What are the Key Facts of Kerala?

Map of Kerala
Map of Kerala which lies in the southwestern region of India
Map of Kerala
Map of Kerala which lies in the southwestern region of India

Where is Kerala?

Kerala lies in the southwestern Malabar Coast of India. Karnataka surrounds it to the north, Tamil Nadu to the east, the Arabian Sea to the south, and the west. Mahe, a portion of the union territory Puducherry borders Kerala on the northwestern coast. The formation of Kerala as a state took place on November 1, 1956.

What is the Geography of Kerala?

Kerala spreads across a total area of 38,863 sq. km (15,005 sq. mi). It ranks 21st in terms of total area amongst the states and union territories in India. Its population recorded 33,387,677 (as per the 2011 census). The population density of the state was 860/sq. km (2,200/sq. mi) (as per the 2011 census). Kerala is in the 13th rank in terms of population in the country. The literacy rate in the state is around 95 percent.

Kerala has many rivers, although the rivers in the state are small in terms of length, breadth, and water discharge. The rivers flow faster in Kerala due to hilly terrain and the short distance between the Western Ghats and the sea. Several rivers in the state dry up during summer. Some of the prominent rivers of the state are Edamala River, Cheruthoni River, and Gayathripuzha River. Bharathappuzha, famous by the name of the Nila, is the longest river in the state with its length of 209 km.

The state has several incredible mountains, such as Anamudi, Meesapulimala, Karimkulam Mala, and Mookuthi Mala. Anamudi is the tallest mountain in the state. It is the highest peak in the Western Ghats, which is 2,695 meters (8,842 ft).

Kerala is known for some of the most famous dams and reservoirs, including Idukki Dam, Mullaperiyar Dam, Idamalayar Dam, Neyyar Dam, and Kakki Reservoir.

The state divides into three geographical regions, such as highlands, midlands, and lowlands (coastal area).

Forest covers a large part of the state. Several major medicinal plants come from Kerala’s forests like Asparagus racemosus, Solanum anguivi, Desmodium gangeticum, Cissus quadrangularis, and Pseudarthria viscida.

The state is replete with wildlife Sanctuaries. Currently, there are 22 wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. Here are the names of some of the famous sanctuaries: Begur Wildlife Sanctuary, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, etc.

It is home to several species of mammals, including the Indian porcupine, chital, sambar, gray langur, flying squirrel, swamp lynx, and boar. Kerala has several kinds of birds like the painted stork, asian openbill, black stork, woolly-necked stork, etc.

The state tree of Kerala is the coconut palm, while the golden shower tree is the state’s flower. Besides this, the state has declared an Indian elephant as the official state animal, and great hornbill is the state bird of Kerala.

What is the Climate of Kerala?

Kerala undergoes three major seasons which are summer, monsoon, and winter. The state lies in the tropical region and experiences a humid tropical wet climate.

The average temperature in Kerala on plains remains typically in the ranges of 28°C (82° F) to 32°C (90° F), but it dips to about 20° C (68° F) in the highlands.

The temperature in Kerala starts declining during the mid-November with the end of the northeast monsoon. The temperature in winter doesn’t dip much in the state. Kerala experiences average winter temperature around 18°C (64°F) to 28°C (82°F). However, in the mountains of the state, temperature in winter often dips 10°C (50°F).

The state gets an average annual rainfall of 3107 mm. January and March are the coldest and hottest months, respectively, in the state, while June is the wettest month.

What is the Economy of Kerala?

Kerala’s economy mainly depends on tourism, agriculture, industry, while the fishery is the lifeline of the state. Its rich cultural heritage attracts tourists from all over the world. Currently, Kerala’s GDP was about Rs ₹9.78 lakh crore (US$ 140 billion) in 2020-21. The state’s per capita GSDP was US$ 3,089 during 2017-18.

Kerala is the land of spices, and a variety of spices are grown in the state. It is the biggest producer of black pepper in the country. Besides this, it also produces-ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and tamarind. Kerala exported spices of around US$ 315.57 million in 2019. The state is a major producer of tea and natural rubber. The tea exports for the year 2019 stand close to US$ 84.95 million.

It is a primary marine fish production state in India. Its fish production share is around 13 percent in 2019 in the country.

The state has developed many key industries such as Handlooms and power looms, rubber, bamboo, coir, khadi, and village, sericulture, seafood, marine products, cashew, mining, tourism, food processing, IT & electronics, and many more.

What is the Transportation System of Kerala?

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is a state-owned road transport corporation. It has been providing a remarkable interstate and across the state bus services.

Some prominent national highways pass through the state are NH 66, NH 544, NH 85, NH 183, and many more.

The railway network in the state is brilliant and well connected with the other parts of the country. Thiruvananthapuram is one of the divisions of Southern Railway Zone.

The airline network in the state is satisfactory. The state has four operational International airports, such as Trivandrum International Airport, Cochin International Airport, Calicut International Airport, Kannur International Airport.

What are the Popular Tourist Attractions in Kerala?

A BBC Travel survey has declared Kerala as the favourite destination among overseas tourists. The state is also known as ‘God’s Own Country’. Lush green landscapes, tea as well as spic plantations calm winding backwaters are some of the remarkable features of Kerala.

The state has several incredible tourist destinations, such as Alleppey, Munnar, Kumarakom, Wayanad, Thekkady, and many more. Kerala is a state where tourists of all age groups can enjoy a lot.

Related Maps:

Map of India Depicting Location of Kerala
Location of Kerala
District Map of Kerala
District Map of Kerala