Kerala, a southwestern state in India, is renowned for its natural beauty, diverse culture, and rich history. Nestled between the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the east, Kerala enjoys a unique geographic location that has contributed to its distinct culture and thriving biodiversity. This article provides a detailed and in-depth exploration of the location and extent of Kerala, shedding light on its geographical significance, boundaries, and regional features.
1. Geographical Location of Kerala
Kerala is located in the southernmost part of the Indian subcontinent. It is situated between 818' and 1248' North Latitude and 7452' and 7724' East Longitude. This location places Kerala along the Malabar Coast, which stretches for over 500 kilometers from the north to the south of the state. The state is bordered by Karnataka to the north, Tamil Nadu to the east, and the Arabian Sea to the west.
1.1 Proximity to Major Geographical Features
Kerala's position gives it strategic access to several important geographical features:
Arabian Sea: The state's western coastline faces the Arabian Sea, which has played a key role in Keralas maritime trade and cultural exchanges throughout history.
Western Ghats: The towering Western Ghats form the eastern boundary of Kerala, contributing to the state's rich biodiversity and influencing its climate patterns.
Tropical Location: Situated close to the equator, Kerala experiences a tropical climate, characterized by high humidity and a monsoonal rainfall system.
2. Boundaries of Kerala
Kerala's geographical boundaries are well-defined and contribute significantly to the state's distinct identity. The borders of Kerala can be divided into coastal boundaries and land boundaries.
2.1 Coastal Boundaries
Kerala has a long coastline along the Arabian Sea, stretching approximately 590 kilometers. This coastline is dotted with beaches, lagoons, and backwaters, making it a popular destination for tourists. The western coastal belt also houses major ports like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Alappuzha, which have historically been key to Kerala's trade and cultural exchange with other parts of the world.
2.2 Land Boundaries
North: To the north, Kerala shares its border with Karnataka. The state boundary extends from the western coastal region up to the Wayanad plateau, where the Western Ghats form a natural divide.
East: To the east, Kerala is bordered by Tamil Nadu. The boundary stretches along the Eastern foothills of the Western Ghats, where forests and wildlife sanctuaries dominate the landscape.
South: In the south, Kerala is bounded by the state of Tamil Nadu. The southernmost point of Kerala is at Kanyakumari, where the three seasthe Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Oceanmeet.
West: The western border of Kerala is the Arabian Sea, which plays a vital role in shaping the state's economy and culture.
3. Physical Extent of Kerala
Keralas geographical extent refers to its total area and the variation in its topography. The state covers an area of about 38,863 square kilometers, making it one of the smaller states in India by land area. Despite its small size, Kerala is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes coastal plains, hill ranges, valleys, and plateau regions.
3.1 Length and Breadth
Length: The state extends for about 600 kilometers from its northernmost to its southernmost point, i.e., from Kasargod in the north to Kanyakumari in the south.
Breadth: The breadth of Kerala varies significantly, ranging from a narrow width of 50 kilometers in some parts to over 120 kilometers in others. The state is narrowest in the central region near Alappuzha and broadens as it stretches southward.
4. Topographical Features of Kerala
Kerala's geography is dominated by three distinct physical divisions: the coastal belt, the midland region, and the highland region.
4.1 Coastal Belt
The coastal region of Kerala, known for its scenic beauty, stretches for about 590 kilometers along the Arabian Sea. This region is marked by sandy beaches, tidal estuaries, and backwaters. The coast is rich in biodiversity, with mangrove forests and saltwater ecosystems. This coastal belt also has numerous lagoons and freshwater lakes, such as Vembanadu Lake and Punnappra-Vayalar Lake, which have shaped the livelihoods and cultural practices of the people.
4.2 Midland Region
The midland region of Kerala lies between the coastal plains and the Western Ghats. This region is characterized by rivers, fertile plains, and agricultural fields. The hilly terrains here provide a gradual slope from the Ghats to the coastal plains, offering a diverse range of flora and fauna. Rubber plantations, coconut groves, and spice gardens dominate the landscape of this region.
4.3 Highland Region
The highland region of Kerala is dominated by the Western Ghats, which rise steeply to form the eastern boundary of the state. These mountains reach an elevation of 2,695 meters at Anamudi, the highest peak in Kerala and South India. The Western Ghats are home to a number of hill stations, including Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady, famous for their tea, coffee plantations, and rich biodiversity. The Western Ghats are also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their significant role in biodiversity conservation.
5. Rivers of Kerala
Kerala is home to several important rivers, most of which originate in the Western Ghats and flow westward into the Arabian Sea. The Nila (Bharathapuzha), Periyar, Pamba, Mullayar, and Chaliyar are some of the major rivers that serve as vital sources of irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power.
5.1 River Basin Locations
The Nila river basin in the central region is one of the largest, flowing through districts like Palakkad and Thrissur.
The Periyar river basin is located in the southern part of the state, flowing through Ernakulam and Idukki.
The Pamba river basin is located in the Pathanamthitta district, famous for its pilgrimage site at Sabarimala.
6. Climate and Vegetation
Kerala enjoys a tropical climate, with high humidity and distinct wet and dry seasons. The state experiences heavy monsoonal rains, especially during the southwest monsoon from June to September. This climatic condition supports a rich tropical rainforest vegetation, which thrives in the hilly areas and forests of the Western Ghats. Kerala is home to a variety of ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests in the Western Ghats to mangrove swamps along the coast.