Today, we are travelling to Kerala, which is popularly known as the land of coconuts! Kerala is best known for its beaches, backwaters, mountain ranges and wildlife sanctuaries. The state is among the most popular tourist destinations in India. Kerala is filled with numerous cultural values and traditional beliefs. If you want to learn more about the state, then you are absolutely at the right place. Here are 10 interesting facts about Kerala that you have never noticed before!
1. Cleanest Among All The States
Kerala is said to be the cleanest state in India! As per a survey carried out by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), Kerala along with Sikkim is labelled as the cleanest state in India. The state is filled with lovely-looking beaches and backwaters! The state is known for its scenic beauty and hence is also said to be God’s Own Country!
2. Home To A Variety Of Spices
Some of the best aromatic and flavoursome spices are produced in Kerala. It all started 3,000 years ago, the age-long spice business of Kerala is famous all over the world. Kerala is said to be the leading producer and exporter of spices in the world. Some of the flavoursome spices grown in Kerala are cardamom, clove, nutmeg, pepper, star anise, tea and vanilla.
3. Land Of Coconut Trees
Kerala is known for its coconut plantation. The state is named after coconut trees, where Kera stands for coconut trees and ‘Alam’ means land. The economy of the state highly depends on the cultivation of coconuts. Around 7.70 lakh hectares of land in Kerala are used for coconut plantations. Every bit and part of Coconut is utilized by Malayalis. The dried coconut is used as copra, whereas the dried fibres of coconuts are used as coir to make ropes. Again oil extracted from coconut is used as hair oil, massage oil and cooking oil. Freshly scraped or chopped coconut is a very common ingredient in numerous South Indian dishes.
4. Meet The Beloved State Animal
Whether it’s Kerala’s oldest newspaper or royal insignia, you will find them mostly everywhere. When in Kerala, you cannot forget about its beloved state animal, Elephant! Kerala shares a very special bond with Elephants. These gentle giant mammal species are highly loved by the people of Kerala. You will always spot a few elephants in all the religious festivals of Kerala. They are most commonly seen in the religious processions of Kerala. That’s not all, Elephants are also recognized as the emblem of the state.
5. Prime Attraction Of Kerala- The Interwoven Backwaters
Kerala is best known for its backwaters. These beautiful-looking interwoven backwaters cover nearly half of the length of the state! These backwaters form an intricate network of streams and canals. Beautiful lagoons and lakes are the major components of these backwaters. These backwaters run parallel to join the Arabian Sea in the West. When in Kerala, you must visit the Trivandrum backwaters.
6. Largest Rubber Producer In India
India is recognized as the fourth largest rubber-producing country in the world. More than 90% of the rubber produced in India comes from Kerala. It is recognized as the largest rubber-producing state in the country. As per studies, around 5.45 hectares of land in Kerala is used for rubber cultivation.
7. Home To The Richest Temple In The World
Padmanabhaswamy Temple situated in the gorgeous city of Trivandrum is said to be the richest temple in the world. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world come to visit this temple. The temple is filled with gold and precious stones. The estimated value of the temple antiques and monumental items is believed to be more than $100 billion.
8. Cure with Ayurveda
Kerala is said to be the only state in India which pursues the treatment of Ayurveda to cure a bunch of diseases and disorders. Kerala is also home to many medicinal herbs and plants. The world’s first-ever Ayurvedic resort is situated in Kerala. Somatheeram resort located at Chowara Beach on a hillock in Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram is among the famous tourist attraction spots in Kerala.
9. Home To Wetlands
Kerala is home to three prominent wetland sites. Sasthamkotta Lake situated in Kollam is recognized as the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. Again, Vembanad-Kol Wetland located in Cochin is recognized as the second-largest Ramsar site in India. Last but not the least, Ashtamudi Lake located in the Kollam district is renowned as a famous tourist spot. These three Ramsar sites are among the best-preserved secrets of the state.
10. The First-Ever Church, Mosque And Synagogue Of India Is Here!
Kerala is home to the first-ever church, mosque and synagogue built in India. Cheraman Juma Masjid which is located in the Thrissur district of Kerala was constructed back in 629 AD. The mosque was built by Malik Ibn Dinar. St Thomas Church situated at Palayoor in Thrissur district is believed to be constructed by St. Thomas. People believe the church was built back in 52 AD. Last but not the least, the very famous Paradesi Synagogue located in Kochi is said to be the first and the oldest active synagogue in India. It is also recognized as one of the seven synagogues built by the Cochin Jewish people! The synagogue was constructed back in 1567.
Apart from the above facts, Kerala is also known for its eco-tourism initiative. The state follows ecologically sustained tourism which focuses on the local culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering and personal growth of the local population. Efforts and measures are also taken by locals to minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism. This way they protect the natural environment of Kerala. This initiative also enhances the cultural integrity of the local people.
