GOD'S OWN LAND'S

Koodiyattam

2008-08-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

The literal meaning of the title being concomitant dancing, it is another temple opera performed jointly by Chakyars and Nambiars.

A dance traditionally enacted in temples. it is Kathakali's 2000 year old predecessor and is offered as a votive offering to the deity.Both men and women partake in this performance. Abhinaya is the most important element in Koodiyattom.

The texts are always in Sanskrit and the performance is a prolonged affair. All the four types of abhinaya, viz. Angikam, Vachikam, Sathvikam and Aharyam are fully utilized in Koodiyattom.

The plays are performed only in temple precincts as votive offerings. Abhinaya or acting is a three -fold or even four-fold process. Appropriate hand gestures are symbols are first shown when the words of the verse are spoken in a typically modulated tone. As the music is begun, the meaning of the words are translated into a language of bodily postures, attitudes and facial expressions. The third is a repetition of the first.

Koodiyattom is staged on the specially built temple theatre called Koothambalam. The stage is decorated with fruit-bearing plantains and bunches of tender coconuts and festooned with fronds of the coconut palm. A vessel overflowing with paddy is placed on the stage. Lighting is done with a tall oil lamp made of brass. Within a railed enclosure on the stage is a large copper drum called mizhavu with a high seat for the Nambiyar drummer.

A Nambiyar woman plays cymbal and occasionally recites the verses. At times special orchestral effects are introduced. The orchestra consists of an edakka, maddalam, a conch, pipe and horn. There is facial make-up using colour schemes and pattern having symbolic value, though strict standardization of types is absent.The make-up patterns as seen in the better-known Kathakali are borrowed from Koodiyattom.

In the actual performance, first the drum is sounded and then the Nambiyar woman recites the invocatory verse, (vandana slokam). After that a purificatory ritual of sprinkling holy water on the stage is done by the Nambiyar. Then there is an interlude of orchestra, after which the dance ritual ceremony called Kriyachavittuka is performed by the Sutradhara.

The next item is the stapana of the particular act. The main character is introduced in the next stage called Koothupurappadu in the background of the tense dramatic sense created by the full orchestra fury.

Nirvahana, the next part of the drama, follows. This itself consists of three phases, the Anukrama, the Samkshepa and the Vistara respectively. Purushartha follows in which clown (Vidushaka), caricaturing the moods, is the hero. This is a significant departure from tradition and a remarkable feature of Koodiyattom. The drama proper now begins sluggishly and leisurely through the long drawn out, detailed and elaborate abhinaya process.

Kathakali

2008-08-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

Kerala is known the world over by its own performing art form, the Kathakali. "Katha" means story and "Kali" stands for dance.

It is a beautiful mix of dance, drama and music that the connoisseurs of art world qualified as 'a total art form of immense sophistication and power'.This is a form of dance formerly confined only to the festival stages in temples.

It is a mime show, dancing with mudras (formulated hand gestures conveying the text of lyrics) and specialised dancing steps following the song rendered in the background by a singer to the accompaniment of Chenda, Maddalam (country drums), Chenkila and Elathalam (Cymbals).

The face painted green and made up with a spot of sacred sandal paste on the brow, eye-lined with mascara, lip toned by cherry and white chin mask, the dancer dons a colourful costume and rich and impressive crown and jewellery.

A traditional pedestal Nilavilakku (oil lamp) with sixty wicks on both sides lit together lights the dancing floor. There are four types of make up. Pachcha (green) face painted green and adorning sober and beautiful attires denoting the godly or virtuous character.
Thadi (beard); divided into Chuvanna Thadi (red beard) depicting aggressive and demoniac characters, Karutha Thadi (black beard) depicting aborigines, cavemen and foresters and Vella Thadi (white beard) representing Rishis, Saints, Preceptors and other intellectuals. Kari (carbon black) representing mean characters and Minukku (refined) presenting women and Brahmins.

