The 'Kerala Yatra' lead by veteran politician, ex-minister and Member of Kerala Legislative Assembly Sri. P J Joseph, demanding for 'Mumbai-Kanyakumari High Speed Rail Corridor' arrived at Thiruvananthapuram on 30-01-2008. "The arrival of high speed trains will decrease the travel time by 1/5. Kanyakumari, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangalore and Goa can attract thousands of tourists every year. Besides, such a corridor could be of great help to thousands of south bound passengers", said Sri. P J Joseph, after reciving the reception at Gandhi Park, Thiruvananthapuram. It is very interesting to say that various leaders from different political parties like Sri. O. Rajagopal (BJP), Sri. Pannian Raveendran MP (CPI), Minister Sri. M Vijayakumar (CPM), Sri. K Muraleedharan (NCP), Sri. Kadnnapally Ramachnadra MLA (Congress-S), Sri. V.Sivankutty MLA (CPM), Sri. V. Gangadharan Nadar, Convenor, LDF District Committee (Janatadal) are attended the reception. It is also noted that nobody from the opposition parties of Kerala State Legislative Assembly are attended. Adv. Antony Raju, Ex-MLA chaired the meeting. The 'Kerala Yatra' started from Mumbai on January 12th will be ended at Kanyakumari on January 31st .
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Kuttanad - Alappuzha
Kuttanad, called the rice bowl of Kerala because of its wealth of paddy crops, is at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of banana, cassava and yam. This is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done 1.5 to 2 m below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this region.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Accessing Idukki
Telephone access code:
Thekkady, Kumily, Peermede: +91-4869 Munnar: +91-4865 Chinnakanal: +91-4868
Air:
Nearest Airport: Madurai (Tamil Nadu): 140 km Thiruvananthapuram : 265 km Kochi: 190 km Kozhikode: 315 km Chennai (Tamil Nadu): 570 km
Rail:
Kottayam: 114 km (4 hrs) Madurai: 136 km (31/2 hrs) Changanacherry: 93 km (4 hrs) Theni: 60 km (11/2 hrs)
Road:
Kottayam - Kumily 110 km (4 hrs) Munnar - Kumily 110 km (4 hrs) Madurai - Kumily 136 km (3 hrs) Thiruvananthapuram - Kumily 265 km (8 hrs) Thekkady - Kumily 4 km (10 min) Kodaikanal - Kumily 149 km (5 hrs) Idukki - Kumily 65 km (21/2 hrs) Alleppey - Kumily 160 km (51/2 hrs) Ooty - Kumily 390 km (11 hrs)
Bus timings from Idukki:
Thodupuzha, Ernakulam and Kottayam: frequent busesMunnar: 1015, 1515 hrs Thekkady/Kumily: 0730, 0930, 1400, 1550, 1750 hrsThiruvananthapuram: 1300, 1915 hrs
Tourist information offices:
DTPC Information Centre, Munnar Telefax: 04865 231516 Email: munnar@sancharnet.in www.munnartourism.com District Tourist Information Office, Department of Tourism, Thekkady Jn., Kumily Ph: 04869-222620
Idukki
A landlocked district, Idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala. High ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three main rivers - Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar - and their tributaries. The river Pamba also has its origin here. As a tourist destination, Idukki offers diverse attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant rides etc.
Idukki has a large population of tribals, the main tribes being Muthuvan, Malayarayan, Mannan, Paliyan, Urali, Ulladan, Malavedan and Malampandaram. The tribes of Kerala have unique customs and beliefs and maintain an ethos which is distinctly different from that of the mainstream culture.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Accessing Wayanad
Telephone access code: +91-4936
Air:
Nearest airport: Kozhikode
Rail:
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode
Major towns in the district and distance from the nearest railway station:
Kalpetta: 72 km from Kozhikode Mananthavady: 80 km from Thalasseri 106 km from Kozhikode Sulthan Bathery: 97 km from Kozhikode Vythiri: 60 km from Kozhikode.
