Kerala- A hub for different tourism sectors!
Published August 31, 2010 | 
Tourism, tourism, tourism everywhere! Kerala is known for its tourism in different sectors. The alluring charm and the unique serenity have made Kerala one of the best tourism destinations. One can find people from different countries and locations visiting this charming state in order to explore the various tourism areas, which it is highly known for.
Whether it is the high standard of food or the simple cooked puttu (steamed rice powder preparation), vegetarian dishes and fish curry, here comes the concept of Kerala being known for its culinary tourism. Though ‘idiyappam’, stew, puttu were influenced by the Portuguese cuisines, these food items are the customary dishes in every home in Kerala.
Now lately it is seen that film tourism has also been seen as a tourism ingredient that boosts Kerala tourism. With various films from Hollywood and Bollywood like Mistress of Spices, Dil Se, Bombay and most recently Ravan (Ravanan), being shot in Kerala, one can find that Kerala provides appropriate places for all these right shots.
Eco tourism- One of the fastest growing segments in the world, Kerala has joined in the race to show that it is nestled in the bounties of nature thereby attracting foreigners and travellers. Focusing on sustainable and eco tourism development with a rich biodiversity and unmatched natural stations makes Kerala a hot spot for eco tourism. This is a concept introduced in order to make people observe and understand more about the flora and fauna of Kerala.
Farm Tourism- New trend in Kerala tourism to return to nature!
Published June 23, 2010 | Farm Tourism is a new trend in Kerala’s tourism sector. Kerala, being an agriculture dominated state, has tremendous potential for developing Farm Tourism in a big way without much additional investment. Even though farm tourism is an integral part of Eco Tourism, there is a slight difference between both of them.While artificially created landscapes are part of Eco Tourism – gardens, pond etc, the goal of Farm Tourism is to show the curious tourist about Nature in her pristine purity.
Farm Tourism preserves the environment. Chemical Farming is also prohibited, as no processes which damage Nature is allowed. Organic Farming and its development give tremendous impetus to Farm Tourism. Reports state that Kerala has 30.22 lakhs hectares of gross cropped area which is 56.78% of the State’s total geographical area. More than 1/3rd of the cropped area contains plantations of Tea, Coffee, Rubber, Pepper, Cardamom and Ginger, and another 1/3rd of this area is covered by Coconut plantations. The State has about 350,000 lakhs hectares of land under paddy cultivation.
The tourists who come to Kerala expects to see the real beauty that lies in the rural part of the state. But what happens often is, they return without seeing it. They have read about Kerala as true traditional and cultural state with families based in love. But they don’t get the opportunity to experience the village life and to live within that atmosphere. Most tourists come from cultures which does not give much importance to family attachments & village or Rural Life. In villages people live in harmony with nature which is otherwise not possible in big cities where people are always business minded. You get fresh air & fresh water in villages in contrast to polluted air and polluted water in cities.
Farm tourism gives ample opportunity for tourists as well as locals, who wish to enjoy nature. The various schemes underway are intended to prepare the Farms/Plantations of Kerala to receive tourists by presenting a positive image of the farm and of agriculture as a whole, in view of revitalising the agriculture sector of Kerala through tourism.
Eco Project at Gavi to woo more tourists to Kerala
Published June 16, 2010 | 
The Eco Toursim Project launched at Gavi by Kerala Forest Department, is an added advantage to the Kerala‘s tourism sector. The project is sure to draw more tourists, especially from European countries. It is mainly intended at nature lovers and adventure tourists. Gavi Eco Tourism package include elephant safaris and trekking in the deep jungles of Gavi near Munnar, which is otherwise not open to the public.
Gavi, recently have had a gradual increase in the tourists inflow since ‘Alistair International’, the world acclaimed tourism major listed it among the leading eco-tourism centres and one of the must-see places in India. The Gavi Eco project highlight the involvement of the local folk in activities as guides, gardeners and cooks. This will provide a livelihood for them and as well, help to create awareness on conservation of nature. 