There is a school of thought which believes that Ramanattam could be the ancestor of Kathakali, for very many similarities in the presentations, costumes, acting and background music could be cited in both. The stage decor, costumes, make up, and mudras as seen today are purported to be improvements bestowed gradually to this art form by two veteran Namboothiris, Kalladikkodan and Kaplingadan Manas.

Centuries down, there developed a branch of literature known as "Kathakali literature" and compositions of poet laureates like Kottayath thampuran, Unnayi Warrier, Koyithampuran, Vayaskara Mooss are milestones in the history of Kathakali.

Aattakkadhakal (stories for dance), the poetic compositions of legendary stories to special metric scale, set to music in classical Carnatic style are danced out.

Travel Guidelines

2008-05-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

Money
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring.

Banks
Banks are open for transaction on all days except Sundays and declared holidays.

Best time to visit
High season: October to April - Monsoon.
Rejuvenation programmes: May to September

Travel wear
Cotton outfits, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc.

Credit cards
Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centres honour major credit cards.

Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)

Drugs
Heavy punishments including imprisonment are imposed for possession of narcotic drugs.

Food
All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian and typical Kerala fare.

Emergency numbers
Police control room: 100
Fire station: 101
Ambulance: 101

Time
(Hours fast (+), slow (-) on IST)
USA: -10.30, Germany: - 4.30, Canada: - 10.30, France: - 4.30, Australia: + 4.30, Spain: -4.30, UAE: - 1.30

Water
Eventhough tap water is purified, it is better to drink bottled drinking water or drinking water from houses/restaurants. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Mineral water is available in sealed bottles.

Temple codes
Footwear inside the temple and entry into the sanctum sanctorum is banned in all the temples.

Other customs and codes of conduct and dress in temples across the state vary from each other.

Some temples do not permit entry to non-Hindus, while some do. Shirts for men and pants are banned from some temples and allowed in some others. Where they are banned, men have to be in mundus and women, in saris, half-saris or long skirts.

Nudity
Nudity is not allowed in any Kerala beach.

Smoking

Smoking is banned in public places

Footwear in houses
Visitors to most Kerala houses leave their footwear outside before entering the house.

Ayurvedic treatment
If you wish to undergo Ayurvedic treatment, it is very important to ensure that you go to an authorised centre.

Demonstrativeness in public
Behaviour demonstrating affection in public like hugging or kissing is not an accepted practice in Kerala.

Wildlife sanctuaries
To visit a wildlife sanctuary, prior permission has to be taken from the concerned authority of the sanctuary.

Water Falls In Kerala

2008-05-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

Ernakulam (Cochin)

Mulamkuzhi
This is a tiny village nearly 15kms from Malayattur. The crystal clear medicated water of the River Mulamkuzhi and the waterfalls of Venanbravady near Malayattur is an enchanting sight. There is also a confluence of the rivers Periyar and Perumthode.

Idukki

Attukal
This place is located between Munnar and Pallivasal, and a beautiful sight of waterfalls and rolling hills can be seen here. Attukal is also ideal for long treks

Cheeyappara
The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Narimangalam and Adimali on the kochi-Madurai highway. The Cheeyapara waterfalls cascade down in seven steps. It is a real feast for the eyes.

Nyayamkad
10 Kms from Munnar, located between Munnar and Rajamala Nyamkad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The Waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters, the enchanting surrounding make an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.

Power House Waterfall
18 Km from Munnar, this waterfall is on the way to Thekkady from Munnar, which cascades down to step rock 2000m above sea level. The spot is enriched which the scenic western mountain range and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Thommankuthu
28 km from Thodupuzha is Thommankutthu, which is famous for its numerous waterfalls. This place is ideal for natural lovers as the seven-step waterfall here is a much loved picnic spot. At each step, there is a cascade and a pool beneath to enjoy the panoramic beauty; the best way is to undertake a trek that takes one to the top of the mountain, a 12 km. climb.

