Kerala Goes Cosmic — Places Like Periyar River, Varkala Beach & Thumba Now Feature on Mars

Kerala cosmic tourism is redefining travel with Mars-inspired terrain and celestial experiences.

🛰️ What Happened

On November 24, 2025, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially added several geological features on Mars named after familiar places in Kerala — including Periyar, Varkala, Thumba, Valiamala, and more.

These features — ranging from craters to valleys and plains — now carry names such as Periyar Vallis, Varkala Crater, Thumba Crater, and others, marking a unique confluence of Earth’s geography and Mars’ topography.

🌍 Why It Matters — Kerala on the Red Planet

• Global Recognition of Kerala: Having Martian features named after Kerala’s rivers, beaches, and towns brings global visibility — a cosmic tribute to the state’s landscapes and heritage.

• Blend of Science & Culture: This naming bridges scientific exploration and cultural geography — a small Indian village or famed beach now shares a name with a spot on another planet.

• India’s Growing Footprint in Space: The new names reflect India’s expanding contributions to space science and planetary research — honoring places tied to India’s space history (like Thumba, birthplace of early Indian rocketry).

📝 A Quick List of Kerala-Named Martian Features

(Note: Larger craters are named after scientists; smaller features like craters/valleys after towns/villages, per IAU naming rules.)

🌠 What This Means for Travellers & Enthusiasts

For nature lovers, tourists, and travellers planning a visit to Kerala — this fascinating news adds a unique storyline: the rivers, beaches, and towns you visit on Earth now have their names echoing across the solar system.

Imagine telling friends: “I walked the shores of Varkala — and there’s a crater on Mars named Varkala!”

This cosmic connection could spark renewed interest for travel, astronomy enthusiasts, and educators — offering a blend of scenic beauty on Earth, and wonder about Mars above.