TOURIST ARRIVALS IN KERALA - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/11193/13... · 1. Kovalam Kovalam is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches of Kerala. This

Chapter 4

TOURIST ARRIVALS IN KERALA

This chapter deals with the analysis of the collected data from secondary

sources. A brief description of the various beaches in Kerala is presented in this

chapter. The important aspects of tourism like tourist arrivals, earnings and

seasonality of tourism are discussed.

SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

Kerala, located on the south-western tip of India, enjoys unique

geographical features that have made it one of the most sought-after tourist

destinations in Asia. Kerala referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’, was selected

by the National Geographic Traveler as one of the 50 destinations of a lifetime

and one of the thirteen paradises in the world.

An equable climate, serene beaches, tranquil stretches of backwaters;

lush hill stations and exotic wildlife are the major attractions of this land. A

unique advantage of Kerala is that most of the destinations here are only a two

- four hours drive from the other.

Classical art forms, colourful festivals, exotic cuisine are some of the

cultural marvels that await travelers. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of

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medicine and Panchakarma, the rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda have also

helped Kerala to gain a global reputation as a worth-visit destination.

Season never ends in Kerala, thanks to the year-long moderate climate

and numerous festivals and events.

Figure 4.1

Site map of Kerala

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BEACH TOURISM POTENTIALS OF KERALA

Kerala Beaches

In Kerala, it is observed that tourists are visiting only in a few beaches in

spite of the fact that there are a number of beautiful beaches in Kerala. It may

be due to the absence of information to the tourists and the lack of planned

efforts on the part of the authorities to make aware the tourists about the beach

tourism destinations of Kerala.

Kerala’s abundant water body with plenty of greenery offers the most

enthralling happenings a tourist would imagine. Kerala beaches are the most

perfect choice for the beach combers. Sit under the soothing sun or on the soft

sand, the palm veiled beaches of Kerala will transmit the most delightful

atmosphere a tourist will admire. Blessed with a rich coastline the beaches

display a romantic affair between the sunny sun and velvety sand. The beach

tour in Kerala will be an overwhelming experience while encountering the

coconut palm grooves, natural lagoons and harbors and feeling extreme

serenity and solitude. The ravishing beauty of Kerala beaches is a prime

attraction among travelers. Enjoy a beach walk, indulge in water spots, make

sand castles, and see others frolicking with sea waves or just lay down idly on

the silky sands- everything will be simply relaxing and rejuvenating. A tourist

can enjoy a number of water sports at Kerala beaches. The spirit of adventure

sports in Kerala is a thrilling affair. It will invigorate and electrify the tourists.

The important adventure sports in Kerala beaches are: canoing, kayaking,

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parasailing, scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkeling, catamaran sailing,

backwaters and snake boat races and swimming.

A brief description of the various beaches in Kerala has been given below.

Thiruvananthapuram District

1. Kovalam

Kovalam is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches of Kerala.

This beach facilitates the idea of holidaying with the sun, sand, sea and surf.

Owing to its natural beauty, the beach resort of Kovalam is often referred to as

the ‘paradise of the south’. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly

the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look. The crescent

shaped beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three parts. The three beaches

are called Lighthouse beach, Hawah beach and Samudra Beach. The

southernmost beach, and the most popular is the Lighthouse beach. Further

south on the beach one can have a spectacular view of the sea and the

Vizhinzham mosque. The middle beach is called Hawah. Each morning this

beach acts as a base for the local fisherman. The northernmost beach, Samudra,

is least affected of all by the changing times. It is dotted with few rudimentary

wooden fishing vessels. All the three beaches have clear sandy expenses and

are backed by waving palm trees. The palm fringed bays in secluded coconut

groves promise a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea

and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart

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palms and the rocky promontories, makes Kovalam beach a paradise. Kovalam

is a natural bay on the Arabian sea coast of Kerala and with its blue waters,

while sand and green coconut trees looks like a picture postcard image of a

tropical paradise.

A tourist can enjoy many activities on Kovalam beach. They can swim

in the sea; go for a catamaran ride, go surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and

parasailing. When a tourist is tired of aquatics, swimming or sunbathing, they

can explore the handicrafts, jewelers and cloth shops spread along the

waterfront. Delightful sea-foods are available in the beach restaurant, which

were located very proximity to the beaches.

Kovalam beach is very popular with both Indian and international

tourists. The sun, sea, sand, cool coconut groves- all were and still are an

irresistible combination to high-end tourists from many parts of the world,

especially Europe. September to May is the best time to visit Kovalam beach.

We had no dearth of entrepreneurs who were willing to put their time,

energy and money into enhancing Kovalam’s charms as a prime beach

destination. In fact the ball was set rolling by Mr. Klaus Schleusener, a

Professor from Germany who was so struck by the beauty of Kovalam that he

set up the first private beach resort, Sury Samudra. Built in the traditional

Kerala architectural style, the hotel became a landmark on a scene littered with

staid concrete structures and set the trend for the development of the area’s

tourism infrastructure. Thereafter many other resorts developed, which

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provides ayurvedic treatment also. Now Kovalam became the destination for

tourists from all over the world looking for physical and mental rejuvenation.

This place is just 16 km. away from the capital city of Kerala-

Thiruvananthapuram. Thiruvananthapuram international airport about 14 km.

away, is the nearest airport to Kovalam.

Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore.

The European guests of the then Travancore Kingdom discovered the

potentiality of the Kovalam beach as a tourist destination in the 1930’s.

However Kovalam shot into limelight in the early seventies with arrivals of the

hippies. That started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala

into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India.

2. Shanghumugham

Situated 8 km. from Thiruvananthapuram city, this is a popular city

beach and favourite haunt for sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the

Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village. The other attraction of

this beach is ‘Matsya Kanyaka’ - a 35 meters long sculpture of a mermaid. The

long stretch of clean sand is an enchanting beauty of this beach. The water here

however is not suitable for bathing.

3. Somatheram

It is 20 km. away from Trivandrum city. This beach is called as a

mortal’s dream destination. This is famous for ayurvedic treatment centers. A

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tourist can achieve perfect blossom and peace in life and can rejuvenate mind

and body in the beach. There is 15 acres of green land in this beach.

4. Poovar

Poovar beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in India. This

beach is approximately a 45 minutes drive away from Kovalam. Poovar beach

has a different charm as it offers endless miles of sand, wooing the sunrays by

swaying palms. Poovar beach is considered to be “virgin territory” where a

tourist can experience the local charm and traditional Kerala’s hospitality at its

best.

5. Vizhinjam

The beach is just 15 km. from Trivandrum; which was left unnoticed for

a long time. One of the main attractions of this beach is the rock cut temples

that is built in eighth century. This is a fishing village and is a beautiful sight to

see the fishermen engaging in various fishing methods, repairing their nets etc.

There is also a natural port here. In the olden times , this was considered as a

commercial center for the Europeans and other foreign countries that came for

trade to India.

6. Chowara

This is a virgin beach of Kerala.,9 km. south of the renowned Kovalam

Beach. This beach is the hot spot for the nature and leisure travellers. The

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beach is the picture perfect combination of nature where the tourist can enjoy

lush the gorgeous greens, whispering sea breeze and the murmuring surf.

7. Veli

This beach is located in Thiruvanathapuram district and near to

Kochuveli railway station. It is a beautiful beach with a park near to.The Veli

tourist village joins the Veli beach by a floating bridge. There is a sand bar that

separate the sea from the Veli lake. It is a pleasure to take a walk through these

sand bars. There is a floating restaurant that is offered by this beach. People can

go for boat rides and pony rides from this beach

Kollam District

1. Varkala

Varkala is an easily accessible place. The closest International Airport is

at Thiruvananthapuram which is about 55 km. from Varkala. Alleppy and

Quilon fall on the rail and road route to Varkala. Varkala beach is one of the

best holiday destinations in Kerala. For it will be like tasting the icing on

nature’s delicious cake. The cliff being the icing from where the tourist can let

their imagination travel endlessly, as is the view from the cliff to the sea and

the horizon. And the cake is the beach beneath at its enjoyable best between

September and March, when the weather is friendly like anywhere else in

Kerala.