Kozhikode (Calicut)

Thusharagiri
Lying 50kms east of Kozhikode, Thusharagiri is a little tribal tourist spot in Kerala. Tow streams originating from the Western Ghats meet here to form the River Challipuzha. The river diverges into three waterfalls, creating a snowy spray, which gives the name 'Thusharagiri' which means 'snowy peak'. A 5km trek upstream will take one to the stream's origin. Of the three waterfalls, the highest is the Thenpara that drops 75 metres below.
.

Kottayam

Kesari Waterfalls
The Kesari waterfalls, also known as Valanjamkanam falls, lies between Kuttikanam and Murinjapuzha on the Kottayam-Kumaly route. Valanjamkanam is a 3 hr. journey from Kottayam by any bus to Kumaly; trek to Kuttikanan offers additional adventurous spirit and closeness to nature.

This lies a few kms away from Eerattupetta. It is exactly 7 kms from Teekoy rubber estate. From here a private vehicle can take you further 2 kms after which the road is not motor able. To reach the falls one has to trek through the estate over the rocky path. The waterfall is about 60 metres in height, falling into a 12-meter deep pool and joins the River Teekoy way down.

Palakkad (Palghat)

Dhoni A Dhoni waterfall is a 3 hours trek from the base of the Dhoni Hills. A thick reserve forest surrounds it. Dhoni is about 15 kms from Palakkad. Meenvallam A Meenvallam waterfall is around 8kms from Thuppanad junction on the Palakkad- Manarkkad route. It is a combination of enchanting beauty and scenic splendor. The water falls from nearly 20 to 25 feet and the depth is around 15-20 feet. There are 10 steps of waterfalls of which eight are located in the upper hills inside the dense forest. They are inaccessible, only the remaining two steps are accessible. One has to hire a jeep from Koomankund junction and then trek a distance of 1.5 km by crossing the river Thuppanad.

Kerala Beach...

2008-05-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

Kovalam Beach... Varkala... Alappuzha... Kappad...

Located 16 km south of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) city, Kovalam is a world-famous beach resort, which has been a favorite spot for tourists since 1930s. This beach has lovely coconut palms fringe the golden sands. Foreigners throng Ayurvedic parlors, yoga and meditation centers, that have sprung up all over the place. Situated on the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline is a small village of Kovalam. This quiet town of Kovalam came on the tourist map, when its beautiful and secluded beaches were discovered. Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look. You can enjoy many activities on Kovalam Beach. You can swim in the sea, go for a catamaran ride, go surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and parasailing. Relax and sunbathe on the golden sands or let an Ayurvedic masseur massage all your stresses away. There are craft stalls selling souvenirs and restaurants serving delicious seafood along the edge of Kovalam Beach. You're sure to have a memorable holiday on Kovalam Beach on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.
The Three Beaches Of Kovalam
The beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three parts. The southern most beach and the most popular from the three, is the Lighthouse Beach. Further south on the beach one can have a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam mosque, but photography is prohibited here.The middle beach is called Hawah. Each morning this beach acts as a base for the local fisherman. The northern most beach, Samudra, is least affected of all by the changing times. It is dotted with few rudimentary wooden fishing vessels.

Located 16 km south of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) city, Kovalam is a world-famous beach resort, which has been a favorite spot for tourists since 1930s. This beach has lovely coconut palms fringe the golden sands. Foreigners throng Ayurvedic parlors, yoga and meditation centers, that have sprung up all over the place.

Situated on the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline is a small village of Kovalam. This quiet town of Kovalam came on the tourist map, when its beautiful and secluded beaches were discovered. Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look.

