Kerala Geography

Location and Boundaries of Kerala

Location

Area is 38,863 square kilometres. Its location is south-western region of the Indian subcontinent. The state is wedged between the Lakshadweep Sea and the Western Ghats. Kerala lies at the middle of north latitudes 8°18' and 12°48' and the east longitudes 74°52' and 72°22'. The total area of Kerala accounts for 1.18% of total landmass of India.

Boundaries

■ East: Western Ghats

■ West: Arabian Sea

■ South: Kanyakumari Dist. (Tamil Nadu)

■ North: Karnataka

Physiography of Kerala

The physiography of the state is split into three regions. They are Highlands, Midlands and Lowlands

1. Highlands

The Highlands starts from the Western Ghats and it extends to an altitude of 900 m, with so many peaks that has an altitude of more than 1800 m in height. The total area of highlands in kerala is 18650 square kilometers and contributes 48 percent of the entire land of State. The region has key plantations including tea, coffee, rubber and spices. The region is also called as Cardamom Hills. The highest peak in Kerala is Anamudi (2695 meters - 8130 ft). Most of the rivers of the state has its source from Western Ghats. Western Ghats become a wall of mountains that go through Palakkad. Here, Palakkad Gap which is a natural mountain pass will penetrate to access inner India. All 44 rivers of Kerala has its source from Western Ghats.

2. Midlands

The Midlands lies amid the hills and the low land. It has a size of 16200 square kilometers that contributes 40 percent of the entire land of State. Cashew nut, vegetables and banana are the main crops grown in this region. This region ranges between altitudes of 250 -100 m and form the part of Nilgiri and Palani hills including Anamalai and Agastyamalai.

3. Low Land

Lowlands otherwise called as Coastal Area, extends about an area of almost 4000 square kilometers. It is naturally formed with several shallow lagoons, rives and the coasts of Arabian Sea. The region is rich in the cultivation of coconut and paddy. Low land is very productive and majority of paddy cultivation in kerala is grown in this area. Kuttanad is a rare region in the country where agriculture is done below the sea level.