Kerala at a Glance

Kerala is on the southernmost tip of India. It stretches along the coast of the Arabian Sea and is separated from the rest of the sub continent by the steep Western Ghats. The state lies between 80 18 ' and 120 48 ' north latitude and 740 52' and 770 22' east longitude.

Kerala enjoys unique geographical features with the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by forty-four rivers, 34 lakes, canals, ponds, paddy fields that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate, a long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil streches of emerald backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife, waterfalls, sprawling plantations and paddy fields, ayurvedic health holidays enchanting art forms, magical festivals, historic and cultural monuments, exotic cuisine, all of which makes Kerala a unique experience.

For administrative purpose, the state of Kerala is divided into fourteen districts. Almost all the districts are excellent tourist destinations. Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI)
Kerala has had a commendable record in terms of the Physical Quality of Life Index. Indicators of PQLI like infant mortality (11%), female literacy (87.86%), and life expectancy at birth for males (68.23) and females (73.62), are well above all India levels. The major reason for this achievement is Kerala's focus on the service sector. About 37% of the total annual expenditure of the State is earmarked for health and education. Another reason for this is the existence of a larger network of hospital infrastructure under the Directorate of Health Services with 933 primary health centres and 5094 sub centres.

Health Care Infrastructure Transport
Air
There are three international airports in the state. They are at Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Nedumbassery (Kochi) operates international flights and domestic flights.

Road and Rail
The state is well connected by rail and road.

Seaports
Major : Kochi.

Minor
Beypore (Kozhikode), Alappuzha, Kollam.

Major Beaches
Kovalam, Varkala, Fort Kochi, Kappad and Bekal.

Major Wild Life Sanctuaries
Thekkady (Periyar), Parambikkulam, Wayanad, Silent Valley, Aralm, Peechi-Vazhani, Chimani, Shenduruny, Idukki, Chinnar, Peppara, Neyyar.

Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad, Kumarakom.

Major Hill Stations
Ponmudi, Peerumade, Thekkady, Munnar and Wayanad.

Farm / Cash Crops
Rubber, Coffee, Tea, Spices, Pepper, Cashew, Coconut, Arecanut and rice.

Exports
Marine, Coir, Handicrafts, Spices, Food and other Products.

Major Industries
Tourism, Information Technology, Fertilizer, Oil Refining and Power Generation, Ship Buildings, Machine Tools, Electronics, Cables, Rubber.