Kerala Tourism

DECLARATION

This Project Report Kerala Tourism Submitted to in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Post graduates Diploma in Tourism Management. I hope this world help Fulfillment of Tourists and the growth of tourism Industries. I here by declare that this is my original work & has not been Submitted else here .

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are honored to present this project on the Kerala Tourism for the partial fulfillment of the .. Submitted to .. Faculty of the institute as well as all group members have been patiently supportive and helpful, throughout the project. My academic studies have profited greatly from several key individuals who have given inspiration, encouragement and assistance in this endeavor. Last but not least, it was the blessing of my Parent, brother & friends for keeping me motivated throughout the training period their close attitude and expressions of love and patience have been nothing short of incredible.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Sr. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Title Tourism Tourism in India Tourism in Kerala ABOUT KERALA Historical context BEACHES Hill Stations Kerala at a Glance AWARDS MAP CONCLUSION BIBLIOGRAPHY: Page No.

TOURISM Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people who "travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment for more than twenty-four (24) hours and not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited". Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. In 2008, there were over 922 million international tourist arrivals, with a growth of 1.9% as compared to 2007. International tourism receipts grew to US$944 billion (euro 642 billion) in 2008, corresponding to an increase in real terms of 1.8%. As a result of the Late-2000s recession, international travel demand suffered a strong slowdown beginning in June 2008, with growth in international tourism arrivals worldwide falling to 2% during the boreal summer months,[4] and this negative trend intensified as international tourist arrivals fell by 8% during the first four months of 2009. Thereafter this declining trend was exacerbated in some regions due to the outbreak of the influenza AH1N1 virus.

Tourism is vital for many countries, such as the U.A.E, Egypt, Greece and Thailand, and many island nations, such as The Bahamas, Fiji, Maldives and the Seychelles, due to the large intake of money for businesses with their goods and services and the opportunity for employment in the service industries associated with tourism. These service industries include transportation services, such as airlines, cruise ships and taxis, hospitality services, such as accommodations, including hotels and resorts, and entertainment venues, such as amusement parks, casinos, shopping malls, various music venues and the theatre.

Tourism in India Tourism is the largest service industry in India, with a contribution of 6.23% to the national GDP and 8.78% of the total employment in India. India witnesses more than 5 million annual foreign tourist arrivals and 562 million domestic tourism visits. The tourism industry in India generated about US$100 billion in 2008 and that is expected to increase to US$275.5 billion by 2018 at a 9.4% annual growth rate. The Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency for the development and promotion of tourism in India and maintains the "Incredible India" campaign. According to World Travel and Tourism Council, India will be the world's leading tourism hotspot, having the highest 10-year growth potential. The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2007 ranked tourism in India 6th in terms of price competitiveness and 39th in terms of safety and security. Despite short- and medium-term setbacks, such as shortage of hotel rooms, tourism revenues are expected to surge by 42% from 2007 to 2017. India has a growing medical tourism sector. The 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi are expected to significantly boost tourism

in India.The opportunities in tourism in India range from constructing high quality accommodation facilities, operating tours and travel circuit to the development of Specialized tourisms like history tourism, adventure tourism, medical tourism (ayurveda and other forms of Indian medications), spiritual tourism, beach tourism, eco tourism etc. India's tourism industry is thriving due to an increase in foreign tourists arrivals and greater than before travel by Indians to

domestic and abroad destinations. Domestic tourists are also fueling the industry's revival. Aggressive advertising campaign "Incredible India" by the government has also had contribution in changing India's image from that of a land of snake charmers, and sparking new

interest among overseas travellers.

Inbound Tourism Statistics of past few years

Facts to know Tourists inflow from Australia In the last three years the tourist arrivals from Australia to India have almost doubled to a record figure of 1, 00,000. However, India aims to double tourist inflow from Australia to two lakh in the next three years.

Tourists inflow from Britain Every year about 3000,000 tourists from Britain visit India for both business as well as leisure.

