Kerala is located on the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula, sandwiched between the Arabian Sea coast on the west and the Wesetrn Ghats on the east. It stretches from north to south along a coastline of 580 km, the breadth ranging from 35 to 120 km.

The state of Kerala spreading across an area of 38, 863 sq. km, is divided into 14 districts which are grouped into 3 categories on the basis of geographical, historical and cultural features. Kerala comprises the northern Malabar region, the central Travancore region and the southern Kochi region. It has, as its neighbours, Tamil Nadu to the south and Karnataka to the east.

The topography of Kerala can be categorized into several variants based on its geographical and relief characteristics.viz. the Western Ghats, Midland Valleys, Hills & Plains, Rivers & Backwaters and the Coastal Belt.

The majestic Western Ghats edging the eastern boundary of Kerala, ascends upto 1500 mts above sea level, with the highest peaks perched at over 2500 mts. The lofty Anaimudi peak is set at an altitude of 2695 mts. The high ranges and mountain ridges of the ghats form an unbroken chain across the state except at Palakkad where it forms a rocky pass named the Palghat gap.

The precipitous hills, vast valleys and deep gorges are present on the narrow strip of land on the eastern border covered by dense jungles. All the state rivers have their origin at this place. Some of the hill slopes are carpeted by tea and coffee and spice plantations. They are also used for terrace farming and growing of cash crops like banana, tapioca and rubber.

The midland plains carry fertile soil and are used for paddy farming. The narrow belt of coastal land along the Arabian Sea is characterized by broad paddy fields, rows of swaying coconut palms and serene cobalt backwaters linked by rivers and inland waterways.

The western coastal belt of Kerala is intertwined by a system of salty channels, estuaries, lagoons and rivulets that comprise the state’s popular trademark, its backwaters. These meandering curves and stretches of backwaters finally open out into the Arabian Sea. The rivers originating from the Western Ghats are rain-fed and non-perennial, form small streams in summer, and flow into the Arabian Sea.