The town is an important trading center of spices and commercial crops, especially rubber. Major Kerala print media such as Malayala Manorama, Deepika and Mangalam are headquartered in the city. Also a pioneering center of modern education in Kerala, the city became India's first municipality to achieve 100% literacy in 1989 and the district became the first tobacco free district in India[citation needed]. The city of Kottayam is also called as "Akshara Nagari which means the "City of Letters
Etymology
It is believed that the name kottayam originated from the Malayalam words "kotta" meaning fort and "akam" meaning inside, giving the word the meaning of "the interior of the fort".
History
Kottayam was ruled by the Rajas of the independent little kingdom of Thekkumkoor ruled from Thazhathangady till the mid-18th century. At that time, Marthanda Varma, the king of Travancore annexed Thekkumcore and surrounding areas of Kottayam to the Kingdom of Travancore India , Kottayam continued to be ruled under the Princely State
Earlier, the Travancore State Travancore and Cochin
The citizens of Kottayam played an important in the early social struggles in Kerala. In 1891 a protest movement, known as the 'Malayali Memorial Agitation', took place seeking a better representation for Travancoreans, compared to outsiders, in the Travancore civil service. It is believed to have started in Kottayam. This movement had a big influence in beginning the modern political movements of Kerala[citation needed]. During the 'Nivarthana struggle' which took place in the 1930s in Kerala seeking the representation of Hindus of the lower castes, Christians and Muslims in the Travancore Legislature, Kottayam played a major role. The famous Vaikom Satyagraha of 1924 against untouchability, led by Mahatma Gandhi, took place in Vaikom near Kottayam. It was the first systematically organized agitation in Kerala against orthodoxy to secure the rights of the depressed classes.
Geography and climate
Kottayam town is situated in the basin of the Meenachil River and basin of Vembanad backwaters which is formed from several streams in the Western Ghats in Idukki district. It flows through Kottayam district and joins Vembanad lake. As per division of places in Kerala as Highlands, Midlands and Lowlands based on altitude, Kottayam is considered to be part of the Midlands . The general soil type is alluvial soil. The vegetation is mainly tropical evergreen and moist deciduous type.
The climate in this District is moderate and pleasant. Kottayam's proximity to the equator results in little seasonal temperature variation, with moderate to high levels of humidity. Annual temperatures range between 20 to 35 °C (68 to 95 °F). From June through September, the south-west monsoon brings in heavy rains as Kottayam lies on the windward side of the Western Ghats . From October to December, Kottayam receives light rain from the northwest monsoon, as it lies on the leeward side. Average annual rainfall is 3600 mm.
Kottayam is bordered by Pathanamthitta district on the south, Alappuzha district on the west, Ernakulam district on the north and Idukki district on the east.
Location in Google Maps: [1]\
Transport
Autorickshaw in a road in Kottayam. They are a major form of hired transport as in the rest of India
[edit]Road & Bus
Kottayam lies on the the National Highway 220 (NH 220) connecting Kollam and Theni.
The NH220 connects Kottayam to the state of Tamil Nadu and the tourist destinations of Thekkady and Kuttikanam, besides the agricultural towns of Kanjirapally andMundakayam.
State Highways including SH1 or Main Central (MC) road, SH11, SH13, SH14, SH15 and SH32 pass through Kottayam.
The major port city of Kochi (70 kilometres (43 mi)) can be reached through the Changanassery-Alappuzha road and also through Ettumanoor and Kumarakom.
Public transport in the town is largely dependent on buses, run by both private operators and KSRTC. There are three bus stations serving Kottayam- two catering to private buses and one exclusively for the KSRTC buses. Of the private bus stations, the bigger one is at Nagampadam which is very close to the railway station and the other one is in the heart of the town. Bus services are very economical. Besides local bus service for traveling within the town, Kottayam is well-connected to the rest of Kerala through inter-state bus services run by KSRTC. Hired forms of transport include metered taxis and auto-rickshaws.
[edit]Rail
The Kottayam (KTYM) railway station is situated in the heart of the city and is administered by the Southern Railway.
[edit]Air
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, 90 km to the north. The other major airport, Trivandrum International Airport is at Thiruvananthapuram, approximately 150 km south of Kottayam.
[edit]Ferry & Port
Kottayam Port, India's first multi-modal ICD and a minor port using inland water way, is situated at Nattakom (near Kodimatha), on the banks of Kodoor river.
The Kerala State Water Transport Department (KSWTD) operates ferry services through the backwaters in and around Kottayam city. Ferries are a major mode of transport to connect to the tourist destination ofKumarakom and Alappuzha town, besides several smaller destinations. There are two major ferry jetties in the city - Town Jetty and Kodimatha Jetty. In recent years, the boat jetty at Kumarakom has acquired international fame as a tourist launch point for the subliminal backwater rides on Vembanad lake, which has virtually become the poster image of Kerala.
Demographics
As of 2001 India
Kottayam District has ranked 1st in Literacy with a percentage of 95.9 compared to 90.92% for Kerala State and 65.38% for India
[edit]Economy
Kottayam is a major trading center of natural rubber in India India
Culture, literature and sports
Kottayam has its place of honour in the cultural map of Kerala. The culture of Kottayam is influenced mainly by the large presence of the Syrian Christian community. The cuisine of Kottayam is the same as rest of kerala, but with a distinct syrian christian influence vis-a-vis the use of cocunut and spices, as well as beef, pork and sea food Keralite Cuisine.
Margamkali and Arjuna Nritham are popular dance forms. Margamkali, which consists of group dance and martial arts like Parichamuttukali, is popular among the Syrian Christian community. It is performed by men and women separately. In the past, it was performed during Syrian Christian weddings. Arjuna Nritham, also known as Mayilpeeli Thookkam, performed by men was also popular. Besides these, popular South India dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattom, and Kuchipudi and classical Carnatic music are also learned by a large number of young people, mainly as a hobby and extracurricular activity.
Kottayam has produced many well known writers,journalists and artists. Muttathu Varkey -novelist and Pala Narayanan Nair -poet have all their footings in Kottayam. Kottayam Pushpanath -writer of crime thrillers lives at Kottayam. The famous Indian-English novelist Arundhathi Roy is a native of Aymanam in Kottaym District. Arundhati Roy's Booker prize-winning novel The God of Small Things was set at Aymanam.
Cricket, basketball and football are among the most popular sports in Kottayam. Kottayam is also famous for athletics, as the place has produced several athletes who represented India Lourdes
A municipal park is located by Sastri road. There are several movie halls which screen Malayalam, English, Tamil and Hindi movies. There are also restaurants that cater to Kerala, Tamil and Northern cuisines.Kumarakom, the major backwater tourism destination on the outskirts of the city has several luxury hotels and resorts including ones from reputed hotel chains like Taj, Zuri & Casino.
