Kerala is a unique state, spread at 38, 683 sq. km with a varied mix of nature and culture. The backwaters, beaches, hill stations, wildlife, ayurveda, yoga, dance-theatre and colourful festivals make this land a destination of choice for lovers of nature and lovers of culture. You will not find rulers in Kerala - as nature still rules here.

Geography

Kerala, one of the smallest states in the Republic of India, was formed in 1956. It has an area of 15,005 sq. miles (38,863 sq. km) - about one percent of the total land area of India.
The state stretches for about 360 miles along the Malabar coast on the western side of the Indian peninsula; its width varies from 20 to 75 miles. It is bordered by the states of Karnataka on the north, Tamil Nadu to the east and the Arabian sea to the west.
Geographically, Kerala can be divided into three climatically distinct regions: the eastern highlands (rugged and cool mountainous terrain), the central midlands (rolling hills), and the western lowlands (coastal plains).

Eastern Kerala lies immediately west of the Western Ghats's rain shadow; it consists of high mountains, gorges and deep-cut valleys. Here, the Western Ghats form a wall of mountains interrupted only near Palakkad, where a pass known as the Palakkad Gap breaks through to provide access to the rest of India. The Western Ghats rise on average to 1,500 m (4921.26 ft) above sea level, while the highest peaks may reach to 2,500 m (8202.1 ft). Just west of the mountains lie the midland plains composing central Kerala; rolling hills and valleys dominate. Generally ranging between elevations of 250–1,000 m (820.2-3280.84 ft), the eastern portions of the Nilgiri and Palni Hills include such formations as Agastyamalai and Anamalai. Kerala's western coastal belt is relatively flat, and is criss-crossed by a network of interconnected brackish canals, lakes, estuaries, and rivers known as the Kerala Backwaters. Lake Vembanad's largest body of water—dominates the Backwaters; it lies between Alappuzha and Kochi and is more than 200 km² in area. Around 8% of India's waterways (measured by length) are found in Kerala. Forty-one of Kerala’s west-flowing rivers—and three of its east-flowing ones—originate in this region.

 

Nature

Kerala is a land of great natural beauty. From the majestic heights of the Western Ghats the country undulates westward presenting a vista of silent valleys clothed in the richest green.

Among the many rivers that glide across the plains to merge their waters with the Arabian sea, the more important are the Periyar, the Pamba and the Bharatha puzha. The elegant waterfalls at Athirampally near Trichur are a popular tourist spot.

Along the coast, sand dunes shelter a linked chain of lagoons and backwaters studded with seagulls and country canoes plying at a snail's pace. The silence of the clear skies is broken only by the coos of koels, a type of cuckoo, and the frequent flutter of cranes perched on the embankments.

The highest peak of peninsular India, Annai Mudi, is located in this state.

The scenic Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular vacation destination for nature lovers. But it's not the only one. Kerala is home to 12 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 2 National Parks, where you can see numerous species of mammals, reptiles and birds, as well as rare flora. More about them HERE.