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A morning stroll in the beach with the cliff standing guard on the side

and the holy sea caressing one’s feet on the other side, will strengthen ones feet

while relaxing one’s body and soul alike. The beach sand here is rich in

minerals and the sea has many mineral springs.

A dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach is believed to purge the body

and the soul of all the sins hence the name ‘Papanashini’ for this shore. At the

break of dawn following the new moon in the Malayalam month of

Karkidakam’ thousands offer ‘Vavu Bali’, a ritual believed to help the souls of

ancestors rest in peace.

Varkala is famous for its panoramic scenery and natural set-up, which in

turn have attracted film producers, from all over India. Varkala is also a famous

pilgrim centre, generally known as the Gaya of the South. As a pilgrim centre,

hundreds of devotees flock to the 2000 years old Janardana Swamy temple

every day. It is situated close to the Arabian seashore. Two tunnels were bored

through the hills of Varkala and they were constructed as early as in 1870 and

1877. These two tunnels bear eloquent testimony to a stupendous feat of

engineering skill of the 19th century. Situated fairly high above sea-level with

the cool and salubrious breeze flowing direct from the sea, it makes the life of

the tourist enjoyable. Varkala beach is rich in mineral water springs that are

known for their medicinal value.

The importance of Varkala is further enhanced by the Mutts and

Asharams of Sivagiri, established by the late Sree Narayana Guru. It is from

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here that the Guru preached and propagated the gospel of ‘one caste, one

religion, and one god for man’. His samadhi mandir with a super structure,

majestically and spectacularly towering above the spot where the swamiji’s

physical remains were laid to rest, is an imposing sight, capable of arresting the

attention and igniting the imagination of all tourists. There is another ashram

here known as Gurukulam which was under the direct control of Guru Nitya

Chaitanya Yati, one of the chief disciples of Sree Narayana Guru. Further the

Fort of Anjengo, said to have been constructed by the English East India

Company, during the first half of the 17th century, is hardly five miles from

Varkala and it is within easy reach of the tourists.

2. Thangassery

Thangassery beach is located 5 km. away from Kollam town, which is a

sea side village of historic importance. This seaside has ruins of an old

Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. Another attraction of the

beach is a light house of 144 feet height.

3. Thirumullavaram

This beach, 6 km. north of Kollam town, is the beautiful and quite little

beach. This beach is well linked by road and good facilities also. The beach has

good bathing facilities. This beautiful beach filled with coconut palms is ideal

for an early morning walk as one can see fisherman gliding into the sea for the

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day’s catch. This beach is known for vavu bali (sradham) on karkkid vavu

day.Also people do “nimajanam of chitabasam” in this beach.

Alappuzha District

1. Alappuzha

The Alappuzha beach which is also called as Alleppey beach lies in

between the Arabian Sea and the Punnamada backwaters. The Alappuzha

beach is an attractive one and was a busiest coast of South India in the earlier

times. It is a beautiful beach with scarlet sunsets with silver sands and palm

trees. The canals and backwaters here helped in the transportation of goods

from the Western Ghats to the sea. There is an old light house and a pier that is

around 1000 ft. long. It was built in the year 1862. This pier was helpful for

trade purposes and provided shelter to the boats that reached there.

Alappuzha beach has facilities for adventurous water sport activities like

surfing, parasailing, riding water scooters, high speed boats etc. It is considered

to have one of the best water sport facilities. The tourist also can take a dip in

the sea and enjoy swimming in the clear waters.

The beach is beautified by a garden where a tourist can take a walk and

roam about. There are two parks near to the beach namely the Vijaya Park and

the Sea View Park. There are facilities for boating , toy trains for kids etc.

available in these parks that attracts the children and they can have a great time

here. There is also a swimming pool in the Vijaya Park

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2. Marari

This beach is just 20 minutes from Alappuzha. It is the tremendous

stretch of soft sandy beach fringed with palm and warm pleasant climate. The

name of Marari originates from ‘Mararikulam’ one of the local fishing villages.

There is a good resort here which satisfies the tourist by providing great

facilities in Kerala life style.

3. Arthunkal

Arthunkal is small sea side village in Cherthala, which is 20 km. away

from Alappuzha. It is primarily a fishing village. The Arthunkal St. Andrew’s

church, which has the Italian Saint Sebastian as its patron was built in

Arthukal. This church is famous Christian pilgrimage centers in Kerala. It is

known for “Ettam perunnal” at January every year. Majority of the devotees

who come to this church for worship consists of those who had recovered from

serious diseases and the other who had escaped severe accidents.

4. Purakkad

Purakkad literally means ‘out of forest’ is a coastal village of

Ambalapuzha Taluk, situated on National Highway 47 about 17 km.souh of

Alappuzha. The place is historically important. There was an ancient port at

Purrakkad. An interesting phenomenon in this sea coast is the chakkara which

is of great marine importance. Particular varieties of fish accumulate in the

mud bank making it very easy for fishermen to have a bountiful catch.

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Ernakulum District

1.Cherai

Cherai Beach is situated 25 km. away from Kochi, and is only 20 km.

drive from the Kochi International Airport. This 15 km. long golden beach is

on the northern end of Vypin Island is one of the best beaches in Kerala. This

beach is very clean, shallow and pacific and evokes irresistible temptation for

swimming and sunbathing. Dolphins are occasionally seen at this beach.

The feature of Cherai is the calm serene backwaters and the coconut

grove, which make it unique and precious gift of mother nature and is rightly

called as the ‘Princess of the Arabian Sea”. The scenic beauty and the

traditional outlook make it a perfect spot to have an enchanting holiday.

The newly beautified 400 meters of the main beach with walkway add to

the charm and the high mask lamps make the beach lively even at night. The

Kollam-Kottappuram National waterways will make the backwater drive from

Kochi to Cherai a wonderful experience. The main attraction of Cherai beach is

the ‘Poyil’ - a large island lake, separated from the ocean by only a narrow

sandbar, which separates the lagoon from the sea. A boat ride in the poyil is a

breathtaking experience that one will never forget. The best blend of beauty,

beach and backwaters makes it a unique place to stay and enjoy the beauty of

nature. In Cherai, accommodations with star facilities are available. The resorts

are blessed with nature, bordered by calm serene backwaters on one side and

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the long clean golden beach on the other. These resorts helps the tourists to

enjoy the vacation with bathing in the beach, boating, fishing, swimming,

canoeing, rafting etc;. Dine and stay enjoying the natural beauty of beach and

backwaters helps the tourist to relax, rejuvenate and to revitalise. It is the

unpolluted atmosphere, crystal clear backwaters and absolute calm and privacy

that are appreciated by everybody visiting here.

2. Fort Kochi

This beach place is located 12 km. from Ernakulam city. Even a

leisurely walk through the lanes of the city is the best way to enjoy the scenic

attraction of the beach. An obscure fishing village that became the first

European township in India, Kochi has an eventful and colourful history. The

town was shaped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The result

of this cultural interference is seen in the remains of the Indo-European

architecture here. It is of great sight to see the Chinese fishing nets and the way

the fishermen catches the fishes.

3. Mararikkulam

Mararikkulam beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in India, is

located 60km. south of Kochi. Marari beach is a pristine beach and is truly

breathtaking. Miles of clean sand, rustling palm trees, and the sound of waves

splashing on the seashore, a tourist can feel this beach as a paradise.

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Stand on Marari Beach and look out to the sea, a tourist will see the

endless beach stretching away from you on either side, rows of palm trees

forming a green wall behind the beach and the expanse of the blue Arabian Sea

in front of you. Marari beach is a beach lovers dream. This uncrowned beach

offers a plenty of space to a tourist to have a memorable holidays on the beach

shores. Facilities are there, for swimming, surfing, parasailing, snorkeling and

even for playing beach volleyball

Thrissur District

1. Nattika

Nattika is situated 30 km. from Thrissur. It is a wide and virgin beach

blessed with an endless stretch of golden soft sand and swaying palm trees.

This tremendous place is comfortable for beach holidays. The resort in the

beach provides all facilities with a Kerala village environment.

2. Chavakkad

This beach is just 5 km. from Guruvayur. This beach is blessed with

natural beauty. It is the place where the sea confluence with a river. This

meeting place of the sea with the river is known as ‘azhimukham’ in Kerala.

This beach is very quiet and with pleasant climate is ideal for tourism.