[edit]Notable people
(Do not include personalities NOT belonging to Kottayam Municipal area. Please use Kottayam District for such entries)
§ Saint Alphonsa Muttathupadathu (Malayalam: അല്ഫോണ്സാ മുട്ടത്തുപാടത്ത്; Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception; 19 August 1910 – 28 July 1946) is a Catholic Saint, the first person of Indian origin to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church and the first canonized saint of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, an Eastern Catholic Church of the Saint Thomas Christian community.
§ Kattakayam Cherian Mappillai (1859–1936) was a Malayalam poet. His magnum opus is the epic poem Shreeyeshu Vijayam composed over a span of 15 years, and finished in the year 1926, which earned him the title of Mahakavi. He was the Editor of Vijnaana Rathnaakaram, one of the early literary magazines (started in 1913) in the Malayalam language. He also co-founded one of the earliest rubber trading companies in Kerala, called Meenachil Rubber Company.He hailed from the Kattakayam family of Palai in Kottayam, Kingdom of Travancore
§ Dr.K R Narayanan, Former President of INDIA India
§ Arundhati Roy - the booker-prize winning author of The God of Small Things (1997) grew up in Kottayam & set her iconic book in places in and around Kottayam, like Aymenem, Baker junction, Kumarakom and Meenachal river. Her mother Mary Roy, herself an accomplished social reformer and educator, still lives in Kottayam town and runs the progressive school Pallikoodam.
§ Vaikom Muhamad Bashir,Thalayolaparambu, Author Vaikom Muhammad Basheer or Vaikkom Muhammad Basheer (born 21 January 1908 [1]; died 5 July 1994) was a Malayalam fiction writer. He was a humanist, freedom fighter, novelist and short story writer. He is noted for the pathbreaking, disarmingly down-to-earth style of writing that won both literary critics as well as the common man. He is regarded as India
§ Former Chief Justice of India
§ Mannathu Padmanabhan, Perunna, Changanacherry
§ Author - Muttathu Varkey, Changanacherry
§ Kandathil Varghese Mapillai, 1858–1904, Founder of Malayala Manorama, Freedom Fighter.
§ K. C. Mammen Mappillai, 1873–1956, Editor, Malayala Manorama, Freedom Fighter, Ex-Member Travancore Sree Mollam Assembly
§ K.M.Mathew - 1917-2010, chief editor of Malayala Manorama from 1973 to 2010 and Padmabhushan-award winner.
§ M.N. Govindan Nair, Lawyer-Malayalam Satirist
§ G. Aravindan, 1935–1991, noted cartoonist and film maker. Won a number of state, national and international award, son of M.N. Govindan Nair, mentioned above
§ Oommen Chandy (Malayalam: ഉമ്മന് ചാണ്ടി) (born 31 October 1943 in Kumarakom) is an Indian politician. He was the Chief Minister of Kerala from 2004 to 2006, and he has been the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly since 2006.
§ K. M. Mani(Karingozhakkal Mani Mani) is a veteran Indian politician and the leader of Kerala Congress (M), one of the factions of the Kerala Congress.'God Father' of all factions of Kerala Congress parties in the state.-->
§ Mammootty , A cine artist(Filmfare,Film critics,National,State,Padmasri,Bharat awards).Kottayam District
§ John Abraham : Film director who rose to fame by "Amma Ariyan"
§ N.N. Pillai, Playwright and Film/Stage actor
§ D. C. Kizhakemuri,writer, activist and book publisher
§ Kalamandalam Karunakaran Nair-Kathakali actor/Kalamandalam Teacher
§ Manoj K. Jayan is an Indian actor who mainly acts in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films. He was born in Kottayam District, Kerala to the Carnatic musician Jayan and V. K. Sarojini, a teacher. He has won the Kerala State
Religious institutions
Reflecting the religious make-up of the population, a large number of Hindu temples and Christian churches dot the townscape. Some of them are the Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple, two churches known as Valiya Palli and Manarcad Palli (Manarcad church) and the Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid.
Thazhathangady Juma Masjid, situated in the banks of river Meenachil, is one of the oldest mosques in India and is more than 1000 years old, famous for its architectural beauty, and richness in wood carvings. This mosque was constructed by the followers of the Islamic prophet Muhammad during one of their first voyages to Kerala. Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple, at the heart of the town, is a Shiva temple built in theKerala style of temple architecture, with interior murals depicting themes from the Hindu epics. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century by the then Raja of Thekkumkur. The annual temple festival that culminates in a ceremony called the Aaraattu, attracts large number of devotees.
Kottayam is a major center of Syrian Christians of Kerala. St. Mary's Church, the Valia Palli (the Big Church), built in 1550 by Knanaya Syrian Christians who immigrated from West Asia, is considered as the first Christian church in Kottayam town. This church is famous for its two granite crosses known as Persian crosses. There are rare antique carvings and mural paintings behind the main altar and on the ceiling.
Another St. Mary's Church known as Cheria Palli (the Little Church), belonging to the Malankara Orthodox Church was built in 1579 by the Raja of Thekkumkur for his Christian subjects. These churches feature temple architectural influences. The interior murals, painted using vegetable dyes, depict Biblical themes. However, the most famous Christian church in Kottayam District is St. Mary's Cathedral Manarcad better known as "Manarkad Palli". Perhaps no other Christian centres in Kerala attracts so many pilgrims and devotees than this church. The "8 days lent" known as "ettunompu" attracts around 1 million people from all religions and walks of life. The rally on the 8th day- "raaza" is the greatest of such events in Asia . See website of (Manarcad church).
The Syro-Malabar rite of the Roman Catholic Church has an archeparchy based in Kottayam. Some of the important Catholic churches in Kottayam include Lourdes Forane Church , Good Shepherd Church India
Media
Kottayam is considered as the nerve center of Malayalam literature and publishing media. Unnuneeli Sandesam, a beautiful and famous poetry work, is supposed to have been written by one of the Vadakkumkur Rajas. In 1821, Benjamin Baily, a British missionary, established C.M.S. Press, the first printing press in Kerala, in Kottayam. The town has been in the forefront of newspaper and book publishing in the state ever since.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Malayalam literature was enriched by the works of Christian missionaries. Varthamana Pusthakam (1778), written by Parammekkal Thoma Kathanar on a visit to Rome
Jnananikshepam was the first newspaper published by the natives of Kerala, and it was brought out from CMS press at Kottayam in 1848.[3] Nasrani Deepika was started in 1887 by the Carmelities of Mary Immaculate (CMI) missionaries at Mannanam near Kottayam. The newspaper still continues to be published under the name Deepika and is a leading Malayalam daily. Malayala Manorama, India's largest circulating regional daily,[citation needed] was founded here by K.C. Mammen Mapila in 1890. The part played by newspapers published from Kottayam, like Malayala Manorama, Deepika and Bhashaposhini, a literary magazine from Malayala Manorama Group in the cultural and literary development of Kerala is immense.