You can enjoy many activities on Kovalam Beach. You can swim in the sea, go for a catamaran ride, go surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and parasailing. Relax and sunbathe on the golden sands or let an Ayurvedic masseur massage all your stresses away. There are craft stalls selling souvenirs and restaurants serving delicious seafood along the edge of Kovalam Beach. You're sure to have a memorable holiday on Kovalam Beach on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

The Three Beaches Of Kovalam

The beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three parts. The southern most beach and the most popular from the three, is the Lighthouse Beach. Further south on the beach one can have a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam mosque, but photography is prohibited here.The middle beach is called Hawah. Each morning this beach acts as a base for the local fisherman. The northern most beach, Samudra, is least affected of all by the changing times. It is dotted with few rudimentary wooden fishing vessels.

Kerala Beach..

2008-05-19T22:32:00.000-07:00

Kovalam ... Varkala Beach... Alappuzha ... Kappad...

Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. It has several places of tourist interests like a beautiful beach, a 2000 year old Vishnu temple and the ashramam- 'Sivagiri Mutt' a little distance from the beach. At the serene Varkala beach is a quiet sea resort rich in mineral water springs.A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins. Hence the name 'Papanasam beach'. Vakala is a seaside resort and spa, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions there. Varkala Beach is also famous for its landscape. A high rocky cliff ends abruptly and a stretch of clear sand extends down to the sea. The contrast between the cliffs, sand and sea makes Varkala Beach a striking sight. The sunset at Varakala Beach is truly breathtaking with the sun sinking into the sky like a ball of molten gold as the sun and sea are tinged with crimson and vermilion. See the magnificent sunset at Varkala Beach on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.
How to Reach
Road : Varkala is 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km from Kollam. Varkala is 90 minutes away on the bus and a pleasant convenient place to stop for a night or more or an afternoon when travelling between Alappuzha or Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram Rail : The railway station is 3 kms from the beach.

Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. It has several places of tourist interests like a beautiful beach, a 2000 year old Vishnu temple and the ashramam- 'Sivagiri Mutt' a little distance from the beach. At the serene Varkala beach is a quiet sea resort rich in mineral water springs.A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins. Hence the name 'Papanasam beach'.

Vakala is a seaside resort and spa, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions there.

Varkala Beach is also famous for its landscape. A high rocky cliff ends abruptly and a stretch of clear sand extends down to the sea. The contrast between the cliffs, sand and sea makes Varkala Beach a striking sight. The sunset at Varakala Beach is truly breathtaking with the sun sinking into the sky like a ball of molten gold as the sun and sea are tinged with crimson and vermilion. See the magnificent sunset at Varkala Beach on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

How to Reach

Road : Varkala is 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km from Kollam. Varkala is 90 minutes away on the bus and a pleasant convenient place to stop for a night or more or an afternoon when travelling between Alappuzha or Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram
Rail : The railway station is 3 kms from the beach.

kerala Beach.

2008-05-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

Kovalam ... Varkala... Alappuzha Beach... Kappad...

Nestled atop a cluster of hills at an altitude of 286m is situated Ezhimala, 55 kms from Kannur. Carved Stone Pillars, an ancient Burial chamber and an ancient Cave can be seen at the foot of the hills. The Hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs. Furthur uphill is an ancient Mosque. Fascinating Sculptured stone pillars are scattered all over the place. Bordered by the sea on three sides, Ezhimala Beach is poised to occupy a significant niche on the naval history of India when one of the largest naval academies is commissioned here. A naval academy is being developed here in Ezhimala Enjoy a leisure walk to the Vijaya Water Park located on the Alappuzha beach and enjoy exciting water sports like canoeing, para sailing, water scooters, swimming and diving. The lighthouse located on the tranquil Alappuzha beach, Kerala is a popular tour attraction that resounds with ancient tales of legendary pirates ships and shipwrecks. See rows of wooden canoes aligned on the serene white beach. The ancient pier that adorns the palm fringed Alappuzha beach is more than 140 years old. Feel history and romance as you enjoy tropical vistas while sunbathing on the stunning Alappuzha beach in Kerala, South India.
How to Reach
Air : The Nearest airport is Kochi International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town. Rail : Nearest railway station is Alappuzha, about 5 km from the beach.