Leading Tourist destination With nearly 140 three and two star hotels, Kerala has turned into a major hot spot for foreign tourists. However Tamil Nadu hold the second position in attracting foreign tourists.

Employment generated by tourism in India Tourism Industry provides employment to about 2 crores of people in India.

Tourist outflow Tourists outflow from India to Hong Kong has been growing at a healthy pace despite the hullabaloo surrounding the SARS outbreak.

About 500,000 Indians are issued visa to Britain every year. Malaysia expects about three lakhs of Indian tourists every year, ahead of Australia, Taiwan and the U.S. Excited by the increased number of Indian tourists arrivals, Malaysia has been holding road shows to further beefing up its tourism sector.

Kerala backwaters Hill Stations Wildlife reserves

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TOURISM IN KERALA

Kerala, a state situated on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Named as one of the ten paradises of the world by the National Geographic Traveler,Kerala is famous especially for its ecotourism initiatives. Its unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demography, has made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Growing at a rate of 13.31%, the tourism industry is a major contributor to the state's economy Until the early 1980s, Kerala was a relatively unknown destination, with most tourism circuits concentrated around the north of the country. Aggressive marketing campaigns launched by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporationthe government agency that oversees tourism

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prospects of the statelaid the foundation for the growth of the tourism industry. In the decades that followed, Kerala Tourism was able to transform itself into one of the niche holiday destinations in India. The tag line KeralaGod's Own Country was adopted in its tourism promotions and became a global superbrand. Kerala is regarded as one of the destinations with the highest brand recall. In 2010, Kerala attracted 0.66 million foreign tourist arrivals. Kerala is an established tourist destination for both Indians and non-Indians alike. Kerala is popular for her beaches, backwaters, mountain ranges and wildlife sanctuaries. The city of Kochi ranks first in the total number of international and domestic tourists in Kerala. Other popular attractions in the state include the beaches at Kovalam, Cherai and Varkala; backwater tourism and lake resorts around Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom and Alapuzha; hill stations and resorts at Munnar, Wayanad, Nelliampathi, Vagamon and Ponmudi; 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 Punnamadaalso see heavy tourist traffic.

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Heritage sites, such as the Padmanabhapuram Palace, Hill Palace, Mattancherry Palace are also visited. To further promote tourism in Kerala Grand Kerala Shopping Festival was started by the Government of Kerala in 2007. Since then it has been held every year during the December-January period. The city of Kochi ranks first in the total number of international and domestic tourist arrivals in Kerala 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 minimise the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people.

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ABOUT KERALA Kerala is a state on the tropical Malabar Coast of south-western 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, Kappad, Muzhuppilangad, Cherai and Varkala; the hill stations of Munnar, Thekkady, Nelliampathi, Ponmudi and Wayanad; forts like the Bekal Fort in Kanhangad and St. Angelo's Fort in Kannur and the National Parks/ Wildlife sanctuaries at Periyar and Eravikulam. The "backwaters" regionan 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 Hill Palace, Mattancherry Palace are also famous.

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Cities such as Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Trivandrum are popular centres for shopping and traditional theatrical performance. The Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) claimed to be Asia's largest shopping festival was started in the year 2007. Since then it has become an annual shopping event being conducted in the DecemberJanuary period. During this period stores and shops registered under the GKSF offer wide range of discounts, vat refunds etc. Along with the guaranteed shopping experience, shoppers are provided with gift coupons for a fixed worth of purchase entering them into weekly and mega lucky draws. As compared to shopping festivals being held in other countries, this Festival converts the entire state of Kerala into a giant shopping mall, incorporating not just the big players, but also the small and medium scale industries. 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.