Today, five major Malayalam newspapers – Malayala Manorama, Mathrubhoomi, Deepika, Madhyamam and Mangalam – and around thirty periodicals are published from Kottayam. Kottayam is also home to several book publishers in Malayalam such as D. C. Books, Labour India Publications and Current Books. Almost 70 percent of books published in Kerala are from Kottayam.[4] In 1945, a group of writers set up Sahithya Pravarthaka Sahakarana Sangam, which stands for 'Literary Workers' Co-operative Society' in Malayalam. It was the first co-operative enterprise of writers, novelists and poets.
Education
Kottayam Medical college hospital is one of the major hospitals in Kerala
The Orthodox Pazhaya Seminary of the Malankara Orthodox Church was the first institution to start English education in Southern India . C.M.S High School , (now Church Missionary Society College High School), was founded by the British missionary, Benjamin Bailey of the Church Mission Society of London Baker Memorial Girls High School in Kottayam, founded by Amalia Dorothea Baker in 1820, is one of the oldest girls' schools in India
Mahatma Gandhi University, one of six universities in Kerala, is located at Kottayam. Medical College, Kottayam is located about 10 km from the town. There are a number of Arts & Science Colleges, including C.M.S. College
Other institutes include the Centre for rural management (CRM), Kottayam (a leading autonomous research organizations for rural development), and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.
Hospitals and health care
Hospitals and health care
Apart from the Medical College , there is one District Hospital Taluk Hospitals , six Community Health Centres, 11 Block Health Centres, 51 Primary Health Centres and seven Government Hospitals
Religion
Various sections of Christianity, Islam and Hinduism co-exist harmoniously. The Ezhavas, Nairs, Viswakarmas and the Scheduled Class & Tribes constitute the major sections of the Hindu religion. Followers of theMalankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Jacobite Church, Knanaya, Marthoma Church, St. Thomas Evangelical Church, CSI Church, Pentecostal Churches, and Indian Brethren form major Christian sects. Kottayam is the headquarters of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
KERALA
The state has an area of 38,863 km2 (15,005 sq mi) and is bordered by Karnataka to the north, Tamil Nadu to the south and the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. The major cities in Kerala are Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode . Kerala is also known for its many small towns that are scattered across the state, thus creating a higher density of population.
Stone age carving in Edakkal Caves Far East . The spice trade between Kerala and much of the world was one of the main drivers of the world economy. For much of history, ports in Kerala were the busiest (Muziris) among all trade and travel routes in the history of the world.
A 3rd-century-BC rock inscription by emperor Asoka the Great attests to a Keralaputra.[5] Around 1 BC the region was ruled by the Chera Dynasty, which traded with the Greeks, Romans and Arabs. The Tamil Chera dynasty, Ays and the Pandyan Empire were the traditional rulers of Kerala whose patriarchal dynasties ruled until the 14th century.[6][7] The Cheras collapsed after repeated attacks from the neighboring Chola Empire and Rashtrakuta Empire. Feudal Namboothiri Brahmin and Nair city-states subsequently gained control of the region.[8]
Contact with Europeans after the arrival of Vasco Da Gama in 1498 gave way to struggles between colonial and native interests. In 1795, the area was under British dominion. After independence, the state of Kerala was created in 1956 from the former state of Travancore-Cochin, the Malabar district of Madras State, and the Kasaragod taluk of Dakshina Kannada.[9]
Kerala is a popular tourist destination famous for its backwaters, Ayurvedic treatments [10] and tropical greenery. Kerala has a higher Human Development Index than all other states in India.[11][12] The state has a literacy rate of 94.59 percent,[2] the highest in India
Etymology
The name Kerala has an uncertain etymology. Keralam may stem from an imperfect Malayalam portmanteau fusing kera ("coconut tree") and alam ("land" or "location").[18]:122 Kerala may represent the Classical Tamil chera-alam ("declivity of a hill or a mountain slope")[19] or chera alam ("Land of the Cheras").[20]:2 Natives of Kerala, known as Malayalis, refer to their land as Keralam.[21] The Matsya Purana mentions the Malaya Mountains in Kerala as the setting for the story of the Matsya Avatara of Lord Vishnu and King Manu (King Satyavrata)[22][23][24][25]. The Vamana Purana also mentions King Mahabali as the righteous and virtuous ruler that has his capital in Kerala. Kerala has been referenced in puranas as created by Parashurama by throwing his axe into the sea. The Aitareya Aranyaka is the earliest Sanskrit work that specifically mentions Kerala.[2] A 3rd-century-BC rock inscription by emperor Asoka the Great references Kerala as Keralaputra.[26]
History
Main article: History of Kerala
A Muniyara, dolmens erected by Neolithic tribesmen, in Marayoor.
It is not known if the region was inhabited during Neolithic times. Dolmens belonging to this period have been unearthed from Idukki district. The Edakkal Caves in Wayanad have carvings dating back to the early Stone Age period of 5000 B.C.[27][28][29] A cave near the Edakkal Caves in Thovarimala Ezhuthupara, Wayanad district, known locally as "Ezhuthupara" also carries pre-historic carvings dating back many millennia.
According to legend, Parasurama, an avatar of Mahavishnu, threw his battle axe into the sea; and from those waters, Kerala arose.[30]
Parashurama, surrounded by settlers, commanding Varuna to part the seas and reveal Kerala.
Kerala finds mention in the annals of international trade from as early as 3000 BC, having established itself as the major spice trade centre of the world and traded with Sumer.[31][32] Kerala and Tamil Nadu once shared a common language and culture; this common area was known as Tamilakam.[33]
During the first century BC the region was ruled by the Chera Dynasty established by the Dravidian tribe Villavar, whose mother tongue and court language was the ancient Tamil.[34] The capital of Cheras was Vanchi. The southern Kerala was ruled by the Pandyan Kingdom with their capital at Nelcynda.[6][7] The merchants from China , West Asia and Roman Empire had trade links with Cheras. The Sangam literature from the period has descriptions of the Roman ships coming to Muziris, laden with gold as exchange for pepper.[35] Kerala is represented as the eastern tip of the known world in Tabula Peutingeriana, the only known surviving map of the Roman cursus publicus.[36] :192–195, 303–307 The west Asian-semitic [37] Jewish, Christian, and Muslim immigrants[37] established Nasrani Mappila, Juda Mappila and Muslim Mappila communities.[37][38] The Jews first arrived in Kerala in 573 BC.[39][40] The works of scholars and Eastern Christian writings state that Thomas the Apostle visited Muziris in Kerala in 52 CE to proselytize amongst Kerala's Jewish settlements and convert them to Christianity. However, the year of his arrival is widely disputed due to lack of credible historical evidence.[41][42][43][44] Muslim merchants led by Malik ibn Dinar settled in Kerala by the 8th century CE and introduced Islam.
