FAQ

25 Facts About Kerala God’s Own Country – the Land of Coconuts and Backwaters

Here are the 25: 
Coconut: Kerala is noted for its abundant coconut trees and the state is a major producer of coconuts. The people of Kerala give coconut a prominent place and role in their cuisine, culture and traditions.

Spices: Famous for its spices like cardamom, pepper, cloves and nutmeg, Kerala is the 'Spice Garden of India.' 

Literacy: Kerala has one of the highest literacy rates in India. It consistently exceeds 93% among the states in India. 

Life Expectancy: Keralites enjoy one of the highest life expectancies in India, due to its progress in healthcare and well-being. 

Ayurveda: Kerala is a pioneer in the traditional Indian healthcare system of Ayurveda. Visitors to Kerala are keen to experience Ayurvedic treatments and rejuvenation programmes. 

Backwaters: Kerala's unique network of backwaters, canals, lakes and rivers offers a magical experience to travellers. And, of course, the inevitable houseboats. 

Elephants: Elephants are an integral part of Kerala's culture. They are revered and co-opted in festivals and temple ceremonies. 

Padmanabhaswamy Temple: It is home to the richest temple in the world – the Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. The hidden vaults of this temple hold immense treasure. 

Land of Monsoons: Kerala usually receives the first showers of the southwest monsoon in India, which helps in maintaining a lush green carpet throughout the year. 

History and Architecture: Kerala boasts a rich history evident in its numerous ancient temples, churches and mosques, showcasing diverse architectural styles. 

Houseboats: Unique in its design, the world-renowned houseboats of Kerala are converted traditional rice barges. These modern day-vessels offer a comfortable and unique way for travellers to explore the backwaters. 

First Church, Mosque & Synagogue: The St Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, supposedly built in 52 CE, is one of India's oldest churches. The Cheraman Juma Mosque, believed to be India's first mosque, is also located in Kerala. Additionally, the Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi, built in 1567, is one of the oldest active synagogues in the world. 

Kalaripayattu: It is the traditional and ancient martial art form of Kerala noted for its graceful movements. It is considered the mother of many south Indian martial arts. 

Kathakali: It is a dance-drama and classical dance form of Kerala. It is renowned for its elaborate make-up, colourful costumes and dramatic facial expressions. 

Snake Boat Races: It is one of the thrilling sporting activities that one can witness in Kerala. The snake boat race or vallamkali is a vibrant display of teamwork, speed and tradition. Famous snake boat races of Kerala include the Nehru Trophy boat race, Champakkulam and Payippad boat races.

Theyyam: It is a ritualistic vibrant dance performance unique to Kerala. The performance is marked by colourful costumes, elaborate masks and energetic movements. It is performed to appease deities and ward off evil spirits. 

Onam: A festival of colours, Onam is a ten-day harvest festival of Kerala. It is a joyous celebration with elaborate flower arrangements, grand vegetarian feast (onasadya), boat races and a plethora of cultural programmes. 

Tender Coconut Delights: Tender coconut flesh and water are used in various Kerala dishes like Karikku Dosa (tender coconut dosa), Elaneer Curry (tender coconut water curry) and refreshing tender coconut payasam. 

Palm Frond Weaving: The weaving of palm fronds, particularly from coconut trees, is a widespread craft in Kerala, creating beautiful mats, baskets, decorative items and thatched roofs. 

Chekku: This is the traditional oil mill, that uses wooden contraptions for extracting coconut oil, while preserving its natural flavour and aroma. 

Ayurvedic medicines: A strong forte of Kerala is the manufacturing of Ayurvedic medicines. Prescribed by physicians from renowned Ayurveda families, the medicines produced in Kerala have many takers from around the world. The government also promotes Ayurveda in a big way through its own establishments.  

Copra Oil: The traditional sun-drying method is used to prepare copra (dried coconut flesh) for oil extraction, ensuring optimal oil quality. 

Toddy: This is a popular and a natural beverage of Kerala, extracted from the spathe of coconut trees. This natural extract becomes toddy, after undergoing fermentation.  

Cuisine: Kerala offers unique gustatory experiences. From street food stalls to fine-dining establishments, Kerala offers a diverse set of gustatory experiences with fresh seafood, fragrant curries and traditional vegetarian feasts. 

Tourism: Kerala is a leader in tourism in the country. The state also takes credit for pioneering Responsible Tourism in India.