Road:
Well connected by roads from Kozhikode, Kannur, Ooty (175 km from Kalpetta) and Mysore (140 km from Kalpetta).
Tourist information offices:
Tourist Information Centre, Dept. of Tourism, Civil Staion, Wayanad Ph: 204441 District Tourism Promotion Council, Kalpetta Telefax: 202134 Pookot Ph: 255207
Wayanad
Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilisation. Wayanad is known for its picturesque mist-clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. The leading tourist centres of South India like Ooty, Mysore, Coorg, Kozhikode and Kannur are around this region.
Area: 2132 sq. km.
Population: 786,627 (2001 census)
Altitude: 700 - 2100 m above sea level
Accessing Kozhikode
Telephone access code: +91-495
Air:
Nearest airport: Karipur (23 km from Kozhikode town): Daily flights to Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and the Middle East. The Chennai flight also touches Coimbatore and Madurai.
Rail:
Links to all the major cities andtourist centres in India.
Road:
Well connected to all the majorcities and tourist centres in India.
Tourist information centres:
Kozhikode Railway Station Ph: 2702606Karipur Airport Ph: 0483-2712762DTPC Ph: 2720012 Fax: 2370582 - Collectorate
Tourist Facilitation Centre, Thusharagiri Ph: 2236600
Kozhikode
Once the capital of the powerful Zamorins and a prominent
trade and commerce centre, Kozhikode was the most
important region of Malabar in the days gone by. Today,
lush green countrysides, serene beaches, historic sites,
wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture
and a warm, friendly ambience make Kozhikode
a popular destination.
Area: 2,206 sq. km.
Population: 2,878,498 (2001 census)
Altitude: Sea level
Monday, January 21, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Accessing Kottayam
Telephone access code: +91- 481
Air:
Nearest airport: Kochi (76 km), Thiruvananthapuram (160 km)
Rail:
The railway station is situated 2 km from the central bus station and is connected to the major cities of India.
Road:
An excellent network of roads connects the district to all the major towns and cities of India.
Backwater ferry services:
There are two ferry stations. The Town Jetty is about 3 km from the railway station and operates services during the monsoon. During summer, boats are operated from the Kodimatha Jetty.
Tourist information offices:
District Information Officer Ph: 2562558 KTDC, Kavanattinkara Ph: 2525861/2525864 Central Reservation, KTDC, Mascot Square Ph: 0471-2316736 DTPC Ph: 2560479
Distance of a few major towns from Kottayam:
Aluva: 91km (3 hrs) Alappuzha: 50 km (1 hr) Changanacherry: 18 km (1 hr) Devikulam: 155 km (5 hrs) Ilaveezhapoonchira: 60 km (2 hrs) Ettumanoor: 13 km (25 mts) Kochi: 76 km (2 hrs) Guruvayoor: 171 km (5 hrs) Idukki: 130 km (5 hrs) Kanyakumari: 243 km (6.30 hrs) Kannur: 352 km (8.30 hrs) Kozhikode: 265 km (6 hrs) Kaladi: 85 km (2 hrs) Kollam: 106 km (3 hrs) Kumily: 112 km (4 hrs) Kumarakom: 15 km (30 mts) Madurai: 250 km (8 hrs) Malampuzha: 226 km (6.30 hrs) Munnar: 146 km (5 hrs) Pala: 30 km (50 mts) Palakkad: 214 km (6.60 hrs) Pathanamthitta: 57 km (1.45 hrs) Sabarimala: (Pamba) 129 km (6 hrs) Thekkady: 115 km (4.45 hrs) Thodupuzha: 57 km (1.45 hrs) Thrissur: 134 km (4 hrs) Thiruvananthapuram: 160 km (4 hrs) Vaikom: 42 km (1 hr)
Kottayam
Bordered by the lofty Western Ghats in the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad in the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the enviable title: The land of letters, latex and lakes. This land also boasts the first Malayalam printing press which was established by Benjamin Bailey, a Christian missionary, in 1820 AD.
Kottayam is the ideal take-off point for visits to Peermede, Munnar, Idukki, Thekkady, Ernakulam and the temple city of Madurai.
