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About Kerala

Present Day, State of Kerala

CAPITAL---------------: THRIRUVANANTHAPURAM----------------------------(Also known as Trivandrum)

AREA -------------------: 38,864 Sq. Km.

POPULATION--------: 32 Million

LANGUAGE----------: MALAYALAM ----------------------------------------------------(English also is widely spoken)

CURRENCY----------: INDIAN RUPEE

WEATHER------------: TROPICAL

TOURIST SEASON: OCTOBER - MARCH

KERALA HISTORY

Traders have been sailing to Kerala seeking spices and ivory for at least 3000 years. The coast was known to the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and Chinese. Kerala was also a trans-shipment point for spices from the Moluccas (Eastern Indonesia), and it was through Kerala that Chinese products and ideas found their way to the West.

The kingdom of the Cheras ruled much of Kerala until the early middle ages. Its fortunes waxed and waned as it competed with kingdoms and small fiefdoms for territory and trade.

Vasco da Gamma's arrival in 1498 heralded an era of European contact as Portuguese, Dutch and English interests fought the Arab traders and then each other for control of the spice trade.

The present day State of Kerala was created in 1956 from the former states of Travancore, Cochin and Malabar. Traditional concern for the arts and education resulted in a post-Independence state that is one of the most progressive in India.

LOCATION

Kerala is situated at the southwest tip of Indian main land on the Arabian Sea. The state extends between the Latitude 10° 00 N and Longitude 76 ° 25 E. Kerala is bound by Arabian Sea on the West, State of Karnataka on the North and NorthEast, State of Tamil Nadu on the East.

CLIMATE

Summer--------: February - May ( 24 - 33° c )

Monsoon------: June - September ( 22 - 28° c)

Winter--------: October - January ( 22 - 28° c )

CASH CROPS

Rubber, Coffee, Tea, Cardamom, Pepper, Cashew.and Coconut.

SPECIAL PRODUCTS

Coir, Handloom, Handicrafts, Metal Mirror and Fibre Products