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Malappuram District

1. Padinjarekara

This beach offers a breathtaking view of the confluence of the

Bharathapuzha, the Tirurpuzha and the Arabian Sea. The beach is located at the

end of the Tipu Sultan Road near Ponnani. Tourists are attracted towards this

beach due to its beauty. The beach has clear white sand which is bordered by

palm trees.

2. Vallikunnu

The main attractions of this beach are a beach resort and Kadalundi bird

sanctuary. The resort is set in the middle of a coconut grove .The sanctuary is

only a few distance away from the beach.

3. Tanur

This is a very beautiful beach and attracts a large crowd. The fishing

town of Tanur lies near to this beach. Tanur beach has got historical importance

as it had witnessed some of the old Portuguese settlements in India. This beach

reminds the glory of Kerala during those times. It was in the 16th century that

St.Francis Xavier came to this place. There are numerous palm trees grown in

this beach from where a tourist can take rest lying under them. There are many

temples near this beach . One of the main attractions is a Vishnu temple called

Keraladeshpuram temple which is a very old temple in Kerala.

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Kozhikode District

1. Beypore

Located at the mouth of the chaliyar river, Beypore, one of the

prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala was an important trade

and maritime centre. Ancient Beypore was much sought after by merchants

from western Asia, for its ship building industry. The boat building yard here is

famous for the construction of the Uru, the traditional Arabian trading vessel.

The Beypore beach has a bridge built nearly 2 km. into the sea. It is

actually made up of huge stone piled together for nearly 2 km. making a

pathway into the sea.

2. Kappad

Kappad Beach is not an ordinary beach. This is a place which has

entered the pages of world history. The Kappad beach of Calicut, also called

the Kappakkadavu beach is the most famous among Malabar beaches. Kappad,

16 km. from Calicut, finds mention in history and geography texts as the

gateway to the Malabar Coast. Here on the 27th May 1498, 170 men led by

Portuguese navigator Vascoda Gama sailed in and stepped into Kerala and this

open a socio - political relationship between India and Europe. It was the spices

and the wealth of Malabar which brought the Arabs, the Phoenicians, the

Greeks, the Romans, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British to Kerala.

Kappad has witnessed many such landings. A stone monument on the beach

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commemorates this historic event. To the tourist, this pleasant stretch of rock

studded beach is one of the most charming of Kerala’s beaches.

There is a single large rock juts out to the sea from Kappad Beach. On

this rock is a temple that is said to be 800 years old is an important attraction.

The nearby Korapuzha river enters into the sea alongside Kappad beach.

The pristine Kappad beach has not fallen prey to beachfront developers and

remains pristine. The idyllic Kappad beach is a fitting entry point to God’s own

country. The calm beach with gently splashing waves makes it an idyllic beach

holiday destination in Kerala.

The Kappad beach is 18 km. away from the Calicut railway station and

44 km. away from the Calicut International Airport. The nearest railhead at

Quilandy is 8 km. from the beach.

3. Kozhikode

This is a beautiful beach and a favourable place of sunset viewers.

Adding to its natural beauty is the old world charm retained as the old

lighthouse and the two crumbling piers, each more than hundred years old that

run into the sea. This beach is nearly 1km. away from Calicut city.

4. Thikkoti

The importance of Thikkoti beach is the lighthouse, which overlooks

Velliyamkallu - the rock much dreaded by mariners - off Moodadi Coast, was

built after a shipwreck, the remains of which can still to be seen here. The

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Velliyakallu, the massive rock, much dreaded by navigators, was once a

vantage point for the Marakkars to attack the invading Portuguese. The

beautiful natural engravings on the rock are worth, exploring. The region

around the Velliyakallu rock is the tourist home of migratory birds. This place

is situated in between Quilandy and Badagara Taluk.

5. Payyoli

The shallow water of this beautiful Payyoli beach is ideal for swimming.

During November- December hordes of the endangered olive ridley turtle come

to lay eggs.

6. Vadagara Sand Banks

In this beach the Kottakal river merges into the sea stunningly

beautifully and is a favorite spot for locals and tourists. The near by Birla

Bungalows offers a delightful view of the sandbank beaches.

Kannur District

1. Payyambalam

The Payyambalam beach, located near the Kannur town, is one of the

beautiful beaches in the state of Kerala. This beach is 2 kms. away from the

Kannur Railway Station. As it is near to the town, there is a frequent visit of

locals in the beach spot. The tranquil atmosphere of the beach will charm the

calm senses of the beach lovers at once. The high cliffs and the imposing rocks

projecting forcefully into the sea give the beach a mysterious aura. These cliffs

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protect the eco system of the land and act as natural barriers. Near to the beach,

in the garden, the sculpture of a mother and child embedded in artistic beauty

by the world renowned sculpture Kanai Kunhiraman is an attractive sight.

Quiet, secluded, beautiful, this enchanting sandy beach bordering

Kannur is famous as the mortal remains of Swadeshabimani Ramakrishna

Pillai, A.K. Gopalan, Pamban Madavan and K.G. Marar are laid to rest near the

resort.

The Payyambalam beach is a popular picnic spot of the local people and

holds much potential for development into a tourist resort. It is an ideal place to

spend evenings, irrespective of seasons, because of its quiet and calm

environment.

2. Kizhunna

This is one of the most secluded beaches in Kerala. It has a beautiful

stretch of sand and is 11. km. away from Kannur. The surrounding coconut

groves strewn all along the beach promises a relaxed stay.

3. Meen Kunnu

This beach is situated 12 km. away from Kannur. This is an uncrowded

beach. This beach is rich with golden sand and surf.

4. Muzhappilangad

Muzhappilangad, one of the longest beaches in Kerala is located 15 km.

south of Kannur in the Thalassery-Kannur National Highway and 4 km. from

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Thalassery town. The long beach is the only drive in beach of Kerala. A

pleasant calm beach studded with rocks and caressed by friendly waves make it

an ideal picnic spot. The radiant beauty of the blue sea with its white foam and

green lagoons fringed with weathery palms and sparkling sand make this beach

as an important tourist spot. The 4.5 km. sand bank looks like an asphalt layer

and it ensures sound and easy driving. Watching the waves, the gentle surfs and

listening to the sound of the waves will be a new experience to both domestic

and foreign tourists.

Still untouched, this long, clean beach protected by the black rocks from

the deep currents, make its shallow water a swimmer’s paradise. The District

Tourism Promotion Council constructed bamboo huts as camp sheds, where the

tourist can sit and watch the Arabian Sea and listen to the canopy of the

migrating birds and the seagull.

From Muzhappilangad, one can view the Dharmadam Island or the

green island. It is a five acre land with dense under growth covered with

coconut palms and green bushes. This place is accessible by boat.

5. Dharmadam

Dharmadam beach is on the islands with the same name. Located

17km.from Kannur town ,the beach has a five acre stretch of coconut palms

and green bushes.

6. Thalasseri

This beach is situated at a distance of 22 km. from Kannur town.

Besides the beauty of the beach one can also explore the colonial relics of this

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place. The beautiful Thalasseri Fort is near to this beach. Some other major

attractions of this beach include St.Rosario church , light house and the

collector’s mansion. The beach is quiet with beautiful rolling waves and is an

ideal picnic spot.

7. Ezhimala

This beach is located 55 km. north of Kannur. On the brink of the beach

lie the Ezhimala hills, a strange landscape once a great centre of political power

in the fifth century. Strange hills add beauty to the shore and carved stone

pillars, an ancient burial chamber and an ancient cave can be seen at the foot of

the hills. The hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs. Fascinating sculptured

stone pillars are scattered all over the place. Bordered by the sea on three sides,

Ezhimala with its hoary history and awe inspiring surroundings is a very

interesting place for tourists.

The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer than in other

areas.

8. Moppila

Moppila beach is located in Ayikkara in Kannur district. The bay is very

famous fishing harbour and is near the St.Angelo’s Fort. On the other side of

the bay is the Arakkal Palace. The sea is separated from the inland water by a

wall that extends from the fort. This bay was significant in he olden times as a

commercial harbour because it connected Kolathunadu with Lakshadweep and

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other foreign countries. Some remnants of ancient temples and fort can also be

seen there now. The fishing habour has now been modernized with the help of

Indo Norwegian pact.

