Kerala
Kerala is nicknamed as “God’s own country“.
Kerala is a state on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India. Nicknamed as one of the “10 paradises of the world” by National Geographic, Kerala is famous especially for its eco-tourism initiatives. Its unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demography, has made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Growing at a rate of 13.31%, the tourism industry significantly contributes to the state’s economy. Kerala is known for its tropical backwaters and pristine beaches such as Kovalam.
Popular attractions in the state include the beaches at Kovalam, Cherai and Varkala; the hill stations of Munnar, Nelliampathi, Ponmudi and Wayanad; and national parks and wildlife sanctuaries at Periyar and Eravikulam National Park. The “backwaters” region, an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals that centre on Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Punnamada also see heavy tourist traffic. Heritage sites, such as the Padmanabhapuram Palace, Hill Palace, Mattancherry Palace are also visited. Cities such as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram(Trivandrum) are popular centers for shopping and traditional theatrical performances. Idukki Arch Dam which is first and biggest in Asia, and second biggest one in the world attracts tourists in many ways.
The state’s tourism agenda promotes ecologically sustained tourism, which focuses on the local culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering and personal growth of the local population. Efforts are taken to minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people.
Kerala, the land of rivers and backwaters is a green strip of land, in the South West corner of Indian peninsula. Kerala is a state with full literacy, Higher Health care and lower mortality ratio. In Kerala you experience freshness and touch of mother earth everywhere. No wonder keralites call their State” God’s Own Country”. Backwaters of Kerala are unique attraction to tourists. The biggest among these backwaters is the Vembanad lake, with an area of 200 sq km, which opens out into the Arabian Sea at Cochin port. Backwaters, historical structures, culture, wildlife, and natural beauty, the state has all these and more. The major tourist destinations in the State include Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kovalam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Munnar, Palakkad, Alappuzha, Kollam, Kannur, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sabrimalai.
KERALA -TOURISTS STATISTICS
Kerala Tourism was able to transform itself into one of the niche holiday destinations in India. The tag line Kerala- God’s Own Country was adopted in its tourism promotions and became a global super brand. Kerala is regarded as one of the destinations with the highest brand recall. In 2010, Kerala attracted 0.66 million foreign tourist arrived. According to the officials of District Tourism promotion council, Palakkad, more than 15 lakhs tourists visit Malampuzha Dam annually. Mr.Unni Krishnan, MD, Fantasy Park, Malampuzha has revealed that 8 lakhs tourists visit the Fantasy Park, annually. The officials of forest department have disclosed that more than 16 lakhs tourists come to Athirappilly and 4 lakhs to Vazhachal annually. That means integrated tourist centers attract more tourists. The Black Thunder at Mettupalayam and Kishkinda at madras are examples of integrated tourism. Both of them attract more than twenty lakhs each. A lions’ share of this twenty lakhs is from Kerala. That means the people of Kerala are longing for a change. We must aim at attracting these people to our projects. Moreover, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka could attract a bulk of high spending North Indian tourists we should also attract these people to Kerala. Hydel tourism may be included in the promotional schemes of the Departments of Tourism by Govt of Kerala and Govt. of India. We should make use of Internet facilities/ web site for promoting the hydel tourism. Munnar and Idukki are high tourist potential areas. According to the officials from DTPC, there are five lakhs tourists come to Munnar and more than two lakhs to Madupetty. The President, Idukki District Grama Panchayat has revealed that more than five lakh tourists come to Idukki but their flows are often go unnoticed because of the lack of tourism facilities.