Area: 2203 sq. km
Population: 1,952,901 (2001 census)
Altitude: Sea level
Nishagandhi Dance Festival - inaugurated
The seven-day Nishagnadhi Festival organised by the Department of Tourism was inaugurated by the Governor of Kerala Sri. R L Bhatia on sunday the 20th January 2008. He hoped that the event would ‘add a new feather to the crown of the State.’ “The State is renowned all over the world as a tourism destination. The evergreen forests, backwaters and blue lagoons have turned this State into a fairyland,” he said. “The tenor and tempo of Kathakali has world-wide acclaim,” Mr. Bhatia said.
On speaking the occassion actor Mammootty has said that the State Tourism Department should conduct a competition in traditional art and craft forms, on the lines of the schools arts festival, to enable youngsters to exhibit their talent and creativity. “Most of the foreign tourists who visit the State are keen on buying souvenirs that reflect the cultural traditions of the State. Our endeavour should be in preserving the existing art forms,” he said.
The actor also exhorted the officials of the department to hold the festival in other districts as well. “We have people who appreciate music and art forms in other districts as well,” Mr. Mammooty said.
Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, who presided over the function, said the objective of the seven-day event was to encourage the traditional music and art forms of the country.
The inaugural ceremony was also attended by Education Minister M.A. Baby, Law Minister M. Vijayakumar, Panniyan Raveendran, MP; Mayor C. Jayan Babu, V. Sivankutty, MLA; District Panchayat president Anavoor Nagappan, and Kerala Tourism Development Corporation chairman Cherian Philip.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Accessing Kasargod
Telephone access code: +91-4994
Air:
Nearest airports: Mangalore (50 km); Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode (200 km)
Rail:
On the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai route. Enquiry Ph: 230200
Road:
An excellent network of roads connects Kasaragod to major towns in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Enquiry Ph: 230677
Tourist information office:
Bekal Resorts Development Corporation Ph: 0467-2272007
Email: brdc@satyam.net.in www.bekal.org
Thanal Vishrama Kendram Bekal Fort Ph: 0467-2272900 Govt. Guest House Ph: 04994-230876 Fax: 230060 P.W.D Guest House Ph: 04994-230606
Kasargod
The northernmost district of Kerala, Kasaragod is world renowned for its coir and handloom industries. Fishing is a prime source of livelihood. Kasaragod is known as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. The fort at Bekal is the largest and best preserved in the State.
Kasaragod displays a variety of styles in temple architecture - the unique style of the Madhur Mahaganapathy Temple, the typical Kerala style of the historic Malik Deenar Great Juma Masjid and so on speak volumes about the rich cultural heritage of the region. Spectacular pageants of Theyyam, Yakshagana, Kumbla (buffalo race), Poorakkali, Kolkali etc. enchant visitors.
Area: 1961 sq. km
Population: 1,203,342 (2001 census)
Altitude: Sea level
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Accessing Kollam
Telephone access code: +91-474
Air:
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram (71 km)
Rail:
Kollam is an important railhead of the Southern Railways.
Enquiry Ph: 131
Road:
KSRTC, Central Bus Stn. Ph: 2752008
Ferry services:
The ferry station is adjacent to the central bus station (3 km from the railway station).
Tourist information offices:
DTPC Tourist Information Centre, KSRTC Bus Stand Ph: 2745625 DTPC Tourist Office, Guest House Complex, Asramam Ph: 2750170 Department of Tourism - District Office, Govt. Guest House Ph: 2743620
Kollam
Located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam is the centre of the country's cashew trading and processing industry. One of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast, Kollam was once the port of international spice trade. Thirty percent of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The eight hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of Kerala. The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.
Area: 2579 sq. km.
Population: 2,584,118 (2001 census)
Altitude: Sea level
Monday, January 14, 2008
Lakshadeepam
On the Makar Sankranti day, Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Trivandrum, Kerala, will celebrate the unique festival of Lakshadeepam – lighting of one lakh deepams or one hundred thousand lights. Laksha-deepam is being held on January 14, 2008 after a period of six years.