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Historical context Resorts dot the lengths and breadths of Kerala. Since its incorporation as a state, Kerala's economy largely operated under welfare-based democratic socialist principles. This mode of development, though resulted in a high Human Development Index and standard of living among the people, lead to an economic stagnation in the 1980s (growth rate of 2.3% annually) This apparent paradox high human development and low economic development lead to a large number of educated unemployed seeking jobs overseas, especially in the Gulf countries. Due to the large number of expatriates, many travel operators and agencies set shop in the state to facilitate their travel needs. However, the trends soon reciprocated with the travel agencies noticing the undermined potential of the state as a tourist destination. First travel agency in kerala, Kerala Travels was founded by Col G.V. Raja of the Travancore royal family along with P.G.C. Pillai .

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By 1986, tourism had gained an industry status. Kerala Tourism subsequently adopted the tagline God's Own Country in its advertisement campaigns. Aggressive promotion in print and electronic media were able to invite a sizable investment in the hospitality industry. By the early 2000s, tourism had grown into a fully fledged, multi-billion dollar industry in the state. The state was able to carve a niche place for itself in the world tourism industry, thus becoming one of the places with the 'highest brand recall'.In 2003, Kerala, a hitherto unknown tourism destination, became the fastest growing tourism destination in the world. Today, growing at a rate of 13.31%, Kerala is one of the most visited tourism destinations in India.

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BEACHES Varkala beach Flanked on the western coast by the Arabian Sea, Kerala has a long coastline of 580 km (360 mi); all of which is virtually dotted with sandy beaches. Kovalam beach near Thiruvananthapuram was among the first beaches in Kerala to attract tourists. Rediscovered by back-packers and tan-seekers in the sixties and followed by hordes of hippies in the seventies, Kovalam is today the most visited beach in the state.

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Other popularly visited beaches in the state include those at Alappuzha Beach, Nattika beach[Thrissur], Vadanappilly beach[Thrissur], Cherai Beach, Kappad, Marari beach, Fort Kochi and Varkala. The

Muzhappilangad Beach beach at Kannur is the only drive-in beach in India.

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Backwaters The backwaters in Kerala are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast (known as the Malabar Coast). Houseboat or Kettuvalam rides in the backwaters are a major tourist attraction. Backwater tourism is centered mostly around Alappuzha kollam and Kumarakom. Boat races held during festival seasons are also a major tourist attraction in the backwater regions. The backwater network includes large lakes such as the Vembanad Lake being the largest among them, linked by 1500 km of canals, both man-made and natural and fed by several rivers, and extending virtually the entire length of Kerala state. The backwaters were formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range.

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Hill Stations Eastern Kerala consists of land encroached upon by the Western Ghats; the region thus includes high mountains, gorges, and deep-cut valleys. The wildest lands are covered with dense forests, while other regions lie under tea and coffee plantations (established mainly in the 19th and 20th centuries) or other forms of cultivation. The Western Ghats rises on average to 1500 m elevation above sea level. Some of the popular hill stations in the region are Munnar, Vagamon, Wayanad, Nelliyampathi, Peermade and Ponmudi.

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Kerala, nicknamed as "God's own country", has a reputation of being one of the most beautiful states in Southern India. Shown here is Munnar, in Kerala.

Perunthenaruvi water falls near Pathanamthitta, Kerala

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A GRASSY HILL IN RANIPURAM, KASARAGOD

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WILDLIFE

Silent Valley National Park in Palakkad is home to the largest population of lion-tailed Macaque.They are among the World's rarest and most threatened primates

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The Konni Elephant Training Centre near Pathanamthitta

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Most of Kerala, whose native habitat consists of wet evergreen rainforests at lower elevations and highland deciduous and semi-evergreen forests in the east, is subject to a humid tropical climate. however, significant variations in terrain and elevation have resulted in a land whose biodiversity registers as among the worlds most significant. Most of Kerala's significantly biodiverse tracts of wilderness lie in the evergreen forests of its easternmost districts. Kerala also hosts two of the worlds Ramsar Convention-listed wetlands: Lake Sasthamkotta and the Vembanad-Kol wetlands are noted as being wetlands of international importance. There are also numerous protected conservation areas, including 1455.4 km of the vast Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. In turn, the forests play host to such major fauna as Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus), Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Leopard (Panthera pardus), and Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), and Grizzled Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macroura).[17] More remote preserves, including Silent Valley National Park in the Kundali Hills, harbor endangered species such as Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus), Indian Sloth Bear (Melursus (Ursus) ursinus ursinus), and Gaur (the so-called "Indian Bison" Bos gaurus). More common species include Indian

