GEOGRAPHY OF KERALA

India is a land of diversities in the planet earth. The Geography of India is

an essential subject to be studied by every citizens of the country. As a
nation, India occupies a significant position in the world. It is country
known for its unique culture, history, heritage, natural resources and
human capital. Each part of India is unique in its geography, culture
language and socio economic conditions.

Kerala is one of the prominent states in India. The main objective of

learning this lesson is to know about its geographic setting, people,
governance and its contribution for country. In this lesson, the following
aspects of Kerala are highlighted:

 The physiographic setting

 The climate, rainfall and land cover
 The administrative divisions and population
 Economic resources and contributions
 Culture, tourism and unique features of the state as
whole

Location
Kerala lies between north latitudes 8°18' and 12°48' and east longitudes
74°52' and 77°22'. It has land area spreading over 38,863 km 2.Kerala is
bordered by Karnataka towards the north and north east and by Tamil
Nadu to the east and south.

Physiography
Following are the main geographic features of Kerala:
 High mountains on the eastern region. Lakshadweep islands spread
on Arabian Sea on the east coast of Kerala.
 A wall of mountains on the Western Ghats, except for Palghat. Gorges
and deep-cut valleys lying west of the Western Ghats is considered as
the rain shadow region. Anamudi is the highest peak in Western
Ghats with an elevation of 2,695 meters.

Rivers and lakes:

Kerala’s west coast is relatively flat than the east coast. Most of the rivers
drain into the west coast after flooding many of the natural low land areas
with permanent water bodies such as ponds, lakes and plenty of
backwaters. Vembanad is the state’s largest lake. Kerala is bounteously
blessed with water resources. The state houses about forty-four rivers.
Some of the major rivers are

The Periyar river-244 km, Bharathapuzha river- 209 km, Pambariver -

76 km, Chaliyar river- 169 km, Kadalundipuzha river-130 km,
Chalakudipuzha river- 130 km, Valapattanam river-129 km and
the Achankovil River- 128 km.

Lakes
Some of the notable lakes found in Kerala are:
 Ashtamudi Lake is a palm shaped lake found in Kollam District.
 Enamakkal Lake is a fresh water lake formed by Keecheri River and
Viyyoor River in Thrissur District.
 Kayamkulam Lake is a shallow brackish water lagoon which has an
outlet to Arabian Sea.
 Mananchira is located in Kozhikode. It is a fresh water lake fed by
natural spring.
 ParavurKayal is a lake lying at the endpoint of Ithikkara River, in
Paravur.
 Pookode Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake located in Wayanad.
 Sasthamcotta Lake is the largest fresh-water lake located in Kollam
district. Sree Dharma Sastha temple is located on the banks of this
Lake.
 Veeranpuzha Lake is located in Cochin. It is the northern extension of
Vambanad Lake.
 Vellayani Lake is a largefresh water lake in Thiruvananthapuram
district. Boat races during Onam festival is conducted on this lake.

Establishment
Kerala, also referred to as Keralam, was formed on 1stNovember 1956 as
per the States reorganization Act by combining various Malayalam-
speaking regions. Kerala was ruled by the Chera Dynasty for a long time.
Since time immemorial Kerala has been well known for being an
international spice trader. Kerala is also known as Parasurama Kshetram as
according to Hindu mythology, Kerala is considered to have been recovered
from the sea by Parasurama, a powerful sage.

Climate, Rainfall
Kerala is known as God’s own state, it is a state that experiences wonderful
climate. The state owns highlands, cool mountains, green rolling hills,
water surrounded lowlands and coastal plains. The state experiences 120-
140 rainy days.65% of rain occurs from June to August and the rest from
September to December. Kerala receives rain from South west monsoon as
well as from Northeast monsoon. Iddukki district in Kerala receives the
highest rainfall during monsoon season with more than 5000mm of rain
per year. On the whole, Kerala experiences humid equatorial tropical
climate.

Geology – Geological formations in Kerala shows it belongs to Pre-

Cambrian and Pleistocene era.