Lakshadeepam marks the culmination of ‘murajapam.’ Murajapam is nearly two month long chanting of mantras for the welfare people and the land. The tradition of murajapam and lakshadeepam was started in 1750 AD by the then Travancore King primarily to mitigate the sins occurred during wars and annexations. Murajapam and Lakshadeepam are held once in six years.
This year the Lakshadeepam day marks the end of ‘murajapam’ which began on November 20, 2007. There is also a 19-day ‘kalabham’ ritual before the lighting on one hundred thousand diyas. Murasiveli procession, accompanied by the members of Tranvancore royal family, will be held on the same day. All these rituals are primarily intended for the welfare of the people and prosperity of the region.
Entry during Lakshadeepam to the temple is through passes and if newspaper reports are to be believed all the passes have been distributed.
Please note that Makar Sankranti is being observed on January 14th in Kerala. But in several other states in India, it is being observed on January 15.
Accessing Thrissur
Accessing Thrissur
Telephone access code: +91- 487
Air:
Nearest international airport: Nedumbassery (58 km)
Rail:
Thrissur is an important railhead of the Southern Railways.
Road:
The KSRTC bus station, near the railway station operates long distance and interstate services Ph: 2421150Sakthan Thampuran bus stand is 1 km away from townThe north bus stand is in the heart of the town.
Bus timings
Bangalore: 0745, 0845, 1645, 1730, 1820, 2050, 2320 hrs Mysore: 1900, 2100 hrs Cudallore: 0700 hrs Madurai: 2100 hrs Palani: 0645, 0830, 0910, 1145 hrs Mangalore: 0930 hrs
Information Counters:
DTPC Palace Road Chembukkavu Ph: 2320800 Guruvayur Ph: 2550400
Thrissur
Thrissur, with its rich history, cultural heritage and archaeological wealth is called the cultural capital of Kerala. From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the political history of South India. Many rulers and dynasties beginning with the Zamorins of Kozhikode, Tipu Sultan of Mysore and Europeans inluding the Dutch and the British have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region. Raja Rama Varma popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran was the architect of the present Thrissur town. Today Thrissur is world famous for its Pooram festival. A cultural centre, the Kerala Kala Mandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy are located here.
Area: 3032 sq. km
Population: 2,975,440 (2001 census)
Altitude: Sea level
Accessing Trivandrum
Telephone access code: +91-471
Air:
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (6 km from the city) has over 30 air links with convenient connections to Colombo, Maldives and the Middle East. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate domestic flights to different parts of the country.
Airline offices: Airport Authority of India Ph: 2501424 Indian Airlines, Mascot Jn. Ph: 2316870 2501537 Jet Airways, Sasthamangalam Ph: 2721018 Jet Airways (airport) Ph: 2500860 Air India, Palayam Ph: 2310310 2501426 Srilankan Airlines Ph:2471810 Gulf Air, Vellayambalam Ph: 2728003 2501206 British Airways, Vellayambalam Ph: 2726604 Oman Airways, Sasthamangalam Ph: 2728950 Kuwait Airways, Vellayambalam Ph: 2721668 KLM, MG Road Ph: 2462237 2463531Aeroflot Ph: 2720091 Saudi Arabian Airlines Ph: 2721321 Alitalia Ph: 2571501 Silk Air Ph: 2314142 2314141 Qatar Airlines Ph: 2337847
Rail:
There are direct trains from Thiruvananthapuram to all the main towns in Kerala as well as the major cities in India. Railway enquiry Ph: 131
Road:
Long distance buses operate from the Central Bus Station at Thampanoor, opposite the Railway Station (KSRTC Ph: 2323886; Thiruvalluvar Ph: 2327756). Short distance buses operate from the City Bus Station, East Fort (Ph: 2463029). Taxi charge: Rs. 6.00 per running km (Non A/c) and Rs. 7.50 per running km (A/c), while Autorickshaw fare: Rs. 7 per running km. The minimum charge for taxis is Rs. 100 (Non A/c) and Rs. 150 (A/c) and Rs. 7 for autorickshaws.