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Porcupine (Hystrix indica), Chital (Axis axis), Sambar (Cervus unicolor), Gray Langur, Flying Squirrel, Swamp Lynx (Felis chaus kutas), Boar (Sus scrofa), a variety of catarrhine Old World monkey species, Gray Wolf (Canis lupus), Common Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus). Many reptiles, such as king cobra, viper, python, various turtles and crocodiles are to be found in Kerala again, disproportionately in the east. Kerala's avifauna include endemics like the Sri Lanka Frogmouth (Batrachostomus moniliger), Oriental Bay Owl, large frugivores like the Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) and Indian Grey Hornbill, as well as the more widespread birds such as Peafowl, Indian Cormorant, Jungle and Hill Myna, Oriental Darter, Black-hooded Oriole, Greater Racket-tailed and Black Drongoes, bulbul (Pycnonotidae), species of Kingfisher and Woodpecker, Jungle Fowl, Alexandrine Parakeet, and assorted ducks and migratory birds. Additionally, freshwater fish such as kadu (stinging catfish Heteropneustes fossilis) and brackishwater species such as Choottachi (orange chromide Etroplus maculatus; valued as an aquarium specimen) also are native to Kerala's lakes and waterways.

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Festivals The major festival in Kerala is Onam. Kerala has a number of religious festivals. Thrissur Pooram and Chettikulangara Bharani are the major temple festivals in Kerala. The Thrissur Pooram is conducted at the Vadakumnathan temple, Thrissur. The Chettikulangara Bharani is another major attraction. The festival is conducted at the Chettikulangara temple near Mavelikkara. The Sivarathri is also an important festival in Kerala. This festival is mainly celebrated in Aluva Temple and Padanilam Parabrahma Temple. Padanilam Temple is situated in Alappuzha district of Kerala, about 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) from Mavelikkara town. Parumala Perunnal, Manarkadu Perunnal are the major festivals of Christians. Muslims also have many important festivals. Shopping To further promote tourism in Kerala, the Government of Kerala started the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival in the year 2007.[8] Since then it has become an annual shopping event being conducted in the December-January period. During this period stores and shops registered under the GKSF offer

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wide range of discounts, vat refunds etc. Along with the guaranteed shopping experience, shoppers are provided with gift coupons for a fixed worth of purchase entering them into weekly and mega lucky draws. As compared to shopping festivals being held in other countries, this Festival converts the entire state of Kerala into a giant shopping mall, incorporating not just the big players, but also the small and medium scale industries. Through this shopping festival, the Kerala Government intends to transform the State into a hub for international shopping experience and there by launch "Shopping Tourism" in the state.

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Ayurveda Medical tourism, promoted by traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Siddha are widely popular in the state, and draws increasing numbers of tourists. A combination of many factors has led to the increase in popularity of medical tourism: high costs of healthcare in industrialised nations, ease and affordability of international travel, improving technology and standards of care. However, rampant recent growth in this sector has made the government apprehensive. The government is now considering introduction of a grading system which would grade hospitals and clinics, thus helping tourists in selecting one for their treatments.

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CULTURE

Face of a Kathakali artist (Kathi Vesham) Vishnu Moorthy Theyyam in Naduvilathu Kottam near Payyannur, Kannur.

