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Population
: 29 million
Area: 38,864 sq km
Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
People per sq km: 747
Main Language: Malayalam
Literacy Rate: 91%
 Kerala,
the land of green magic, is a narrow, fertile strip on the
south-west coast of India, sandwiched between the Lakshadweep
Sea and the Western Ghats. The landscape is dominated by rice
fields, mango and cashew nut trees and coconut palms. The
Western Ghats, with their dense tropical forests misty peaks,
extensive ridges and ravines, have sheltered Kerala from
mainland invaders but encouraged Kelralites to welcome
maritime contact with the outside world. In Kochi there is
still a small community descended from Jewish settlers who
fled Palestine 2000 years ago.
Cochin
 Kochi
or Cochin is a port city with a rich past and a bustling
present. It has been the business hub of the region from the
very early days. The Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans came
hear to trade and their influence or Kochi and its people is
still evident. Old tiled houses built in the Chinese pagoda
style, the famous Chinese fishing nets, colonial buildings,
synagogues and mosques all tell the fascinating story of this
harbor town.
The harbor is still at the heart of the city and pepper, sea
food, rubber and coir are exported from here. Despite this,
Kochi is an attractive city and the serene back-waters, golden
sunsets, lagoons overhung with feathery coconut palms,
picturesque islands Vypeen, Willingdon. Ramanthuruth,
Vallarpadam and Bolghatty all contribute to its beautiful city
scope.
 The
interesting Jewish synagogue the oldest in India, the
Mattancherry Palace of the former maharajas, also known as the
Dutch Palace, old British churches, the Bolghatty Pallace,
once the mansion of the British Resident and now a hotel, are
all worth seeing and make a visit to Kochi a unique
experience.Regular flights link Kochi with major cities in
India. Also an extensive rail and road network connects the
city with various town and cities in the country
Others
Fort Cochin, St Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Chinese
Fishing Nets, Matancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Ernakulam,
Kathakali Danceing, Parishath Thampuram Museum, Vypeen &
Gundu islands, Hill Palace Museum, Willingdon island,
Top
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram
is Kerala's gracious capital city with its palaces, museums
and the beautiful beach resort of Kovalam. Dominating the city
is the Padmanabhaswamy Temple with its tall gopurams or
gateways. Built in the Dravidian style, the temple has within
its sanctum an immense image of the Lord Vishnu reclining on
the coils of the sacred serpent Ananta. Thiruvananthapuram
(the abode of Anatha) derives its name from this patron deity.
A curve of silvery sand fringed by swaying palms, the azure
sea and a marvelous resort hotel that blends into the hill
side-Kovalam offers a unique beach holiday. There are
facilities here for water sports and a taste of Kerala
culture, including Kathkali performances in the evenings. The
little hill station of Ponmudi a marvelously carved wooden
palace at Padmanabhapuram, a fine temple at Suchindram and
Kanyakumari-India's Land's End' and all with in easy visiting
distance of Thiruvananthapuram.
Others
Sri Chitra Art Gallery Natural History Museum, Napier Museum,
Science & Industry Museum, Victoria Jubilee Town Hall, Air
Maldives, Secretariat, British Library, Higginbothams, Sri
Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
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