Keralam, officially known as Kerala in English, is a southwestern state of India on the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea. It is sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. Keralam is an important geographical location on the west coast of India, famous for its tropical weather, green fields, backwaters, beaches, and a rich cultural heritage. The state capital is Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum.
Where Is Keralam Located on the Map of India?
On the map of India, Keralam can be found along the southwestern edge of the Indian peninsula. It is a long and narrow state that extends from north to south, with the Arabian Sea on the western edge and the Western Ghats on the eastern edge for a large portion. The geographical coordinates are from 8°18′N to 12°48′N and 74°52′E to 77°24′E.
Keralam borders Karnataka in the north and the north-east and Tamil Nadu in the east and south-east. The state is bounded by the Arabian Sea in the west. It has always been a seaport and has been an important centre for trade, fishing and cultural interaction with other parts of India and foreign regions.
Geographical Location and Physical Features of Keralam
Keralam has an area of around 38,863 km². The state is rather small, but its physical geography is varied, including coastal plains and lagoons, fertile river valleys and high mountain ranges.
The west side of the state is primarily low-lying coastal and sandy beaches, estuaries and backwaters. The central area consists of rolling hills, fields and rivers. The eastern part rises towards the Western Ghats, which are the major mountain barriers on the east flank of the state. The highest peak in South India is Anamudi (2695m) in Idukki district.
There are a few rivers that run west from the Western Ghats to the Arabian Sea. Some of the major rivers of the state are Periyar, Bharathapuzha, Pamba and Chaliyar. Kernels of lakes, canals and lagoons, especially around Alappuzha and Kumarakom, are responsible for the unique backwater environment of Keralam.
Why Is Keralam's Location Important?
Due to its location between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Keralam has an impact on its climate, economy, agriculture, and tourism. The climate of the state is tropical, and the rainfall is heavy with southwest and northeast monsoons. It is blessed with fertile soils and conducive climatic conditions for plantation crops such as coconut, rubber, tea, coffee, spices, etc.
It also has a long history in international trade, especially in the spice trade, along its coastline. Coastal ports, tourism and fishing industries, and transport systems are still vital parts of the state's economy today.
With its geographical diversity, Keralam has become a favourite destination among tourists. The beaches like Kovalam, Hill Stations like Munnar, and the wildlife areas in the Western Ghats and the backwaters of Alappuzha welcome visitors all year round.
Finally, Keralam is located in the southwest part of India, between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, bordered by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It is geographically important and economically significant due to its unique geographic location, which includes a long coastline, fertile plains, rivers, and mountainous areas.
