Why is Kerala a land of contrasts?

Kerala as a state is a starking contrast to the rest of India in many aspects (check part 2 of my answer). Nevertheless, there are seemingly many contrasts within the state too like outlined here. There are reasons for each of them. Contrast #1 : 30 Lakh (3 Million) Malayalis working abroad versus 4 Million migrant labourers. read more

Or should that be land of coconuts, as we're told that's how Kerala is better known to the locals. Much of the Keralan backwater villages rely on the versatile fruit where it's used for coir ropemaking, fertiliser and fuel. read more