Fact File: Kerala

CAPITAL

Though a bit of a tongue-twister, Thiruvananthapuram - the present official name, is closer to it's mythological origins. Built on seven hills, it was the capital of the Venad chieftains. The city has grown as a tourist and commercial centre, with the International airport becoming the main gateway into Kerala. Being the state capital, it also throbs with political activity.

HISTORY

Original inhabitants were animists, followed by the Dravidians. After Alexander's triumphant sweep over Asia Minor, the ports of Kerala became a link between the Middle East, the Mediterranean and China.

In 1498, Vasco da Gama made his historic landing on the Malabar Coast. In 1723, the East India Company signed a strategic treaty with King Marthanda Varma. For a few decades, Hyder Ali and his son -Tipu sultan proved to be a thorn in the flesh of the British, sweeping down several times into Kerala. In 1947, it was the turn of the British to pack their bags.

PEOPLE

POPULATION: 33 million

Kerala also has considerable ethnic diversity. There is a small population of descendants of Indo-European migrants from the north. Certain hill tribes exhibit affinities with the Negrito peoples of Southeast Asia. Most Keralites are Hindus, but there are also large Christian and Islamic, and lesser Jain and Jewish, minorities.

The official language is Malayalam. A long contact with the outside world has led to an intriguing blend of cultures and given Keralites a cosmopolitan outlook. Kerala boasts hundred percent literacy. World-class health care systems it offers India's highest life expectancy rates.

Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also India's cleanest state.

OCCUPATION

Agriculture is the state's main economic activity. Plantations of cardamom, cashew nut, coconuts, coffee, ginger, pepper, rubber, and tea account for 40 percent of the total land.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

High season: October to April - Monsoon.

Rejuvenation programmes: May to September

TRAVEL WEAR

Cotton outfits, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc.

FOOD

All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian and typical Kerala fare

WATER

Even though tap water is purified, it is better to drink bottled drinking water or drinking water from houses/restaurants. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Mineral water is available in sealed bottles.

TEMPLE CODES

Footwear inside the temple and entry into the sanctum sanctorum is banned in all the temples.

Other customs and codes of conduct and dress in temples across the state vary from each other.

Some temples do not permit entry to non-Hindus, while some do. Shirts for men and pants are banned from some temples and allowed in some others. Where they are banned, men have to be in mundus and women, in saris, half-saris or long skirts.

NUDITY

Nudity is not allowed in any Kerala beach.

FOOTWEAR IN HOUSES

Visitors to most Kerala houses leave their footwear outside before entering the house.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

If you wish to undergo Ayurvedic treatment, it is very important to ensure that you go to an authorised centre.

DEMONSTRATIVENESS IN PUBLIC

Behaviour demonstrating affection in public like hugging or kissing is not an accepted practice in Kerala.

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES

To visit a wildlife sanctuary, prior permission has to be taken from the concerned authority of the sanctuary.

BANKS

Banks are open for transaction on all days except Sundays and declared holidays.

CURRENCY

Indian Rupee (INR)

CREDIT CARDS

Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centres honour major credit cards.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Police control room: 100 Fire station: 101 Ambulance: 101

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