Facts You Never Knew about KERALA

Submitted by aathura on Tue, 2006-11-21 20:29. About_Kerala

Kerala referred, as “The Spice Garden of India” is one of the smallest states in the union of India, which by the mythology was created by a great monk named Parasu Rama. (An avatar of God Vishnu)

Around 1000 BC, King Solomon send ships to Ophir to collect sandalwood, timber, ivory etc. for the construction of the Jerusalem Temple. (Ophir is either Bepur in Calicut or Puvar in Thiruvanathapuram).

Kerala is a tourist’s paradise, the sandy beaches, hill stations, backwaters, lagoons, picturesque valleys, majestic forts, finely carved temples. It is so much of diversity in one place

The National Geographic Traveler has quoted Kerala as India’s most verdant state.

The National Geographic Magazine is quoted Kerala as one of the 10 paradises found on Earth and one of the 50 must see destinations in the World.

Kerala has a rich history of tradition and culture. All people of Kerala celebrate the harvest festival called Onam irrespective of caste, religion or creed.

An art form of Kerala called ‘Kathakalli’ is unique to the state. It has no speech and only actions/expressions also called mudras

Kerala is the only place, which practices the ancient medicinal system called Ayurveda even today with dedication.

Kerala is irrigated by 44 rivers and two monsoon spells. Agriculture was the main occupation.

The Snake Boat Race is the most spectacular thing in Kerala. It’s another splendid unparalleled attraction, the largest team sport in the World.

Kerala is the torchbearer of India in Education, Health care and Religious Harmony. Kerala was the first state to declare total literacy.

Kerala is coming close to becoming India’s first e-literate state.

Kerala women have a better, safer and longer life compared to other states in India. The gender relations are amongst the most equitable in India.

Kerala is the largest exporter of the delightful cashews in the World

Keralites are keener participants in the Political process compared to other states in India. It is one of the two left wing states in India.

The first democratically elected Communist party came to power in Kerala for the first time in the whole World.

Kerala’s population growth rate is India’s lowest but the land is three times as densely settled as the rest of India.

Kerala state has the highest life expectancy and the lowest birth & child mortality rate.

UNICEF and WHO designated Kerala as the World’s first Baby Friendly State.

Kerala is one of the cleanest and most peaceful places in India.

Kerala, God’s own country is further divided into 14 districts. They are
Thiruvananthapuram – Administrative Capital/ City of Lord Anantha
Kochi – Queen of the Arabian Sea/Commercial Capital
Thrissur – Cultural capital
Kottayam – Land of Letters
Pathanamthitta – Houses by the riverside
Kollam – Land of Cashew
Alappuzha – Venice of the East
Idukki – Powerhouse of Kerala/Land of Mountains, streams and spices.
Kannur – Land of Handlooms and Martial Arts/ Land of Looms and Lores
Malappuram – Land of Mamankam
Palakkad – Gateway to Kerala
Kasargod - Harkwillia
Kozhikode – Capital of Malabar/ Cock Fort
Wayanad – Land of Paddy Fields

Pathanamthitta in Kerala holds the distinction of being declared the first polio free district.

Idukki in Kerala houses the largest arch dam in India.

Kottayam in Kerala is the first town to have reached 100% literacy. CMS College was the first college in Kerala started way back in 1840.

The English Magazine “India Today” rated Kollam in Kerala as the best district in terms of law and order and social harmony.

Techno Park in Thiruvananthapuram is India’s First IT Park. It is the most advanced district followed by Kochi and Kozhikode.

Thrissur houses the first church of India, the st. Thomas Church at Palayoor. It also houses the biggest church in South Asia “Church of our Lady of Dolors”

Malappuram remains at the top with the maximum number of emigrants abroad, while Thrissur is the largest beneficiary of foreign remittances.

Kannur is the most urbanized district, while Wayanad has the largest adivasi population and is the most backward district in Kerala.

Palakkad is the second largest in terms of total area after Idukki district.

To Conclude “Statistically Kerala stands out as the Mount Everest of social development; there’s truly no place like it.” quotes Mr. Bill McKibben
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