The Padayani - Annual Ritual Performance of Kadammanitta & Thazhoor Bhagavathy Temple at Vazhamuttom near Pathanamthitta

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Kerala's culture is mainly Dravidian in origin, deriving from a greater Tamilheritage region known as Tamilakam. Later, Kerala's culture was elaborated on through centuries of contact with overseas cultures.[19] Native performing arts include koodiyattom, kathakali from katha ("story") and kali ("play") and its offshoot Kerala natanam, koothu (akin to stand-up comedy), mohiniaattam ("dance of the enchantress"), thullal, padayani, and theyyam. Other arts are more religion- and tribal-themed. These include chavittu nadakom, oppana (originally from Malabar), which combines dance, rhythmic hand clapping, and ishal vocalisations. However, many of these artforms largely play to tourists or at youth festivals, and are not as popular among most ordinary Keralites. These people look to more contemporary art and performance styles, including those employing mimicry and parody. Additionally, a substantial Malayalam film industry effectively competes against both Bollywood and Hollywood. Several ancient ritualised arts are Keralite in origin; these include kalaripayattu (kalari ("place", "threshing floor", or "battlefield") and payattu ("exercise" or "practice")). Among the world's oldest martial arts, oral

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tradition attributes kalaripayattu's emergence to Parasurama. Other ritual arts include theyyam, poorakkali and Kuthiyottam. Kuthiyottam is a ritualistic symbolic representation of human bali (homicide). Folklore exponents see this art form, with enchanting well structured choreography and songs, as one among the rare Adi Dravida folklore traditions still preserved and practiced in Central Kerala in accordance to the true tradition and environment. Typical to the Adi Dravida folk dances and songs, the movements and formations of dancers (clad in white thorthu and banyan) choreographed in Kuthiyottam are quick, peaks at a particular point and ends abruptly. The traditional songs also start in a stylish slow pace, then gain momentum and ends abruptly. Kuthiyotta Kalaris, run by Kuthiyotta Ashans (Teachers or leaders), train the group to perform the dances and songs. Normally, the training starts about one to two months before the season. Young boys between 8 to 14 years are taught Kuthiyottam, a ritual dance in the house amidst a big social gathering before the portrait of the deity. Early in the morning on Bharani, after the feast and other rituals, the boys whose bodies are coiled with silver

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wires, one end of which is tied around his neck and an arecanut fixed on the tip of a knife held high over his head are taken in procession to the temple with the accompaniment of beating of drums, music, ornamental umbrellas, and other classical folk art forms, and richly caparisoned elephants. All through the way to the temple tender coconut water will be continually poured on his body. After the circumambulation the boys stands at a position facing the Sreekovil (Sanctum Sanctorum) and begins to dance. This ceremony ends with dragging the coil pierced to the skin whereby a few drops of blood comes out. A procession of gold-caparisoned Kerala elephants at the Thrissur Pooram On this day just after midday the residents of the locality bring huge decorated effigies of Bhima panchalia, Hanuman and extremely beautiful tall chariots in wheeled platforms, and after having darshan the parties take up their respective position in the paddy fields lying east of the temple. During the night, the image of Devi will be carried in procession to the effigies stationed in the paddy fields. On the next day these structures will be taken back. A big bazaar is also held at Chetikulangara as part of this

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festival. Kuthiyottam is the main vazipadu of the Chettikulangara temple, Mavelikkara. In respect of Fine Arts, the State has an abounding tradition of both ancient and contemporary art and artists.The traditional Kerala murals are found in ancient temples, churches and palaces across the State. These paintings, mostly dating back between the 9th to 12th centuries AD, display a distinct style, and a colour code which is predominantly ochre and green.

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Like the rest of India, religious diversity is very prominent in Kerala. The principal religions are Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam; Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism, and Buddhism have smaller followings. The states historic ties with the rest of the world has resulted in the state having many famous temples, churches, and mosques. The Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi is the oldest in the Commonwealth of Nations. Recognising the potential of tourism in the diversity of religious faiths, related festivals and structures, the tourism department launched a Pilgrimage tourism project. Major pilgrim tourism attractions include Guruvayur, Sabarimala, Malayatoor, Paradesi Synagogue, St. Mary's Forane (Martha Mariam) Church Kuravilangad built in 105 A.D, Attukal Pongala(which has the Guinness record for being the largest gathering of women in the planet), and Chettikulangara Bharani.

