Travel News Desk,Do you love Kerala? We do, a lot, and for many reasons. It is easily one of the most visited states in the country. One wonders, what makes a place so interesting that no matter how many times one visits the place, there is always something new and interesting to discover. Kerala has a wide range of attractions, from its beaches, old settlements and backwaters to its hill stations and amazing wildlife, there is something for everyone. We have picked some of the most interesting travel facts that make Kerala a unique destination.
village of twins
You will find this village most often in the list of weird and unusual villages in India. Kodinhi village in Malappuram district is also known as Twin Town. The village became famous for the bizarre phenomenon of twins being born in the village. Don’t mistake us when we say this, having twins is not a rare thing; the incidence of twins is six times higher than the global average!
Everyone here plays chess!
Where else in India will you find a place where almost all the residents play chess? More than just a game to pass the time, it is a way of life in Marottichal Village. It is located in Thrissur district and was initially developed as a place for rehabilitation and recovery of people suffering from alcohol addiction. In the process, Marottichal becomes the village with the highest number of chess players.
Home to the world’s richest temple
The richest temple in the world, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The temple is one of the most visited sites in the state and being a temple it also receives a lot of donations from patrons.
The only state with banking facilities and hospitals in every village
Do you know why Kerala is one of the most preferred holiday destinations in India, if not in the world? The reasons are many, but one of the most basic and important reasons is that in Kerala, wherever you go, there are hospitals and banks. Meaning, you will find banking and healthcare facilities even in the remote villages of Kerala, two important things that tourists must keep in mind while traveling.
Kerala has India’s only drive-in beach
Kerala’s Muzhappilangad coastline is Asia’s longest drive-in coastline, and the only drive-in beach in India. Tourists come here to experience the unique experience of driving on the beach. The four-kilometer drive is a big hit among adventure seekers.
Tourist service
It is no wonder that Kerala is so beloved as a tourist destination. The state takes tourism seriously and they even have a separate branch of the police called the Tourism Police. This special department consists of police officers who are trained to interact with tourists in several languages such as Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, English, and French.
India’s first church, mosque and synagogue is in Kerala
Kerala is a land of many firsts. For instance, the first church in India – the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church at St Thomas, Palayur – was established by St Thomas in 52 AD. The first mosque in India – the Cheraman Juma Masjid at Methala, Kodungallur – was built in 629 AD. And finally, coming from the Jewish community of Kochi is the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the state, built in 1567.
Asia’s first Butterfly Safari Park, Thenmala
Did you know that Thenmala was India’s first eco-tourism project? Well, now you know. Thenmala also has Asia’s first butterfly safari park, a brainchild of the Kerala Forest Research Institute. The Thenmala Butterfly Park has over 125 species of butterflies, breeding and feeding in microhabitats created especially for them. The park has some rare and endemic species of butterflies, and you can witness the life cycle of these butterflies. For the butterfly-loving community, this is a paradise.
