Kerala is one of the highest travel destinations in the country. Mentioned as one of the 10 paradises of the globe by National Geographic Traveler, the state is famous for ecotourism initiatives and mesmerizing backwaters lakes. The divine yet pristine beaches of Kovalam, Varkala, Kappad, Payyambalam are some of the paradise centres. Houseboats and other activities in the backwaters provide a calm and serene atmosphere to the visitor. Rice is the traditional and staple crop of Kerala.

The state of fascinating history, wealthy culture and literature, distinctive designs, fascinating customs, natural wonders, climatic aura, literacy, the art of doing things, the local practise, the festivals etc makes the state worth being and visiting. Kerala is one of the highest literate states of the country, approximately tending towards the 100% mark.

The fertile golden lands of Kerala was once referred to as the flourishing market of spices. Ships from all continents, ports and international countries came and gathered the property and wealth of the land and all qualities it possessed like the spices, condiments, coconuts, sandalwood, oils, medicative herbs, perfumes so on.

Kerala serves as a hub or hotspot for many ancient, ethnic, and spiritual art forms and cultural, spiritual fairs, festivals, and conventions related to the native places of worship.Malayalam, a Dravidian language; has been developed through a thorough course, after surviving the many invaders and dynasty rulers on its land. Kerala has a significant minority of Tamils, which constitute the neighbouring state.

The state is one of the densely populated states with only about one-fourth of the population living in urban areas.

The religious composition of the state is Hinduism 54.73%, Muslim 26.56%, Christian 18.38%, Sikh 0.01%, Buddhism 0.01%, Jainism 0.01%, others 0.28%.

Flora and Fauna of the state

Kerala is home to many natural parks and wildlife sanctuaries and reserves like the Periyar National Tiger Park, Eravikulam Reserve, Silent Valley Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Reserve. The state is wealthy enough in flora and fauna, the terrains of the state and some hilly areas with such varied life species include areas of Munnar, Wayanad, Ponmudi among others.

Dance

‘Kathakali’ and ‘Mohiniyattam,’ are the two classical dance forms that are popular in Kerala. Kathakali means ‘Story-Play’, “Katha-Story” and “Kali-Play”. This dance kind is usually performed by men. Mohiniyattam classical dance is performed by solo lady dancers, because the name itself says, Mohini means ‘a maiden’ and Yattam means ‘dance’. Kerala has around fifty varieties of dances. Among these Theyyam, Thiruvathirakali, Chakyar Koothu Koodiyattam, and Ottamthullal are some of the distinguished dances of Kerala.

Music Instrument

Several musical instruments are utilized in Kerala specifically percussion, wind, and stringed instruments. Mridangam, Dolak, Udukku, Chenda, Timila, Edakka, Takil etc. Instruments like Nadaswaram, Kombu, Kuzhal, Mukhaveena, Veena, Tamburu, Sarangi, Swarabi, and violin makes the music culture of the state highly enriching. Pullavan Paattu is one such folk song sung and created with the help of diverse instruments, and art styles. Kathakali music, yet another form is sung within the language Manipravalam that is the extremely Sanskritised version of Malayalam. In general, the fundamental music of Kerala is the Carnatic, folk songs, and film songs. Kerala is known for its Sopanam music.

Kerala’s wealthy cultural heritage is portrayed in its art and craft. The noticeable artefacts ranging from ayurvedic soaps and balms to wood carving, woven fibre baskets, mats, to alternative curios. Most of the handicrafts within the State is made up of naturally accessible materials and skilful artisans and peasantry which enable and play a very important role in its creation.

Some significant Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala are:

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary /Vembanad Bird Sanctuary
• Eravikulam National Park
• Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
• Silent Valley National Park
• Periyar National Park(Richest hub of biodiversity)
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Traditional cuisine is Appam, Puttu, Karimeen, Erissery or pumpkin and lentil curry, Palada payasam, and many more.

Kerala has preserved the ancient martial arts, ‘Kalaripayattu’, the originator of all martial art forms be it Judo, karate or others. In the recent past, the state natives, especially boys were compulsorily taught the practises, to fight and endure the natural variety and factors. One can witness numerous other timeless traditions in Kerala, be it dance forms, sports, Ayurveda, herbal spas, or more.

Livestock

Maintaining a hearty and healthy population, in the terrain to get dairy products or wool or even meat at times. The state is one of the biggest non-vegetarian states of the country.

Tourism

Tourism is the foremost industry of Kerala because of the places like Kovalam, Kochi, Munnar, Ponmudi, Nelliyampathy, Kozhikode, Alappuzha, Thrissur. Because of the same reason, the state is called God’s own country, as in God created it himself.

Energy

India’s largest floating solar power plant is set up on the Banasura Sagar reservoir in Wayanad, Kerala.

Chemical Industry

Leading industrial belts of Kerala in Aluva. The industrial belt is the manufacturing of a wide range of chemical products including pesticides, rubber processing chemicals, zinc/ chromium compounds, rare-earth elements, and leather products.

Ship Building

Ship Building is one of the major industries in Kerala and is the largest in India. The major activities for the yard or the plant are to build and repair large vessels and their components. Building and assembling vehicles for the Indian Navy is a significant exercise of the state.

Agriculture Industry

Agriculture is the state’s main economic activity. Kerala’s principal cash crops are rubber, coffee, and tea. The state is also the leader of fish manufacturers like Sardines, tunas, mackerels, and prawns.

Oil Refining & Petrochemicals

The city is also having an oil refinery and petrochemical industry in the city of Kochi.

Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation is a public sector Electronics Company. It is located in Thiruvananthapuram. Keltron Animation Campus is the best academy which is specialized in Animation and Multimedia. Major products include mines for the Indian navy and various parts of Rockets for the Indian space research organisation (ISRO). Also produces basic electronic components. It provides services in the field of information technology, animation, and web designing, and geo-informatics services.

Industrial Sector of Kerala

• The first coir factory in India is Darragh Smail & Company, Alleppey.
• The first Textile Mill was established at Kollam.
• The first Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) is a Soap Institute founded by Madras Government in 1914.
• The largest number of industrial workers is in Kollam.
• The highest number of Small Scale industries is at Ernakulam followed by Thrissur.
• The highest number of Public Sector industries is at Thiruvananthapuram.