Minerals
Heavy mineral deposists such as Ilmenite, Zircon, Sillimanite and Rutile are
found in the sands of Kerala. Gold, Gemstones, Bauxite, Graphite, China
clay, Fire clay, Brick clay Granite, Magnesite, Steatite, Limeshell, Silica sand
and Lignite are mined in Kerala. However china clay and Heavy mineral
sand are mined in large scale.

Soils

Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakullam and Trissur are rich

in Sandy loam soil. A major part of Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode,
Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod has laterite soil. Alluvial soil is found
distributed in Kottayam, Idduki, Ernakullam and Trissur.

Natural vegetation
Western Ghats is rich in biodiversity. Thousands of plants, animals and
insects are endemic to the state. Tropical wet evergreen forests, semi
evergreen forests, tropical moist and dry deciduous forests are the forest
types found in kerala. Temperate forets are found in higher altitude. 24% of
the land area is under forest cover. World’s largest wetlands Sasthamkotta
and Vembanand are owned by the state. Dalbergia, Erythrina, Cassia and
Bamboo are some of the Elite trees, among 1000 species of trees, found in
Kerala. Some of the important medicinal plants found in Kerala are
bamboo, wild black pepper, wild cardamom, Calamus rattanpalm, and
aromatic Vetiver grass.

Administration
Malayalam is the official language and most widely spoken language by the
people of Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram is state capital. Cochin, Kozhikode,
Thrissur, and Kollam are some of the important cities of the state of Kerala.
For the administration purpose, Kerala is divided in 14 districts. The state
is further subdivided 152 Blocks, 978 Panchayats, 60
Municipalities, 5 Corporations and 1 Township. Mahe, a part of the Indian
union territory of Puducherry, is situated near the coast of Kerala.

Population
According the census 2011, the population of Kerala is 33.3 million. The
population density of Kerala is 859 persons per km 2. Trivandrum is the
largest and most populous city in Kerala. The state also has the highest
literacy rate of 95.5%.The sex ratio is 1,084 women per 1000 men.

Economy
Kerala produces pepper and rubber, which contributes significant portion
to the total national output. 85% of the country’s rubber production and
97% of the pepper comes from Kerala. Rice is a staple food crop grown
extensively in many varieties. The state is also famous for spice cultivation
and tea, coffee, coconut and cashew. Fishery industry contributes 3% of the
state income as the coastline is rich in aquatic fauna. Kerala’s Gross
Domestic Production is 10%.

Industries
Man power is utilized in mining sector, Tourism, Banking sector, traditional
industries such as Coir, Handlooms and Handicrafts.

Tourism
Kerala is known as one the ten paradises in the world. Tourism flourishes
in Cochin and Trivandrum. Kerala’s beaches, backwaters, traditional
temples, palaces, wildlife sanctuaries and hill stations have drawn national
and international tourists from all over. Around 10 million tourists have
visited Kerala in 2011. Popular hill stations are Munnar, Wayanad,
Wagamon, Peermade, Nelliampathi and Ponmudi.

Fairs and festival

Sabarimala pilgrimage
Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is the
most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples in Kerala. The
temple is situated on a hilltop named Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district,
which is unique in many respects. The uniqueness gathers its voice, as the
temple is open to all, irrespective of caste, creed or religion.

Manjinikkara Pilgrimage
Located at Omallur in Pathanamthitta, Manjinikkara Dayara Church is a
famous pilgrimage centre. It is here the mortal remains of Mar Ignatius
Elias III, the Holy Patriarch of Anthioch, are kept. The important festival of
the church is held in February every year. A large number of pilgrims visit
the church to receive spiritual blessings.

Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam

Kottiyoor Ulsavam or Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam is a 27-day yearly
pilgrimage commemorating the Mythology of Daksha Yaga. This is a
pilgrimage observed by Hindus. The pilgrimage is similar to the Kumbh
Mela of Prayag as ablutions are performed.

