[79][80] Mappila was an honorific title that had been assigned to respected visitors from abroad; Israelite (Jewish), Syrian Christian, and Muslim immigration account for later names of the respective communities: Juda Mappilas, Nasrani Mappilas and Muslim Mappilas. [170] As of 2004[update], over 25% of India's 15,000 plant species are in Kerala. More than 10,000 festivals are celebrated in the state annually and some animal lovers have sometimes raised concerns regarding the overwork of domesticated elephants during them. [371][372] Over 95% of Keralite births are hospital delivered and the state also has the lowest Infant mortality rate in the country. After Vasco Da Gama's arrival in Kappad Kozhikode in 1498, the Portuguese began to dominate eastern shipping, and the spice-trade in particular. Areas south of the Himalayas are largely protected from cold winter winds coming in from the Asian interior. The highlands that records cool temperatures throughout the year, witness single digit minimums during January. The agricultural sector has a share of 9.34% in the sectoral distribution of Gross State Domestic Product at Constant Price, while the secondary and tertiary sectors have contributed 23.94% and 66.72%, respectively. Marine fossils have been found in an area near Changanassery, thus supporting the hypothesis. "The Kerala model in the time of COVID19: Rethinking state, society and democracy. These include five classical dance forms: Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattom, Thullal and Krishnanattam, which originated and developed in the temple theatres during the classical period under the patronage of royal houses. [282] Most of Kerala's west coast is accessible through the NH 66 (previously NH 17 and 47); and the eastern side is accessible through state highways. The Ernakulam Junction is a major railway station of the Indian Railways. 2015. Kerala During December 2013 December Month fall in Winter Season. Typically from the end of November until the middle of February. [508][509][510][511], Kerala cuisine includes a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes prepared using fish, poultry, and meat. Capital Bhopal averages low of 9 °C (48 °F) and high of 24 °C (75 °F). [248] A package of ₹2.5 million (US$35,000) was declared for each of the cities to develop service level improvement plan (SLIP), a plan for better functioning of the local urban bodies in the cities of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Palakkad. Government Brennen College, Thalassery, founded by philanthropist Edward Brennen in 1862, is one of the oldest educational institutions in India. [320] Kerala's population more than doubled between 1951 and 1991 by adding 15.6 million people to reach 29.1 million residents in 1991; the population stood at 33.3 million by 2011. [326][327][328], Kerala has been at the forefront of LGBT issues in India. [417][418], Buddhism was popular in the time of Ashoka[419] but vanished by the 12th century CE. ", Devika, J. Multi system operators provide a mix of Malayalam, English and international channels via cable television. [159] Around 65% of the rainfall occurs from June to August corresponding to the Southwest monsoon, and the rest from September to December corresponding to Northeast monsoon. By the first week of July, the entire country experiences monsoon rain; on average, South India receives more rainfall than North India. These extra-tropical low-pressure systems originate in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. [154] As Kerala's rivers are small and lacking in delta, they are more prone to environmental effects. The highest temperature is often registered in May which is the hottest time. In contrast to norm, Agumbe in the Shivamogga district receives the second highest annual rainfall in India. [516] Popular snacks include banana chips, yam crisps, tapioca chips, Achappam, Unni appam and kuzhalappam. [32] Eastern India's climate is much milder, experiencing moderately warm days and cool nights. [330][331][332] Queerala is one of the major LGBT organisation in Kerala. [522] The elephant is the state animal of Kerala and is featured on the emblem of the Government of Kerala.[523]. Air pollution, which reflects sunlight, and irrigation, which cools the air by evaporation, have counteracted climate change since 1970. [220]:5 688,859 tonnes of rice are produced per year. Due to ample monsoon rains, India has only one subtype of this climate under the Köppen system: Cwa. [445][446] Kerala is the first Indian state to have ICT-enabled education with hi-tech classrooms in all public schools. Kerala has the highest population of Christians among all the states of India. The name Male is thought to come from the Malayalam word Mala ('hill'). Factors, such as high rates of female literacy, education, work participation and life expectancy, along with favourable sex ratio, contributed to it. About 80% of the rainfall occurs in the monsoon season of July–September, which can cause flooding. The mountain ranges prevent western winter disturbances in Iran from travelling further east, resulting in much snow in Kashmir and rainfall for parts of Punjab and northern India. The heavy southwest monsoon rains cause the Brahmaputra and other rivers to distend their banks, often flooding surrounding areas. [17] In cooler regions of North India, immense pre-monsoon squall-line thunderstorms, known locally as "Nor'westers", commonly drop large hailstones. This will be a best time to enjoy yourself on the beaches and witness some of the more interesting colorful festivals. Weather in Kerala in november 2021. Areas situated at elevations of 1,070–2,290 metres (3,510–7,510 ft) receive the heaviest rainfall, which decreases rapidly at elevations above 2,290 metres (7,513 ft). Summers are hot and dry with daytime temperatures around 41 °C (106 °F) and nights no lower than 29 °C (84 °F). Christian missionaries also influenced Malayali women in that they started schools for girls from poor families. [47] Though the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and other sources refers to this period as a fourth ("post-monsoon") season,[48][49][50] other sources designate only three seasons. [129] It was one of the earliest elected Communist governments anywhere. December marks the beginning of winters in Kerala. Long waiting lists for kidney donations has stimulated illegal trade in human kidneys, and prompted the establishment of the Kidney Federation of India which aims to support financially disadvantaged patients. Kerala is home to the largest domesticated population of elephants in India—about 700 Indian elephants, owned by temples as well as individuals. [96] Ma Huan (1403 AD), the Chinese sailor part of the Imperial Chinese fleet under Cheng Ho (Zheng He)[97] states the city as a great emporium of trade frequented by merchants from around the world. Once the monsoons subside, average temperatures gradually fall across India.