Nestled atop a cluster of hills at an altitude of 286m is situated Ezhimala, 55 kms from Kannur. Carved Stone Pillars, an ancient Burial chamber and an ancient Cave can be seen at the foot of the hills. The Hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs. Furthur uphill is an ancient Mosque. Fascinating Sculptured stone pillars are scattered all over the place. Bordered by the sea on three sides, Ezhimala Beach is poised to occupy a significant niche on the naval history of India when one of the largest naval academies is commissioned here. A naval academy is being developed here in Ezhimala

Enjoy a leisure walk to the Vijaya Water Park located on the Alappuzha beach and enjoy exciting water sports like canoeing, para sailing, water scooters, swimming and diving. The lighthouse located on the tranquil Alappuzha beach, Kerala is a popular tour attraction that resounds with ancient tales of legendary pirates ships and shipwrecks.

See rows of wooden canoes aligned on the serene white beach. The ancient pier that adorns the palm fringed Alappuzha beach is more than 140 years old. Feel history and romance as you enjoy tropical vistas while sunbathing on the stunning Alappuzha beach in Kerala, South India.

How to Reach

Air : The Nearest airport is Kochi International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town.

Rail : Nearest railway station is Alappuzha, about 5 km from the beach.

kerala Beach

2008-05-19T22:30:00.000-07:00

Kovalam ... Varkala... Alappuzha ... Kappad Beach...

Kappad Beach is located 16 Km from Kozhikode town in North Kerala. The sandy beach is backed by a rocky landscape with some rocks also strewn across the Kappad Beach. A pillar with the inscription "Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498" marks the spot where history was made over 500 years ago.While on tours of Kappad Beach with Kerala Backwater you can see the local fisherfolk mend their nets and take their boats out to sea, in a routine that has continued for centuries. Vasco da Gama would have seen a similar sight when he landed on Kappad Beach. Kappad Beach is known locally as Kappadkadavu. A single large rock juts out to the sea from Kapapd Beach. On this rock is a temple that is said to be 800 years old. The nearby Korapuzha River empties into the sea alongside Kappad Beach.

Sail a boat on the Korappuzha River and suddenly stumble upon the serene Kappad beach that meets the vast Arabian Sea. The visual impact is absolutely stunning and exotic.See the splendid local attractions and walk up to the local fishing village that lies at a little distance from the Kappad beach.

Kerala Back Water....

2008-05-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

Thiruvananthapuram... Alappuzha... Kumarakam... Kottayam...

Kozhikode Backwaters :-

The serene backwaters of Kozhikode make a perfect holiday spot. The city of Kozhikode is famous for its trade and commerce and the Malabar Mahotsavam festival. The ancient monuments, tranquil beaches, temples, blue waters and friendly people have made the place very popular among tourists. Other attractions which can be explored during a backwater tour of Kozhikode include Elathur, the Canolly Canal, Kallai river and beautiful bird sanctuary at Kadalundi.

***

Kerala Back Water...

2008-05-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

Thiruvananthapuram... Alappuzha... Kumarakam... Kozhikkode...

Kottayam Backwaters :-

Kottayam, the ‘land of Lakes, Latex and Letters’, besides being known for a large number of canals, streams, and Lakes going through it, is also famous for its widespread rubber plantation, hence the title. Kottayam is also host to fertile crops and transport links through its much famous Backwaters. The name Kottayam is derived from Kotta and Akam and means the inside of a fort.

The famous Vembanad Lake makes Kottayam Backwaters a famous tourist destination, witnessing an increasing number of people visiting it year after year. It is the first place in Kerala, South India that saw 100% literate adult people in its vicinity. Kottayam is also a hub of many famous and beautiful Churches, such as, St. Mary’s Church and St. Joseph’s Monastery. The famous Ettumanoor Shiva Temple also finds place in Kottayam, Kerala, South India and can be visited on the Kottayam Backwater Tours.

