The name “Keralam” comes from two words: “Kera” + “Alam”. (“Kera” means coconut (tree) and “Alam” means land or location). The State of Keralam was formed by the amalgamation of three regions: the Kingdom of Thiruvithamcoore (Travancore), the Kingdom of Kochi (Cochin), and the Province of Malabar. Keralam is a state in India. It is located on the south-western region of the country. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act bringing together the areas where Malayalam was the dominant language.
The state has an area of 38,863 km2 (15,005 sq mi) and is bordered by Karnataka to the north, Tamil Nadu to the south and the east and the Lakshadweep Sea towards the west. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital and largest city of Keralam. Kochi and Kozhikode are the other major cities. Keralam is also known for its many small towns that are scattered across the state, thus creating a higher density of population. There are 44 rivers flowing through Keralam, most of them are small and entirely fed by the Monsoons. The Keralam Backwaters, an interconnected system of brackish water lakes and river estuaries, lies behind the coast and runs virtually the length of the state.
Keralam is a popular tourist destination famous for its backwaters, Ayurvedic treatments and tropical greenery. Keralam has a higher Human Development Index than all other states in India. The National Geographic Traveler has quoted Keralam as India’s most verdant state with one of the world’s 50 “must see” destinations. The Keralites call it “God’s own country” for its natural wealth and beautiful surroundings. Though, many believe that the state is called so because of its connection with the Hindu mythology which says that this piece of land was created by Lord Parasurama who threw his axe across the sea to create a new land for his devotees. With so much around, the exotic wildlife, ancient regiments, spectacular art forms, colorful festivals, interesting history and unique culture, this tropical paradise at the southern peninsular tip of India proves itself to be “God’s own land”.
