Southern India
Kerala
Kerala is a beautiful coastal state in southern India known for its backwaters, beaches, lush greenery, Ayurveda, literacy, and high human development indicators. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city, while Kochi is a major commercial hub.
35M
People
38,863 km²
Area
14
Districts
20
LS Seats
Formed: 1 Nov 1956
Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
Language: Malayalam
Basic Information
State Name: Kerala
Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
Formation Year: 1 November 1956
Official Language: Malayalam
Geography & Climate
Area: 38,863 sq km
Terrain: Backwaters, beaches & Western Ghats
Climate: Tropical monsoon climate
Major Rivers: Periyar, Bharathapuzha, Pamba
Political Parties
Communist Party of India (Marxist) - CPI(M)
Indian National Congress (INC)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)
Administration
Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
Legislative Assembly: 140 Seats
Demographics
Population: ~35 million
Literacy: ~96% (highest in India)
Urban Centers: Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram
Human Development: Among India's highest
Economy
Main Sectors: Tourism, IT, Healthcare & Agriculture
Agriculture: Coconut, Rubber, Tea & Spices
Major Industry: Tourism & remittance economy
State Symbols
Animal: Indian Elephant
Bird: Great Hornbill
Tree: Coconut Tree
Flower: Golden Shower Flower (Kanikonna)
Foods
Traditional Foods: Appam, Puttu, Kerala Sadya
Seafood Cuisine: Fish curry & Malabar dishes
Sweets: Payasam & Unniyappam
Tourism & Heritage
Backwaters: Alleppey & Kumarakom
Hill Stations: Munnar & Wayanad
Beaches: Kovalam & Varkala
Wildlife: Periyar Tiger Reserve
Transportation
Airports: Kochi, Kozhikode, Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram
Metro: Kochi Metro
Water Transport: Extensive inland waterways
Culture
Festivals: Onam & Vishu
Dance Forms: Kathakali & Mohiniyattam
Martial Art: Kalaripayattu
Education
IISER Thiruvananthapuram — Premier science institute
CUSAT — Major technical university
Education Index: Among the highest in India
Interesting Facts
Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India.
Known worldwide for Ayurveda and backwater tourism.
The state is called "God's Own Country."
Kerala has one of India's best healthcare systems.