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| If we are what we eat, then maybe we're also where we live. We are enormously proud of our home, Kerala. |
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With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by forty four rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate.A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting art |
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forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience. And what's more, every one of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other. A singular advantage no other destination offers. Kerala is only 120 km from mountain to sea width wise. |
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Kerala, India's most advanced society: A hundred percent literate people. World-class health care systems. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also India's cleanest State.No wonder Kerala has been chosen as one of the 50 greatest places of a lifetime that no curious traveler should miss by National Geographic |
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| History |
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Legend says, Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity, pleaded to the Gods to allow him a secluded place to perform his penance. Enraged, when the Gods refused him the land he chose, Parashurama stood at on a elevated place in the mountains of the western ghats, flung his axe far in to the sea to retreat. It did and the land that rose dripping from the sea became Kerala. |
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As long as the 3rd century BC, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Chinese and Babylonians had trade relations with Kerala. Jewish and Arab traders pioneered Spices export to the West. The Arabs and Chinese also made their mark on Kerala This later lead to the arrival of Christianity and Islam. With the arrival of Vasco da Gama in 1498 Europeans landed in Kerala and later the Dutch and French followed the suit. With the arrival of English the invasions became complete and virtually ruled the land till 1947.
Earlier, Kerala was made up of three distinct areas. Malabar as far up the coast as Tellicherry, Cannanore and Kasargode with the tiny pocket-handkerchief French possession of Mahe nearby (it was returned to India in the early 1950’s and is now administratively part of Pondicherry). This area belonged to what was once called the Madras Presidency under the British. The middle section is formed by the princely State of Cochin the third comprises Travancore, another princely State. |
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| Facts and Figures |
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| Location |
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India |
Time |
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GMT+5:30 |
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| Area |
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38,863 sq km |
Currency |
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Indian Rupee |
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| Population |
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29,01 1.237 (Census'91) |
Climate |
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Tropical |
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| Capital |
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Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) |
Summer |
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Feb - May (24 - 33°C) |
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| Language |
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Malayalam; English is widely spoken |
Monsoon |
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Jun - Sep (22 - 28°C) |
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| Religion |
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Hinduism, Christianity, Islam |
Winter |
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Oct - Jan (22 - 32°C) |
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| Visa & Entry Requirements |
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You must obtain a visa before traveling to India. If you arrive without a visa, you will be refused entry. Foreign nationals arriving in India on long term multiple visas are required to register with the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Officer within 14 days of arrival. Always keep a copy of your passport and your Indian visa separate from your passport, in case of loss. Visa’s can be obtained by contacting the Indian High Commission. |
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