Kerala enjoys unique geographical features with the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by forty-four rivers, 34 lakes, canals, ponds, paddy fields that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate, a long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil streches of emerald backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife, waterfalls, sprawling plantations and paddy fields, ayurvedic health holidays enchanting art forms, magical festivals, historic and cultural monuments, exotic cuisine, all of which makes Kerala a unique experience.
For administrative purpose, the state of Kerala is divided into fourteen districts. Almost all the districts are excellent tourist destinations.
| 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) |
| 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 | 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 |
|
|
| 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 Universities | 7 |
| Arts and Science Colleges | 286 |
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| Seaports Major | Kochi |
| Seaports 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 Buildings, Machine Tools, Electronics, Cables, Rubber. |