The Later Chera Kingdom Kochi , Venad, Kolathiri and Kozhikode Samuthiri emerged powerful.
After Vasco Da Gama's arrival in Kappad Kozhikode in 1498, the Portuguese began to gain control of the lucrative pepper trade.[47][48][49] On 25 March 1505, Francisco de Almeida was appointed the Viceroy of India with his headquarters at Kochi Kannur , Cochin
Dutch commander De Lannoy surrenders to Marthanda Varma at the Battle Padmanabhapuram Palace
The Dutch East India Company like the Portuguese before them took advantage of the conflicts between Kozhikode and Kochi Battle Calicut as part of the larger Napoleonic Wars between Holland and England in Europe . In 1766, Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore Kochi Madras
A nineteenth-century map of Madras Province in British India . Kerala was formed by merging Malabar, Cochin, Travancore and the South Kanara district
Kerala was comparatively peaceful under the British Raj; only sporadic revolts such as the 1946 Punnapra-Vayalar uprising and the 1921 Malabar Rebellion. The Dewan of Travancore Velayudan Thampi Dalava, and Pazhassi Raja, among others, vied for greater autonomy or independence.[51] Many actions, spurred by such leaders as Vaikunda Swami,[52] Sree Narayana Guru and Chattampi Swamikal, instead protested such conditions as untouchability; notable was the 1924 Vaikom Satyagraham. In 1936, Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma of Travancore issued the Temple Entry Cochin did not do the Temple entry proclamation (1948) until after India Madras Presidency was organised to form Madras State San Marino (in 1948) and Guyana
Geography and climate
Main article: Geography of Kerala
See also: Climate of India
Munnar hill station, Kerala
Kerala is wedged between the Lakshadweep sea and the Western Ghats . Lying between north latitudes 8°18' and 12°48' and east longitudes 74°52' and 77°22',[56][57] Kerala experiences the humid equatorial tropic climate. The state has a coast of length 590 km (367 mi)[58] and the width of the state varies between 35 and 120 km (22–75 miles). Geographically, Kerala can be divided into three climatically distinct regions: the eastern highlands (rugged and cool mountainous terrain), the central midlands (rolling hills), and the western lowlands (coastal plains). Located at the extreme southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, Kerala lies near the centre of the Indian tectonic plate; hence, most of the state is subject to comparatively little seismic and volcanic activity.[59] Pre-Cambrian and Pleistocene geological formations compose the bulk of Kerala’s terrain.
Eastern Kerala region consists of high mountains, gorges and deep-cut valleys immediately west of the Western Ghats ' rain shadow. Forty-one of Kerala’s west-flowing rivers, and three of its east-flowing ones originate in this region. The Western Ghats form a wall of mountains interrupted only near Palakkad, where the Palakkad Gap breaks through to provide access to the rest of India Western Ghats rises on average to 1,500 m (4920 ft) above sea level, while the highest peaks may reach to 2,500 m (8200 ft). Anamudi is the highest peak at an elevation of 2,695 metres (8,130 ft). Just west of the mountains lie the midland plains comprising central Kerala, dominated by rolling hills and valleys.[56] Generally ranging between elevations of 250–1,000 m (820–3300 ft), the eastern portions of the Nilgiri and Palni Hills include such formations as Agastya Mala and Anamala.
Kerala’s western coastal belt is relatively flat, and is criss-crossed by a network of interconnected brackish canals, lakes, estuaries, and rivers known as the Kerala Backwaters. Lake Vembanad —Kerala’s largest body of water—dominates the Backwaters; it lies between Alappuzha and Kochi Indian Ocean Tsunami.
A catastrophic flood occurred in Kerala in 1341 AD that drastically modified the terrain and consequently affected the history.[62] The flood resulted in changing the course of the river Periyar, recession of Arabian Sea by several miles downwards making the Kuttanad region cultivable, closure of the Muziris (Kodungalloor) harbour and creation of a new harbour at Kochi.[63][64][65]
With 120–140 rainy days per year, Kerala has a wet and maritime tropical climate influenced by the seasonal heavy rains of the southwest summer monsoon.[66]:80 In eastern Kerala, a drier tropical wet and dry climate prevails. Kerala's rainfall averages 3,107 mm annually. Some of Kerala's drier lowland regions average only 1,250 mm; the mountains of eastern Idukki district receive more than 5,000 mm of orographic precipitation, the highest in the state.
During summer, Kerala is prone to gale force winds, storm surges, cyclone-related torrential downpours, occasional droughts, and rises in sea level.[67]:26, 46, 52 The mean daily temperatures range from 19.8 °C to 36.7 °C.[56] Mean annual temperatures range from 25.0–27.5 °C in the coastal lowlands to 20.0–22.5 °C in the eastern highlands
Flora and fauna
A blue tiger (Tirumala limniace) butterfly in Chalakudy
Cassia Fistula, (Malayalam: കണിക്കൊന്ന, Kani Konna), is the state flower of Kerala.
Petals of the gloriosa lily (Gloriosa superba) flower curve upward into a claw-like shape; below, its stamens grow radially outwards.