Kasaragod District

1. Bekal

The Bekal beach is 15 km. from Kasaragod, the land of Yakshagana

and is quite a fairly package with lots of recreational facilities with the

imposing Bekal fort bordering it. The Bekal Beach area is being promoted as a

tourist destination and the beautiful sandy beach backed by swaying palm trees

is truly worth seeing. The serene atmosphere, the sandy stretches of unspoiled

beaches and the mesmeric rhythm of the waves they roll up to the Bekal beach

make it an idyllic beach destination in Kerala.

The Bekal beach is located near Bekal fort. This fort is one of the best-

maintained historic forts in Kerala situated on a headland that extends for 35

acres and reaches into the Arabian sea, the Bekal fort occupies a commanding

position in a promontory. The Bekal beach extends on either side, with

stretches of clear sand flanked by rows of elegant palm trees. The view from

the Bekal fort of the green palms, the white sand, the blue sea and the rolling

waves is truly breathtaking. The hill slopes extend down from the Bekal fort to

the Bekal beach, covered with shrubs, the hill slopes invite intrepid explorer to

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climb up from Bekal beach to the rocky promontory above. A nearby mosque

built by Tipu Sultan adds to the historic attractions of Bekal beach in Kerala.

The Bekal Resort Development Corporation has modified the coastal

areas and erected children’s play grounds and a floral landscape setting, in the

rejuvenating lap of nature. Architecturally laid benches and sit outs amidst a

wide and unique collection of garden plants make for a picture - perfect

holiday. Picturesque resorts near by, backwaters in its backyard and boating

facilities, horse rides, children’s recreational facilities amidst a rock of

promontory and coconut palms kissing the blushing waters add splendor and

beauty to this spot. The beach goers can take a scroll enjoying the sunset and

after, the night sky since BRDC has erected two high mass lights that flood the

beach after sunset.

2. The Bekal Project

India’s first planned beach destination. Government of India is in an

effort to develop potential beach locations, which could be developed as

international standard beach destinations surveyed in 1990. The survey

identified Bekal, the village in Kasaragod district in northern most part of

Kerala as potential locale for the development of beach resort destination.

In 1992 the Government of India declared Bekal as “Special Tourism

Area” for integrated resort development. Thereafter Government of Kerala

entrusted a multi-disciplinary team consisting of planners, landscape architects,

transport specialists, structural consultants and tourism leisure industry experts

137

with the preparation of project blue print for the development of Bekal. In

1995 Bekal Resort Development Corporation was formed for the

implementation of Bekal Tourism Project. The Bekal Project envisages setting

up of an integrated beach destination at Bekal, with the objective of developing

infrastructure in the region. BRDC conducted systematic surveys of the region

through Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS) and has developed 76

hectares of land that is ideal for setting up resorts.

3. Pallikara

It is a shallow beach and provides a great view of the Bekal fort which is

just a walking distance away. The beach is beautified by large number of

coconut trees and bushes in the sides. This beach is a fovourite picnic spot and

tourists can take a pleasure bath in the beach. There are many shady areas near

the shore due to the presence of large number of trees and the tourists can take

rest from there.

4. Kappil

Remote and secluded, the Kappil beach is fast becoming a major tourist

attraction. The kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

This beach is located 6 km. from Bekal fort.

5. Kanwatheertha

A large swimming pool- like formation of the sea on the vast beach is

the main attraction of the beach. This beach is located 3 km. from

Manjeswaram.

138

Andaman and Nicobar

Andaman and Nicobar islands are located in the Bay of Bengal in an

idyllic and tranquil setting away from the mainland of India. The islands are

tropical with rain forest, beautiful, crescent - shaped beaches and clean lagoons

edged by coral reefs’. The rich flora and fauna makes these islands an ideal

holiday resort.

Lakshadweep

The Lakshadweep a group of islands scattered some 200 to 400 km.

west of the Kerala coast. It is an archipelago of 27 coral islands - only ten of

these are inhabited. Androth is the largest inhabited island and closest to the

Kerala Coast. The climate is tropical ranging throughout the year from 20oc to

23oc. In Lakshadweep only five islands have been opened to tourists to make

sure that environment are not affected. Of these four are open to domestic

tourists and only one - Bangaram island - is open for foreign tourists. The four

other islands are Kavarathi, Kalpani, Kadmat and Minicoy.

139

PRESENT TOURISM SITUATION IN KERALA

An attempt has been made to analyse the present tourism situation in

Kerala. The details of the analysis have been presented below.

Tourist Arrivals in Kerala

The details of total tourist arrivals in Kerala for the period 1999 -

2008 have been presented in the Table 4.1 and Figure 4.2.

Table 4.1

Trends in tourist arrivals 1999-2008

Year Tourist arrivals

Foreign & Domestic *Annual growth

%

1999 50,90,460 --

2000 52,23,154 2.61

2001 54,48,522 4.31

2002 58,00,820 6.47

2003 61,65,849 6.29

2004 63,17,728 2.46

2005 62,92,922 -0.39

2006 67,00,258 6.47

2007 71,58,749 6.84

2008 81,90,179 14.41

AAGR 5.50

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala Tourist Statistics 2007 and Economic Review 2008. * Percentage of increase over previous year.

140

During the year 1999 the tourist arrival to Kerala was only 50,90,460. In

2008, the total tourist inflow to Kerala have been increased to 81,90,179.

During the 10 years from 1999 to 2008, the total tourist arrivals in Kerala have

been increased at an average annual rate of 5.50 percent.

The figures exhibited in the table 4.1 shows that, a minute decrease of

0.39 percent has observed in 2005. This is mainly due to the tsunami effect.

But there was a constant increase in the flow of tourists during the year 2006

(6.47%), 2007 (6.84%) and 2008 (14.41%).

At the end of the year 2004, the world was shocked by the horrible

tsunami that occurred in the Indian Ocean affecting mainly Indonesia,

Maldives, the eastern coast of India and Srilanka and Thailand. Kerala has also

witnessed this horrible attack to some extent and thus the starting of the year

2005 was not good as far as Kerala Tourism was concerned. During the

beginning of the year 2005 the foreign and domestic tourist arrivals to Kerala

has shown a decrease due to tsunami fear. But by the end of the year 2005,

Kerala Tourism makeup this shortfall in the number of arrivals as further

threats has not come.

141

Figure 4.2Trends in tourist arrivals 1999-2008

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010

Year

No

of to

uris

ts (L

akhs

)

Foreign Tourists

The details of foreign tourists arrival in Kerala for the period 1999 -2008

have been presented in the Table 4.2 and Figure 4.3.

142

Table 4.2 Trend in foreign tourists arrivals 1999-2008

Year Tourist Arrivals (Foreign)

*Annual growth %

1999 2,02,173 -- 2000 2,09,933 3.84 2001 2,08,830 -0.53 2002 2,32,564 11.37 2003 2,94,621 26.68 2004 3,45,546 17.28 2005 3,46,499 0.28 2006 4,28,534 23.68 2007 5,15,808 20.37 2008 5,98,929 16.11

AAGR 13.23


Foreign tourists arrival during 2008 was 5,98,929 showing an increase of

16.11 percent over the previous year. The table 4.2 (Figure 4.3) indicates the

arrival of foreign tourists to Kerala during the last ten years and percentage

variation over the previous year. The average annual growth rate during the

period 1999-2008 is 13.23 percent.

143

Figure 4.3Foreign tourist arrivals 1999-2008

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Num

ber

(Lak

hs)

Domestic Tourists

The details of domestic tourists arrival in Kerala for the period 1999 -

2008 have been presented in the table 4.3 and Figure 4.4. The table shows the

domestic tourist flow to Kerala during the last ten years and percentage

variation over the previous years.

144

Table 4.3 Trends in domestic tourists arrivals 1999-2008

Year Domestic Tourist *Annual growth %

1999 48,88,287 --

2000 50,13,221 2.56

2001 52,39,692 4.52

2002 55,68,256 6.27

2003 58,71,228 5.44

2004 59,72,182 1.72

2005 59,46,423 -0.43

2006 62,71,724 5.47

2007 66,42,941 5.92

2008 75,91,250 14.28

AAGR 5.08

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala Tourist Statistics 2007 and Economic Review 2008. *Percentage of increase over previous year.

