Destination Details

Kerala, India

Kerala, located on the southwestern coast of India, is a state renowned for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and progressive social indicators. Bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the east, Kerala covers an area of approximately 38,863 square kilometers. Its landscape is diverse—featuring lush greenery, backwaters, hill stations, beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries—making it one of India's most popular tourist destinations. The state was formed on 1st November 1956 and is currently divided into 14 districts.

The official language of Kerala is Malayalam, although English is widely spoken and used in business and education. The state has a population of over 35 million people and is known for its high literacy rate, which exceeds 96%, the highest among all Indian states. Kerala also ranks high in other human development indicators such as healthcare, life expectancy, and gender equality. Its success in public health and education has led to its model being internationally recognized as the “Kerala Model of Development.”

Kerala has a rich and layered cultural heritage, influenced by Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, all of which have coexisted peacefully for centuries. The state is famous for its classical arts, such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Koodiyattam, as well as its music, literature, and folk traditions. Onam, the harvest festival, is the most important cultural event in Kerala, celebrated with traditional feasts, boat races, floral arrangements, and folk dances.

One of Kerala’s most iconic features is its backwaters, a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes, and inlets. The town of Alappuzha (Alleppey) is especially popular for houseboat cruises, which offer a unique way to experience the tranquil beauty of Kerala's interior. Kumarakom, Kollam, and Kuttanad are other notable backwater destinations. The Western Ghats are home to hill stations like Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady, known for their tea plantations, cool climate, and wildlife sanctuaries. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Silent Valley National Park are among the state's top ecological sites.

Kerala also boasts a long coastline of over 580 kilometers, lined with beautiful beaches such as Kovalam, Varkala, Cherai, and Bekal. The state's cuisine is another highlight, characterized by the liberal use of coconut, spices, and seafood. Dishes such as appam with stew, malabar biryani, and karimeen pollichathu are staples of the local diet.

Economically, Kerala is driven by remittances from its expatriate population, particularly in the Middle East, along with tourism, agriculture, and information technology. The state’s capital is Thiruvananthapuram, while Kochi (Cochin) serves as its commercial and IT hub. Kozhikode, Thrissur, and Kannur are other key urban centers.

In conclusion, Kerala is a unique blend of natural splendor, cultural depth, and social progress, earning it the moniker “God’s Own Country.” Whether for its serene landscapes, vibrant traditions, or model of human development, Kerala stands as a shining example of harmony between nature and civilization.