A fulvous forest skimmer (Neurothemis fulvia) in Chalakudy, near Thrissur
Main article: Flora and fauna of Kerala
Much of Kerala's notable biodiversity is concentrated and protected in the Western Ghats . Almost a fourth of India
Its 9,400 km² of forests include tropical wet evergreen and semi-evergreen forests (lower and middle elevations—3,470 km²), tropical moist and dry deciduous forests (mid-elevations—4,100 km² and 100 km², respectively), and montane subtropical and temperate (shola) forests (highest elevations—100 km²). Altogether, 24% of Kerala is forested.[69]:12 Two of the world’s Ramsar Convention listed wetlands—Lake Sasthamkotta and the Vembanad-Kol wetlands—are in Kerala, as well as 1455.4 km² of the vast Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Subjected to extensive clearing for cultivation in the 20th century,[70]:6–7 much of the remaining forest cover is now protected from clearfelling. Kerala's fauna are notable for their diversity and high rates of endemism: 102 species of mammals (56 of which are endemic), 453 species of birds, 202 species of freshwater fishes, 169 species of reptiles (139 of them endemic), and 89 species of amphibians (86 endemic).[68] These are threatened by extensive habitat destruction, including soil erosion, landslides, salinization, and resource extraction.[71]
Eastern Kerala’s windward mountains shelter tropical moist forests and tropical dry forests, which are common in the Western Ghats . Here, sonokeling (Dalbergia latifolia), anjili, mullumurikku (Erythrina), and Cassia number among the more than 1,000 species of trees in Kerala. Other plants include bamboo, wild black pepper, wild cardamom, the calamus rattan palm (a type of climbing palm), and aromatic vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides).[69]:12 Living among them are such fauna as Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus), Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca), Nilgiri Tahr, Common Palm Civet, and Grizzled Giant Squirrel.[69]:12, 174–175 Reptiles include the King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), viper, python, and Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) . Kerala's birds are legion—Malabar Trogon, the Great Hornbill, Kerala Laughingthrush, Darter, and Southern Hill Myna are several emblematic species. In lakes, wetlands, and waterways, fish such as kadu (stinging catfish) and Choottachi (Orange chromide—Etroplus maculatus) are found.[69]:163–165
Subdivisions
Main articles: Districts of Kerala and Corporations, Municipalities and Taluks of Kerala
Population density map of Kerala graded from darkest shading (most dense) to lightest (least dense)
Kerala's fourteen districts are distributed among Kerala's six historical regions: North Malabar (Far-north Kerala), Malabar (northern Kerala), Kochi (central Kerala), Northern Travancore, Central Travancore (southern Kerala) and Southern Travancore (Far-south Kerala). Kerala's modern-day districts (listed in order from north to south) correspond to them as follows:
North Malabar: Kasaragod, Kannur, Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanad, Koyilandy and Vadakara Taluks of Kozhikode
Malabar: Wayanad except Mananthavady Taluk, Kozhikode except Vadakara and Koyilandy Taluks, Malappuram, Palakkad District except Chittoor Taluk and a part of Thrissur
(traditionally, Nanchinad in Kanyakumary, which is part of Tamil Nadu)
Kerala's 14 districts, which serve as the administrative regions for taxation purposes, are further subdivided into 63 taluks; these have fiscal and administrative powers over settlements within their borders, including maintenance of local land records.Taluks of kerala are further divided into 1453 revenue villages and 1007 Gram panchayats.
Mahé, a part of the Indian union territory of Puducherry (Pondicherry
Destinations of Kerala
Main tourist destinations of Kerala include Alappuzha, Bekal, Bharananganam, Guruvayur, Idukki, Kannur, Kochi, Kottayam, Kovalam, Kozhikode, Kumarakom, Malayattoor, Munnar, Parumala, Peermade, Sabarimala, Thekkady, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Varkala and Wayanad.
Government
Main article: Government of Kerala
Government of Kerala is setup according to rules and regulations by Government of India
The Kerala Legislative Assembly Building
The Governor of Kerala is the constitutional head of state, and is appointed by the President of India.[75][76] The executive authority is headed by the Chief Minister of Kerala, who is the de facto head of state and is vested with extensive executive powers; the Legislative Assembly's majority party leader is appointed to this position by the Governor. The Council of Ministers, which answers to the Legislative Assembly, has its members appointed by the Governor on advice of the Chief Minister. Auxiliary authorities known as panchayats, for which local body elections are regularly held, govern local affairs.[77]
The judiciary comprises the Kerala High Court (Located at Ernakulam has a Chief Justice combined with 26 permanent and two additional (pro tempore) justices) as the apex court in the state and a system of lower courts. Kerala High Court also hears cases from the Union Territory of Lakshadweep .
The state's 2005–2006 budget was 219 billion INR.[78] The state government's tax revenues (excluding the shares from Union tax pool) amounted to 111,248 million INR in 2005, up from 63,599 million in 2000. Its non-tax revenues (excluding the shares from Union tax pool) of the Government of Kerala as assessed by the Indian Finance Commissions reached 10,809 million INR in 2005, nearly double the 6,847 million INR revenues of 2000.[79] However, Kerala's high ratio of taxation to gross state domestic product (GSDP) has not alleviated chronic budget deficits and unsustainable levels of government debt, impacting social services.[80]
Kerala hosts two major political alliances: the United Democratic Front (UDF—led by the Indian National Congress)and the Left Democratic Front (LDF—led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)). At present, the LDF is the ruling coalition in government; V.S. Achuthanandan of the CPI(M) is the Chief Minister of Kerala and Oommen Chandy of the UDF is the Chief Opposition leader. Strikes, protests and marches are ubiquitous in Kerala due to the comparatively strong presence of labour unions.
Economy
The interior of a building in the Technopark, at Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum
Main article: Economy of Kerala
See also: :Category:Industries based in Kerala
Since independence, Kerala was managed as a democratic socialist welfare economy. Since the 1990s, liberalisation of the mixed economy allowed onerous Licence Raj restrictions against capitalism and foreign direct investment to be lightened, leading to economic expansion and job creation. In fiscal year 2007-2008, nominal gross state domestic product (GSDP) was 162,414.79 crore (US$35.24 billion).[83] Recent GSDP growth (9.2% in 2004–2005 and 7.4% in 2003–2004) has been robust compared to historical averages (2.3% annually in the 1980s and between 5.1%[84]:8 and 5.99%[85] in the 1990s).[84]:8 The state clocked 8.93% growth in enterprises from 1998 to 2005 compared with 4.80% nationally.[86] Relatively few such enterprises are major corporations or manufacturers.[67] Kerala's Human Development Index rating is the highest in India.[87] This apparently paradoxical "Kerala phenomenon" or "Kerala model of development" of high human and low economic development results from the strong service sector.[67]:48[88]:1 Kerala's economy depends on emigrants working in foreign countries (mainly in the Persian Gulf countries such as United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia) and remittances annually contribute more than a fifth of GSDP.[14][15][16]
Rural women processing coir threads
The service sector (including tourism, public administration, banking and finance, transportation, and communications—63.8% of GSDP in 2002–2003) and the agricultural and fishing industries (together 17.2% of GSDP) dominate the economy.[85][89] Nearly half of Kerala's people are dependent on agriculture alone for income.[90] Some 600 varieties[69]:5 of rice (Kerala's most important staple food and cereal crop)[91]:5 are harvested from 3105.21 km² (a decline from 5883.4 km² in 1990)[91]:5 of paddy fields; 688,859 tonnes are produced per annum.[90] Other key crops include coconut (899,198 ha), tea, coffee (23% of Indian production,[92]:13 or 57,000 tonnes[92]:6–7), rubber, cashews, and spices—including pepper, cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Around 1.050 million fishermen haul an annual catch of 668,000 tonnes (1999–2000 estimate); 222 fishing villages are strung along the 590 km coast. Another 113 fishing villages dot the hinterland.
