Kerala is known as the “Land of Coconuts” due to its extensive coconut groves and coconut-based economy. The state is one of the largest producers of coconuts in India and the coconut tree is considered the state tree. The versatile fruit is used for a variety of purposes such as cooking, oil extraction, and even in the construction of houses.
The state has the highest literacy rate in India, at over 96%. Kerala has a long history of promoting education and is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in the country. The state government has also implemented several initiatives to promote literacy and education, which has resulted in a highly educated population.
The first mosque in India, the Cheraman Juma Masjid, is located in Kerala and was built in the 7th century AD. The mosque was built by the Arab merchant Malik Ibn Dinar, who introduced Islam to the Malabar coast of Kerala. The mosque is a popular pilgrimage site for Muslims and is known for its unique architecture that combines Indian and Islamic styles.
The state is home to the largest art museum in India, the Sree Chitra Art Gallery, located in Thiruvananthapuram. The museum has an extensive collection of Indian and international art, including works by Raja Ravi Varma, one of the most famous painters in Indian history.
Kerala has its own traditional martial art form called Kalaripayattu, which dates back more than 3,000 years. Kalaripayattu is known for its acrobatic movements, weapon training, and physical conditioning. The martial art has gained popularity in recent years and is now taught in several schools and training centers throughout the state.
The state’s backwaters, a network of interconnected canals and lagoons, are a unique ecosystem that support a variety of flora and fauna. The backwaters are an important part of Kerala’s culture and economy, with many communities relying on them for fishing and transportation.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is home to several endangered species including the lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri tahr. The sanctuary is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state and is known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Kerala is the only state in India where the government-owned public transport runs on 100% renewable energy. The state government has implemented several initiatives to promote clean energy and sustainable transportation, which has resulted in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
The state has a long history of matrilineal inheritance, where property and family names are passed down through the female line. This system of inheritance has been in place for centuries and is still practiced by some communities in Kerala, although it has become less common in recent years.
Kerala is known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes like appam, puttu, and dosa, as well as a wide variety of seafood and vegetarian options. The state’s cuisine is influenced by its geography, with coconut, rice, and spices being common ingredients. Kerala is also known for its tea and coffee plantations, which produce some of the best tea and coffee in the world.