Thrissur Pooram
Thrissur Pooram is one of the most popular temple festivals of the South
Indian state Kerala. It is held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur
town every year on the 'Pooram' day of the Malayalam Calendar month of
'Medam'. 'Pooram' day is the day when the moon rises with the Pooram
star

Maramon Convention
The Maramon Convention, the largest Christian convention in the world
helds at Maramon, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, every year during the month of
February on the vast sand-bed of the Pampa River next to the
Kozhencherry Bridge

Attukal Pongala
Experience the euphoria of religion, faith and beliefs during the Pongala
festival celebrated at the renowned Attukal Bhagavathi temple in Kerala's
capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. The festival entered the Guinness
records for being the largest single gathering of women for a religious
activity.

Manarcad Fest
An eventful eight days filled with devotion and grandeur would be the
rightful way to define the renowned Manarcad Perunnal, the annual feast
celebrated at the St Mary's Church at Manarcad in Kottayam. The premises
of the church during the eight days will be filled with thousands of
devotees from morning till night.

Parumala Perunnal
Parumala Perunnal is celebrated every year during the month of November
at Parumala Church in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala. The fest is
celebrated for the period of one week. Parumala Perunnal is an annual
feast held to commemorate the death anniversary of Bishop Mar Gregorios
Metropolitan, the first canonized saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church
of Kerala.

Power generation
Kerala states electricity Board has a capacity of 2657.24 MW. Power
generation is mainly from Hydro Electric Projects Located in Idukki,
Sabarigiri, Idamalayar,Sholayar,Pallivasal, Sengulam, Periyar etc.,12 small
Hydro Electric Projects generate 52.85 MW.Thermal power plants with a
total capacity of 234.6 MW are located at Brahmapuram, Kozhikode and
Kayamkulam. One Wind farm is located at Kanjikode.

Culture
Kerala has rich cultural background. A cosmopolitan culture has given rise
to distinctive lifestyle, art, language, literature and social institutions.
People patronize and strictly follow religious practices inherited from their
ancestors. The people of the state celebrate around 10,000 festivals.
Malayalam calendar is the first of its kind to have been used in planning
agricultural and religious activities.

Music and Dance

Sopana Sangeetham, Swathithirunal are the classical renditions given along
with Kathakali performences. Paandi, Panchari and Chenda are some of the
variants used in percussion instruments, especially during festivals.
Vadakkanpattukal, Thekkanpattukal, Vanchipattukal, Mappilapattukal,
Pallipattukal are a few of the community based folk ballads.

Dance forms in Kerala

 Kathakali: Kathakali means story play. It is one of the oldest theatre
forms.
 Theyyam: theyyam kaliyattam or Thirayattam, is a sacred ritual
dance performed to worship Godess Kali.
 Thullal: Thullal means to leap. This is a solo performance coupling
dance with recitation of puranas or ancient stories.
 Koodiyattam:Koodiyattam is a classical dramatic art form of Kerala.
Koodiyattam means "acting together". Koodiyattam is a temple art.
 Duffmuttu: Duffmuttu also known as Aravanmuttu is a dance form
particular to the Muslim community of Kerala.
  Oppana Dance: Oppana is a dance form of the Muslims in Kerala.
Oppana is usually a bridal group dance performed the day before the
wedding day.
 Kaikottikkali, also known as Thiruvathirakali, is a very popular group
dance of Kerala, performed by the Hindu women during festive
seasons like Onam and the Thiruvathira day.
 Margamkali: Margamkali is an artistic dance performed Syrian
Christians during festive occasions especially during marriages.

Cuisine
Kerala cuisine has both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes prepared
using fish, poultry and meat. A variety of breakfast dishes based on rice
such as idli, puttu, idiyappam are prepared almost every day. Other popular
dishes are chutney, kadala, payasam, pappadam, appam, beef fry, chicken
curry and fish curry. Sadhya is a vegetarian meal, served on a banana leaf
and followed with a cup of payasam. Popular snacks include banana chips,
yam crisps, tapioca chips, unniyappam and kuzhalappam are unique to
Kerala. Sea food is the most sort one by non-vegetarian lovers.