Traditional industries manufacturing such items as coir, handlooms, and handicrafts employ around one million people. Around 180,000 small-scale industries employ around 909,859 Keralites; 511 medium and large scale manufacturing firms are located in Kerala. A small mining sector (0.3% of GSDP)[89] involves extraction of ilmenite, kaolin, bauxite, silica, quartz, rutile, zircon, and sillimanite.[90] Home gardens and animal husbandry also provide work for hundreds of thousands of people. Other major sectors are tourism, manufacturing, and business process outsourcing. As of March 2002, Kerala's banking sector comprised 3341 local branches; each branch served 10,000 persons, lower than the national average of 16,000; the state has the third-highest bank penetration among Indian states.[93] Unemployment in 2007 was estimated at 9.4%;[94] underemployment, low employability of youths, and a 13.5% female participation rate are chronic issues.[95]:5, 13[96] Poverty rate figures range from 12.71%[97] to as high as 36%.[98] More than 45,000 residents live in slum conditions.[99]
The state treasury has suffered loss of thousands of millions of rupees thanks to the state staging over 100 hartals annually in recent times. A record total of 223 hartals were observed in 2006, resulting in a revenue loss of over 2000 crore.
Transport
See also: Roads in Kerala
A road in Kerala
[edit]Roads in Kerala
Main article: Roads in Kerala
Kerala has 145,704 kilometers (90,536 mi) of roads (4.2% of India India
Roads in Kerala includes 1,524 km of National highway (2.6% of nation's total), 4006 km of state highway and 23,702 km of district roads.[101]
NH 17 connects Edapally (Kochi
The other major national highway passing through the state is the National_Highway_47_(India) which connects Salem to Kanyakumari and passes through the major towns and cities like Palakkad, Thrissur, Kochi, Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. The length of the National_Highway_47_(India ) through Kerala is 416.8 km. [102] The NH 47 stretch from Cherthala to Thrissur via Kochi
NH 19 (Kochi - Rameswaram), NH 208 (Kollam - Thirumangalam), NH 212 (Kozhikode - Mysore ), NH 213 (Kozhikode - Palakkad), NH 220 (Kollam - theni) are the other national highways serving the state of Kerala.[103]
Most of Kerala's west coast is accessible through two national highways, NH 47, and NH 17 and eastern hills are accessible through proposed Hill Highway
The Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP), which includes the GIS-based Road Information and Management Project (RIMS), is responsible for maintaining and expanding the state highways system; it also oversees major district roads.[104][105]
Traffic in Kerala has been growing at a rate of 10–11% every year, resulting in high traffic and pressure on the roads. Kerala's road density is nearly four times the national average, reflecting the state's high population density. Kerala's annual total of road accidents is among the nation's highest.[106]
[edit]Railway
The Indian Railways' Southern Railway line runs throughout the state, connecting all major towns and cities except those in the highland districts of Idukki and Wayanad. Kerala's major railway stations are Kasaragod, Kannur, Thalassery, Vadakara, Kozhikode, Tirur, Shornur Junction, Palakkad Junction, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Ernakulam Junction, Alappuzha, Chengannur, Kottayam, Kollam Junction and Thiruvananthapuram Central
[edit]Water ways
The backwaters traversing the state are an important mode of inland navigation. National Waterway 3 traverse through the state.
[edit]Airports
The state has three major international airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode, that link the state with the rest of the nation and the world.The Cochin International Airport (COK) was the first Indian airport incorporated as a public limited company and is funded by nearly 10,000 Non Resident Indians from 30 countries.[107] A fourth international airport is proposed at Kannur.
Demographics
See also: Religions of Kerala
Main article: Demographics of Kerala
The 31.8 million[109] Keralites are predominantly of Malayali descent, while the rest is mostly made up of Jewish and Arab elements in both culture and ancestry. Kerala's 321,000 indigenous tribal Adivasis, 1.10% of the population, are concentrated in the east.[110]:10–12 Malayalam is Kerala's official language; Tamil, Tulu, Kannada and various Adivasi (Tribal) languages are also spoken by ethnic minorities especially in the south-western region.
[show]Population trend[111][112]
A fisherman in rural Kerala
Kerala is home to 3.44% of India's population; at 819 persons per km², its land is nearly three times as densely settled as the rest of India, which is at a population density of 325 persons per km².[113] Kerala's rate of population growth is India's lowest,[114] and Kerala's decadal growth(9.42% in 2001) is less than half the all-India average of 21.34%.[115] Whereas Kerala's population more than doubled between 1951 and 1991 by adding 15.6 million people to reach 29.1 million residents in 1991, the population stood at less than 32 million by 2001. Kerala's coastal regions are the most densely settled, leaving the eastern hills and mountains comparatively sparsely populated.[56]
Traditional dress of Kerala: a Malayali woman in a set-sari and a Malayali man wearing a mundu with a shirt.
Females comprise 51.42% of the population; males form the remaining 48.58% of the population.[116]:26 Kerala's principal religions are Hinduism (56.2%), Islam (24.70%), and Christianity (19.00%).[117] In comparison with the rest of India
According to 2001 Census of India India
Religion in Kerala[117]
Religion Percent
Hinduism 56.2%
Islam 24.7%
Christianity 19.0%
Others 1.1%
Jainism has a considerable following in the Wayanad district. Buddhism was dominant at the time of Ashoka the Great but vanished by the 8th century AD.[127]
Kerala has witnessed significant migration of its people, especially to the Persian Gulf countries, starting with the Kerala Gulf boom, and is uniquely dependent on remittances from its large Malayali expatriate community.[14][15][16]
Kerala government states gender relations are among the most equitable in India[Need quotation to verify],[128] despite discrepancies among low caste men and women.[129]:1 Certain Hindu communities such as the Nairs, some Ezhavas and the Muslims around North Malabar used to follow a traditional matrilineal system known as marumakkathayam, although this practice ended in the years after Indian independence. Other Muslims, Christians, and some Hindu castes such as the Namboothiris and the Ezhavas follow makkathayam, a patrilineal system.[130] Owing to the former matrilineal system, women in Kerala enjoy a high social status.[131]
Kerala's human development indices— primary level education, health care and elimination of poverty—are among the best in India. According to a 2005-2006 national survey, Kerala has one of the highest literacy rates (90.92%) among Indian states[2] and life expectancy (73 years) was among the highest in India in 2001.[132] Kerala's rural poverty rate fell from 69% (1970–1971) to 19% (1993–1994); the overall (urban and rural) rate fell 36% between the 1970s and 1980s.[133] By 1999–2000, the rural and urban poverty rates dropped to 10.0% and 9.6% respectively.[134] These changes stem largely from efforts begun in the late 19th century by the kingdoms of Cochin and Travancore to boost social welfare.[135][136] This focus was maintained by Kerala's post-independence government.[67][87]:48
[show]List of Major cities in Kerala
Kerala has the highest life expectancy in the country which is nearly 75 years and 78 years respectively for males and females. The life expectancy of Kerala is similar to developed nations in the world that shows the facilities for treatment and health. Kerala's healthcare system has garnered international acclaim. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation designated Kerala the world's first "baby-friendly state" because of its effective promotion of breast-feeding over formulas[137] For example, more than 95% of Keralite births are hospital-delivered.[138]:6 Aside from ayurveda (both elite and popular forms),[139]:13 siddha, and many endangered and endemic modes of traditional medicine, including kalari, marmachikitsa>:17 and vishavaidyam, are practiced. These propagate via gurukula discipleship,[139]:5–6 and comprise a fusion of both medicinal and supernatural treatments,[139]:15 and are partly responsible for drawing increasing numbers of medical tourists.
