Kerala, one of India's most picturesque states, captivates travelers with its breathtaking hill stations, serene backwaters, swaying coconut trees, vast tea plantations, the azure Arabian Sea, charming villages, and rich arts and culture. This South Indian gem is also renowned for its deep-rooted history and heritage. Its diverse wildlife makes it a paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Kerala offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in its vibrant festivals, traditional dances, mouthwatering cuisine, Ayurveda therapies, literature, and exquisite handicrafts. There’s so much to discover about this enchanting state! To give you a glimpse, here’s a list of 25 fascinating facts about Kerala you may not know.

# Kerala derives its name from its vast coconut plantations. ‘Kera’ means coconut tree, and ‘Alam’ signifies land, making Kerala the "Land of Coconut Trees."

# Kerala is among the cleanest states in India. Along with Sikkim, it ranks at the top according to a National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) report.

# It is the only state in India where every village has access to both hospitals and banks, significantly contributing to its overall development.

# Kerala is popularly known as ‘God’s Own Country,’ a slogan promoted by Kerala Tourism. The state’s breathtaking backwaters, the Arabian Sea on the west, lush coconut-lined shores, and crystal-clear waters instantly captivate visitors.

# The Padmanabhaswamy Temple, home to a vast treasure of gold and precious stones, is located in Kerala.

# Kerala is renowned as a global leader in Ayurveda and houses the world’s first Ayurvedic resort, Somatheeram.

# Among various medical practices available in India, Ayurveda is the primary form of medicine in Kerala.

# Kerala is the first state in India to receive the monsoon, with rains arriving in early June, unlike most states where it begins in July.

# Along with Pondicherry, Kerala has one of the highest sex ratios in India, with 1,084 females per 1,000 males.

# Kerala boasts the highest literacy rate in India at 93.91%, according to the 2011 Census. The town of Pathanamthitta stands out with a literacy rate of 97.42%.

# The state is a true example of religious harmony, where people from diverse faiths coexist peacefully in every corner.

# Kerala is India's largest consumer of gold, accounting for nearly 20% of the country’s gold consumption. It is common to see brides adorned in gold during weddings.

# The state is home to a vast range of medicinal herbs, including Bharangi, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Amalaki, and Phyllanthus Amarus.

# As per the CMS Indian Corruption Study 2017, Kerala ranks among the least corrupt states in India, with only about 4% corruption in public services.

# Kerala is India’s largest producer of rubber, contributing over 90% of the country’s total rubber production, with more than 5 lakh hectares of land dedicated to its cultivation.

# The Kerala Education Act of 1958 significantly boosted literacy levels, playing a key role in making the state the most literate in India.

# In 1999, National Geographic's The Traveler Magazine included Kerala in its list of the Top Ten Paradises of the World.

# Nearly 99% of men and around 94% of women in Kerala have access to media. Newspapers in the state are published in nine different languages.

# The elephant, Kerala’s state animal, holds deep cultural and religious significance, playing a crucial role in temple festivals and processions.

# Kerala’s backwaters, an intricate network of canals, lagoons, and lakes running parallel to the Arabian Sea, are a major tourist attraction.

# Coconut plantations are vital to Kerala’s economy, covering around 7.70 lakh hectares of cultivated land.

# Kerala’s Pain and Palliative Society provides free home care and emotional support to patients, earning the state recognition as the best place for end-of-life care in India.

# In 2016, Kerala became India’s first digital state. The title was conferred by then-President Pranab Mukherjee. The state leads in telecom literacy, with full mobile connectivity and 75% internet penetration.

# Kerala was the first state to extend the National Optical Fiber Network Program’s high-speed broadband connections to panchayats and villages.

# A lesser-known fact about Kerala is that it has the highest number of digital banking users and operational bank accounts in India.