***

Kerala Back Water..

2008-05-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

Thiruvananthapuram... Alappuzha... Kottayam... Kozhikkode...

Kumarakom Backwaters : -

Kumarakom is part of Kerala's rice bowl, the Kuttanad region and is ideal for backwater cruises. A beautiful backwater spot within hailing distance of Kumarakom is the 14-acre bird sanctuary on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. The sanctuary named after the village is a favorite haunt of migratory birds. There are egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoos, wild ducks and Siberian storks. The best way to watch the birds in the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

Kumarakom is enthrallingly beautiful. The blue backwaters and the surface of Vembanad Lake reflect the azure sky. The amazing shades of green of the vegetation that include mangroves, coconut palms, and paddy fields cover the verdant countryside. Channels and waterways wind their way through this green paradise. Water lilies and lotuses bloom in the water and birds from the bird sanctuary on Vembanad Lake call as they fly across the clear tropical sky. Kumarakom is an idyllic holiday destination that you must visit on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

The best way to reach Kumarakom is by boat. Reach Quilon or Kollam, just an hour away from Trivandrum and then take the regular ferry service through the backwaters to Alleppey from where umarakom is just a short distance away.

***

Kerala Back water.

2008-05-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

Thiruvananthapuram... Kumarakam... Kottayam... Kozhikkode...

Alleppey Backwaters :-

Alappuzha, previously known as Alleppey, in Kerala is surrounded by waterways and canals and is therefore also called the "Venice of the East." Alappuzha is famous for the beautiful backwaters surrounding it. Many Kerala Backwater cruises begin or end in Alappuzha. The backwaters with water birds and flowers and greenery along their banks are a beautiful and refreshing sight. See the serene attractions of Alappuzha on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

The area is blessed with a vast network of lakes, lagoons and rivers that make it an important backwater destination. The place is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alleppey is sometimes known as the Venice of the East for its large and beautiful stretches of backwaters. The area is blessed with a vast network of lakes, lagoons and rivers that make it an important backwater destination. The place is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry.

***

Kerala Back Water

2008-05-19T22:23:00.000-07:00

Alappuzha... Kumarakam... Kottayam... Kozhikkode...

Thiruvananthapuram Backwaters :-

Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is the capital of Kerala. It is a beautiful city built on seven hills, known for its serene beaches and other tourist spots. Thiruvananthapuram is an ancient city bounded by the Arabian sea on the west, the Kollam district on the north and Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu on the eastern and southern sides. Two of the main backwater areas of Thiruvananthapuram are Thiruvallam and Veli.

***

Kerala at a Glance

2008-05-19T22:19:00.000-07:00

A coastline that stretches for 600kms, virgin beaches, lush greenery, a highly literate people, and a treasure trove of rich and varied art forms all make up the fascinating land of Kerala. Enclosed by the Arabian Sea, the Lakshadweep Sea, and the towering Western Ghats, this paradise on earth has something to offer to everybody. Located at the southernmost tip of India, Kerala has become one of the most sought after travel destinations in recent times. Kerala at a glance itself is inviting and alluring, tickling our knowledge buds to know more.

The state of Kerala has the highest percentage of literacy in India. The capital of Kerala is Thiruvananthapuram. A very progressive state Kerala is very well connected by all modern transport facilities and is therefore easily accessible. A communist government is at the helm of affairs in the state. Kerala may be divided into fourteen Districts which fall under Kerala’s three prominent historical regions namely, Travancore (Southern Kerala), Kochi (Central Kerala), and Malabar (Northern Kerala).Malayalam is the official language of Kerala.