Kerala Tourism is noted for its innovative and market-focused ad campaigns. These campaigns have won the tourism department numerous

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awards, including the Das Golden Stadttor Award for Best Commercial, 2006, Pacific Asia Travel Association- Gold Award for Marketing, 2003 and the Government of India's Best Promotion Literature, 2004, Best Publishing, 2004 and Best Tourism Film, 2001. Catchy slogans and innovative designs are considered a trademark of brand Kerala Tourism. Celebrity promotions are also used to attract more tourists to the state. The Kerala tourism website is widely visited, and has been the recipient of many awards. Recently, the tourism department has also engaged in advertising via mobiles, by setting up a WAP portal, and distributing wallpapers and ringtones related to Kerala through it.

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Events Kerala is also known for the many events conducted by the Ministry of Tourism for tourist attractions. Kochi-Muziris Biennale, the first Biennale in India was conducted in Kochi from 12 December 2012 till 13 March 2013.The government contributed about 12-15 crores on the event.[An International Coir Fest is conducted annually that is aimed at developing the coir industry of Kerala and tourism.

Threats to the Tourism industry With increasing threats posed by global warming and changing weather patterns, it is feared that much of Kerala's low lying areas might be susceptible to beach erosions and coastal flooding . The differing monsoon patterns also suggest possible tropical cyclones in the future.

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Kerala at a Glance

Kerala, a State in the Republic of India, has 14 districts or administrative divisions. The major cities are Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. There are three airports in the state which provide international and domestic connections. Here is some quick information on Kerala which will be useful for travellers visiting the State.

Location Area

: :

Southwestern tip of India. 38,863 sq km. 31,84,1374 Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) Malayalam. English is widely spoken. Hinduism, Christianity, Islam

Population : Capital :

Language : Religion :

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Time

GMT +5:30 Indian Rupee Tropical February - May (24 - 330C)

Currency : Climate Summer : :

Monsoon :

June - August (22 - 280C) October - November

Winter

November - January (22 - 320C)

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Districts

Old Name

Thiruvananthapuram Trivandrum Kollam : Quilon Alleppey

Alappuzha : Pathanamthitta Kottayam Idukki Ernakulam Thrissur :

Trichur Palghat

Palakkad : Malappuram Wayanad Kozhikode :

Calicut

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Kerala Experiences

Gods Own Country offers splendid options to make your holidays an experience of a lifetime. Here we present the specialties of this land for travelers to explore and experience.

Pooram

Poorams, the annual festivals at the temples of North Kerala are splendid celebrations, which follow the harvest season. Spectacular elephant pageantry and traditional percussion ensembles are the highlights of pooram festivals. Thrissur Pooram, the most popular among them has been attracting travelers from various parts of the world for the past several years. Other important poorams include the Arattupuzha Pooram, Peruvanam Pooram, Nenmara Vallangi Vela, Uthralikkavu Pooram, Pariyanampetta Pooram and Chinakkathoor Pooram.

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Houseboat

Present day houseboats are huge, slow moving exotic barges used for leisure trips, and are in fact reworked version of kettuvallams of olden times. The original kettuvallams were used to carry tons of rice and spices. A standard kettuvallam can hold up to 30 tons from Kuttanad to the Kochi port. The kettuvallam or boat with knots was so called because the entire boat was held together with coir knots only. Not even a single nail is used during the construction of the boat.. The boat is made of planks of jack-wood joined together with coir. This is then coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. With careful maintenance, a kettuvallam can last for generations. A portion of the kettuvallam was covered with bamboo and coir to serve as a restroom and kitchen for the crew. Meals would be cooked onboard and supplemented with freshly cooked fish from the backwaters.

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When the modern trucks replaced this system of transport, some one found a new way that would keep these boats, almost all of which were more than 100 years old, in the market. By constructing special rooms to accommodate travelers, these boats cruised forward from near-extinction to enjoy their present great popularity. Now these are a familiar sight on the backwaters and in Alappuzha alone, there are as many as 500 houseboats.