A steadily aging population (11.2% of Keralites are over age 60[87]) and low birthrate[140] (18 per 1,000)[141] make Kerala one of the few regions in the developing world to have undergone the "demographic transition" characteristic of such developed nations as Canada, Japan, and Norway.[88]:1 In 1991, Kerala's total fertility rate (children born per women) was the lowest in India. Hindus had a TFR of 1.66, Christians 1.78, and Muslims 2.97.[142] Kerala's female-to-male ratio (1.058) is significantly higher than that of the rest of India.[88][143]:2 sub-replacement fertility level and infant mortality rate is lower compared to other states (estimated at 12[67][141]:49 to 14[144]:5 deaths per 1,000 live births).
However, Kerala's morbidity rate is higher than that of any other Indian state—118 (rural Keralites) and 88 (urban) per 1,000 people. The corresponding all India figures are 55 and 54 per 1,000, respectively.[144]:5 Kerala's 13.3% prevalence of low birth weight is substantially higher than that of First World nations.[141] Outbreaks of water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis, and typhoid among the more than 50% of Keralites who rely on 3 million water wells is a problem worsened by the widespread lack of sewers.
Education
Main article: Education in Kerala
Children lining up for school in Kochi
Kerala has highest literacy among the states of India India
More than 94% of the rural population has access to primary school within 1 km, while 98% of population benefits one school within a distance of 2 km. An upper primary school within a distance of 3 km is available for more than 96% of the people, whose 98% benefit the facility for secondary education within 8 km.The access for rural students to higher educational institutions in cities is facilitated by widely subsidised transport fares.
Kerala's educational system has been developed by institutions owned or aided by the government.In the educational system prevailed in the state schooling is for 10 years which is subdivided into lower primary, upper primary and high school, After 10 years of secondary schooling, students typically enroll in Higher Secondary Schooling in one of the three major streams—liberal arts, commerce or science. Upon completing the required coursework, students can enroll in general or professional under graduate programmes.
Schools and colleges are run by the government, private trusts, or individuals. Many of the schools owned by private sector are aided by government. Most of the public schools are affiliated to Kerala State
No fees(or a nominal fees) are required in schools run by or aided by government. Fees concerning the higher and technical education are very low; the ratio of recovery of government's revenue expenditure was 2.6% in 2006-2007.[147]
However, the lacking of fees or low fees does not imply low educational cost, as the students incur other costs of several types (examination fees, special fees, material costs, clothing travelling, private tuition...). In fact, according to the 61st round of National Sample Survey (2004–2005), per capita spending on education by the rural households resulted to be more than twice the national average ( 41 for Kerala, 18 for India India spending, on the contrary, resulted to be greater than Kerala's ( 74 for India
The University of Kerala's administrative building in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics is flourished between the 14th and 16th centuries. In attempting to solve astronomical problems, the Kerala school independently created a number of important mathematics concepts including results—series expansion for trigonometric functions.
The universities in kerala are Kannur University, Mahatma Gandhi University, University of Calicut, University of Kerala, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala Agricultural University, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit.[149] Premiere educational institutions in kerala are IIMK, one of the seven Indian Institutes of Management, National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC), Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology 
Culture
A Kathakali artist
A mohiniaattam performance
The annual snake boat race is performed during Onam Celebrations on the Pamba River
A Kerala-style house with a thulasi thara, a platform for tulasi, in the front.
Main articles: Arts of Kerala and Culture of Kerala
Kerala's culture is derived from both a Tamil-heritage region known as Tamilakam and southern coastal Karnataka. Later, Kerala's culture was elaborated upon through centuries of contact with neighboring and overseas cultures.[150] Native performing arts include koodiyattom (a 2000 year old Sanskrit theatre tradition, officially recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity[151]), kathakali—from katha ("story") and kali ("performance")—and its offshoot Kerala natanam, Kaliyattam -(North Malabar special), koothu (akin to stand-up comedy), mohiniaattam ("dance of the enchantress"), Theyyam, thullal NS padayani. Kathakali and Mohiniattam are widely recognized Indian Classical Dance traditions from Kerala.
Other forms of art are more religious or tribal in nature. These include chavittu nadakom, oppana (originally from Malabar), which combines dance, rhythmic hand clapping, and ishal vocalisations. Margam Kali is one of the ancient round group dance practiced by Syrian Christians of Kerala. However, many of these art forms are largely performed for tourists or at youth festivals, and are not as popular among most Keralites. Contemporary art and performance styles including those employing mimicry and parody are more popular.
Kerala's music also has ancient roots. Carnatic music dominates Keralite traditional music. This was the result of Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma's popularisation of the genre in the 19th century.[152][153] Raga-based renditions known as sopanam accompany kathakali performances. Melam (including the paandi and panchari variants) is a more percussive style of music; it is performed at Kshetram centered festivals using the chenda. Melam ensembles comprise up to 150 musicians, and performances may last up to four hours. Panchavadyam is a different form of percussion ensemble, in which up to 100 artists use five types of percussion instrument. Kerala has various styles of folk and tribal music. The popular music of Kerala is dominated by the filmi music of Indian cinema. Kerala's visual arts range from traditional murals to the works of Raja Ravi Varma, the state's most renowned painter.
