Kerala – Districts and Their Historical & General Knowledge Importance
1.Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Capital city of Kerala.
Famous for Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple – world’s richest temple.
Centre of early political movements, social reforms (Sree Narayana Guru, Ayyankali).
Houses Technopark, India’s first and largest IT park.
Thiruvananthapuram – Extra GK Facts
History & Heritage
Travancore rulers modernized Kerala – built dams, schools, hospitals.
Marthanda Varma (1706–1758) known as Maker of Modern Travancore.
British Resident’s official residence: Kowdiar Palace.
Sri Chitra Art Gallery – rare collection of Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings.
Napier Museum – Indo-Saracenic architecture, houses historic artifacts.
Kanakakkunnu Palace – cultural hub of Kerala, built by Travancore kings.
Geography & Environment
Area: ~2,192 km².
Coastline: ~78 km.
Highest point: Agasthyakoodam (1,868 m) in Western Ghats – famous for rare herbs.
Neyyar Dam & wildlife sanctuary – major eco-tourist spot.
Peppara & Shendurney sanctuaries – part of Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot (UNESCO).
Science & Technology
ISRO launched India’s first rocket (1963) from Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS), Thumba near Thiruvananthapuram.
Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is located here.
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) – national level institute for genetics & molecular biology.
Kerala Science & Technology Museum & Planetarium – educational hub for students.
Arts & Culture
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum (Horse Palace) – built by Swathi Thirunal.
Chenkal choola Colony – India’s first government-built housing colony for the poor (1930s).
Home of famous Carnatic musicians – Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Dr. K.J. Yesudas (trained here).
Chalai Bazaar – one of Kerala’s oldest markets, dating back to Travancore rule.
Economy & Infrastructure
Vizhinjam International Port – India’s first mega transshipment container terminal (2023).
IT Parks: Technopark Phase I–IV expanding rapidly (Kazhakoottam).
Important industries:
Coir
Handicrafts
Ayurveda-based medicine
One of Kerala’s top 3 tourism revenue generators.
Transport Firsts & Facts
First International Airport in Kerala (1932) – opened as Trivandrum International Airport.
Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station – one of India’s oldest (opened 1931).
National Highway 66 passes through, connecting Mumbai to Kanyakumari.
Vizhinjam will reduce India’s dependence on Colombo, Dubai, Singapore ports.
More GK facts
Called “Ananthapuri” in Sangam literature.
First medical college in Kerala – Govt. Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram (1951).
First women’s college in Kerala – All Saints College (1946).
Attingal Revolt (1721) – first organized revolt against the British East India Company in Kerala.
Kerala State Legislative Assembly building is here (Palayam).
Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology – national importance hospital.
Veli Tourist Village – meeting point of Veli Lake and Arabian Sea.
Shanku mugham Beach – famous for the giant mermaid sculpture (Matsya Kanyaka).
2. Kollam
Ancient port city known as Quilon in historic trade routes.
Famous for cashew industry and coir products.
Once a major centre of Chinese trade in the 14th century (Chinese traveler Ibn Battuta visited here).
Ashtamudi Lake is Kerala’s gateway to backwaters.
Kollam District – GK Highlights
Historical Importance
Kollam was one of the ancient trade ports of Kerala, well-known to Romans, Arabs, Chinese, and Portuguese.
The district was historically called Quilon, a famous port city.
It was part of the Travancore kingdom and also a hub of the Spice Trade.
Geography & Location
Kollam is located on the southwest coast of Kerala, bordering the Arabian Sea.
Major rivers: Kallada River, Ithikkara River.
Famous water body: Ashtamudi Lake, the second-largest lake in Kerala.
Tourism & Landmarks
Ashtamudi Lake – famous for backwaters and houseboat tourism.
Thenmala – India’s first planned eco-tourism project.
Jatayu Earth’s Center – home to the world’s largest bird sculpture.