Location	:	Southwestern tip of India.
Area	:	38, 863 sq km.
Population	:	3,18,38,619
Capital	:	Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Language	:	Malayalam;English is widely spoken.
Religion	:	Hinduism, Christianity, Islam
Time	:	GMT +5:30
Currency	:	Indian Rupee
Climate	:	Tropical.
Summer	:	February - May (24 - 33⁰C)
Monsoon	:	June - September (22 - 28⁰C)
Winter	:	October - January (22 - 32⁰C)
Names of Districts
Old		New
Trivandrum		Thiruvananthapuram
Quilon		Kollam
Alleppey		Alappuzha
		Pathanamthitta
		Kottayam
		Idukki
		Ernakulam
Trichur		Thrissur
Palghat		Palakkad
		Malappuram
		Wayanad
Calicut		Kozhikode
Cannanore		Kannur
		Kasaragod
Major Cities	:	Thiruvananthapuram,Kochi (Ernakulam district)and Kozhikode.
Taluks	:	61
Revenue Villages	:	1452
City Corporations	:	5
Grama Panchayat	:	991
Block Panchayat	:	152
District Panchayat	:	14
Population
Population	:	318.39 lakhs as per the latest 2001 Census (31.839 Millions)
Density of Population	:	819 per sq kms
Kerala's Share in the National Population	:	3.1 per cent
District Average	:	22.74 lakhs (2.274 millions)
Sex Ratio	:	1058 women for 1000 men
Literacy
Literacy Rate	:	90.92 per cent.
Male Literacy Rate	:	94.20 per cent
Female Literacy Rate	;	87.86 per cent
Educational Infrastructure
Lower Primary Schools (First - Fourth classes)	:	6712
Upper Primary Schools (Fifth - Seventh classes)	:	2951
High Schools (Eighth - Tenth classes)	:	2608
Total number of Schools	:	12271
Higher Education
Higher Education Universities	:	7
Arts and Science Colleges	:	286
Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI)

Kerala has had a commendable record in terms of the Physical Quality of Life Index. Indicators of PQLI like infant mortality (11%), female literacy (87.86%), and life expectancy at birth for males (68.23) and females (73.62), are well above all India levels. The major reason for this achievement is Kerala's focus on the service sector. About 37% of the total annual expenditure of the State is earmarked for health and education. Another reason for this is the existence of a larger network of hospital infrastructure under the Directorate of Health Services with 933 primary health centres and 5094 sub-centres
Health Care Infrastructure
Immunisation has been near total in the year 2002 - 03.
T.T for Pregnant Women	:	86.1%
T.T for 5 year old	:	89.2%
T.T for 10 year old	:	98.1%
T.T for 16 year old	;	95%
DPT	:	95.8%
BCG	:	103%
Polio	:	95.3%
Anti-measles	:	90.6%
Rate of Diseases per 1000 People -
Leprosy	:	0.66
Malaria	:	0.36
Filaria	:	1.28
Tuberculosis	:	0.70
Transport
Air: There are three international airports in the state. They are at Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Nedumbassery (Kochi) and operate international flights and domestic flights. Road and Rail : The state is well connected by rail and road.
Seaports	:	Major : Kochi Minor : Beypore (Kozhikode), Alappuzha, Kollam.
Major Beaches	:	Kovalam, Varkala, Fort Kochi, Kappad and Bekal.
Major Wild Life Sanctuaries	:	Thekkady (Periyar), Parambikkulam, Wayanad, Silent Valley, Aralm, Peechi-Vazhani, Chimani, Shenduruny, Idukki, Chinnar, Peppara, Neyyar.
Bird Sanctuary	:	Thattekad, Kumarakom.
Major Hill Stations	:	Ponmudi, Peerumade, Thekkady, Munnar and Wayanad.
Farm / Cash Crops	:	Rubber, Coffee, Tea, Spices, Pepper, Cashew, Coconut, Arecanut and rice.
Exports	:	Marine, Coir, Handicrafts, Spices, Food and other Products.
Major Industries	:	Tourism, Information Technology, Fertilizer, Oil Refining and Power Generation, Ship Building, Machine Tools, Electronics, Cables, Rubber.