Kolla Varsham or Malayalam Era, which is assumed to have been established by King Udaya Marthanda Varma in 825 AD, serves as the official calendar of Kerala.[154] The Malayalam calendar is used to plan agricultural and religious activities. Kerala's cuisine is typically served as a sadhya (feast) on green banana leaves. Such dishes as idli, payasam, pulisherry, puttukadala, or PuttuPayarPappadam, puzhukku, rasam, and sambar are typical. Keralites—both men and women alike—traditionally don flowing and unstitched garments. These include the mundu, a loose piece of cloth wrapped around men's waists. Women typically wear the sari, a long and elaborately wrapped banner of cloth, wearable in various styles. Presently, North Indian dresses such as Salwar kameez are also popular amongst women in Kerala.
Elephants are an integral part of daily life in Kerala. Indian elephants are loved, revered, groomed and given a prestigious place in the state's culture. They are often referred to as the 'sons of the sahya.' The ana (elephant) is the state animal of Kerala and is featured on the emblem of the Government of Kerala.
The predominant language spoken in Kerala is Malayalam. Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar (1736–1799) is considered to be the father of modern Malayalam prose. He is the author of Varthamanapusthakam (1790), the first ever travelogue in an Indian language
Malayalam literature is medieval in origin and includes such figures as the 14th century Niranam poets (Madhava Panikkar, Sankara Panikkar and Rama Panikkar), and the 17th century poet Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan whose works mark the dawn of both modern Malayalam language and indigenous Keralite poetry. The "triumvirate of poets" (Kavithrayam), Kumaran Asan, Vallathol Narayana Menon, and Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer, are recognised for moving Keralite poetry away from archaic sophistry and metaphysics, and towards a more lyrical mode.
In the second half of the 20th century, Jnanpith awardees like G. Sankara Kurup, S. K. Pottekkatt, Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai and M. T. Vasudevan Nair have made valuable contributions to the Malayalam literature. Later, such Keralite writers as O. V. Vijayan, Kamaladas, M. Mukundan, and Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy, whose 1996 semi-autobiographical bestseller[155] The God of Small Things is set in the Kottayam town of Ayemenem, have gained international recognition.[156][157]
Malayalam cinema carved a niche for itself in the Indian film industry. It has been producing both parallel and mainstream cinema of great acclaim for years. Directors like Adoor Gopalakrishnan, John Abraham, G. Aravindan have been some of the great names in the Indian parallel cinema. Kerala has also given birth to numerous acclaimed actors such as Bharat Gopy, Prem Nazir, Mammotty, Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Murali and Oduvil Unnikrishnan.
Media
Main article: Media in Kerala
The National Family Health Survey - 3, conducted in 2007 ranked Kerala as state with the most media exposure in India India
Doordarshan is the state-owned television broadcaster. Multi system operators provide a mix of Malayalam, English and international channels via cable television. There are 17 Malayalam TV channels like Asianet, Indiavision, Surya TV, Kairali TV, Manorama News, Amrita TV, Jeevan TV and JaiHind TV broadcast along with the major national channels. All India Radio, the national radio service, reaches much of Kerala via its Thiruvananthapuram,Kochi , Thrissur, Alappuzha , Kozhikode and Kannur Malayalam-language broadcasts. Television programmes such as serials, reality shows and the Internet have become a major source of entertainment and information for the people in Kerala. A Malayalam version of Google News was launched in September 2008.[159] Regardless, Keralites maintain high rates of newspaper and magazine subscriptions. A sizeable "people's science" movement has taken root in the state, and such activities as writers' cooperatives are becoming increasingly common.[88][160]:2
BSNL, Reliance Infocomm, Tata Docomo, Vodafone, Aircel, Idea and Airtel compete to provide cell phone services. Broadband internet is available in most of the towns and cities and is provided by different agencies like the state-run Kerala Telecommunications (which is run by BSNL) and by other private companies like Asianet Satellite communications, VSNL. BSNL provides broadband service in most of the villages.
Malayalam films are known for their realistic portrayal of characters and being socially oriented without giving a lot of importance to glitz and glamour. Movies produced in Hindi, Tamil and English (
Sports
Main article: Sports in Kerala
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi is one of the largest multi-use stadiums in India
Several ancient ritualised arts are Keralite in origin. These include kalaripayattu—kalari ("place", "threshing floor", or "battlefield") and payattu ("exercise" or "practice"). Among the world's oldest martial arts, oral tradition attributes kalaripayattu's emergence to Parasurama.[164] Other ritual arts include theyyam and poorakkali.
Cricket and football are the most popular sports in the state.[165] Two Kerala Ranji Trophy players gained test selection in recent years. Sreesanth, born in Kothamangalam, has represented India since 2005.[166] Among other Keralite cricketers is Tinu Yohannan, son of Olympic long jumper T. C. Yohannan.[167][168][169] Notable Kerala footballers include I. M. Vijayan, C. V. Pappachan, V. P. Sathyan, and Jo Paul Ancheri.[170][171]
Other popular sports include badminton, volleyball and kabaddi. Among Kerala athletes are P. T. Usha, T. C. Yohannan, Suresh Babu, Shiny Wilson, K. M. Beenamol, M. D. Valsamma and Anju Bobby George. Volleyball is another popular sport and is often played on makeshift courts on sandy beaches along the coast. Jimmy George, born in Peravoor, Kannur, was a notable Indian volleyball player, rated in his prime as among the world's ten best players
Tourism
Main article: Tourism in Kerala
Kovalam beach, Trivandrum
Sunset at Varkala Beach
Kerala, situated on the lush and tropical Malabar Coast, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India North India . Aggressive marketing campaigns launched by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, the government agency that oversees tourism prospects of the state, laid the foundation for the growth of the tourism industry. In the decades that followed, Kerala's tourism industry was able to transform the state into one of the niche holiday destinations in India
Popular attractions in the state include the beaches at Kovalam, Cherai, Varkala, Kappad, Muzhappilangad and Bekal; the hill stations of Munnar, Nelliampathi, Ponmudi and Wayanad; and national parks and wildlife sanctuaries at Periyar, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park. The "backwaters" region, which comprises an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals that centre on Alleppey, Kollam, Kumarakom, and Punnamada (where the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held in August), also see heavy tourist traffic. Heritage sites, such as the Padmanabhapuram Palace and the Mattancherry Palace, are also visited. Cities such as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are popular centres for their shopping and traditional theatrical performances. During early summer, the Thrissur Pooram is conducted, attracting foreign tourists who are largely drawn by the festival's elephants and celebrants.[178] The main pilgrim tourist spots of Kerala are Sabarimala Temple, Padmanabhaswamy Temple (Thiruvananthapuram), Padanilam Parabrahma Temple(Mavelikkara), Chettikulangara Temple, Vadakumnathan Temple, Guruvayoor Temple, Sarkara Devi Temple, Malayattor Church and Parumala Church.
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