Facts about Kerala, India

Location - Southwestern Tip of India Kerala lies along a 590 km sun drenched, palm fringed, coast line of the Arabian Sea from Cannanore to Thukkalai, (near Cape Commerin) with sandy beaches on the west, the Sahya mountains of the Western Ghats on the east, surrounded by Tamil Nadu on the south and east and Karnataka on the north. Kerala has three distinct physiographical features, the highlands, the middle lands and the low lands with a total area of about 38863 sq, km. - about 1.04% of the total area of India.

Economy - "Kerala is a bizarre anomaly among developing nations, a place that offers real hope for the future of the Third World. Consider: This small state in India, though not much larger than Maryland, has a population as big as California's and a per capita annual income of less than $300. But its infant mortality rate is low, its literacy rate among the highest on Earth, and its birthrate below America's and falling faster. Kerala's citizens live nearly as long as Americans or Europeans. Though mostly a land of paddy-covered plains, statistically Kerala stands out as the Mount Everest of social development; there's truly no place like it." Bill McKibben.

People - Kerala also has considerable ethnic diversity. The Malayali majority belong to the Dravidian group (local race) of early Indian peoples. A long contact with the outside world has led to an intriguing blend of cultures and given Keralites a cosmopolitan outlook.

Language - Malayalam is the main language and can be bewildering when you hear it the first time and accents too vary as you move across the state. English is widely spoken. Hindi too is understood by some people.

Religion - Most Keralites are Hindus, but there are also large Christian and Islamic, and lesser Jain and Jewish, minorities.

Currency - Indian Rupee http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic

Visa - Visitors from most countries do require a valid visa to enter into India. In order to confirm whether you need one and the process for obtaining it, please contact the Indian High Commission in your Country.

Airports - There are three airports in Kerala, namely Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kozhikode (Calicut) and Kochi (Cochin).

Vaccinations - There are currently no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Kerala, although it is recommended that you consult with your doctor and the Indian High Commission for a list of recommended vaccinations that you should take before entering India.

Time - Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) + 5hrs 30mins
Central European Time (CET) + 4hrs 30mins (Sep-Mar) and +3hrs 30mins (Mar-Sep)

Climate - Tropical. The climate is equable and varies little from season to season.
» Summer: from February to May 24-33C°
» Monsoon: from June to September 22-28 C°
» Winter: from October to January 22-32 C°

Enjoy the Monsoon time! - The Monsoon is a truly spectacular event that is eagerly awaited by all of India. There are plenty of activities you could engage even in during monsoon. Get wet, feel the rain, trek through the rainforests to see splendid water falls. Go on a country boat to see the drops of rain splashing on water bodies. Go out in the night to see how the wild looks like with a patrolling team. For those who shy from getting into the water, enjoy the rain while sitting in the veranda of your hotel and admire the lush vegetation in many shades of green. And, if your idea is rejuvenation, then try out the traditional Ayurveda in combination with a dental treatment. You can also take courses from a variety of local Yoga workshops, seminars, and Yoga teacher training online courses.

What to wear - Cottons are wearable throughout the year in Kerala, but if you plan to visit the Highlands in the later months of the year, it is best to carry some warm clothing such as a Sweater or Jacket. It is a good idea to have a few pairs of shorts, if you plan going on a climbing or cycling trip. Slippers or Sandals normally suffice, but if you plan to go into forest reserves, trekking, etc than make sure you carry appropriate shoes. Sunhats, Sun Glasses, Sun Protection Creams are strongly advised. We would strongly recommend that you to carry Mosquito repellents/ creams and based on your Doctor's advise carry sufficient quantities of basic medicines and any specific ones that you may be taking at that moment. Please carry on your person a small card indicating any current medical conditions, such as High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, current medication and known allergies.

Food - Kerala has a reputation for rich and varied food that is complemented by the great spice belts which run along the Western Ghats and the abundance of fresh fish found along the coast and in the backwaters. The state contains a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, such as mangoes, bananas, jackfruit, beans and bitter gourds, all of which contribute to the distinctiveness and diversity of the Keralan cuisine. Kerala, is also the only state in India which tolerates the slaughter of cows, so if you're looking to feast on some red meat, here is as good a place as any. The Malabar style of cooking is truly mouth watering and spicy, though a few advance words of caution to the waiter gets you a milder version. Most major restaurants offer the typical Kerala fare with Chinese, Tandoori (North Indian) and Continental variety of food.

Culture of Kerala - One aspect of the state's rich cultural heritage is manifest in its varieties of religious architecture: ancient Hindu temples with copper-clad roofs, later Islamic mosques with "Malabar gables," and colonial Portuguese Baroque churches. Splendid paintings, especially murals, exhibit distinct local traditions and styles. The land is a flourishing center of the Kathakali dance form. The state has also a rich theatre tradition: the only surviving Sanskrit drama, Koottiyattam, is still performed by the Chakkiars of Kerala. Some principles of the Natya-Shastra are evident in their presentations.