Thangassery Lighthouse – built in 1902, one of the tallest in Kerala.
Munroe Island – known for canals, backwaters, and coir industry.
Culture & Economy
Kollam is called the “Cashew Capital of the World”, famous for cashew processing and export.
It is also known for the coir industry.
Traditional art forms include Kathakali, Padayani, Theyyam in surrounding areas.
Festivals & Events
Kollam Pooram – a famous temple festival held at Asramam Maidanam.
Oachira Kali – traditional martial festival held in Oachira.
Educational & Social Importance
Kollam is home to Kerala’s first women’s college – Fatima Mata National College.
The district has a high literacy rate, similar to other parts of Kerala.
Special Features
Kollam was once called the “Gateway to Kerala’s backwaters.”
Ashtamudi Lake is a Ramsar Site (wetland of international importance).
Famous personalities: C. Kesavan (former Chief Minister of Travancore-Cochin), V. Surendran Pillai (politician), many social reformers
3. Pathanamthitta
Known as the “Pilgrim Capital of Kerala”.
Famous for Sabarimala Temple – one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world.
Periyar River flows through; rich in forest and wildlife.
Headquarters of Kerala’s forest resources.
Pathanamthitta District – GK Facts
1. Formation & Location
Formed on 1st November 1982 (carved out of Alappuzha, Idukki, and Kollam districts).
Borders: Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Kollam; also borders Tamil Nadu.
Known as the “Pilgrim Capital of Kerala.”
2. Major Rivers
Pamba River – called the “Dakshina Ganga” (Ganga of the South).
Other rivers: Achankovil, Manimala.
3. Tourism & Religious Importance
Sabarimala – one of the largest annual pilgrim centers in the world, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple – famous for the Aranmula Boat Race and Aranmula Kannadi (unique metal mirror).
Konni – famous for elephant training and eco-tourism.
Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls – popular tourist spot.
Gavi – a major eco-tourism spot in the Western Ghats.
4. Special Features
First fully literate district of India (1991, declared by K. Karunakaran).
Known for forest area and biodiversity (more than 50% of district covered by forest).
Important hill stations: Gavi, Kaki, Moozhiyar.
Famous product: Aranmula Kannadi (GI-tagged).
5. Festivals & Culture
Aranmula Vallam kali (Boat Race) – held during Onam, world-famous.
Sabarimala Makaravilakku festival attracts millions of devotees.
6. Educational & Social Importance
High literacy and health standards.
Known for traditional Ayurveda centers.
7. Administrative Facts
Taluks: Adoor, Konni, Kozhencherry, Ranni, Mallappally, Thiruvalla.
Lok Sabha Constituency: Pathanamthitta.
Assembly constituencies include Adoor, Konni, Ranni, Aranmula, Pathanamthitta, Thiruvalla.
PSC GK facts
Pathanamthitta formed: 1982
Nickname: Pilgrim Capital of Kerala
First fully literate district in India: Pathanamthitta (1991)
Famous river: Pamba (Dakshina Ganga)
Famous temple: Sabarimala
GI product: Aranmula Kannadi
Famous festival: Aranmula Boat Race
4. Alappuzha (Alleppey)
Called the “Venice of the East” for its backwaters.
Historic hub of coir industry.
Hosts Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Punnamada Lake.
Ancient freedom struggle movements like Kayal Sammelanam held here.
Alappuzha District – GK Facts
1. Formation & History
Formed on 17th August 1957 (erstwhile Alleppey district).
Known as the Venice of the East – title given by Lord Curzon.
Headquarters: Alappuzha town.
2. Geography
Bounded by:
North – Ernakulam & Kottayam
South – Kollam & Pathanamthitta
West – Arabian Sea
Has no high-range areas (unique in Kerala).
Major rivers: Pamba, Achankovil, Manimala.
Famous for backwaters & canals.
3. Economy
Known as the ‘Coir Capital of the World’ – center of coir industry.
