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About Kerala |
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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 progressing 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 and Cashew.
SPECIAL PRODUCTS
Coir, Handloom, Handicrafts, Metal Mirror and Fibre Products