Kerala Tourism:Experience the Best with God’s Own Country

By 121 News

Chandigarh 06^th August:- Kerala popularly known as God's Own Country is the perfect holiday destination of India; from picturesque landscapes, exciting getaways to rich culture and heritage the state has a lot to showcase. As a ritual, the state brings you a 360 degree preview of India's favorite destination; the essence of the state being captured in one single event. The idea is to witness the rich culture, extravagant heritage, magnificent landscapes, cuisine, music and art all in one show.

While giving more details about the Kerala official spokesperson of the Kerala Tourism shared that foreign Tourist arrival to Kerala during the year 2014 is 9, 23,366; it shows an increase of 7.60% over the previous year's figure of 8, 58,143. Domestic Tourist arrival to Kerala during the year 2014 is 116, 95,411. It shows an increase of 7.71 % over the previous year's figure 108, 57,811. Foreign exchange earnings for the year 2014 are Rs: 6398.93 Crores which recorded an increase of 15.07 % over the previous year. Total Revenue (including direct & indirect) from Tourism during 2014 is Rs: 24885.44 Crores, showing an increase of 12.11% over the last year's figure. He informed that Kerala Tourism has declared the period from April 2015 to April 2016 as "Visit Kerala Year" and an array of activities are planned as part of it. In the wake of the fresh initiative, Kerala Tourism will explore more new markets like China, Sri Lanka etc.  Aggressive campaigns that target potential travelers in big traditional markets for Kerala will be conducted in the United Kingdom, France and Germany through trade fairs and road shows.  Leveraging the increased air connectivity, a focused Ayurveda and monsoon campaign will be conducted in the Middle East where 90% of the Diasporas are from Kerala.

He added that Kerala Tourism will also launch a new theme campaign to showcase Kerala and its unique attractions, to strengthen Kerala's position as 'God's Own Country' and to create a destination pull. Food festivals will be conducted in cities like Delhi and Mumbai to market Kerala's authentic cuisine, one of the tourist attractions of the State. 

Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) will come up with special discounted packages during the period.

 Giving detail about the festivals of Kerala he said that Onam is the biggest festival of Kerala. But, there is a lot more to Onam than being just a festival. Onam reflects the faith of the people of Kerala A belief in their legendary past, religion and power of worship. It shows the high spirit of the people who go out of the way to celebrate the festival. It is also a harvest festival. Kerala tourism organize events and exhibitions to add festive mood in the state.

Another festival is Nishagandhi Festival. The annual festival will be held from January 20^th - 26^th, 2016. Renowned dancers perform Bharata Natyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Odissi, Modern Ballet and other folk forms. Artist and connoisseurs of dance from all over India come to enjoy this cultural treat. The festival is organised by the Kerala Tourism.