Kerala
കേരളം
God's Own Country - a tropical paradise blessed with serene backwaters, lush greenery, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. The land of Ayurveda and 100% literacy.
About Kerala
Kerala, known as "God's Own Country," is a narrow strip of coastal territory on India's southwestern tip. With the Arabian Sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the other, the state is blessed with unparalleled natural beauty featuring palm-lined beaches, serene backwaters, and lush hill stations.
The state boasts the highest literacy rate in India (94%+), highest Human Development Index in India, and is renowned worldwide as the birthplace of Ayurveda. Kerala's unique matrilineal traditions, classical art forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, and its spice trade legacy make it a cultural treasure of India.
Major Cities
Thiruvananthapuram
State capital, home to Padmanabhaswamy Temple, IT hub, and gateway to southern beaches.
Kochi (Cochin)
Commercial capital, Queen of Arabian Sea, major port city, and financial center.
Kozhikode (Calicut)
City of Spices, where Vasco da Gama landed, trade and educational hub.
Tourist Attractions
Alleppey Backwaters
Serene network of canals, lakes, and lagoons. Famous for houseboat cruises.
AlappuzhaMunnar Hill Station
Rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, and pleasant climate.
IdukkiPadmanabhaswamy Temple
Ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, richest temple in the world.
ThiruvananthapuramKovalam Beach
Crescent-shaped beaches with lighthouse and palm-fringed coastline.
ThiruvananthapuramPeriyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Tiger reserve with elephant herds, boat safaris on Periyar Lake.
ThekkadyWayanad
Hill district with waterfalls, caves, wildlife sanctuaries and tribal culture.
WayanadCulture & Traditions
Festivals
Onam (harvest festival), Thrissur Pooram (temple festival), Vishu (New Year), and boat races during monsoon.
Classical Arts
Kathakali dance-drama, Mohiniyattam, Kalaripayattu martial art, and Theyyam ritual performances.
Traditional Dress
Kasavu saree (white with golden border), Mundu for men, and Set-Mundu for women.
Kerala Cuisine
Traditional feast on banana leaf with 26+ dishes
Rice pancakes with coconut milk curry
Steamed rice cake with chickpea curry
Spicy coconut-based fish preparation
Traditional dessert with milk, jaggery and coconut
Economic Profile
State GDP
8th largest economy in India
Literacy Rate
Highest in India
HDI Rank
Best Human Development Index
Key Industries
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Information Technology
- Ayurveda & Healthcare
- Seafood Exports & Fishing
Agricultural Products
- Spices (Pepper, Cardamom, Cloves)
- Coconut, Rubber, Tea, Coffee
- Rice, Cashew nuts, Tapioca
- Major producer of black pepper
Notable Personalities
Sree Narayana Guru
1856-1928
Spiritual leader and social reformer
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
1931-2015
Missile Man of India, 11th President
Arundhati Roy
Born 1961
Booker Prize winning author
Mohanlal
Born 1960
Legendary Malayalam cinema actor