Collage of photos shot by LG @TravellerG with Kerala Map.
This post is part of #StateChallenge run by @Denise_Barlock and @jayasimha78
Host for Kerala #WorldChallenge is @Dr_AlwyPaul , looking forward to hearing her take on Kerala.
I have been to Kerala many times during my family trips, Kerala is a neighboring state of Karnataka, where I used to live. However this was before I caught Shutterbug and also before digital photography era(well I am not that old 
). So I don’t have my own pictures of Kerala. Fortunately my friend LG @TravellerG has a great collection of pictures from Kerala. Thanks to him for sharing the pictures, which are part of this post.
Kerala Quick Facts
Capital: Thiruvanathapuram
Districts: 14
Statehood: 1 November 1956
Total Area: 38863 Sq Km
Area Rank: 21st
Population: 34,630,192
Rank: 13th
Languages: Malayalam, English
Highest Elevation: Anamudi, 2695m
Lowest Elevation: Kuttanad: -2.2M
Nick Names: God’s Own Country, Spice Garden of India, Land of Coconuts, Land of Trees, The Jewel of South India
Collage of State symbols of Kerala
Symbols of Kerala
Mammal: Indian Elephant
Bird: Great Hornbill
Fish: Green Chromide
Flower: Kanikonna (Cassia Fistula)
Fruit: Jackfruit
Tree: Coconut Tree
Collage of photos shot by LG @TravellerG
Food
Food in Kerala revolves around an abundance of coconut, rice, tapioca, and spices like black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger. Kerala famous food also features a variety of seafood like fish, prawns, mussels, lobsters, and crabs owing to the state’s long coastline.
Here are few famous food from Kerala!
- Puttu and kadala curry. This is a breakfast staple eaten all over the state.
- Appam with stew.
- Karimeen pollichathu (fish)
- Malabar Parotta with Kerala beef curry.
- Erissery or pumpkin and lentil curry.
- Palada payasam (dessert)
- Kerala prawn curry (chemmeen curry)
- Thalassery biriyani.
Kerala Banana Chips (I love these chips!) shot by LG TravellerG
Banana chips are a popular snack in Kerala (South India). Sliced banana are fried in coconut oil and sprinkled with Salt. It is also interesting to see how they make banana chips. Some folks use machines to slice the banana, which directly drops in to hot coconut oil. You can easily find such videos on YoutTube.
Photos shot by LG @TravellerG
Culture
Kerala has a combination of Indian and Dravidian culture. Some of the main performing arts from Kerala are Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and Martial art of Kalaripayattu.
Photos shot by LG @TravellerG
Kerala Interesting Facts
Here are some the interesting facts as described in a blogpost of traveltriangle.com
“1. Nick Name 'As The God’s Own Country”
There is a fanciful story behind the expression God’s Own Country. It is said, according to Hindu convictions, that this state was the manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Kerala is honored with excellence and was the spot of the manifestation of Lord Vishnu thus, it is called God’s Own Country.
“2. Leading the Way in Ayurveda”
Kerala leads the way in Ayurveda. India is home of Ayurvedic Practices. Kerala’s climate is suitable for growing number of herbs and spices.
Photos shot by LG @TravellerG
“3. Highest Female To Male Ratio”
In India, Kerala and Pondicherry have the most noteworthy female to male proportion with Kerala starting to lead the pack. This is perhaps the main realities about Kerala, as it recognizes it from the remainder of the country. While numerous provinces of India are battling female abortion, this South Indian state obviously gives us motivation to be pleased with.
“4. Receives The First Showers Of Rain”
The first rainstorm consistently enter the territory of Kerala, flagging the appearance of the monsoon season. During the primary seven day stretch of June, it starts to shower in this locale of South India. In addition, during this time, one can observe the greenery becoming denser and more dynamic – a joyful incredible sight.
Photo shot by LG @TravellerG
“5. The Richest Temple Of The World Is Here”
Thiruvananthapuram has Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which is richest temple in the world. A hidden treasure chamber was discovered here, assets estimated over $1 Trillion. This is one of the top tourist attractions in Kerala.
“6. India’s Oldest Mosque, Church, And Synagogue Are Here”
There are several Hindu Temple in Kerala, however Kerala also has one of the oldest Mosque, Church and Synagogue. The main mosque, named Cheraman Juma Mosque was set up by Malik Deenar in 629 AD.
St. Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Church is the first church in India. First synagogue Paradesi Synagogue was set up in 1567.
Photo shot by LG @TravellerG
“7. ‘Kerala’ Literally Means ‘Land Of Coconuts’”
The entire province of Kerala is spotted with tall trees of coconuts. You can likewise discover a trace of coconut in each dish served here. Additionally, the word ‘kera’ signifies ‘coconut tree’ in Malayalam and ‘alam’ alludes to ‘land’.
“8. Counted As The Cleanest State In India”
Research through survey has indicated that Kerala and Sikkim are cleanest States in India.
Photo shot by LG @TravellerG
“9. The State Celebrates Most Number Of Festivals”
Since the state has given a conspicuous spot to various religions and is exceptionally respected for something very similar, it is normal to accept that various celebrations are commended here. These celebrations delightfully epitomize the solidarity of the different cultures.
“10. Highest Amount Of Rubber Produce In The Country”
This is again one of the Kerala essential realities. As we probably are aware, India positions fourth around the world with regards to rubber production. Fascinating that 90% creation comes from Kerala itself. Around 5.45 hectares of area in the state has been taken for developing rubber trees.
Photo shot by LG @TravellerG
“11. Kerala backwaters are geographically unique”
Kerala is known for its quiet backwaters. Yet, what isn’t so notable about Kerala is that the backwaters have an extraordinary geology. The lakes and tidal ponds run equal nearly along the whole west bank of Kerala. What is much more intriguing is the course of these waters. The tidal ponds bend, turn, run into land and make for an extremely many-sided network. Most of the backwaters comprises of 5 lakes connected by restricted waterways.
“12. The land of elephants”
You can pretty much supplant ‘place where there is coconuts’ with ‘place that is known for elephants’ and nobody would flutter an eyelid. Elephant is also part of Kerala Emblem. That is on the grounds that this glorious state’s green fields are wandered by in excess of 700 elephants. These elephants are Kerala’s pride.
Picture of Houseboat Photo shot by LG @TravellerG
To learn more on houseboats visit @TravellerG post on houseboats.
“13. Kerala is among the places with the highest number of bookworms and highest liquor consumption”
It is a genuinely regular sight to discover individuals reading the news paper or books, sitting on their patios. It is maybe be the reason behind why Kerala is among the homes to the most educated and well informed individuals. Interestingly Kerala also has highest liquor consumption rate.
“14. Kerala has the highest life expectancy in India”
Kerala has one of the highest life expectancy rate The ‘place that is known for coconuts’ at 75 years, it is 10 years more than other parts of India. It may be Coconut or Curry? Who knows.
“15. Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India”
Quite possibly the most admirable realities about Kerala and one that should make each Indian glad, is the state’s stunning proficiency rate. The normal proficiency rate in Kerala is about 93%. On the off chance that that wasn’t sufficient, the southern heaven once accomplished the remarkable accomplishment of 100% essential schooling among the populace. This is a remarkable accomplishment.
from Chittagong city,