Kerala-God's Own Country

KERALA• Kerala, often referred to as Kerala ,is a state in the

south-west region of India on the Malabar coast. It was formed on 1 November 1956 as per the States Reorganization Act by combining various Malayalam-speaking regions. Spread over 38,863 km2 (15,005 sq mi) it is bordered by Karnataka to the north and north east, Tamil Nadu to the east and south, and the Lakshadweep Sea to the west. With 33,387,677 inhabitants as per the 2011 census, Kerala is the thirteenth largest state by population and is divided into 14 districts with the state capital being Thiruvananthapuram. Malayalam is the most widely spoken and official language of the state.

• Formed on 1st November 1956 .

• Capital of Kerala is Thiruvanadapuram.

• Language spoken is Malayalam, Official Language is English.

• Kerala consists of 14 districts.

• Major cities are Thiruvanadapuram, Cochin and Calicut

According to Hindu mythology, the lands of Kerala were recovered from the sea by the axe-wielding warrior sage Parasurama, 6th avatar of Vishnu, hence Kerala is also called Parasurama Kshetram .Parasurama threw his axe across the sea, and the water receded as far as it reached. According to legend, this new area of land extended from Gokarna to Kanyakumari .Consensus among scientific geographers agrees that a substantial portion of this area was under the sea in ancient times. The land which rose from sea was filled with salt and unsuitable for habitation so Parasurama invoked the Snake King Vasuki, who spat holy poison and converted the soil into fertile lush green land. Out of respect, Vasuki and all snakes were appointed as protectors and guardians of the land.

• Another much earlier Puranic character associated with Kerala is Mahabali, an Asura and a prototypical king of justice, who ruled the earth from Kerala. He won the war against the Devas, driving them into exile. The Devaspleaded before Lord Vishnu, who took his fifth incarnation as Vamana and pushed Mahabalidown to Patala (the netherworld) to placate the Devas. There is a belief that, once a year during the Onam festival, Mahabalireturns to Kerala.

RELIGION

Kerala produces 97% of National output of

pepper

Kerala produces 85%

National output of

rubber.

Coconut, Rice, Tea, Coffee, Cashew, and

spices are also other agricultures

from Kerala.

VEG

ETERIA

N

Kerela is known for it’s traditional banquet or sadhya. A Sadhy vegetarian meal served with boiled rice and a host of side-dishes.The sadhya is plementedby payasam and is usually served on a banana leaf.

NON-VEGETERIAN

Keralians consume fish, poultry and meat. Most of them prefer Fish along with rice and curry.The main ingredient used is coconut. Spices are also used to cook non-vegetarian food as it is easily available.

CUISINE

TOURISM

SOME PICTURES OF KERALA