Tourist information offices:
Tourist Facilitation Centre, Department of Tourism, Park View Ph: 2321132 Tourist Information Centre, Railway Station, Thampanoor Ph: 2334470 Tourist Information Centre, KSRTC Central Bus Station, Thampanoor Ph: 2327224 Tourist Information Centre, Domestic Airport Ph: 2501085 Tourist Information Centre, International Airport Ph: 2502298 Tourist Facilitation Centre, Kovalam Ph: 2480085 Tourist Reception Centre (KTDC), Thampanoor Ph: 2330031 Central Reservations (KTDC ), Hotel Mascot Ph: 2316736 District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Vellayambalam Ph: 2315397 Fax: 2313606
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Located at the southwestern tip of India, Thiruvananthapuram district is bounded by the Arabian Sea in the west and Tamil Nadu in the east. The wooded highlands of the Western Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of the most enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala.
Area: 2192 sq km
Altitude: Sea level
Accessing Kannur
Telephone access code: +91-497
Air:
Nearest airport: Kozhikode (93 km)
Rail:
Kannur is an important railhead of the Southern Railways.
(Enquiry: Kannur Ph: 2705555; Thalasseri Ph: 0490 2344131)
Road:
An excellent road transport system connects Kannur to all the major towns of South India (KSRTC: Kannur Ph: 2707777).
Tourist information office:
District Tourism Promotion Council, Near Civil Station, Kannur Ph: 2706336 DTPC, Tourist Information Centre, Railway Station Ph: 2703121 Email: dtpc@kannurtourism.org www.kannurtourism.org
Kannur
With the Western Ghats in the east (Coorg district of Karnataka State), Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south, Lakshadweep Sea in the west and Kasaragod in the north, Kannur district is bounded by a wealth of natural beauty. The district itself which shares much of this natural splendour has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of the State.In addition, Kannur enjoys the credit of having been the cradle of many a colourful folk art and folk music of Kerala.
Area: 2997 sq. km.
Population: 2,412,365 (2001 census)
Altitude: Sea level
Accessing Ernakulam
Telephone access code ++91-484
Air:
International airport at Nedumbassery (32 km from the town)
Airline offices:
Air India, MG Road Ph: 2380700 2351295 Indian Airlines, DH Road Ph: 2370238/2353826 Jet Airways, Atlantis, MG Road Ph: 2369879 Oman Air (RL Travels), Atlantis, MG Road Ph: 2357093 Cathay Pacific (Spencer & Co. Ltd.), MG Road Ph: 2362064 Saudi Arabian Airlines (Arafat Travels), MG Road Ph: 2352689 Singapore Airlines (Aviation Travels), MG Road Ph: 2358127 British Airways (Nijhawon Travels), MG Road Ph: 2364867 Kuwait Airways (National Travels), MG Road Ph: 2359133 Air Sahara Ph: 2365508 Srilankan Airlines Ph: 2361263 Emirates Ph: 2382860 Fax: 2384612 Qatar Airways Ph: 2381063
Rail:
Ernakulam is a major railhead of the Southern Railway Main station: Ernakulam Junction Ph: 131 Other stations: Ernakulam Town Ph: 2390920; Kochi Harbour Terminus Ph: 2666001
Road:
The KSRTC Central Bus Station is near the Junction Railway Station Ph: 2372033 Private buses operate from High Court Junction, Railway Station and Kaloor Junction Tamil Nadu Road Transport bus station Ph: 2372616
Inter-State private bus services to Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mangalore, Chennai and Madurai: Indira Travels, near Jos Junction Ph: 2360693 Yesbee Travels, near Jos Junction Ph: 2375080 Princy Tours, Opp. Sealord Hotel Ph: 2354712 Sharma Transports, Grand Hotel Ph: 2350712 Ashirwad Travels, Jos Junction Ph: 2367709
Ferry Services:
There are two ferry stations in Ernakulam. The main Boat Jetty is 1 km from the Junction Railway Station and the other is near the High Court.
