Kerala

Kerala, with its unbelievable beauty, is India's most beautiful state. It is valued by God, with gorgeous beaches, mesmerizing sceneries, the profusion of greeneries, and other riches of nature.

Kerala, which is on the southwestern Malabar Coast of India, is the twenty-first largest state in India. It is between the Western Ghats and the Lakshadweep Sea. 

The evergreen realm of Kerala stands on the South-West part of the Indian peninsula. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka border Kerala from the east and the north, respectively. 

The Coastal Bank of Kerala interconnects with rivers called Kerala backwaters. The state experiences around 64% of the rainfall between June and August.

Kerala was called Malabar along with Kerala before the arrival of The East India Company. The word 'Kerala' comes from the Malayalam word Kera, 'land of coconuts'.

The interconnected lakes, with a vast range of distinct fishes and an extensive range of palm and coconut groves, make The National Water Way III of India.

Kerala has a diverse range of flora and fauna. Its natural composition makes Kerala an appealing state. It is called a land of species for a reason, with around 15,000 plant species. The world's oldest teak plantation is in Nilambur, Kerala.

Kerala's fauna is composed of nearly 118 species of mammals, 500 bird species, 189 species of freshwater fish, and 173 species of reptiles. It is home to lions, elephants, langurs, rare lion-tailed macaques, bonnet monkeys, and many other animals.

Kerala's national park and wildlife sanctuary include Tiger Reserve and Periyar National Park. It unfolds the secrets of Mother Nature and gives room for rejuvenation.

Kerala is the tenth largest economy in India, with agriculture as the state's economic activity. It has the lowest population growth rate, highest literacy rate, and highest Human Development Index as per National Statistical Office, India. 

Information Technology has flourished immensely in Kerala, and Thiruvananthapuram is one of the largest Information Technology employers.

Kerala's population composes of Malayali people who speak Malayalam and Dravidian language. More than 1 million people in the state depend on the fishery industry.

Kerala is a center of attraction for tourists. Its backwaters, hill stations, tropical greenery and variety of flora and fauna attracts tourist the most.

There are six municipal corporations in Kerala, The Municipal Corporation of Thiruvananthapuram is the largest in Kerala.

Kerala's High Court is in Ernakulam, which is near Kochi. The state offers high medical and transportation services. 

Kerala's cultural activities reflect antiquity. Keralan art is an intricate form of expression. The wooden paintings and the variety of lamps, the most demanding art form. Kerala is also known as the 'Land of Lamps' 

Kathak is the famous dance art form of Kerala. The land of Kerala encompasses a wide range of activities, including performing arts, literature, music, sports, and folklore. Folk art is divided into devotional and magical art.

Malayali people withhold their art culture which includes Koodiyattom and Kathakali. Kathakali is a dance drama and Kerala Natanam, whereas Koothu is somewhat like a stand-up comedy. Melam is the traditional folk music of Kerala.

1. Kerala is the most literate state of India.

The foundation of literacy in Kerala was laid in ancient times. The average literacy rate in Kerala is around 92 percent. Kerala once crossed the milestone of giving primary education to 100 percent of the population.

The dominant communities in Kerala have always valued education and imbibed it in its roots for ages.

2. Only state to follow Ayurveda.

Kerala is the only state having Ayurveda as a source of medicine for many diseases and disorders. Kerala is at the top for tourists as it has Ayurvedic resorts that look toward the healing prospect.

Ayurveda, which means the science of long, life is rooted in the heritage of Kerala. It is used for five prolonged treatments called Panchakarma. Ayurveda is one of the oldest philosophies of medicine which originated around 5000 years ago.

Kerala has an abundance of greeneries and shrubs, making it a rejuvenating place for Ayurvedic therapy sessions. Kerala has a Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Museum in Thrissur, where it focuses on Ayurveda and its philosophy.

3. The first state to receive rainfall in India.

While the rest of the nation experiences rain in June, Kerala experiences it in the first week of June. Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala experiences the first rain because it is located in the most southwestern part of India.

It rains for almost 120-140 days every year in Kerala.

4. Kerala is the only state with the highest number of festivals.

Kerala showcases its diversity in almost every aspect. It has a fusion of religions and people belonging to a different religion.

It celebrates many festivals which include Onam, Thrissur Pooram, Kerala boat festival, Pongal, Christmas, and many more. Thus, Kerala reflects peace and harmony.

5. Kerala has the lowest rate of population growth.

Let's just add something more to the highest literacy rate and the highest sex ratio, that is, the lowest population growth.

Kerala is the only state that has the lowest growth ratio and it is fine with it. Women of Kerala are accorded with high social status. Women find equal rights in everything.

6. Largest rubber producer in India.

Kerala produces around 90% of the rubber in India, whereas India is the fourth largest rubber producer in the world.

High temperatures, heavy rainfall, drained lands, and fertile soil allows farmers to grow rubber. It is also profitable to grow rubber with such climatic conditions and constitutes to the states as well as country's economy.

7. Highest gold consumption.

Kerala has the highest expenditure on gold ornaments despite the high gold value. Kerala dominated the gold market and tops in the list of the most gold-consuming state.

The state consumes around 60 tonnes of gold every year. The high demand for gold in the state of Kerala is driven by its culture and traditions.

8. World's richest temple.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is the richest temple in the world. The temple has treasure which has valuable gold coins, statues, ornaments, and vessels.

It is a Hindu temple with a pure gold statue of God MahaVishnu with hundreds of diamonds. The treasure is believed to be around $22 billion. This temple attracts tourists because of its composition and structure.

9. Highest alcohol consumption.

The alcohol consumption rate in Kerala is the highest in India, leaving Punjab and Haryana behind. The state has around 338 liquor shops. Indian-made liquor as well ad foreign-made liquor both has high sales.

Alcohol consumption in this country is not hidden and the acceptance of alcohol in small family parties and marriages is increasing, maybe it can be a social need. The state of Kerala consumed around ₹523 crores of legal liquor in 2019.

10. Cleanest state.

Kerala is the second cleanest state in India after Sikkim. Sanitary facilities are available in every corner of the state. The state has the most number of hospitals as well as banks in the country.

People here understand the importance of sanity and cleanliness and voluntarily contribute to society by keeping the surroundings hygienic.

Kerala was always a famous region from the time of the Mauryan Empire. It was well known even to the Greeks and the Romans.

The Pandayas, the Cheras, and the Cholas partially controlled the territory of Tamils. Later, around 1st century Jews immigrants entered Kerala, and around 5th to 6th century Kerala became an Islam-dominated state when Arabs settled there.

After the rule of the Kulashekhara dynasty, Hinduism became pre-eminent. And thus, history evolved here with the successive kings.

Kerala became a state when the Malabar Coast and the Kasargod taluka got added to Travancore-Cochin in 1956.