Kerala, famous for coconuts and spices, is widely regarded as a traveller’s paradise due to its amazing natural beauty and captivating culture. It provides a wide range of unforgettable experiences, from its breathtaking beaches and serene backwaters to its lively festivals and mouthwatering cuisine. Let’s look at some significant facts regarding this “God’s Own Country”.
1. Houseboats
Taking a traditional houseboat ride through Kerala’s backwaters is an amazing experience. These repurposed rice boats provide a distinctive accommodation option, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the waterways.
2. Ayurveda
India was believed to be home to the wondrous Ayurvedic practices that were diligently followed by a number of people. This pious tradition still has its roots in the state of Kerala. The reason so many herbs and spices are grown here is primarily due to the excellent climate and the many gifts bestowed by nature. Moreover, the first Ayurvedic resort in the world, Somatheeram, is located in Kerala and is one of the most well-known resorts and tourist destinations.
3. First Mosque in India
Kerala boasts an illustrious past of religious diversity, with diverse religions peacefully cohabiting for millennia. Situated in the town of Kodungallur, Cheraman Juma Masjid holds the distinction of being the first mosque in India. Arab tradesmen who travelled to Kerala for trade built it around the year 629 AD.
4. Highest Literacy Rate and Expectancy rate
Kerala’s literacy rate of more than 96% has earned it a reputation as the most literate state in India. Kerala places great importance on education, and the state government has launched a number of initiatives to guarantee that all children have access to high-quality education. It also has the highest life expectancy in the country (74.9 years, higher than the national average of 69.3 years).
5. Richest Temple
Kerala is home to the richest temple in the world, which is one of the amazing facts about Kerala. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is not just the most prosperous temple but also the wealthiest institution of worship in the entire world due to its towering assets of gold and precious stones.
6. Lowest Population Growth Rate
The highest life expectancy and the highest literacy rate wasn’t enough. The crowning jewel in Kerala’s kitty is the phenomenally low rate of population growth. Kerala’s population growth stands out conspicuously in a country like India. Kerala is content with a growth rate of just 4%, while the rest of the country is expanding gradually at a rate of almost 17%.
7. A Lot of ‘Firsts’ to Its Name
Among the most interesting but lesser-known facts about Kerala certainly lies its affinity for coming first. In addition to being the first state in India to have a capital city devoid of beggars, it was also the first to be designated a “Digital State” in 2015 and the first to attain 100% banking inclusion. Kerala is the world’s first baby-friendly state since August 2002. World Health Organisation and UNICEF sponsored the baby-friendly initiative, which was launched in 1992 and adopted in Kerala by 1993.
8. Highest Number of Bookworms
Kerala is one of the states with the largest number of bookworms. After Mizoram, Kerala has the most number of reading addicts. People reading books or the local newspaper while lounging on their porches are a regular sight. This is also the reason for Kerala’s reputation as one of the states with the highest level of knowledge.
9. Impressive Villages
Kerala boasts some of India’s most distinctive villages. The Twin Town, or Kodinhi village in Kerala’s Malappuram district, is known as the world’s twin capital. It has over six times the population percentage of twins compared to the world average. Marottichal village in Kerala, which is in the Thrissur region of the state, is a little hamlet where 6,000 people play chess, setting an Asian record for the most chess players in a town.
10. First Rainfall
Every year, the first monsoon rains arrive in Kerala, bringing with them the official start of the season nationwide. In this part of South India, the rainy season starts in the first week of June. In addition, it’s a delightful sight to see since the greenery gets denser and more vibrant throughout this period.
11. Ecotourism and Wildlife Sanctuaries
Kerala leads in ecotourism and has a strong dedication to environmental preservation and sustainable development. The state is home to a large number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, such as Silent Valley National Park, Eravikulam National Park, and Periyar Tiger Reserve.
12. Rarest Wetlands
Kerala is home to three prominent wetland sites: Ashtamudi Lake, Vembanad-Kol Wetland, and Sasthamkotta Lake. These Ramsar sites are Kerala’s best-kept secrets and play important ecological roles. Several rivers benefit from them.