Ferry timings (From the main boat jetty):
Vypeen : Frequent services (1/2 hour journey)
Mattancherry : Daily 6 ferries (1/2 hour journey) at 0910, 0940, 1100, 1400, 1520, 1740 hrs
Fort Kochi : Daily 30 services (20 minute journey). First trip at 0600 hrs and the last at 2110 hrs
Varapuzha : Daily 6 boats (2 hour journey)
Willingdon Island : Frequent services (15 minute journey)
Tourist information offices:
Tourist Information Officer, Dept. of Tourism Ph: 2360502 Fort Kochi Ph: 2216654 Govt. of India Tourist Office, Willingdon Island Ph: 2668352/1913 Airport Information Counter, Dept. of Tourism Kerala Ph: 2610115 Ext. 2105 Tourist Reception Centre - KTDC, Shanmughom Rd. Ph: 2353234 2382199 DTPC Tourist Information Centre, Old Collectorate Bldg., Park Avenue Ph: 2367334/2383988 Tourist Desk, Main Boat Jetty Ph: 2371761
Ernakulam
Ernakulam is located on the coast of the Arabian sea with Kottayam and Alappuzha districts in the south, Idukki in the east and Thrissur in the north. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi in Ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. With one of the finest natural harbours in the world, this was once a major centre of commerce and trade of the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, British etc.
Area: 2408 sq. km Altitude: Sea level
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Accessing Alappuzha
Telephone access code: ++91-477
Air
Nearest international airports:
Thiruvananthapuram(150 km);Nedumbassery, Kochi (85 km)
Rail
Railway enquiry Ph: 2253965
Road
KSRTC enquiry Ph: 2252501
Ferry services
Enquiries: Ph: 2252015
SWTD (public boat service enquiry): Ph: 2252510
Tourist information offices
District Tourism Promotion Council Ph: 2251796/ 2253308 Email: alp_dtpcalpy@sancharnet.in Tourist Information Office, Dept. of Tourism Ph: 2260722
Alappuzha
With the Arabian Sea in the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by
travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also
home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its
proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique
place in the maritime history of Kerala.
Today, Alappuzha is an important backwater destination
attracting several thousand foreign tourists every year.
Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, beaches, marine
products and coir industry. A singularity of this land is the region called Kuttanad - a land of lush paddy fields referred to as the Rice Bowl of Kerala and one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Area: 1414 sq. km
Population: 2,105,349 (2001 census)
Altitude: Sea level
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Kerala Fact File
Location : India
Area : 38,863 sq. km
Population : 3,18,38,619 (Census 2001)
Capital : Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Geography
Kerala is located on the southwestern tip of India with the Arabian Sea in the west and the Western Ghats towering 500 - 2700 m in the east. The State is divided into three regions - the coastal lowlands, the fertile midlands and the highlands. The lowlands of Kerala are networked by endless backwaters and the deltas of forty-four rivers. The midlands are rich with cashew, coconut, arecanut, tapioca, banana, rice, ginger, pepper, sugarcane and vegetable plantations. The forested highlands abound in tea, coffee, rubber and spice plantations and wildlife reserves.
Language : Malayalam; English is widely spoken.
Religion : Hinduism, Christianity, Islam
Time : GMT + 5:30
Currency : Indian Rupee
Climate : Tropical
Summer : Feb - May (24 - 33 oC)
Monsoon : Jun - Sep (22 - 28 oC)
Winter : Oct - Jan (22 - 32 oC)
Kerala, India’s No. 1 State
A hundred percent literate people. World-class healthcare systems. India’s lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Best law and order conditions. India’s most affluent State. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also India’s cleanest State
Kerala, India's most advanced society
A hundred percent literate people. World-class health care systems. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also India's cleanest state.For administrative purpose, the state of Kerala is divided into fourteen districts. Most of these districts offer all the tourism products typical of the State.
About Kerala
With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 ms in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate. A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil streches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience. And what's more, every one of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other. A singular advantage no other destination offers.
