The following is a comparison between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the two southernmost states in India. Let’s read.
Tamil Nadu vs Kerala – Indian states comparison
Which state is larger in area, Tamil Nadu or Kerala?
Tamil Nadu is significantly larger in area than Kerala, being almost 3.4 times its size.
- Area of Tamil Nadu – approximately 1,30,060 sq km
- Area of Kerala – approximately 38,860 sq km
Which state is more populous, Tamil Nadu or Kerala?
Tamil Nadu has a much larger population than Kerala, with over twice as many people.
- Population of Tamil Nadu – 7.21 Crores (2011 census)
- Population of Kerala – 3.34 Crores (2011 census)
GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product)
| Tamil Nadu | Kerala | |
|---|---|---|
| GSDP (at Current Prices), 2025-26 | ₹35.29 lakh crore | 14.27 lakh crore |
| GSDP rank in India | 2nd | 11th |
Overview
| Tamil Nadu | Kerala | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | approximately 1,30,060 sq km | approximately 38,860 sq km |
| Area rank | 10th | 21st |
| Population (2011 census) | 7.21 Crores | 3.34 Crores |
| Population rank (2011 census) | 6th | 13th |
| Capital city | Chennai | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Largest city | Chennai | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Statehood | 18 July 1967 | 1 November 1956 |
| Most spoken language | Tamil | Malayalam |
| Second most spoken language | Telugu | Tamil |
(Also read: Uttar Pradesh vs Maharashtra – Indian states comparison)
Geography
| Tamil Nadu | Kerala | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Southern India | Southern India |
| Major rivers | Kaveri, Ponnaiyar, Palar, Amaravati, Vaigai, Noyyal, Vaippar, etc. | Achankovil, Periyar, Bharathappuzha, Chaliyar, Pamba, Chalakkudy, etc. |
| Borders | Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. | Karnataka and Tamil Nadu |
| Highest mountain peak | Doddabetta peak (2,637 m) | Anamudi (2,695 m) |
| Forest cover (2023) | 20.34% | 56.78% |
| Largest district | Dindigul | Idukki |
| Coastline | Yes | Yes |
| Coastline length | 1.068.69 km | 600.15 km |
| International border | No | No |
(Also read: The highest peak in South India – Anamudi | other high peaks)
State symbols
| Tamil Nadu | Kerala | |
|---|---|---|
| State tree | Asian palmyra palm | Coconut tree |
| State animal | Nilgiri tahr | Indian elephant |
| State bird | Emerald Dove | Great hornbill |
| State flower | Flame lily | Kanikonna |
Places to visit in Tamil Nadu
Ooty, Brihadeeswara Temple, Mahabalipuram, Chennai, Kodaikanal, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Coimbatore, etc.
Places to visit in Kerala
Munnar, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Kovalam, Wayanad, Kozhikode, etc.