Interesting facts

1. Kerala is globally renowned by its tourism catchphrase, "God's Own Country." 2. It is the first state in the world to democratically elect a communist government (in 1957). 3. Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda, offering some of the most authentic wellness retreats in the world. 4. The state's backwater network encompasses over 900 kilometers of interconnected canals, rivers, and lakes. 5. The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is considered one of the wealthiest places of worship in the world. 6. Kerala experiences two monsoon seasons: the Southwest Monsoon (June) and the retreating Northeast Monsoon (October). 7. It holds the highest literacy rate among all Indian states. 8. Kerala is the only Indian state where the sex ratio favors women (1,084 women per 1,000 men as per the 2011 census). 9. The Indian Elephant is the state animal and features prominently in temple festivals. 10. The traditional Nehru Trophy Boat Race features magnificent "Chundan Vallams" (snake boats) that can hold over 100 rowers. 11. Kathakali, a highly stylized classical dance-drama known for its elaborate makeup, originated here. 12. Kalaripayattu, developed in Kerala, is considered one of the oldest surviving martial arts in the world. 13. The ancient port of Muziris in Kerala was a major center for the global spice trade as early as 3000 BCE. 14. Kerala accounts for nearly 90% of India's total natural rubber production. 15. Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in India and the largest in the state of Kerala. 16. The Anamudi peak in the Western Ghats is the highest point in India outside the Himalayan mountain ranges. 17. The Edakkal Caves in Wayanad contain petroglyphs dating back to the Neolithic age (around 6,000 BCE). 18. The world's oldest teak plantation, Conolly's Plot, is located in Nilambur, Kerala. 19. Kochi was the first airport in the world to be fully powered by solar energy. 20. Kerala was listed among TIME magazine's 50 extraordinary destinations to explore in 2022.