The Kerala Destination Sri. Pinarayi Vijayan Sri. V. S. Achuthanandan Dr. Thomas Issac Chief Minister Ex. Chief Minister Minister of Finance Sri. Kadakampilly Surendran Sri. A. C. Moideen Sri. V. S. Sunil Kumar Minister of Tourism Minister of Industries Minister of Agriculture Sri. K. Suresh Kurup Sri. Oommen Chandy Sri. Ramesh Chennithala M L A Ex. Chief Minister Leader of opposition 1 The Kerala Destination The Kerala Destination - 2017 KERALA TOURISM, AYURVEDA, HOTELS & TRAVELS DIRECTORY As in earlier years,we are coming out with Kerala Tour- This is a publication ism Directory for the year 2017 incorporating latest in- meant for tourism puts regarding state's tourism. awareness and tourism The tourism sector in the state is heading for a big leap development with public forward,overcoming the hurdles caused by ban on liquor participation. sales through small outlets, imposition of demonitisation and introduction of GST. Puplished by Of late Kerala has become one of the preferred locations Kerala Tourism for business meetings and conferences for business com- munity all over the world and therefore MICE Tourism Enterprises has also attained much importance in the State.The State Karimpatta Road Government has launched a new project called PEPER Pallimukku for promotion of tourism with people's participation.To begin with , a Responsible Tourism Program has been Cochin -16 inaugurated for the renowned tourist destination of Vaikom. www.keralatourismenterprises.in Thus there is overall enthusiasm and awakening in the www.keralanostalgia.com sphere of Tourism in the State during current season. Courtesy : We are thankful to all who have helped this publication by Kerala Tourism contributing advertisements and otherwise. Department Service. Ajith Mathew For free distribution only Co-ordinator 2017 - Edition 4-11-2017 [email protected] 2 The Kerala Destination KERALA INTRODUCTION Kerala Tourism is heading for a great leap forward during en- suing season .The State Gov- ernment has been aiming at rapid growth in this sector dur- ing its term .The liquor policy formulated by the previous Government had adversely af- fected the growth of Tourism and therefore it required certain concerted efforts to revamp the sector.The economic recession consequent to demoniti- sation,and imposition of GST by the Central Government had also contributed to several set- backs, which needed to be rem- edied. In spite of all adverse factors the tourists' arrival to the state during 2016 registered an in- crease by 6.29%over previous year.The domestic tourism grew by 15% while the tourism revenue by way of foreign ex- change increased by 15%.The overall income of the state from tourism for the year was Rs.29568 crore. The State has been formulating an eco friendly tourism policy ,that takes care of the nature and civilisation of the land.The Government also wants to involve the local people in the development of tourism and intends to share the benefits thereof among them for their overall welfare and well-being.It has framed a project called PEPER which meant Peoples Participation for Planning and Empowerment Through Responsible Tourism.This has already been inaugurated at Vaikom.It envisaged employment of about 1.5 lakh persons in the locality in different tourism related activities.Another program for the beautification of coastal areas is also under implementation with central assis- tance. 3 The Kerala Destination Development of waterways The Project for development of waterways being implemented in association with CIAL will give further impetus to tourism growth.The major tourist attraction in the state nowadays being lake tourism the creation of a better network of water ways will defi- nitely help to propagate lake tourism in a big way. Almost all the major tourist spots such as Kovalam, Varkala, Ashtamudi, Alappuzha, Kuttanad, Kochi, Kumarakam , Kodungalloor and so on are located along the waterways.The rural life of Kerala is also there for viewing and enjoying during the voyages through its waterways. Village Tourism As part of responsible tourism program,the Tourism Department has formulated vil- lage tourism projects which marketed packages involving village tours and exposure to village life and sights to visitors.The Project also envisaged development of tradi- tional industries in the state such as coir,cashew,handloom,pottery,toddy tapping etc... Gavi-Thekkady Tourism Circuit A sum of Rs.10 crore has been earmarked in state budget for Erumeli Pampa Pilgrim Tourism Project .Likewise,the different tourist spots around Kottayam are being linked under Green Tourism Project. With the relaxations in liquor policy,the sphere of business tourism is also much alive now and hence there is ample scope for recapturing the business losses in MICE tourism to competitors like Goa and Srilanka. GOD’S OWN COUNTRY, THE SCENIC DESTINATION FOR ALL In 2016, 1.31 crore residential visitors and 10.38 lakh tourists from abroad have visited Kerala which has produced 29,658 crores of income to the state. The central tourism group will be profited by Kerala. The Greater part of the visitors comes from U.K, U.S, Saudi Arabia, France, and Germany. With developing patterns in tourism, reports demonstrate that one lakh fifty thousand individuals will be profited with direct job, where 20 new ventures will begin this year in the heritage tourism field. Tourism Package projects will be masterminded in conventional occupations in the divisions of coir, handlooms, pottery, and toddy industry. Kerala has the world’s second-biggest backwater tourism. The major coastal spots of the state are Kumarakam, Ashtamudi backwater, Kovalam, Varkala, Kochi, and Kuttanad. Water transportation in provincial zones will alter the present status of the state. Sensible dreams of provincial life, houseboats and the magnificence of backwaters can be appreciated by the sightseers. 4 The Kerala Destination THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Area: 2132 sq Rm · Altitude: Sea level Located at the southwestern tip of India, Thiruvananthapuram district is bounded by the Arabian Sea in the west and Tamil Nadu in the east. The wooded highlands of the Western Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of the most enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala. Capital of the State, well renown beach resort at Kovalam, Mountain resort at Ponmudi, Water resorts at Veli, Akkulam. Agasthyakoodam forest range, Dams like Peppara and Neyyar, Pilgrim centers such as Sivagiri, Anchu Thengu, Aruvikkara, Thiruvallam, Shri Padmanabha Swami Temple, Palayam Mosque, Kanakakkunnu and Kavadiyar Palaces, Napier Museums, Zoo, Star Bunglaw, Vikram Sara Bhai Space Centre are the main attractions in Thiruvananthapuram. ACCESSING THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Telephone access code: ++91-471 Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (6 km from the city) has over 30 air links with convenient connections to Colombo, Maldives and the Middle East. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate domestic flights to different parts of the country. Rail: There are direct trains from Thiruvananthapuram to all the main towns in Kerala as well as the major cities in India. Railway enquiry Ph: 131. Road: Long distance buses operate from the Central Bus Station at Thampanoor, opposite the Railway Station (KSRTC Ph: 2323886, Thiruvalluvar Ph: 2327756). THIRUVANANTHAPURAM CITY Padmanabha Swamy Temple: The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India, the presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha the Serpent. 5 The Kerala Destination Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum: The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The Napier Museum: Built in the 19th century, this Indo - Saracenic structure boasts a natural air conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artefacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. Veli Tourist Village: This picnic spot, where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea, offers boating facilities. Pedalboats and paddleboats can be hired to explore the charms of the lagoon in a leisurely manner. (Thiruvananthapuram) Thiruvallam (10 km): This serene backwater stretch, enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides. (Thiruvananthapuram) Kovalam Beach (16 km - 1/2 hour): This internationally renowned beach has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent cres- cent beaches. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popu- lar. Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets. Chacha Nehru Children’s Museum: Children of all age groups will enjoy the vast collection of nearly 2000 dolls, stamps and masks displayed here. Observatory: Located at the KANAKAKUNNU PALACE highest point in the city, near the Museum complex 60 metres above sea level, one can have a bird’s eye view of the city from here. The Kanakakunnu Palace: The palace and