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Goa: To the south of Maharashtra is the small and

beautiful state of Goa. Its capital is Panaji. Goa is
rich in iron ore. Mining is an important industry in

this state.

Christmas is the main festival in the state. Tourists

visit Goa in large numbers every year because of
its beautiful beaches and churches. The Basilica of

Bom Jesus in Panaji is one of the oldest churches in Basilica of Bom Jesus
India. It contains the body of St. Francis Xavier.

Karnataka: As we go south from Goa, along the coast,

we come to Karnataka. Mangalore is an important

seaport. You have read about Karnataka in the last
chapter.

Kerala: In the extreme south of the Western

Coastal plains lies the beautiful state of Kerala.
Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram, earlier known as Trivandrum is

the capital of Kerala. Kochi is an important seaport of Kerala. Kerala produces large
quantities of spices, coconut, cashew, coffee and rubber.

Almost the entire population of Kerala knows how to read and write. The main
language is Malayalam. The men wear lungi (called mundu) and shirt. The women

wear mundu and blouse or sarees.

Onam and Vishu are important festivals of Kerala. Boat races, in which long boats

called snake boats take part are held during Onam. The races are a great tourist
attraction. Kathakali is the traditional dance form of
Kerala.

Kerala has number of beautiful beaches, the most famous
being the Kovalam Beach. The lagoons or backwaters

of the Kerala, the Wildlife Sanctuary at Periyar, and the
famous temples are another tourist attractions.
Kavaratti

Lakshadweep Island: The capital of this union territory is Kavaratti. Most people here
speak Malayalam. The people use coconut fibre to make a variety of products. It is

a major industry. Fishing and tourism are the other important industries here. The
beautiful islands and beaches attract many tourists.

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