Lesser Known Information about Kerala

By Tushar [29/Mar/23] Kerala is esteemed with multiple sobriquets to uphold the significance of the state in many aspects. Located in the southwest corner of India, Kerala is renowned for its spices, food, backwaters, beaches, hill stations, culture, traditions, festivals, martial arts, ayurveda, and so on. Kerala is a land of charm with breathtaking beauty and the culture of the state is beyond comparison. The boat race, Ayurvedic treatment, Kalaripayattu martial art form, highest literacy rate, high sex ratio, etc are some of the unique sides of Kerala, and there are many more to it. We all admire Kerala when it comes to planning a trip. Let's delve deeper into the facts that make Kerala one of the favourite travelling destinations in India.

Why ‘God’s Own Country’ is so amazing ?

• Popular Facts

1. The highest female-to-male ratio in India. The current status, according to the 2022 census is 1084b females for 1000 men.

2. The highest literacy rate in India. According to the latest population census, the literacy rate in Kerala has recorded an upward trend and has reached 94%.

3. Highest life expectancy rate in India. With comparatively healthier lifestyle policies, Keralites have a longer life span as compared to other states.

4. The lowest growth rate in the population. Due to abundant awareness, Kerala records the lowest growth rate of population in India, merely 4.6% approximately. Some of the cities in Kerala even record negative growth rates.

• Lesser-known Facts 1. World’s first Ayurvedic village in Kerala - Somatheeram

Somatheeram is an Ayurveda hospital located in a serene resort environment at Chowara Beach, which is just 9 km south of the popular Kovalam Beach in Trivandrum, Kerala, India. The resort is situated on a hillock, surrounded by lush greenery that spans over 15 acres of land. It caters to individuals and patients from all over the world who are seeking genuine Ayurvedic treatments and programs. The hospital offers a wide variety of specialized Ayurvedic treatments and packages, such as rejuvenation therapy, Panchakarma for detoxification and body purification, slimming programs, stress management, anti-aging solutions, beauty care, and several clinical treatments that aim at holistic healing.

2. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple - A look into the world's richest Hindu temple

With Hinduism being a dominant religion in the Indian subcontinent, the country boasts over 100,000 temples. Among them, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, situated in Kerala, stands out as the wealthiest Hindu temple globally. Renowned for its opulent treasures comprising vast reserves of gold and precious stones, it holds the distinction of being the richest institution of worship worldwide.

3. Distinctive martial art form - Kalaripayattu

Originating in Kerala, Kalaripayattu stands as one of the world's oldest martial arts forms. Combining physical exercises, self-defence techniques, and healing methods, it has garnered global recognition and is celebrated as one of India's primary martial arts disciplines.

4. India’s first-ever mosque, church and synagogue built in Kerala

The roots of religious diversity in India trace back to Kerala, where the country's first church, mosque, and synagogue were established. Cheraman Juma Masjid, erected in 629 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar, stands as the oldest mosque in India, located in the Thrissur district. St. Thomas Church, believed to be founded by St. Thomas in 52 AD, serves as India's first church, situated in Palayur, Thrissur district. As for synagogues, the Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi, constructed in 1567, holds the distinction of being India's inaugural and oldest active synagogue, among the seven built by the Cochin Jewish community.

5. A spice hub of India

Kerala, renowned as the Spice Coast of India, owes its fame to its abundant spice production. The cuisine of Kerala is celebrated for its rich flavors and enticing aromas, all thanks to these spices. The region boasts a bounty of herbs with medicinal properties, including turmeric, cinnamon, ashwagandha, brahmi, amalaki, bharangi, and phyllanthus amarus, among others.

6. Houseboats of Alleppey - a badge of pride

Alleppey, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’ offers the most thrilling experience of Kerala Tourism , that is the houseboat cruise. With all sorts of homely comforts, the houseboats of Alleppey float on the backwaters providing mesmerising views of coconut trees dotted along the coast and similar natural splendour. Freshly cooked Kerala cuisines are served at the houseboats to add a tinge of culinary exploration with voyaging through the backwaters.

7. World’s largest bird sculpture in Kerala - Jatayupara

In Kerala, the Jatayu Earth's Center boasts the world's largest bird sculpture, paying homage to Jatayu, the mythical bird from the Hindu epic Ramayana. Legend has it that Jatayu valiantly attempted to rescue Sita from abduction by the demon king Ravana. Perched atop a hill in Chadayamangalam, this awe-inspiring sculpture spans an impressive 200 feet in length, and 150 feet in width, and soars to a height of 70 feet.