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Ayurveda

Ayurveda evolved around 600 BC in India. This new system of medicine stressed on the prevention of body ailments in addition to curing them. Followed by the Dravidians and Aryans alike, Ayurveda has been practised ever since. Today, it's a unique, indispensable branch of medicine - a complete naturalistic system that depends on the diagnosis of your body's humours - vata, pitta and kapha - to achieve the right balance.

Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole. Making it the natural way to refresh you, eliminate all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regain resistance and good health. Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June to July and October to November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative packages. In fact, today, Kerala is the only State in India which practises this system of medicine with absolute dedication.

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Traditional texts reveal that the monsoon is the best season for rejuvenation programmes. The atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy. Cuisine

Cuisine in Kerala has roots in the history, geography and culture of the land. These can be classified under the two standard headings - vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. While the non-vegetarian dishes are all heavily spiced, the vegetarian repertoire is mildly spiced and feels especially easier on the non-native tongue.

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Kathakali

Kerala owes its transnational fame to this nearly 300 years old classical dance form which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime. It is said to have evolved from other performing arts like Kootiyattam, Krishnanattam and Kalarippayattu. Kathakali explicates ideas and stories from the Indian epics and Puranas.

Presented in the temple precincts after dusk falls, Kathakali is heralded by the Kelikottu or the beating of drums and to the accompaniment of the Chengila (gong). The riches of a happy blending of colour, expressions, music, drama and dance are unparallelled in any other art form. Theyyam

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Theyyam also known as Kaliyattam, is a ritual dance popular in North Kerala or the erstwhile Kolathunadu. Theyyam incorporates dance, mime and music and enshrines the rudiments of ancient tribal cultures which attached great importance to the worship of heroes and the spirits of ancestors. Of the over 400 Theyyams performed, the most spectacular ones are those of Raktha Chamundi, Kari Chamundi, Muchilottu Bhagavathi, Wayanadu Kulaveni, Gulikan and Pottan. These are performed in front of shrines, sans stage or curtains, by persons belonging to the Vannan, Malayan and other related castes. Thudangal (the beginning) and Thottam (the invocation) are the introductory rituals of the Theyyam or the Thira, as it is known in south Malabar. The headgear and other ornamental decorations are spectacular in sheer size and appearance. Karivalloor, Nileswaram, Kurumathoor, Cherukunnu, Ezhom and Kunnathoorpadi in North Malabar are places where Theyyams are performed annually from December to April. At the Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple in Kannur, Theyyam is preformed on all days.

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Kalaripayattu

Kalarippayattu, considered to be the mother of all martial art forms in the world, is a priceless asset to Kerala's heritage. An intricate blend of physical prowess, mindset, martial techniques and indigenous medical system, this form of armed, close quarter, hand-to-hand combat is unique to this State.

Kalarippayattu is both an art and a science, which has the ability to transform its practitioners to become adept in fighting techniques as in treatment modes.

Kalari means arena and Payat means skill training. This unique martial art form is taught in two styles; Northern and Southern, which were formulated by masters of yore. Kalarichikilsa, a medicinal system specialising in the treatment of wounds and bruises has its roots in Ayurveda.

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The North Malabar region of Kerala is renowned for its legendary warriors whose heroic deeds are praised in the northern ballads, popularly known as Vadakkan Pattukal. Jewellery

From time immemorial, people of Kerala have been fascinated by the charm of ornaments, especially in gold and silver. Majority of the traditional ornaments here are simple, bright and elegant designs making them suitable for all occasions. Jewels are often gifted as a token of love.

Gold is considered as an auspicious metal and Keralites have a special love for ornaments in gold. One can find several jewelers stores selling traditional as well as most modern designs in all medium and big towns.

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Elephants

Impressive elephant pageantry is an important part of the famous festivals of Kerala. Pachyderms are considered auspicious in the State. Elephants have an important role in the cultural life of Kerala. There is hardly any place in the world where elephants are loved, revered and groomed like Kerala. Several temples in Kerala groom one or more elephants for ritualistic purposes.

