| Location
|
Located at the southwestern
tip of India, Kerala is a thin strip of land bounded by
Western Ghats on the eastern side and Arabian Sea on the
west. This geographical isolation of Kerala had not denied
her the chance of inheritance of a common cultural heritage
of India. Kerala is a land of rich folk-culture, visual
arts and festivals. Kerala has carved a niche for herself
in the global-tourism map with the Kovalam beach and the
centuries old Ayurveda treatments, which has become a
major option under health tourism.
Kerala enjoys the privilege of one of the India's most
advanced societies. The state has cent percent literacy
rate and it is evident from the fact that a day is not
complete for a Malayalee without reading a newspaper.
Similarly the physical quality of life of the state can
be equated to highly developed societies: Mortality rate
is the lowest in the country; life expectancy is very
high etc. The state offers an excellent communication
system with telephones booths, internet kiosks and Fax
amenities at every nook and corner.
|
|
Kerala University's
jurisdiction |
| Kerala has 14 districts and the areas coming under the University of Kerala
includes the southern districts namely Thiruvananthapuram,
Kollam, Alappuzha and some parts of Pathanamthitta. We wish
to tell you a little about these places.
|
Thiruvananthapuram
The main campus of University of Kerala is situated in the
capital of the state, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum - the
name given to it by the Colonialists). The name Thiruvananthapuram
means the abode of ‘Anantha’ the thousand-headed serpent
of Hindu mythology. Spread over seven hills, this ancient
city had trading links which brought it into close contact
with the rest of the world. The world renowned Kovalam beach
is hardly half an hour's journey from the campus. |
Kollam
Kollam (Quilon - the name given to it by the Colonialists)
is the land of Kerala's traditional coir industry. An ancient
seaport town dating back to the 9th century A D, Kollam
has given its name to the Malayalam era Kollavarsham, which
began in 825 A D, and is said to be calculated from the
date of founding of this town. Kollam retains the remnants
of its colonial past even today. |
Alappuzha
Alappuzha (Alleppey - the name given to it by the Colonialists)
was built as a trading centre in 1762 by Raja Kesavadasa,
the Diwan of the erstwhile state of Travancore. But today
it is noted as a major hub of backwater tourism and coir
industries. The European visitors in the past called it
the ‘Venice of the East’. Kuttanad, a region shared by Alappuzha
and its neighbouring districts is called the rice bowl of
Kerala. This lush green land is one of the few places in
the world where farming is done below sea level. |
Pathanamthitta
Pathanamthitta is a treat to the eye with its vast, unending
stretches of forests, rivers and rural landscapes. It is
situated near the Western Ghats and is hedged by these hills.
The district is famous for its scenic beauty, fairs and
festivals, and the renowned pilgrimage centre Sabarimala.
|
| Some
useful facts on Kerala |
| Area |
38,863
sq.kms. |
| Capital |
Thiruvananthapuram |
| Languages |
Malayalam
(Tamil, Hindi and English are also widely spoken) |
| Time |
GMT + 5:30 |
| Climate |
Tropical |
| Summer |
Feb
– May |
| Monsoon |
Jun
– Sept and Oct - Jan |
| Currency |
Indian
Rupee |
| Calendar |
Western
(for all official and governmental purposes); Malayalam
usually for religious purposes. |
| Credit
cards |
Visa
Card, Can Card, Bob Card, American Express, Master Card,
Diner Card etc. |
| Transportation: Kerala is well connected to all the major cities
in India with excellent road and railway systems. It has
three airports viz Kozhikode International Airport at Karipur
in Kozhikode (at the northern Kerala), Cochin International
Airport at Nedumbaserry, Kochi (at the central Kerala) and
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport about 6 km from
the city. |
|
Reaching
the Kerala University (Administrative)Campus
|
Road & Rail: About 3 km from Thampanoor where
the Central Bus Station (KSRTC bus stand) and Railway Central
Station are located.
Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is
about 7 km from the campus.
Buses in Thiruvananthapuram: Long distances
buses operate from the Central Bus Station (KSRTC bus stand)
at Thampanoor, opposite Railway Station. Short distance
buses operate from the City Bus Stand,
East Fort. |
Travelling tips
Taxi charges: A minimum of Rs. 70 plus Rs. 5 per
running km for Non A/C taxis and Rs. 8 per running kilometre
for A/C taxis.
Autorikshaws are cheaper: A minimum of Rs. 6 plus
Rs. 3 per every running kilometre. |
| Reaching
the Kerala University Campus at Kariavattom. |
Majority of the departments of teaching and research
are located in this campus.
The Kariavattom campus is 18 km from the city. To reach
there, one has to board a bus that goes to Attingal or Kollam.
A taxi would cost around Rs 180
Autorikshaw : Rs 80 |
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