Kerala Map

The Kerala Map serves as a dependable resource for education and reference illustrates geographic boundaries and significant locations, useful for learning about regional connections, planning, and reference use. Offline access to this Kerala Map is available through the Download Now option beneath the map.

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About Kerala Map

This Kerala map showing all the 14 districts of the state of Kerala. The Kerala district map highlights the District Head Quarters, the capital of State Thiruvananthapuram and the boundaries of respective districts. The State boundary, Arabian Sea (the western sea border of Kerala) and the neighboring States of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu & the Mahe enclave of Puducherry Union Territory are highlighted on the map. It also highlights the location of Kerala on the Inset Map of India and a Compass to indicate the four directions on the Kerala map.

Districts of Kerala

S.N.	District Name	Headquarter Name
1	Alappuzha	Alappuzha
2	Ernakulam	Kakkanad
3	Idukki	Painavu
4	Kannur	Kannur
5	Kasaragod	Kasaragod
6	Kollam	Kollam
7	Kottayam	Kottayam
8	Kozhikode	Kozhikode
9	Malappuram	Malappuram
10	Palakkad	Palakkad
11	Pathanamthitta	Pathanamthitta
12	Thiruvananthapuram	Thiruvananthapuram
13	Thrissur	Thrissur
14	Wayanad	Kalpetta

About Kerala

Kerala is a tropical state situated on the southwestern coast of India. Known for its natural and man-made wonders, Kerala is rapidly becoming one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. The nature lover’s paradise is home to exotic beaches, serene backwaters, cool hill stations, historic temples, and a multitude of churches and mosques. Ecotourism, Ayurveda, and responsible tourism are some of the specialties that Kerala has to offer to its guests. With a high literacy rate and excellent health and education systems, it is not surprising that this is one of the most progressive states in India. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries, and spice plantations of the state while appreciating the high standard of living of the locals.

Location and Geography

Kerala, the Malabar Coast in India’s southwest corner, covers a 38,863 square kilometers (15,005 sq mi) patch of ground. It is India’s 21st-largest state by land area. Neighboring states are to the north, Karnataka; to the east and south, Tamil Nadu; to the west, the Arabian Sea, bordering approximately 590 km (367 mi) of coastline.

Geography in Kerala is a varied one with its long stretched sandy beaches, freshwater lakes & lagoons, its picturesque backwaters, meandering rivers, tranquil forests, rolling hills, mighty waterfalls and also the very famous Western Ghats mountain ranges, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are one of the premier biodiversity hotspots the world over.

History of Kerala

Kerala is one of the oldest known states in India. The region’s rich land and long coastline have made it a gateway to the world and played host to many international traders. Historians have noted that the region was renowned for its produce of ‘hot spices’ – such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves – and traded with the Roman Empire, with traders from Arabia and China, and even with Europe.

Successive local kingdoms, like Travancore, Cochin and Malabar, ruled different portions of the region. The area came under the colonial rule of Portuguese, Dutch and British in various periods and they established their trading centers on the coast. After India got freedom on 15th August, 1947, the present state of Kerala was formed on 1st November, 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act, by merging the states of Travancore-Cochin with the Malabar district and Kasaragod of South Canara district of the then Madras State.

Capital and Administrative Divisions

Thiruvananthapuram is the capital and is the seat of Government of Kerala. It is also the academic, technological and cultural hub of the state. Kerala is divided into 14 districts. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod are the 14 districts in the state. Each district is headed by a District Collector and the district headquarters of the district is the seat of administration for local bodies in the district.

Population and Demographics

The population of the Indian state of Kerala was 33.41 million (3.34 crore) at the 2011 Census of India, showing moderate growth while being one of the most densely populated area of India. The state has one of the highest Human Development Index (HDI) scores among Indian states.

Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India (94% according to the 2011 census) followed by about 80% in rest of India. The state also has highest life expectancy at birth in India and lowest infant mortality rate.

Languages Spoken in Kerala

Malayalam is the official language of Kerala and the most spoken language in the state. It is one of the classical languages of India. The language is spoken by the vast majority of the population. In addition to Malayalam, English is widely used in education, business, tourism and government administration. There are also many Tamil, and other language speakers including speakers of Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, Hindi and several tribes of various languages.

Climate of Kerala

Kerala has a Tropical Monsoon Climate. Summertime in Kerala extends from the middle of March to the end of May with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 36°C (75°F to 97°F) during the season. Although summers are hot and humid, the climate is greatly relieved by the torrential rains that start by the first week of June and continue till the end of September. These rains are brought about by the Southwest Monsoon winds. Kerala also receives rainfall during the Northeast Monsoon from October to November, and is therefore one of the wettest parts of India. Winters in Kerala start from the beginning of December and continue till the end of February with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F).

Economy of Kerala

Economy in Kerala is diverse and includes Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries, Information Technology, Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing and remittances from Indians abroad. Tourism is the largest source of income for Kerala with over 25 million visitors from within the country and abroad. Millions of tourists throng to its beaches, backwaters, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries and various wellness centers that offer Ayurvedic treatments all over the state.

Agriculture is another vital sector of Kerala. The state’s agricultural produce includes coconut, rubber, tea, coffee, cardamom, black pepper, cashew, banana, rice, ginger and cocoa etc. Kerala is a leading producer of natural rubber and spices in India. The state also boasts of a large seafood producing sector. This is due to the fact that Kerala is a long coastal state with a network of inland waterways.

The information technology sector has grown to great extent through technology parks like Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram, Infopark in Kochi and Cyberpark in Kozhikode.