Domestic Tourists arrival during 2008 is 75, 91,250 as against 66, 42,941in

2007 showing an increase of 14.28 percent. Even though there is a slight

decrease in the number of arrivals in the year 2005, the average annual rate is

5.08 percent during the period 1999-2008. In the year 2006 onwards, there was

an increasing trend of domestic tourist flow i.e. 5.47 percent in the year 2006,

5.92 percent in the year 2007, and 14.28 percent in the year 2008.

145

Figure 4.4Domestic tourist arrivals 1999-2008

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Year

No

of to

uris

ts (L

akhs

)

Comparison of foreign tourists and domestic tourists arrival in Kerala

A comparative analysis is made in the Table 4.4 of the foreign tourists

visit and domestic tourists visit in Kerala during the last ten years.

146

Table 4.4 Foreign and domestic tourists arrival in Kerala 1999-2008

Year Foreign Tourist Arrivals

*Annual growth

%

Domestic Tourist Arrivals

*Annual growth

%

Total Tourists

*Annual growth

% 1999 2,02,173 -- 48,88,287 -- 50,90,460 -- 2000 2,09,933 3.84 50,13,221 2.56 52,23,154 2.61 2001 2,08,830 -0.53 52,39,692 4.52 54,48,522 4.31 2002 2,32,564 11.37 55,68,256 6.27 58,00,820 6.47 2003 2,94,621 26.68 58,71,228 5.44 61,65,849 6.29 2004 3,45,546 17.28 59,72,182 1.72 63,17,728 2.46 2005 3,46,499 0.28 59,46,423 -0.43 62,92,922 -0.39 2006 4,28,534 23.68 62,71,724 5.47 67,00,258 6.47 2007 5,15,808 20.37 66,42,941 5.92 71,58,749 6.84 2008 5,98,929 16.11 75,91,250 14.28 81,90,179 14.41


The Table 4.4 shows an increase of 196.25 percent and 55.29 percent in

the foreign tourists arrivals and domestic tourists arrivals within 10 years. The

Annual growth shows an increasing trend except a set back in the year 2005

due to tsunami issue. It is to be noted that the September 11 attack on World

Trade Centre and Afghanistan has resulted a decrease of 4.2% (Table2.3) in the

national figures while the arrivals to Kerala has dipped only to a small figure of

0.53%. Another notable fact is that, the flow of foreign tourist is increasing

greatly exceeding a 20 percent increase in the year 2003, 2006 and 2007.

147

Figure 4.5Comparison of tourist arrivals 1999-2008

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010

Year

Num

ber (

lakh

s)

Foreign DomesticTotal

Seasonality in Tourism

Tourism is considered to be a seasonal industry. The tourist season of the

state begins in August and ends in May. November to March is the peak season

of tourist flow. The quarterly break up and month wise arrival of the domestic

and foreign tourists is given in tables.

Quarterly break up of the foreign tourist arrival in the last ten years is

given in Table 4.5 (Figure 4.6).

148

Table 4.5

Quarterly break up of foreign tourists arrival in Kerala

Period I- Quarter II-Quarter III- Quarter IV-Quarter Total

1999 77981 32715 36949 54528 202173

2000 65155 35193 34500 65085 199933

2001 84444 35092 33749 55545 208830

2002 77791 35432 40615 78726 232564

2003 103269 43601 54317 93434 294621

2004 124054 51150 65672 104670 345546

2005 118138 48349 62055 117957 346499

2006 154972 69056 74287 130219 428534

2007 195096 73847 85470 161395 515808

2008 234209 86464 105613 172643 598929

Total 1235109 510899 593227 1034202 3373437

Average 123510.9 51089.9 59322.7 103420.2 337343.7

Percentage 36.61 15.14 17.59 30.66 100.00

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala Tourist Statistics from 1999 to 2008.

Table 4.5 shows that, maximum number of foreign tourists arrived during

the 1st quarter constituting 36.61 percent followed by 4th quarter constituting

30.66 percent followed by 3rd quarter constituting 17.59 percent. The lowest

arrival of foreign tourist is in the second quarter (15.14%).

149

Figure 4.6Quarterly break up of foreign tourist arrival in Kerala

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Num

ber

I- Quarter II-Quarter III- Quarter IV-Quarter

Quarterly break up of the domestic tourists arrival in the last ten years is

given in Table 4.6 (Figure 4.7).

150

Table 4.6 Quarterly break up of domestic tourists arrival in Kerala

Period I- Quarter II-Quarter III- Quarter IV-Quarter Total

1999 1276358 1250006 1107220 1254703 4888287

2000 1206218 1295460 1120756 1390787 5013221

2001 1267912 1361567 1257704 1352509 5239692

2002 1241610 1443146 1361600 1521900 5568256

2003 1339015 1531353 1388243 1612617 5871228

2004 1397292 1505555 1455473 1613862 5972182

2005 1360606 1508273 1436227 1641317 5946423

2006 1459546 1600528 1507558 1704092 6271724

2007 1575546 1699721 1533937 1833737 6642941

2008 1812490 1929915 1747642 2101203 7591250

Total 13936593 15125524 13916360 16026727 59005204

Average 1393659.3 1512552.4 1391636.0 1602672.7 5900520.4

Percentage 23.62 25.63 23.58 27.16 100.00


It is clear from the Table 4.6 and Figure 4.7, the maximum number of

domestic tourists arrived during the 4th quarter constituting 27.16 percent

followed by 2nd quarter constituting 25.63 percent followed by Ist quarter

constituting 23.62 percent. The lowest arrival of domestic tourists is recorded

in the 3rd quarter constituting 23.58 percent.

151

Figure 4.7Quarterly break up of domestic tourists arrival in Kerala

0

500000

1000000

1500000

2000000

2500000

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Num

ber


The Quarterly break up of the last ten years shows that, the peak period of

the Foreign tourist flow is Ist and the 4th Quarter. A comparison of the

seasonality of foreign and domestic tourist flow is presented in Figure 4.8.

152

Figure 4.8Seasonality of tourism of domestic and foreign tourists

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40


Quarter

Per

cent

age

ForeignDomestic

The Figure 4.8 shows that the seasonality differs in the case of foreign

tourist and domestic tourist. Though the foreign tourist flow is high in the first

quarter, it is only in the fourth quarter the domestic tourist flow becomes high.

Month - wise arrival of foreign tourists

The Table 4.7 shows the month-wise arrival of foreign tourists from 1999

to 2008.

153

Table 4.7 Month-wise arrival of foreign tourists 1999-2008

Month 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 January 31541 24388 31625 29440 41845 45630 43345 58858 72814 85028 February 25624 23268 30862 29105 36163 43418 41314 56530 66131 78155 March 20816 17499 21957 19246 25261 35006 33479 39584 56151 71026 April 14277 13964 17868 18028 20106 23546 20191 32377 34487 39538 May 10398 12923 10653 10794 12675 14870 14919 20470 21098 26348 June 8040 8306 6571 6610 10820 12734 13239 16209 18262 20578 July 10656 8514 7747 8581 14824 17228 17593 23578 25199 31610 August 14487 17764 13611 14226 19240 27341 24398 28821 35563 45711 September 11806 18222 12391 17808 20253 21103 20064 21888 24708 28292 October 13367 17344 11913 20744 24702 22160 28068 28681 33534 39748 November 19007 22592 19310 26190 32165 38118 42324 44421 55647 59923 December 22154 25149 24322 31792 36567 44392 47565 57117 72214 72972 Total 202173 209933 5239692 5568256 5871228 5972182 5946423 6271724 6642941 598929


Month - wise arrival of domestic tourists

The table 4.8 shows the month-wise arrival of Domestic tourists from

1999 to 2008.

