Kerala at a glance

The KERALA HYDEL TOURISM CENTRE is a society constituted as per the Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act (Act XII of 1955) on 01/12/1999. The Hon'ble Minister for Electricity is the Chairman of the society. In God's own country'; the Western Ghats, copious monsoons and river lines together haven facilitated a civilization where the omniscient gurgle of water defines nature, living, sustenance, ethos, history and culture. For its enviable advances in modernity too, this land that is distinguished as the most educated, liberal and secular society in the country, has harnessed the power of its water resources- About 30 Hydel power stations in Kerala together actualize a total installed capacity of 2500 MW; and also offer themselves as testimonies of the continuing endeavor to engineer sustainable energy for an advancing society.

Geography

With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by forty-four rivers, Kerala enjoys diverse geographical features. Kerala is divided into three geographical regions: Highlands, which slope down from the Western Ghats onto the Midlands of undulating hills and valleys into an unbroken coastline with many picturesque backwaters, interconnected with canals and rivers. The Western Ghats are nowhere more than 120 kms from the sea.

Seasons

Bestowed with a pleasant and equable climate throughout the year, Kerala is a tropical land with the coast running down its entire length and the Western Ghats forming a protective barrier against the dry winds from up north. The monsoons (June-September & October-November) and summer (February-May) are the seasons markedly experienced here, while winter is only a slight drop in temperature from the normal range of 28-32°C.

People and Life

Kerala is one of India's most progressive states in terms of social welfare and quality of life. The State boasts of one of India's highest literacy rates, highest life expectancy and lowest child mortality rates. The literacy rate for women is one of the highest in all of Asia. Enjoying a unique cosmopolitan viewpoint, the people of Kerala, at all levels of society, have greater access to services and opportunities - as well as a greater say in their governance.

History

Kerala's history is closely linked with its commerce, which until recent times revolved around its spice trade. Celebrated as the Spice Coast of India, ancient Kerala played host to travellers and traders from across the world including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, French and the British. Almost all of them have left their imprint on this land in some form or the other - architecture, cuisine, literature.

Location

Kerala is situated on the southwestern coast of India, a country in South Asia. This tropical paradise enjoys a unique topography with Arabian sea, a part of the Indian Ocean on the west and the Western Ghats on the east.