KERALA, one of the most beautiful places in India, has many things to offer to the tourists. For beach lovers, there is a wide choice of beach resorts. It is also blessed with beautiful mountain ranges such as Munnar, Pirimed, Wayanad, Ponmudi etc. There are also many lush green fields, wild life sanctuaries, cool enchanting backwaters, valleys and so on. Added attractions are colorful festivals and ayurvedic treatment.

Kerala, located on the Southwestern tip of India, enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Asia. Fondly referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala was selected by the National Geographic Traveller as one of the 50 destinations of a lifetime and one of the thirteen paradises in the world.

Classical art forms, colorful festivals, unique cuisine are some of the cultural marvels that await travellers. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine and Panchakarma, the rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda have also helped Kerala to gain a pan-global reputation as a top of the line destination.

The spices in kerala attracted Romans, Greeks, Portuguese, Arabs and Chinese. Gold was exchanged for spices, sandal and ivory. Later British established their rule and it continued till India's Independence. After independence, the state of Kerala came in to existance on 1st November 1956.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Kerala at a Glance

Capital ------------------------------------ Thiruvananthapuram
Area -------------------------------------- 38,863 sq.kms
Largest district --------------------------- Palakkad
Smallest district -------------------------- Alapuzha
Most populated district ------------------- Malappuram
Least populated district ------------------- Wayanad
No.of Constituencies(Assembly)----------- 140
No.of Nominated members --------------- 1
No.of Constituencies(Lok sabha) ---------- 20
No.of district Panchayaths ---------------- 14
No.of Panchayaths ------------------------ 991
Official animal ---------------------------- Elephant
Official bird ------------------------------- The Great Indian Horn Bill
Official Flower ---------------------------- Indian Laburnum
Official tree ------------------------------- Coconut tree
No.of rivers -------------------------------- 44
Longest river ------------------------------ Periyar
Widest river ------------------------------- Bharathappuzha
Highest peak ------------------------------ Anamudi

Kerala's Ever First

Newspaper ----------------------- Rajya Samacharam
University ------------------------ Travancore University
College ---------------------------- C.M.S.College , Kottyam
Medical College ------------------ Thiruvananthapuram
Government Hospital ----------- Thiruvananthapuram
Bank ------------------------------ Nedungadi Bank
National Park -------------------- Eravikulam

Friday, May 21, 2010

Water ways

There are 13 minor ports and 1 major port in kerala .
Minor ports are situated at Vizhinjam, Kollam, Neendakara, Allappuzha, Kodungallur, Munambum, Ponnani, Kozhikode, Badagara, Thalassery, Kannur, Azheekkal, Kasaragod.
The port at kochi is the major port.

Universities in Kerala

Kerala University
Originally ' Travancore University ' . Established in 1937, came to be known as ' Kerala University '
in 1957. Situated in Thiruvanantapuram . 46 Arts and science colleges under this University. 27 departments.

Calicut university
Established at Tenjippalam in 1968 . 60 arts Colleges under this university . 17 Post Graduate Departments.

Mahatma Gandhi University
Started in 1983 at Priyadarsini Hills in Athirampuzha near Kottyam.

Cochin University
Established in 1971 at Kalamassery . In November 1986, became Science and Technology Affiliating University Graduation and Post Graduation Courses in Computer Science, Electronics, Industrial Fisheries, Marine Science, Ship Technology, Management etc.

Agricultural University
Came into existance in 1971 at Mannuthy near Thrissur.
Colleges Affiliated : Veterinary College, Thrissur ; Horticultural College, Fisheries College, Panangad;
Agricultural College, Vellayani; Forestry College, Vellanikkara;

Sree Sankaracharya Sanskrit University
Established in 1993 at Kalady. Amis at imparting knowledge in Sanskrit, Indian Philosophy, Indian languages etc.

Kannur University
Established in Kannur. Area of operation : Kannur, Kasargod and Mananthavadi taluk.

Sri Chithira Thirunal Institute for Medical Science and Technology
Came into begin as per the bill passed in parliament in 1980. Now functions under the control of the Central Science and Technology Department.