Kerala Geography
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Kerala, a state of south India region of India falls in the East Coast geographical division of India. The geographical variation makes Kerala a major tourist destination in India. It is a green state dotted with backwaters, lakes, hills, streams, waterfalls, etc. Here a brief view on Kerala geography is discussed :
Geographical location & Division :
Kerala is geographically located in between north latitudes 8°18' and 12°48' and 74°52' and 72°22’ east longitudes. It covers 38,863 sq kilometers, 1.18% of India total landmass. Arabian Sea edges Kerala to the west and the Western Ghats to the east. The total coast line of kerala is 580 kilometers. The climatic geographical divisions of the state are eastern mountainous, the central hills and the western coastal area.
The Eastern Kerala is the land of high mountains and valleys. The forest ranges are included in the wild land d of the part and other region of eastern Kerala houses the tea and coffee plantations. Among the 44 rivers of Kerala 41 originates in this region and the main Cauvery River originating here drains down to eastwards. The Western Ghats region is located at an elevation of 15oo meter above sea level and forming a wall of mountain it is separated from other states of India. The midland plains of kerala falls in the central region of Kerala and main attractions are hills and valleys. The lowest land of midland region has vast stretch of paddy fields and plantations of spices. The coastal region of Kerala is spreading over a vast area of coconut groves, backwater canals and vegetations.
Climate of Kerala :
Kerala lies in the tropical region; hence it gets a humid tropical climate. The average annual rainfall is 3107 mm. some areas of the lowland coastal plains gets only annual 1250 mm rains while the mountainous eastern lands of Idukki region gets highest rainfall. Kerala gets rains from seasonal monsoons--north-east monsoons and south-west post monsoons. The maximum temperature is 36.7° C and minimum temperature is 19.8 °C.
Kerala Backwaters :
Kerala backwaters are an important feature of Kerala geography. Inter-connected brackish water lakes and river estuaries run parallel to the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are scenic and rich in aquatic flora and fauna. Even backwater canals provide way of boat transportation to the Keralite people. The Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in Kerala covering a 200 sq km area.
Facts in a Nutshell :
Area - 38,863 Sq.Km
Districts - 14
Talukas - 63
Panchayats - 991
Corporations - 3
Municipalities -54 (including townships)
Rivers - 44
Longest River - Bharathapuzha (251.1 Km)
Highest Mountain - Anamudi (2652.3 Metres)
Climate - Summer - 35 to 22.5 ° C Winter - 32 to 20 °
