Interesting Facts about Kerala

This article is all about rare, unknown, religious, historical, amazing and interesting facts about Kerala.

Quick Basic Facts about Kerala

• Capital – Trivendrum (Thiruvananthapuram)
• Official Language – Malyalam
• Area – 38,863 Sq Km
• Area Rank – 22nd
• Population – 3,33,87,667
• Population Rank – 13th
• Population Density – 860 /Sq Km
• Sex Ratio – 1084 females per 1000 male
• Literacy Rate – 94 %
• No. of Districts – 14
• Assembly Seats – 140 (Unicameral)
• Lok Sabha seats – 20
• Rajya Sabha seats – 9
• Date of Creation – 1 Nov 1956
• First Chief Minister – E M S Namboodiripad
• First Governor – Burgula Ramkrishna Rao
• Highest peak – Anamudi or Anai Mudi

State Symbols of Kerala

• State Tree – Coconut
• Sate Fruit – Jackfruit
• State Flower – Golden shower tree
• State Animal – Indian Elephant
• State Bird – Great hornbill
• State Fish – Pearl Spot

Historical Facts about Kerala

• It is the home to Mysore dynasty ruled by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan who fought four decisive battles (Anglo – British Wars) with British
• Travancore State ( Old name of Kerala) was formed on 1 July 1949 which was later renamed as Kerala.
• Under the States Reorganization Act of 1956, Travancore, Cochin and Malabar states were united to form the state of Kerala on 1 Nov 1956.
• The Laccadive Minicoy and Amindivi islands off the coast of Malabar were removed from kerala and declared Union Terrotory with new name Lakshdweep Islands.
• In 1991, this state became the first fully literate state of India.

Geographical Facts about Kerala

• Kerala borders with only 2 states – Karnataka in north and Tamil Nadu in east.
• Anamudi or Anai Mudi is the highest peak of Kerala with an altitude of 2,695 m. It is also the highest peak of Western Ghats.
• Kerala has 44 rivers out of which 41 flows westwards while remaining 3 flows to east. Periyar, Pamba, Pamba, Chaliyar, Kalada, Muvatupuzha etc flows westwards while Pambar, Bhawani and Kabani flow to east.
• The first two literate Municipal Town Kottayam, and district Ernakulam in India are in Kerala.
• Palakkad is the largest district of Kerala by area. Malappuram is the largest district by population.
• Alappuzha is the smallest district by area and Wayanad is smallest district by population.
• Ernakulam also became India’s first Bachat (Savings) district.

• Periyar Wild life sanctuary at Thekkady in Idukki district is a popular tourist attraction.

Social and Cultural Facts about Kerala

• Kerala is the only state which has highest Human Development Index (HDI of 0.79). It has highest literacy rate of 94 %, highest sex ratio of 1024 and highest life expectancy of 77 years. It is also the least corrupt Indian state as per Transparency International survey.
• Sabrimala (abode of lord Ayyappan) is famous pilgrimage.
• Kalady in Ernakulam District is the birthplace of Sri Sankaracharya.
• E M S Namboodiripad headed (as Chief Minister) the World’s first democratically elected communist government.
• Kathkali, Mohiniattam, Theyyam, Thullal are main classical dances of the state.
• Onam, Vishu, Christmas and Aluva Shivratri are the main festivals.

Economic Facts about Kerala

• Kochi (Cochin) the major port is also known as “Queen of Arabian Sea”.
• Kerala was promoted and called by tourism department as “God’s own Country“
• Mineral Resources of Kerala – Limonite, Rutile, Kaolin, Limestone
• Main Industries – Koir and Cashew based. Other industries include handloom and bamboo based industries.
• Agriculture Products – It accounts for 91 % of India’s rubber, 35 % of coconut, 60 % of tapioca, 32 % of paddy, tea, coffee, plantain, arecanut and almost 100 % of lemon grass oil.
• Kerala is the largest producer of other crops like banana, ginger, tea and coffee.

Tourist Spots of Kerala

• Beaches – Kovalam, Varkala, Vizhinjam, Shankumukham-Trivandrum and Payyambalam – Kannur
• Hill Stations – Munnar, Nelliyampathy
• Backwaters – Alapuzha, Kollam, Veli, Kochi, Kumarakom
• Wildlife – Eravikulam national park, Parambikulam national park, Silent valley, Peppara national park
• Waterfalls – Athirapally, Vazhachal and Palaruvi
• Lakes – Vembanad, Kayamakulam, Ashtamudi