The South Indian state of Kerala is no stranger to the international community. Its 100% literacy rate, high standard of living, and pristine natural beauty are all well-known. But there are other amazing things too about this small state. We will share ten such facts.
1. Technopark – India’s first IT Park
Image Credit – Wikimedia Commons
On March 31, 1991, the then chief minister EK Nayanar laid the foundation stone for Technopark in Trivandrum. Technopark, which started the IT revolution in Kerala, is now more than 30 years old. It was the first IT park to open in India and remains the largest, with around 470 companies.
2. Kochi-Muziris Biennale – Asia’s biggest contemporary art festival
Kochi-Muziris Biennale is the biggest contemporary art festival in Asia and the largest art exhibition in India. The venue is Kochi and is a paradise for contemporary art lovers. You can enjoy the works of Indian and international artists, take part in seminars and workshops and other educational activities for students. The Biennale closes on April 10, 2023
3. First baby-friendly & child-friendly state in the world
Photo by Spora Weddings
UNICEF declared Kerala as a baby-friendly state in 2002 for initiating Baby Friendly Hospital Initiatives and later declared it as the first child-friendly state in India in 2016. Over 95 percent of Keralite births are hospital delivered and the state also has the lowest Infant mortality rate in the country.
4. First digital state
In 2016, the then President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, declared Kerala as the first digital state in India. It is the first Indian state to successfully link its villages with broadband connectivity under the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) program. It also has achieved 100 % mobile connectivity and 75 % Internet literacy.
5. Land of elephants
Elephants have a special place in the hearts of Keralites. They are deeply connected to the state’s religious and social functions. You cannot even imagine a temple function here without elephants. Thrissur Pooram Festival is one of the best known celebrations involving hundreds of elephants decorated with “nettipattam”.
6. Cochin International Airport (COK) – first solar-powered airport in the world
The first airport in the country built under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode is also the first ever airport in the world fully powered by solar energy. It bagged the UN’s ‘Champion of Earth’ Award- 2018 Award – the highest environmental honour instituted by the United Nations. Kerala boasts of being the only state in India to have four International Airports. Ironically, there are no domestic airports here.
7. Padmanabhaswamy Temple – richest place of worship in the world
Kerala’s famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple holds about one trillion rupees worth of gold and gems, making it the wealthiest place of worship in the world. Perfectly befitting when you take into account Kerala’s love for gold.
8. Agasthyavanam – the first biological park in India
Agasthyavanam, the first biological park in India, was established in 1997. It is a wildlife sanctuary in Trivandrum set up to regenerate, conserve and spread selected flora and fauna. The Park has endemic medicinal plants and rich biodiversity. Trekking to Agastaykoodam is a dream for adventurers.
9. Best place to die in India
In 80-country “Quality of Death” study conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit and commissioned by Lien Foundation, a Singapore-based philanthropic organization, found Kerala as the best place in India to die. Compared to other Indian states, Kerala is lightyears ahead in palliative care.
10. International accolades
Kerala has always been in the limelight in the international arena. It has won several awards for its exquisite natural beauty. In 1999, Kerala made it to National Geographic’s list of 10 Paradises of the world. It was also selected by the New York Times as one of the must-visit places in 2023, thanks to its lush green natural beauty.
We have just touched on the main points. There are plenty more amazing things about this small state – like it being the spice capital, plenty of mesmerizing backwaters, home to the world’s oldest form of martial art Kalaripayattu and more. In short, this place should be on the list of places to visit once in a lifetime!