Culture and Heritage

Culture of Kerala is a unique blend of Indian traditions and global influences. The rich cultural heritage of Kerala includes some of the most popular classical dances of India like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, martial art forms like Kalaripayattu, Carnatic songs, festival and fairs of temples and many other cultural activities.

The various festivals held across the state are celebrated with great enthusiasm. The largest festival in the state is Onam, which is followed by Vishu, Thrissur Pooram, Eid, Christmas and Navaratri. Kerala is also known for its traditional snake boat races, its colorful processions of elephants, arts within temples and the unique architecture with sloping tiled roofs to combat the rain.

Tourism in Kerala

Tourism in Kerala, a state in the southern part of India, is fast growing, catering to nature lovers, health holiday makers, cultural buffs and adventure seekers alike. The beautiful backwaters of Alappuzha (Alleppey) and Kumarakom in Kerala is where to experience the iconic houseboat cruises through a network of lakes, ponds, pools, canals and waterways.

Some of the main tourist attractions in Kerala are Munnar, Thekkady, Wayanad, Athirappilly Waterfalls, Varkala Beach, Kovalam Beach, Bekal Fort, Periyar National Park, Silent Valley National Park, Eravikulam National Park, Mattancherry Palace, Fort Kochi, Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Guruvayur Temple.

Kerala is globally recognized for its Ayurvedic Treatments and Yoga Retreats, wellness Tourism, Ecotourism, Birdwatching, Wildlife Safaris and Treks and Spice Plantation Tours.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Kerala, home to the Western Ghats, is one of the richest biodiversity regions of India. There are numerous protected areas across the State including Periyar Tiger Reserve, Eravikulam National Park, Silent Valley National Park, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Mathikettan Shola National Park.

A number of wild animals occur in the state including Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, leopard, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, gaur, sambar, sloth bear, hornbill and many species of butterflies, reptiles, amphibians and birds. It is home to many plant and animal species found only in the Western Ghats and are therefore endemic to the region.

Transportation

Kerala has one of the developed transportation systems in India. International airports in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kannur in Kerala make easy access to destinations within India and abroad.

Kerala has a comprehensive network of Railway Lines connecting all the cities and towns in the state. The Network of National and State Highways further supports road travel in the state. The Inland waterways too play a role in the inter and intra state travel, in the Backwater regions of the state with the help of ferries and houseboats.

Education and Healthcare

Kerala is an education and healthcare super state in India, leading the rest of the country in literacy and school enrollment rates, life expectancy at birth and health outcomes. The state boasts of some of the premier universities, engineering colleges, medical colleges, research institutions and hospitals in the country.

The public health system of Kerala is recognized globally for its Primary Health Care system, disease prevention programs, health care of mother and child, and medical care of high standards.

Why Kerala is Important

Kerala is important because it is in the forefront of human development, environmental conservation, tourism, health care and learning. With the highest possible biodiversity, rich in spices, with a history of maritime trade and cultural diversity, it has been and continues to be a major contributor to India’s economy and its image abroad. It is also a role model for the rest of India in many areas of human development, including literacy and health. It is one of the most admired regions in the country.

FAQs about Kerala

What is Kerala famous for?

Kerala the scenic backwater sites, long sandy beaches, serene countryside, rolling hills and spice plantations, some of the most attractive wildlife in Asia and a rich cultural heritage dating back thousands of years to name but a few things. Popular sites to visit are the Backwaters of Alappuzha (Alleppey), Munnar, Thekkady, Wayanad, Kovalam Beach and Varkala Beach and the historic sites of Fort Kochi and Periyar National Park. Kathakali a historic dance form, Kalaripayattu a historic form of martial arts, boat cruises through the Backwaters, the many spice plantations and historic sites and buildings and not least the cuisine and Ayurvedic treatments all contribute to the many facets of this special country often referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’.

What is the capital of Kerala?

Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala. The administrative, political, educational and cultural hub of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is home to the Kerala Legislative Assembly, the Secretariat and many universities and museums. Also famous in Thiruvananthapuram is the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a 7 storeyed temple of great historical and cultural value. The international airport in Thiruvananthapuram connects Kerala to the rest of the country and abroad.

How many districts are there in Kerala?

Kerala is divided into 14 districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. Each of the districts has its own administrative headquarters and is headed by a District Collector, who is responsible for administration of the district and the various government offices within the district.

Which languages are spoken in Kerala?

Malayalam is the official language of Kerala and is spoken by the majority of the population. English is also widely spoken in the state, especially in educational institutions, business organizations, tourist facilities and government offices. Other languages spoken by the various communities in the state are Tamil, spoken by the Tamils, Kannada, spoken by the Memnokys, Tulu, spoken by the Tulyas, Konkani, spoken by the Konkanis, Hindi, spoken by the Hindus from other states and several tribal languages.

What is the best time to visit Kerala?

Kerala is at its best from October to March. It is the ideal time to visit Kerala as the climate is just right for you to be able to move about and enjoy the various activities like sailing on houseboats, visits to beaches, wildlife holidays and trekking in the hill stations like Munnar, Alleppey, Thekkady, Wayanad, Kochi, Kovalam and Varkala. The weather is also just right for one to indulge in various Ayurvedic treatments and other sports.

Why is Kerala called God’s Own Country?

Kerala is commonly known as God’s Own Country. This name was popularized through the branding campaign of Kerala Tourism and has since then become recognized globally. The name is ascribed to the state’s naturally beautiful surroundings like the Backwaters, beaches, forests, hills, valleys and waterfalls. In addition to natural heritage, Kerala has a vibrant culture, age old health- remedies through Ayurveda, wildlife and most importantly the warm hospitality extended to guests and visitors. That’s why it is one of the best places to visit in India.