Table 4.8 Month wise arrival of domestic tourists 1999-2008

Month 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 January 453729 454330 472377 471608 511396 523145 499698 532748 588620 645492 February 402718 382657 399215 387550 427116 451420 432673 469363 501204 586317 March 419911 369231 396320 382452 400503 422727 428235 457435 485722 580681 April 456629 453194 498856 499217 514213 503583 500005 522408 557785 643808 May 441644 486006 479515 537429 566603 561503 562616 610241 639712 719566 June 351733 356260 383196 406500 450537 440469 445652 467879 502224 566541 July 356893 361034 396805 406622 421346 508893 467532 478701 478781 574544 August 367486 373599 428291 488050 469920 489182 483490 511198 525309 600121 September 382841 386123 432608 466928 496977 457398 485205 517659 529847 572977 October 403944 435426 427181 472056 513082 516386 519239 543876 555721 655670 November 411233 476877 442386 494481 526578 544746 552523 556297 618908 695118 December 439526 478484 482942 555363 572957 552730 569555 603919 659108 750415 Total 4888287 5013221 5239692 5568256 5871228 5972182 5946423 6271724 6642941 7591250


154

Average month-wise details of foreign and domestic tourists - 2008

Average month-wise details of both foreign and domestic tourists and

their proportion is given in Table 4.9.

Table 4.9 Average month-wise arrival of foreign and domestic tourists

Foreign Tourists Domestic Tourists Month Average

Number Percentage Average Number Percentage

January 46451.4 13.73 515314.3 8.73

February 43057 12.73 444023.3 7.53

March 34002.5 10.05 434321.7 7.36

April 23438.2 6.93 514969.8 8.73

May 15514.8 4.59 560483.5 9.50

June 12136.9 3.59 437099.1 7.41

July 16553 4.89 445115.1 7.54

August 24116.2 7.13 473664.6 8.03

September 19653.5 5.81 472856.3 8.01

October 24026.1 7.10 504258.1 8.55

November 35969.7 10.63 531914.7 9.01

December 43424.4 12.83 566499.9 9.60

Total 338343.7 100.00 5900520.4 100.00

Source: Compiled by the researcher from the Government of Kerala tourist statistic from 1999 to 2008.

Kerala tourism is aiming to change Kerala as a 365 days tourist

destination. The average month-wise analysis of foreign and domestic tourists

in Kerala from 1999 to 2008 (Table. 4.9) shows the following picture.

155

The domestic tourism flow is maximum in the month of December

(9.60%), May (9.50%), November (9.01%), January and April(8.73%). While

for the foreign tourist, the most preferred months are January (13.73%)

December (12.83%), February (12.73%) and November (10.63 %). The

domestic tourist flow is minimum in the month of June (7.41%) and foreign

tourist flow is minimum in the month of June (3.59%). As far as the foreign

tourists were concerned, the month of May (4.59%),June(3.59%) and July

(4.89%) also showed a percentage of less than 5. The domestic tourists also

showed a lower percentage of flow in the month of March (7.36%) and June

(7.41%). As the period from June to August is the monsoon season in Kerala,

by promoting monsoon tourism, the flow of domestic and foreign tourists can

be increased.

156

Figure 4.9Month wise arrival of domestic and foreign tourists

0

100000

200000

300000

400000

500000

600000

Janu

ary

Febr

uary

Mar

ch

Apr

il

May

June

July

Aug

ust

Sep

tem

ber

Oct

ober

Nov

embe

r

Dec

embe

r

Month

Num

ber

ForeignDomestic

Foreign tourist arrivals in Kerala from top fifteen countries

The foreign tourist arrivals in Kerala and the ranking of countries,

according to arrivals during the last ten years, is given in Table 4.10

157

Table 4.10 Ranking of top 15 countries according to highest arrivals 1999 to 2008

(Number of tourists) country 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 U.K 38737 37254 44181 45252 50363 61684 70423 91033 120890 141147 Maldives 21048 19279 16782 18265 16333 25863 32967 29687 22642 35435 Germany 17569 14210 15689 17971 21347 25304 22861 24649 35848 43468 U.S.A 15131 21604 21727 32397 25933 29188 27453 40409 39433 43307 France 15097 15375 21991 24634 30225 37739 27791 37923 48137 52239 Sri lanka 11124 14475 11788 13183 10109 7014 4741 5787 Japan 8931 6061 4902 4650 7463 7598 6055 6954 Italy 8329 6430 6941 7287 10291 12688 10020 14197 18052 17385 Netherlands 6523 5611 5516 5658 9379 9665 7554 10488 12738 12511 Australia 6490 5785 5587 5604 7017 10271 9962 12460 14622 16968 Switzerland 5970 6343 6728 7385 10260 9715 8742 10690 16097 15603 Sweden 5275 4181 3082 3121 4613 5671 4593 6207 10173 20666 Belgium 4104 - - - - - Austria 4029 - - - - - Canada 3982 4695 3792 3777 5570 6781 7527 8780 10492 13541 Saudi Arabia - - - - - - - 6213 8560 12137 Bangladesh - - - - - - - - 8773 UAE - - - - - - - - 8174 13334 Singapore - 3931 3625 - - - Spain - 3435 3222 3261 5554 6853 4595 6981 8176 10632 Israel 3222 7585 6324 3161 Russia 9766 Total 172339 168669 175553 195667 222042 262358 2 48 445 312458 382807 458139 Others 29834 41264 33277 36897 72579 83188 98 054 116076 133001 140790 Grand Total 202173 209933 208830 232564 294621 345546 346 499 428534 515808 598929

Source : Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala Tourist Statistics from 1999 to 2008.

158

Table 4.11 Ranking of top 15 countries according to highest arrivals 1999 to 2008

(Percentage of tourists) country 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 U.K 19.16 17.75 21.16 19.46 17.09 17.85 20.32 21.24 23.44 23.57 Maldives 10.41 9.18 8.04 7.85 5.54 7.48 9.51 6.93 4.39 5.92 Germany 8.69 6.77 7.51 7.73 7.25 7.32 6.60 5.75 6.95 7.26 U.S.A 7.48 10.29 10.40 13.93 8.80 8.45 7.92 9.43 7.64 7.23 France 7.47 7.32 10.53 10.59 10.26 10.92 8.02 8.85 9.33 8.72 Sri lanka 5.50 6.90 5.64 5.67 3.43 2.03 1.37 1.35 0.00 0.00 Japan 4.42 2.89 2.35 2.00 2.53 2.20 1.75 1.62 0.00 0.00 Italy 4.12 3.06 3.32 3.13 3.49 3.67 2.89 3.31 3.50 2.90 Netherlands 3.23 2.67 2.64 2.43 3.18 2.80 2.18 2.45 2.47 2.09 Australia 3.21 2.76 2.68 2.41 2.38 2.97 2.88 2.91 2.83 2.83 Switzerland 2.95 3.02 3.22 3.18 3.48 2.81 2.52 2.49 3.12 2.61 Sweden 2.61 1.99 1.48 1.34 1.57 1.64 1.33 1.45 1.97 3.45 Belgium 2.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Austria 1.99 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Canada 1.97 2.24 1.82 1.62 1.89 1.96 2.17 2.05 2.03 2.26 Saudi Arabia 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.45 1.66 2.03 Bangladesh 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.70 0.00 UAE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.58 2.23 Singapore 0.00 1.87 1.74 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Spain 0.00 1.64 1.54 1.40 1.89 1.98 1.33 1.63 1.59 1.78 Israel 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.39 2.57 1.83 0.91 0.00 0.00 0.00 Russia 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.63 Total 85.24 80.34 84.07 84.13 75.37 75.93 71.70 72.91 74.22 76.49 Others 14.76 19.66 15.93 15.87 24.63 24.07 28.30 27.09 25.78 23.51 Grand Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala Tourist Statistics 1999 to 2008.

The Table 4.11 shows that, the tourist arrival from the first fifteen

countries constituted 85.24 percent, 80.34 percent, 84.07 percent, 84.13

percent, 75.37 percent, 75.93 percent, 71.70 percent, 72.91 percent, 74.22

percent and 76.49 percent of the foreign tourist arrivals to Kerala from 1999 to

2008. It is to be noted that United Kingdom remained on the top of all tourist

generating countries for Kerala. Maldives, France, U.S.A, Germany etc are the

159

other nations which contribute to the foreign tourist flow to Kerala on a

maximum basis. The same picture is available by considering the average flow

of tourist in ten years (Table.4.12 and Figure 4.10)

Table 4.12 Average foreign tourist arrival from top 15 countries

No Country Average Percentage 1 U.K 70096.40 18.11 2 Maldives 23830.10 6.16 3 Germany 23891.60 6.17 4 U.S.A 29658.20 7.66 5 France 31115.10 8.04 6 Sri lanka 9777.63 2.53 7 Japan 6576.75 1.70 8 Italy 11162.00 2.88 9 Netherlands 8564.30 2.21 10 Australia 9476.60 2.45 11 Switzerland 9753.30 2.52 12 Sweden 6758.20 1.75 13 Belgium 4104.00 1.06 14 Austria 4029.00 1.04 15 Canada 6893.70 1.78 16 Saudi Arabia 8970.00 2.32 17 Bangladesh 8773.00 2.27 18 UAE 10754.00 2.78 19 Singapore 3778.00 0.98 20 Spain 5856.56 1.51 21 Israel 5073.00 1.31 22 Russia 9766.00 2.52

Total 308657.43 79.72 Others 78496.00 20.28 Grand Total 387153.43 100.00

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala tourist statistic from 1999 to 2008.