Agriculture: rice, coconut, tapioca, and toddy production.
Fishing and prawn farming are also important.
4. Tourism & Culture
Major attractions:
Vembanad Lake (largest lake in Kerala).
Kuttanad region – called the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race (held at Punnamada Lake).
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple – famous for Palppayasam.
Arthunkal Church (St. Andrew’s Basilica).
Houseboat tourism is world-famous.
5. Notable Features
First lighthouse of Kerala was built at Alappuzha (1862).
Highest literacy rate in Kerala (as per 2011 census: 96.26%).
First post office in Kerala (1863) was opened here.
Only district in Kerala without forests.
Punnapra-Vayalar uprising (1946) – important freedom struggle against Diwan C.P. Ramaswami Iyer.
6. Famous Personalities
K.R. Gowri Amma – veteran communist leader.
Vayalar Rama Varma – poet and lyricist.
O.N.V. Kurup – Jnanpith award-winning poet.
Kuttanad Ramakrishna Pillai – political thinker.
5. Kottayam
First district in India to achieve 100% literacy (1989).
Headquarters of many publishing houses → Known as “Land of Letters, Latex and Lakes”.
Printing hub: Malayala Manorama and Deepika newspapers started here.
Important in Indian freedom movement (Vaikom Satyagraha, 1924).
6. Idukki
Famous for Idukki Arch Dam – Asia’s first and world’s second largest arch dam.
Rich in spices and tea plantations.
Munnar hill station is a major tourism spot.
Dense forests; important for Kerala’s hydroelectric power generation.
7. Ernakulam (Kochi)
Known as the commercial capital of Kerala.
Kochi was a major colonial trading centre for Portuguese, Dutch, and British.
Vasco da Gama’s remains were once buried at St. Francis Church, Kochi.
Kerala High Court is located here.
Kochi Metro – India’s first metro project with renewable energy usage.
8. Thrissur
Known as “Cultural Capital of Kerala”.
Famous for Thrissur Pooram festival.
Headquarters of Kerala Kalamandalam (classical arts).
Played a big role in freedom movements and early Christian settlements.
Birthplace of Shakthan Thampuran,famous ruler of Cochin.
9. Palakkad
Called the “Rice Bowl of Kerala”.
Palakkad Gap – historic pass through Western Ghats, used for trade and invasions.
Tipu Sultan fought battles here (Palakkad Fort built by Hyder Ali).
Rich in agriculture, especially paddy and spices.
10. Malappuram
Known for Mappila Revolt (1921) during India’s freedom struggle.
Rich Islamic cultural centre with historic mosques and educational institutions.
One of the fastest-growing urban areas in the world (recent UN survey).
Headquarters of Kerala Sahitya Akademi for Arabic-Malayalam literature.
11. Kozhikode (Calicut)
Historic port city where Vasco da Gama landed in 1498 (Kappad beach).
Famous for Calicut Zamorin dynasty.
Once the spice trade capital of the world.
First city where Indian independence struggle leaders like K. Kelappan worked.
Known for Calicut Halwa and unique cuisine.
12. Wayanad
Rich in prehistoric caves (Edakkal Caves with Stone Age carvings).
Tribal culture and heritage important in anthropological studies.
Freedom fighter Pazhassi Raja led resistance against British from here.
Major producer of coffee, pepper, and cardamom.
13. Kannur
Known as “Land of Looms and Lores” (handlooms and Theyyam art).
Political hub – birthplace of several communist movements.
St. Angelo Fort built by Portuguese in 1505.
Important role in freedom movement and peasant struggles.
14. Kasaragod
Northernmost district of Kerala.
Famous for Bekal Fort (largest fort in Kerala).
Linguistically diverse: Malayalam, Tulu, Kannada, Konkani spoken.
Historical trad
e links with Arabian traders.
Known as the land of Yakshagana and Theyyam
