Introduction

    The State of Kerala has attained worldwide acclaim for its achievements in improving the physical quality of life of the people, and in the creation of social infrastructure, particularly in health and education systems. While this focus has led to an all round quality of life that is significantly superior to that of other Indian States, industrial growth has not been commensurate with the State's potential. The Government recognises that for promoting rapid industrial development, there should be a basic measure of agreement between the various stakeholders and interest groups about the desired policy objectives and the means of their attainment; between present and prospective investors, the workforce and trade unions, and informed public opinion. In pursuit, therefore, of uniform and consensual policy initiatives in related areas, this policy is being announced in conjunction with a progressive labour policy.

People    Malayalam is the language of Kerala. Keralites are popularly called "Malayalees" for the language they speak. The people of Kerala form a well educated society. Kerala is the first state in Indian with 100% literacy. The men mostly subscribe to trousers and shirt like the rest of the world. How ever you shouldn't be surprised if you find them dressed in the traditional "Kasavu Mundu", a three to four meter long cotton twin cloth with silk border, as formal dress and a colourful cloth called "Kaily" or "Lunky" at home as the informal dress. Mundu is more popular in the rural areas. The typical style  of a Malayalee is "Mundu", top covered with a silk cloth called "Melmundu" and wooden slippers called as "Methiyadi". The very interesting thing about a Malayalee is his Moustache. Almost 90% of the men having a nice Moustache. It is very easy to identify a Malayalee. Most of the Malayalees love to have a nice Beard too.

Climate

   The diversity of the geographical features of the state has resulted in a corresponding diversity in climate. The High Ranges have a cool and bracing climate throughout the year, while the plains are hot and humid.
The average level of annual rainfall is quite high when compared to other Indian states, almost three times higher than in Karnataka while twice than in Tamilnadu. The state basically enjoys 4 types of climate such as Winter ,Summer ,South West Monsoon and North East Monsoon. The annual range of temperature is comparatively low in Kerala. The coastal areas record a maximum temperature of 320c and a minimum of 220c.

    

Economy    The economy of the state is based on agriculture and marine products. Some traditional industries is based on coir and coir products, marine products, handloom, different types of handicraft's, toddy tapping etc. Other prominent industries are handloom industry, Khadi and village industry which produce Khadi, fiber, pottery, lime, paper, matches, gobar gas, cane and bamboo. The important handicrafts of the state include ivory, wood and bone carving, hand embroidery, cane and rattan works, coconut shell carving and paddy straw picture making. Alappuzha district is known as the traditional home of coir industry in Kerala. There is  coir Research Institute functioning at Kalavoor. The national coir training and designing centre was also established at Alappuzha in 1965.

Culture

   Kerala has a rich and fascinating culture. With people from many communities and religions living in this small state along the west coast of South India, Kerala is a melting pot of cultural influences. Some of the major cultural events of Kerala are the Onam Festival, the Temple festival at Thrissur, the annual Snake Boat Races at Alleppey and the festivals of Id and Christmas. Depending on the time of year you can see some of these celebrations on tours of Kerala with Kerala Backwater.Kerala has a rich and fascinating culture. With people from many communities and religions living in this small state along the west coast of South India, Kerala is a melting pot of cultural influences. Some of the major cultural events of Kerala are the Onam Festival, the Temple festival at Thrissur, the annual Snake Boat Races at Alleppey and the festivals of Id and Christmas. Depending on the time of year you can see some of these celebrations on tours of Kerala with Kerala Backwater.

History          Kerala in South India has a long and varied history. From a legendary land, famed for its aromatic spices to a tourist's paradise popular for its palm-fringed beaches, backwaters and Ayurveda resorts, Kerala has made its presence known to the world throughout history. Kerala is truly the undiscovered India. It is God's own country and an enchantingly beautiful, emerald-green sliver of land. It is a tropical paradise far from the tourist trial at the southwestern peninsular tip, sandwiched between the tall mountains and the deep sea. Kerala is a long stretch of enchanting greenery. The tall exotic coconut palm dominates the landscape. Earlier, Kerala was made up of three distinct areas. Malabar as far up the coast as Tellicherry, Cannanore and Kasargode with the tiny pocket-handkerchief French possession of Mahe nearby (it was returned to India in the early 1950 's and is now administratively part of Pondicherry). Kerala is a 560-km long narrow stretch of land. At the widest, Kerala is a mere 120-km from the sea to the mountains. Gracing one side of Kerala, are the lofty mountains ranging high to kiss the sky.