Pictorial representation of same is made in the Figure 4.10.

160

Figure 4.10Average foreign tourist arrival from top 15 countries

0 5 10 15 20 25

U.K

M aldives

Germany

U.S.A

France

Sri lanka

Japan

Italy

Netherlands

Australia

Switzerland

Sweden

Belgium

Austria

Canada

Saudi Arabia

Bangladesh

UAE

Singapore

Spain

Israel

Russia

Others

Cou

ntry

Percentage

District-wise arrival of domestic tourists

The District-wise arrival of domestic tourists gives a picture about the

district which the tourist prefers mostly.

161

Comparison of district wise arrival of domestic tourists

The statistics of the district wise arrival of domestic tourists in ten years

i.e., 1999 to 2008 shows which district remains the top in each of the ten years

for attracting the domestic tourists. The Table 4.13 shows the district-wise

arrivals of the domestic tourists in Kerala during 1999to2008.

Table 4.13 District - wise arrival of domestic tourists 1999-2008

(Number of tourists)

Month 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

TVM 755897 763345 749968 775225 865048 855787 837211 866712 948579 1102115

Kollam 110569 96103 90490 91331 101890 100729 98227 122998 145524 180943

Pathanamthitta 76311 67041 72267 67514 68014 64640 59328 57032 60988 59832

Alappuzha 111050 127719 121867 139305 172119 185906 173626 179115 170731 234700

Kottayam 142143 140320 161828 160269 162779 163084 164909 196284 189411 230831

Ernakulam 734837 810527 819442 961820 1001938 1043479 1025944 1080591 1109644 1509686

Idukki 185579 209639 278081 366861 420960 482283 473772 515182 505229 531970

Thrissur 1285029 1376692 1317797 1369419 1390491 1378118 1327856 1398014 1546576 1671174

Palakkad 301861 300888 274716 266438 271169 256015 266837 300674 315591 324399

Malappuram 250326 241740 285326 272911 295102 297203 306431 303844 313200 323448

Wayanad 190559 171040 170880 202291 202909 187701 191184 225923 256190 295465

Kozhikode 499062 496060 424531 442602 461814 498931 553363 550694 570832 595985

Kannur 96918 76565 326632 317879 319338 323645 333855 351309 375255 395121

Kasaragod 148146 135542 145867 134391 137657 134661 133880 123352 135191 135581

Total 4888287 5013221 5239692 5568256 5871228 5972182 5946423 6271724 6642941 7591250


162

Table 4.14 District - wise arrival of domestic tourists 1999-2008

(Percentage of tourists)

Month 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 TVM 15.46 15.23 14.31 13.92 14.73 14.33 14.08 13.82 14.28 14.52 Kollam 2.26 1.92 1.73 1.64 1.74 1.69 1.65 1.96 2.19 2.38 Pathanamthitta 1.56 1.34 1.38 1.21 1.16 1.08 1.00 0.91 0.92 0.79 Alappuzha 2.27 2.55 2.33 2.50 2.93 3.11 2.92 2.86 2.57 3.09 Kottayam 2.91 2.80 3.09 2.88 2.77 2.73 2.77 3.13 2.85 3.04 Ernakulam 15.03 16.17 15.64 17.28 17.07 17.47 17.25 17.23 16.70 19.89 Idukki 3.80 4.18 5.31 6.59 7.17 8.08 7.97 8.21 7.61 7.00 Thrissur 26.29 27.46 25.15 24.59 23.68 23.08 22.33 22.29 23.28 22.01 Palakkad 6.18 6.00 5.24 4.78 4.62 4.29 4.49 4.79 4.75 4.29 Malappuram 5.12 4.82 5.45 4.90 5.03 4.98 5.15 4.84 4.71 4.26 Wayanad 3.90 3.41 3.26 3.63 3.46 3.14 3.22 3.60 3.86 3.89 Kozhikode 10.21 9.90 8.10 7.95 7.87 8.35 9.31 8.78 8.59 7.85 Kannur 1.98 1.52 6.23 5.71 5.44 5.42 5.61 5.60 5.65 5.20 Kasaragod 3.03 2.70 2.78 2.42 2.33 2.25 2.25 1.98 2.04 1.79 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00


The Table 4.14 shows that the maximum flow of domestic tourists in ten

years is in Trichur District, i.e., 26.29 percent,27.46 percent,25.15

percent,24.59 percent,23.68 percent,23.08 percent,22.33 percent,22.29

percent,23.28 percent and 22.01 percent respectively.. The minimum domestic

tourist flow is in the Pathanamthitta district constituting 1.56 percent,1.34

percent,1.38 percent,1.21 percent,1.16 percent,1.08 percent,1.00 percent, 0.91

percent, 0.92 percent and 0.79 percent respectively. Thiruvananthapuram,

Ernakulam, Idukki and Kozhikode are the other districts which contributes

163

maximum tourist flow in Kerala. The ten years analysis shows that, Thrissur

district is preferred mostly by the domestic tourists.

District-wise arrival of foreign tourists

The District-wise arrival of foreign tourists gives a picture about the most

favourable district of Kerala, where the foreign tourist prefers.

Comparison of district wise arrival of foreign tourists

The statistics of district-wise arrival of foreign tourists in ten years i.e.,

1999 to 2008 shows which district remains the top in each of the ten years for

attracting the foreign tourists to Kerala.

Table 4.15 District - wise arrival of foreign tourists 1999-2008

(Number of tourists) District 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Thiruvananthapuram 96536 82803 63197 65240 94835 103558 119940 151578 193924 234797 Kollam 7430 8997 9970 8478 8620 8242 6813 7918 8854 8728 Pathanamthitta 141 208 148 177 287 330 349 346 547 349 Alappuzha 10478 12013 12871 17261 26157 38024 30274 36407 40463 49866 Kottayam 11832 12876 17744 20488 21897 23517 20017 26543 27358 27230 Idukki 55546 55819 69972 87357 99987 109344 39378 44583 46463 193013 Ernakulam 10719 24842 25385 24692 31831 46031 108773 131767 165125 51025 Thrissur 1634 2057 1950 1979 2667 2658 2421 4142 4645 3398 Palakkad 1512 1517 809 611 661 947 801 809 615 785 Malappuram 855 856 964 1048 1402 3129 5115 7109 9766 10166 Kozhikode 449 561 630 563 621 749 8420 11154 10020 5638 Wayanad 2968 5159 3232 3076 3529 4702 942 2611 4093 9966 Kannur 1271 1415 1197 1014 1438 2516 2090 2730 3067 3143 Kasaragod 802 810 761 580 689 1799 1166 837 868 825 Total 202173 209933 208830 232564 294621 345546 346499 428534 515808 598929


164

Table 4.16

District - wise arrival of foreign tourists 1999-2008 (Percentage of tourists)

District 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Thiruvananthapuram 47.75 39.44 30.26 28.05 32.19 29.97 34.61 35.37 37.60 39.20

Kollam 3.68 4.29 4.77 3.65 2.93 2.39 1.97 1.85 1.72 1.46

Pathanamthitta 0.07 0.10 0.07 0.08 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.08 0.11 0.06

