Kerala is strategically located on the trans-national trade corridor connecting Europe and the Far East. The long coastline stretching nearly 600 km passes through 9 of the 14 districts and is dotted with a string of ports and beaches. The 44 rivers in the state provide a perennial source of water to both domestic and industrial consumption. Abode of over 25% of the Indian plant species, the rich bio-diversity also happens to be the home for plantation crops like tea, coffee, rubber and spices like pepper, cardamom, etc. Some of the best hill resorts in the country are also located here. The entire state can be considered as one extended urban neighbourhood.