Tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, with the Arabian Sea at the west, lush hill stations, exotic wildlife and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features, which attract a number of people from across the globe. Here are some of the fascinating pieces of stuff about this peaceful and pristine state of Kerala:
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- Kottayam Town is the first Fully Literate municipal town in India.
- Ernakulam became India's first financially-inclusive district.
- Swaraj Round is the biggest Roundabout in South Asia.
- Kerala became the first state in India to offer free cancer treatment to the poor, via a program called Sukrutham.
- The first assembly election in Kerala (1957) led to the formation of first democratically elected communist government in India and second in the world after San Marino.
- Kerala produces 97% of national output of pepper and accounts for 85% of the area under natural rubber in the country.
- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation designated Kerala the world's first "baby-friendly state" because of its effective promotion of breast-feeding over formulas.
- The government applies the highest state tax on liquor (around 120%).
- Kerala is the single largest originator of education loans for the country as a whole.
- Kerala became the first "complete digital state" by implementing e-governance initiatives.
- India's largest floating solar power plant is situated in Kerala.
- India's first mosque, The Cheraman Juma Mosque is situated in Kerala.
- India's first church, Kottakkavu Mar Thoma Church is situated in Kerala.
- Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram was the first technology park in India.
- Upon completion of the Kannur International Airport, Kerala will have the most international airports.
- India's first coir factory was set up in Kerala in 1859–60.
- Kerala's sex ratio is higher than that of the rest of India and is the only state where women outnumbered men.
- On 1 October 2011, Kerala became the first state in the country to have at least one banking facility in every village.
- Muzhappilangad beach is the longest Drive-In Beach in India.
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