In olden times a pet elephant was quite common in aristocratic families. Since elephants are inevitable for the festivals of Kerala, tamed ones are reared at several temples. In major temples pachyderms are also needed for some daily rituals.

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KERALA-THE PLACE PROMOTION PIONEER IN INDIA

Marketing attraction like Lagoons, Lake, Backwaters, Bathhouses and 600km coastline, Hill Stations, Waterfalls, Western Ghats, Kathakali, Boat Races and Ayurveda. - 1995-Bekal Resort Development Corporation (BRDC) - 2000-Kerla Travel Mart Society (KTMS) organised Kerala Travel Mart2000 (KTM-2000), promotional campaign at International Convention Center, Kochi and adapted tag line GODS OWN COUNTRY - KTM-2002, state participation in ITB-Berlin and WTM-London - Kerala first sate - Tourism Conservation, Preservation and Trade Bill to regulate tourism activity in state. - Increase in tourist from 69,000 in 1991 to 0.21 million in 2000, domestic 5 million - Santosh Shivan for advertisement campaign, M.F. Hussain and Yusuf Arakkal as brand ambassadors

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Tourists Behavior

Low search quality but high experience and credence quality, so evaluation by consumers are difficult to make.

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AWARDS The state has won numerous awards for its tourism initiatives. These include: 2012 - Kerala Tourism wins silver prize at the Golden Gate Award of the Internationale Tourismus-Brse Berlin.[29] 2005 - Nominated as one among the three finalists at the World Travel and Tourism Council's Tourism for Tomorrow awards in the destination category.[30] Das Golden Stadttor Award for Best Commercial, 2006 Pacific Asia Travel Association Grand award for Environment, 2006 Gold award for Ecotourism, 2006 Gold award for Publication, 2006 Gold Award for E-Newsletter, 2005

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Honourable Mention for Culture, 2005 Gold Award for Culture, 2004 Gold Award for Ecotourism, 2004 Gold Award for CD-ROM, 2004 and 2003 Gold Award for Marketing, 2003 Grand Award for Heritage, 2002 Pacific Asia Travel Writers Association International Award for Leisure Tourism, 20002001

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA Best Performing Tourism State, 2005 Best Maintained Tourist-friendly Monument, 2005 Best Publishing, 2005 Best Marketed and Promoted State, 2004. Best Maintained Tourist-friendly Monument, 2004 Best Innovative Tourism Project, 2004 Best Promotion Literature, 2004 Best Publishing, 2004 Best Performing State for 2003, 2001, 2000 and 1999 - Award for Excellence in Tourism. Best Practices by a State Government, 2003 Best Eco-tourism Product, 2003 Best Wildlife Sanctuary, 2003

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Most Innovative Use of Information Technology, 2003 and 2001 Most Tourist-friendly International Airport, 2002 Most Eco-friendly Destination, 2002 Best Tourism Film, 2001

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MAP

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CONCLUSION
Tourism is now a days an important need of any country. Kowing this & all the difficulties faced in organizing the information for the visitors, here is a solution that can make this easy & well organized.

With the completion of this project , we hope that our contribution will be useful in order to make this task to perform smoothly.

We heartily pay our gratitude to all the persons who have been involved with us throughout. Their suggestions were always with us and helped us in our work.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY Kotler, Philip., Keller, Lane Kevin., Koshy, Abraham., and Jha, Mithileshwar., Marketing Management, 13th edition., New Delhi: Pearson Education., 2009. Schiffman, Leon, G., and Kanuk, Lazar, Leslie, Consumer Behavior, 9th edition, New Delhi: Pearson Education, 2009. Keller, Lane, Kevin, Strategic Brand Management, 3rd edition, New Delhi: Pearson Education, 2009. www.sushanttourtravels.com www.wikipedia.org www.keralatourism.org www.article.wn.com

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