Art and craft

Bell metal casting is an old industrial art. This art is mostly applied in
making idols, basins, plates, railings, utensils, lamps etc. Beautifully carved
and moulded lamps are made with sincere craftsmanship. Only a few
artisans have inherited Koftgari metal work in Kerala. Floral designs and a
variety of fancy articles are crafted using this technique. Woodwork is also
a traditional craft work in Kerala. Most of the temples and churches in the
state pose magnificent wood craft as interior designs around the deities.
kathakali accessories are also made from wooden moulds. Screw pine and
kora grass is used for weaving mats, baskets, and other fancy items. Rattan
is used for making chairs, settees, Teapoys, cradles, trays, bags and other
household utilities. Coconut shell is used for the manufacture of lamp
stands, flower vases, ashtrays etc. Coir carpets and mattings produced in
many attractive designs and colours find a ready market in India and
abroad.
The Talangara village of Kasaragod taluk is famous for the textile cap
making industry. Cotton cap manufactured here are of export quality.
Ivory carving is also a traditional art. Kerala jewelry has its own unique
identity. Bamboo handicraft is used in making house boats.
Notable personality
 K.R. Narayanan, President of India.(1997–2002)
 Vayalar Ravi
 K. V. Thomas
 V. S. Achuthanandan
 M. G. Ramachandran- Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (1977–1987).
 Janaki Ramachandran – Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (1988).
 Shri K.J. Yesudas – Arts. Classical singer and musician.
 K. G. Balakrishnan – 37th Chief Justice of India, (2007–2010).
 M. FathimaBeevi – (1989–1992). 1st woman Judge of the
Supreme Court of India.
 Arundhati Roy – Writer, awarded the Booker Prize in 1997 for
'The God of Small Things'.
 Actress Shobana – Padma Shri recipient.
 Actress Revathi Menon
 Actress Vidya Balan
 Mammootty – Padma Shri recipient & National award winner for
three times
 Mohanlal – Padma Shri recipient and National award winner for
two times and one special jury award
 PremNazir – Padma Bhushan recipient. Holds four Guinness records.
 Ajith Kumar – Tamil film actor.
 Resul Pookutty – Sound Engineer, first Oscar winning Indian (for
film Slumdog Millionaire).
 K. S. Chithra – playback singer.
 Unni menon -Playback Singer
 Unni krishnan -Playback Singer
 Raja Ravi Varma – Painter.
 P. T. Usha- Athlete
 Shiny Wilson 800m- Athlete
 K. M. Beenamol 4x400m- Athlete
 Anju Bobby George - Long Jump
 Renjith Maheswary -Triple Jump
 Tintu Luka 800 m- Athlete
 Mayookha Johny -Triple jump
 Valiyaveetil Diju -Badminton
 Irfan Kolothum Thodi -20 km walk
 P. R. Sreejesh - Field hockey
 Manuel Frederiks|Hockey|1972-Munich : The only person from
Kerala to win a medal in the Olympics
 Rosa Kutty – Athletics. 1994.
Sports

Most of the eminent sports people have originated from Kerala. However
native sports such as poorakkali, Thalappandukali, Onathalluetc have
disappeared over the years, it has now a day’s only being displayed
traditionally on festive celebrations. Kalaripayattu is regarded as "the
mother of all martial arts in the world". Another traditional sport of Kerala
is the boat race, especially the race of Snake boats.
Cricket and football is popular in the state. Among the prominent athletes
hailing from the state, P. T. Usha, Shiny Wilson and M.D. Valsamma are
both Padma Shri as well as Arjuna Award winners while K. M.
Beenamol and Anju Bobby George are Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna as well
as Arjuna Award winners. Volleyball is another popular sport and is often
played on makeshift courts on sandy beaches along the coast. Jimmy
George was a notable Indian volleyball player, rated as the world's ten best
players. Other popular sports include badminton, basketball and kabaddi.

Unique Features

The state of Kerala referred to as “God’s own country” draws a number of

tourists, both national and international. The state is well known for its
serene beauty bestowed by backwaters, boat houses, ancient temples,
martial art forms and ayurvedic system of medicine. Kerala gets rain from
both southwest and northeast monsoons. It shares its vegetation and
climate with the Eastern nation of Africa.
So far we have seen only some salient features of geography the state.
There are lot more things to be studied about this state. We will see them in
future modules. Thank you.