General knowledge of Kerala

1. Location & Geography

Kerala is located on the southwestern coast of India.

It is bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the east and south, and the Arabian Sea to the west.

The Western Ghats run along the eastern border, making the region rich in biodiversity.

Known for backwaters, beaches, and hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad.

2. Capital & Major Cities

Capital: Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Other major cities: Kochi, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Alappuzha, Kannur

3. Language

Malayalam is the official and most widely spoken language.

English is also used, especially in education and business.

4. Culture & Traditions

Known for its rich cultural heritage: Kathakali, Mohiniyattam (classical dances), Theyam, and Kalaripayattu (martial art).

Onam is the biggest festival, celebrated with boat races, flower decorations (Pookalam), and traditional feasts (Onasadya).

Famous for Ayurveda and traditional healing practices.

5. Economy

One of the most literate states in India.

High Human Development Index (HDI) and quality of life.

Economy is driven by tourism, remittances from overseas (especially Gulf countries), agriculture (coconut, rubber, spices), and fishing.

6. Tourism

Popular attractions include:

Backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom

Munnar (tea plantations)

Wayanad (wildlife and hills)

Athirappilly Falls

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Varkala and Kovalam beaches

7. Notable Features

First state to achieve 100% literacy.

High focus on public health and education.

Unique Kerala model of development combining high social indicators with moderate economic growth.

8. History

Ancient Kerala was known for its trade with Romans, Arabs, and Chinese, especially in spices.

The region was ruled by Chera Dynasty, and later by various local kingdoms like Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar.

Portuguese arrived in 1498 (Vasco da Gama landed at Kappad near Kozhikode), followed by Dutch, French, and British.

Kerala was formed in 1956 by merging Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar under the States Reorganisation Act.

9. Politics

Known for a strong political culture, often led by alternating governments of Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF).

First state in the world to elect a communist government democratically in 1957 (under E.M.S. Namboodiripad).

High voter turnout and political awareness among citizens.

10. Religion

Kerala has a religiously diverse population:

Hindus (around 55%)

Muslims (about 27%)

Christians (about 18%)

Known for religious harmony and many beautiful temples, mosques, and churches.

Famous places: Sabarimala Temple, St. Francis Church (Kochi), Cheraman Juma Masjid (Kodungallur)

11. Education & Literacy

Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India (around 96%+).

Free and universal education has been a priority.

Known for progressive social indicators, including gender equality and life expectancy.

12. Cuisine

Kerala cuisine is mainly rice-based with coconut as a key ingredient.

Popular dishes:

Appam with stew

Puttu and kadala curry

Sadya (vegetarian feast served on banana leaves)

Karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish)

Malabar biryani

Kerala also produces a lot of spices, especially black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, etc.

13. Traditional Attire

Men: Mundu

Women: Set saree (Kasavu saree), especially during festivals

Simplicity and elegance are trademarks of Kerala clothing.

14. Media & Literature

Malayalam has a rich literary tradition. Notable writers: Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, O. V. Vijayan

Kerala has vibrant print and visual media.

Also known for a thriving film industry (Mollywood) with a strong focus on realistic cinema.

15. Recent Achievements & Highlights

Leader in healthcare and COVID-19 response initially praised worldwide.

Home to Technopark in Trivandrum, one of India's largest IT parks.

Recognized for sustainable tourism and eco-friendly initiatives.

National parks in Kerala:

1. Eravikulam National Park (Idukki district)

Famous for: Nilgiri Tahr (endangered mountain goat)

Located near Munnar

Known for the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years

Also features rolling grasslands and shola forests

2. Periyar National Park (Idukki district)

Also known as: Periyar Tiger Reserve

Located in Thekkady

Famous for: Elephants, tigers, wild boars, and Periyar Lake

Popular for boat safaris and nature walks

3. Silent Valley National Park (Palakkad district)

Located in the Nilgiri Hills

One of the last undisturbed tracts of tropical evergreen rainforest in India

Rich in biodiversity, home to many rare species

Named after the absence of cicadas (insects that make loud sounds in forests)

4. Mathikettan Shola National Park (Idukki district)

Located between Eravikulam and Periyar National Parks

Rich in flora and fauna

Name means “forest where one loses oneself”

5. Anamudi Shola National Park (Idukki district)

Part of the Western Ghats

Home to many endemic and endangered species

Close to Anamudi, the highest peak in South India

6. Pampadum Shola National Park (Idukki district)

Smallest national park in Kerala

“Pampadum Shola” means “the forest where snakes dance”

Dense forest with cool climate and misty surroundings