was extensive trading with the Romans from this region. Chera was the first large empire that took roots in this state, and continued to use Tamil till 7th century as their administrative language. This shows the influence and power that Tamils exerted over this region. Cheras established a wide network of trade links not only with Indian businessmen, but also with countries outside ranging from Sumatra to Cordoba. The Chera power declined in the 10th century AD, after Cholas, the rulers of Tamil Nadu, were successful in overthrowing the dynasty.

After the decline of Cholas in the 11th century, gradually political power in the state went into the hands of the Zamorin of Calicut. In 1496, Vasco da Gama became the first European to find a route to India through sea and started a long-time fight for the power in this region between the Portuguese, British, and Dutch. This fight marginalized the local powers, though the Zamorin made a fight back in the early 17th century when they gained the external support from the Dutch and British in return for trading rights from Kerala.

For a brief period in the middle of 18th century AD, Travancore, with the help of petty kingdoms, tried to control the political power of Kerala. Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan also tried to annexe the areas south of Travancore, but could not fulfil their dream as they were attacked by the British from the east and had to withdraw. The local chieftains in Kerala looked up to the British to save them from the wrath of Tipu and consequently the British took control of the forts previously held by Tipu. After Tipu's first defeat by the British, the Seringpatnam Treaty brought all the captured parts of Kerala directly under the British and Travancore and Kochi became princely states under the British.

KERALA: TOURISM ATTRACTIONS

The entire state of Kerala is a tourist destination and at every corner of this state, one can experience something new. It is not without any reason that the Keralites call their state the 'God's Own Country'. Backwaters, historical structures, culture, wildlife, and natural beauty, the state has all these and more.

The major tourist destinations in the state include Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kovalam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Munnar, Palakkad, Alappuzha, Kollam, Kannur, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sabrimalai etc.

The state has given great emphasis on eco tourism and new experiments are being done to take tourism nearer to the general public. In this way too, the state is a pioneer in the state.

KERALA: FAIRS & FESTIVALS

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. Colourful aquatic festivals are organized along the sacred rive Pampa. Depending on the positioning of the stars and the moon, the festival is held at the end of August or beginning of September.

Christmas is another festival that is celebrated with much vigour and enthusiasm in the state. Other important festivals of the state are Eid, Muharram, and other festivals that are traditionally celebrated all over the country.

KERALA: HOW TO REACH

Travel to Kerala By Air

There are three airports in the state-at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode. Thiruvananthapuram is also an international airport, connecting the state to many places in the Middle East.

Travel to Kerala By Rail

There are around 200 railway stations in Kerala connecting most of the places in the state to places in the other parts of the country and inside the state. Long-distance express trains connect important places in the state to places outside the state like Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, and Calcutta.

Travel to Kerala By Road

An extensive network of metalled roads connects most of the places in the state. National highways 47, 17, and 49 connect the state with other parts of the country.

Travel to Kerala By Water

Inland water navigation systems are available in many districts. Boats are extensively used to connect many places within the state. The state has major airports at Kochi and Vizhinjam. The minor ports in the state are Neendakara, Azheekkala and Beypore.

KERALA: WHAT TO EAT

Kerala is noted for its variety of pancakes and steamed rice cakes made from pounded rice. Though the same ingredients are used all over the state, each of the communities in the state has its own specialties.