The nature loving visitors can enjoy trekking, wildlife watching and outdoor camping in specially built tents and go on night safaris. Whilst wildlife watching, you might luckily spot certain rare species of animals like Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed Macaque, and if you are a bird watcher, the great pied Hornbill, Woodpecker, Kingfishers etc. If you are healthy and have keen interest to go on a trekking, take a short trek along the hill to the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple. Make sure that you don’t miss Paradise Cove at Ninnumulli. The placid waters of Gavi and Kochupamba lakes can engage you in boating and canoeing. The road leading to Gavi is picture perfect with tea plantations, and En route to Gavi are the places of interest like Mundakkayam, Kuttikkanam, Peermedu and Vandiperiyar.
Gavi is surely a place that should not be missed in one’s lifetime. Gavi is pristine, and it belongs to the wild. Every visitor should keep in mind that they are responsible for their intentions and actions, which will have a bearing on the upkeep of Gavi for a long time to come.
Impressive eco-tourism destination in Kerala
Published April 3, 2008 | 
Apr, 3: Kerala with its diverse topography boasts tremendous scope for nature friendly tourism. Kerala flaunts several impressive landmarks including the Silent Valley, Munnar and Wayanad. As an initiative to promote eco-tourism in the state the Plantation Corporation of Kerala has put forth a new project named Nature Village to promote nature friendly tourism projects all over the state.
The enchanting eco-tourism spot that is located on the banks of Chalakudy River, nearThrissur, will definitely woo those adventure buffs. The Plantation Corporation expects the impressive Vadaamuri Lagoon that is created by the famous king Tipu Sultan as a defence against the enemies will be a centre of attraction. The water passage to this site is flanked by dense forest; it will offer an inimitable experience to both local and international tourists to an equal extent.
Owing to its location near the well known Athirapally water falls the visit to Vadaamuri Lagoon will offer the tourists a wonderful experience. The water falls is just 600 meters away from Vadaamuri lagoon. There are adequate numbers of ferry services available in the area to fulfil the requirement of the visitors. Earlier the District Tourism Promotion Council has allotted 55 lakhs for the beautification work of the Thumpoormuzhi dam and the surrounding areas; they also named it as Nature Village.
The second phase of the project includes constructing cottages and hanging bridges for the convenience of the tourists. The work has already begun as the state government is providing whole hearted support for the completion of this prestigious project. After completion this project will sure add a new gem in the cap of God’s own country.
Global Responsible Tourism conference to be held in Kerala
Published December 27, 2007 | Kerala the land of backwaters will host the second international conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations. The conference will be held from 21 to 24th of March 2008, at the Le Meridian International Convention Centre in Kochi. The first Responsible Tourism Conference was held at Cape Town in the year 2002. The second international conference focus on encouraging the eco friendly measures in tourism that aims to give equal benefit to the tourists and the ecology of the land.
The conference will be jointly organised by International Centre for Responsible Tourism and Incredible India and Kerala Tourism. The conference will also assess the existing standards of tourism practices prevailing across the world. It will also measure the growth achieved by India and other countries in Responsible Tourism. The main issue that will be put to discussion is the reports and ideas on emerging trend in the field. Other topics include regional marketing initiative, local economic development; wildlife and conservation and lot more related to tourism. In short the conference will provide a perfect platform for a global proposal to uplift the tourism industry to a new standard that will do less harm to the ecology of the area.
The conference will be presided over by Dr. Venu, Secretary of Kerala Tourism and Prof. Harold Goodwin Director of International Centre for Responsible Tourism of Leeds Metropolitan University. Participants of this conference include representatives from several countries, government agencies and NGO’s will attend this conference on Responsible Tourism. The outcome of the conference is expected to bring in effective changes in the global tourism sector and Kerala is all set to welcome this prestigious conference.