Kedah has the distinction of being the "Rice-bowl of Malaysia" - a term that takes on aesthetic significance when one sees the rice fields for themselves: the flat expanse of padis against a backdrop of rolling hills provides a picture of utter serenity that lulls the senses.

Off Kedah's western shores are clusters of sun-drenched islands that comprise the legendary archipelago of Langkawi, easily the most popular resort location in the country. More than a land of mere scenery, however, Kedah is also the site of Malaysia's most extensive ruins. In the Bujang Valley are the sprawling remains of a Hindu kingdom believed to date back to the 6th century A.D.

Like Malaysia's other states, Kedah has its share of rich cultural traditions, songs and dances. Due to its close proximity to Thailand, some of these traditions are Thai in influence and origin, and faces of Kehah's people often bear signs of Thai or Achinese ancestry.

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The present Royal family can trace back its line to the Hindu times. Situated on one of the main transit routes across the Peninsular on the great East-West trade route, the state has become a prosperous centre for settlement and trade in the old days. Some of the earliest known Stone Age artifacts and sites are located in Kedah and it is a state which has remnants from the Hindu-Buddhist period in Malaysian history. This is reflected in the numerous temple sites in the Bujang Valley.

It was a centre which attracted traders who travelled between China and India. The Bujang Valley was an ideal “resting destination” then while waiting for the monsoon to change. History has it that in 671 AD, a Buddhist monk from China, I.T.Tsing, stopped at BujangValley. Archaeologists had unearthed evidence of Hindu civilisation at the location which is home to more than 50 Hindu temples. A visit to the Bujang Valley will unravel a story about Kedah civilisation. The Kedah Sultanate began at Bukit Meriam which is located in the district of Kuala Muda. Maharaja Derbar Raja was the first ruler who converted to Islam and changed his name to Sultan Muzaffar Shah. He ruled Kedah from 1136 AD to 1179 AD and was laid to rest at the Kampung Langgar, Mukim Bujang. Since then, there has been 27 Sultans who ruled Kedah. Before Sultan Muzaffar, Kedah had been ruled by eight Maharajas and this is an evidence to show that the Kedah Sultanate is the oldest Sultanate in the region.

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Although predominantly an agriculture-based State, Kedah is undergoing rapid development in all sectors. With sound economic planning and a supportive policy environment, the State has successfully utilized its advantageous location and rich human and natural resources to create a broadly diversified economy. The State has entered a new era, shifting its economic thrust from agriculture to industry. It has attracted a range of supporting industries, creating thousands of new jobs and hundreds of business opportunities are readily available for foreign and domestic investors.

High technology and heavy industries have made their way into Kedah and the State is stepping up its pace to become an industrialized state in 20 years' time.

Developing and upgrading physical infrastructures and other supporting services to the industrial sector and the existence of Kulim Hi-Tech Park, the first high technology park in Malaysia, gives added advantage in boosting the state's economic growth.

The State is also taking advantage of its strategic location within the Northern Growth Triangle. Several successful private-sector initiated business ventures are now in operation on a joint-venture basis between Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Although high priority is given to industrial development, agriculture and tourism sectors are also being emphasized upon.

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Kedah can be reached by road, rail and sea. The North-South Expressway transverses the State of Kedah, thus enabling just a 5 hour ride from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar. Similarly the national railroad track also passes through the state with various stops along the way.

Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier fly several times a day from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar and Langkawi. There's also weekly direct flight from Osaka, Japan to Langkawi.

High speed ferries operate from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi throughout the day. There are also regular ferry services from Penang as well as Satun, Southern Thailand.

Travellers have a wide range of transportation to choose from. Comfortable air-conditioned express coaches and long distance taxis are readily available thus providing easy connection throughout the countries. Getting around the state too is no hassle. Taxis and hire car are easily available at reasonable fares.

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