Alappuzha 5.18 5.72 6.16 7.42 8.88 11.00 8.74 8.50 7.84 8.33

Kottayam 5.85 6.13 8.50 8.81 7.43 6.81 5.78 6.19 5.30 4.55

Idukki 27.47 26.59 33.51 37.56 33.94 31.64 11.36 10.40 9.00 32.23

Ernakulam 5.30 11.83 12.16 10.62 10.80 13.32 31.39 30.75 32.01 8.52

Thrissur 0.81 0.98 0.93 0.85 0.91 0.77 0.70 0.97 0.90 0.57

Palakkad 0.75 0.72 0.39 0.26 0.22 0.27 0.23 0.19 0.12 0.13

Malappuram 0.42 0.41 0.46 0.45 0.48 0.91 1.48 1.66 1.89 1.70

Kozhikode 0.22 0.27 0.30 0.24 0.21 0.22 2.43 2.60 1.94 0.94

Wayanad 1.47 2.46 1.55 1.32 1.20 1.36 0.27 0.61 0.80 1.66

Kannur 0.63 0.67 0.57 0.44 0.49 0.73 0.60 0.63 0.60 0.52

Kasaragod 0.40 0.39 0.37 0.25 0.23 0.52 0.34 0.20 0.17 0.13

Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00


The data’s shows that, Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam districts

contributes the maximum flow of foreign tourists, in the ten years, where as

Pathanmthitta, Palakkad, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur districts were the

least contributories. The analysis shows that, the flow of foreign tourists to

northern side of Kerala was very negligible during the last ten years.

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Table 4.17 Average District - wise arrival of foreign and domestic tourists

Foreign Domestic Month

Average Percentage Average Percentage

Thiruvananthapuram. 120640.80 35.66 851988.70 14.44

Kollam 8405.00 2.48 113880.40 1.93

Pathanamthitta 288.20 0.09 65296.70 1.11

Alappuzha 27381.40 8.09 161613.80 2.74

Kottayam 20950.20 6.19 171185.80 2.90

Ernakulam 80146.20 23.69 1009790.80 17.11

Idukki 62019.00 18.33 396955.60 6.73

Thrissur 2755.10 0.81 1406116.60 23.83

Palakkad 906.70 0.27 287858.80 4.88

Malappuram 4041.00 1.19 288953.10 4.90

Wayanad 3880.50 1.15 209414.20 3.55

Kozhikode 4027.80 1.19 509387.40 8.63

Kannur 1988.10 0.59 291651.70 4.94

Kasaragod 913.70 0.27 136426.80 2.31

Total 338343.70 100.00 5900520.40 100.00

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala tourist statistics from 1999 to 2008.

Considering the percentage of 10 years arrival (Table 4.17) of foreign

tourist Thiruvananthapuram bagged the maximum tourists (35.66%) followed

by Ernakulam (23.69%) and Idukki (18.33%).Less than1 % arrival is in Kannur

(0.59%), Kasargod (0.27%) and Pathanamthitta (0.09%).

166

Domestic tourist flow is concerned Thrissur district stands first (23.83%)

followed by Ernakulam(17.11%) and Thiruvanathapuram(14.44%) In he case

of domestic tourist also Pathanamthitta district stands in the least

position(1.11%).By making a comparative analysis of the foreign and domestic

tourist flow in Kerala for the last ten years shows that only three districts are in

a position to get more than 10 percent of the tourist flows. So there arise a

necessity of increasing the tourist flows in other 11 districts of Kerala.

Table 4.18 Region - wise arrival of foreign and domestic tourists

Region Foreign Domestic

South 46.32 20.21

Central 49.29 55.45

North 4.39 24.33

Total 100.00 100.00

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala tourist statistics from 1999 to 2008.

Region wise arrival of foreign tourists are concerned (Table 4.18 and

Figure 4.11) the central region gets the maximum followed by the southern

region. In the case of domestic tourists the central region gets the maximum

followed by the north region. But the contribution of the north region in the

case of foreign tourist is of very negligible i.e. only 4.39 percent.

167

Figure 4.11Regional arrival of foreign and domestic tourists

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

South Central Noth

Region

Per

cent

age

ForeignDomestic

Contribution of Kerala in Indian tourism market

The total foreign tourist flow to Kerala in 2008 was 598929 which

constituted 11.16 percent of the total foreign tourist visited India. The table

4.16 shows the number of foreign tourist arrivals in Kerala from 1999 to2008

in relation to the total number of foreign tourist arrivals to India.

168

Table 4.19 Foreign tourists visited India & Kerala and share of foreign tourist

arrivals to Kerala Arrivals of Foreign Tourists

Year India Kerala

Share of foreign Tourist Arrival to

Kerala 1999 24,81,928 2,02,173 8.15 2000 26,49,378 2,09,933 7.92 2001 25,37,282 2,08,830 8.23 2002 23,84,364 2,32,564 9.75 2003 27,26,214 2,94,621 10.81 2004 34,57,477 3,45,546 9.99 2005 39,18,610 3,46,499 8.85 2006 44,47,167 4,28,534 9.64 2007 50,81,504 5,15,808 10.15 2008 53,66,966 5,98,929 11.16

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of India Tourist Statistics and Government of Kerala Tourist Statistics 1999 to 2008. .

The Table 4.19 shows that, the total foreign tourist flow to Kerala in

2008 was 5, 98,929 which constituted 11.16 percent of the total foreign tourists

visited India. Though the share of Kerala increased to 10.81 percent in the year

2003, from 9.75 percent of the previous year, it declined to 9.99 percent in the

year 2004 and 8.85 percent in the year 2005 but gradually increased to 9.64

percent (2006), 10.15 percent (2007) and 11.6 percent (2008).

Growth rate of foreign tourist arrivals in Kerala and India

The growth rate of foreign tourist arrivals in Kerala and India gives a

picture about the foreign tourist variations in Kerala along with India.

169

The Table 4.20 shows the growth rate in foreign tourist in Kerala and

India for the last ten years.

Table 4.20 Growth rate of foreign tourists in Kerala and India

Kerala India Year No. of

Tourists % variation over

previous year No. of

Tourists % variation over

previous year - -

1999 2,02,173 - 24,81,928 - 2000 2,09,933 3.84 26,49,378 6.74 2001 2,08,830 -0.53 25,37,282 -4.23 2002 2,32,564 11.37 23,84,364 -6.02 2003 2,94,621 26.68 27,26,214 14.34 2004 3,45,546 17.28 34,57,477 26.82 2005 3,46,499 0.26 39,18,610 13.34 2006 4,2 8,534 23.68 44,47,167 13.49 2007 5,15,808 20.37 50,81,504 14.26 2008 5,98,929 16.11 53,66,966 5.62 Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of India Tourist Statistics and Government of Kerala Tourist Statistics 1999 to 2008.

Graphical representation of the growth rate of foreign tourist in Kerala

and India is presented in Figure 4.12.

170

Figure 4.12Growth rate in foreign tourists in Kerala and India

0

1000000

2000000

3000000

4000000

5000000

6000000

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Year

Num

ber

KeralaIndia

It is to be noted that, the September 11,2001 incident at the World Trade

Centre, New York and the subsequent developments leading to Afghan war,

Indo-Pak border issues and terrorist attacks in some places has resulted a

decrease of 4.23 percent in the year 2001 and 6.02 percent in the year 2002 in

the national figure. But the tourist arrivals to Kerala have got a minor decrease

of 0.53 percent in 2001 and 11.37 percent increase in 2002. Though a setback

occurs in the year 2005 resulting an increase of 0.26 percent, but it gains

momentum in the year 2006, showing an increase of 23.68 percent and in the

year 2007, an increase of 20.37 percent and in 2008, 16.11 percent. Comparing

to national figures, these increases are double the rate of increase of the

national figures.

171

Earnings from tourism in Kerala

Foreign exchange earnings from tourism have shown a steady growth

over the years. In 2008, Kerala has earned Rs 3066.52 crores as foreign

exchange as against Rs 2640.94 crores in the year 2007. The growth rate is

16.11 percent.

The table 4.21 shows the foreign exchange earnings from tourism for the

last 10 years.

Table 4.21 Foreign Exchange Earnings from Tourism 1999-2008

Year Foreign Exchange earnings (in crores) *%of increase

1999 416.07 - 2000 525.30 26.25 2001 535.00 1.85 2002 705.67 31.90 2003 983.37 39.35 2004 1266.77 28.82 2005 1552.31 22.54 2006 1988.40 28.09 2007 2640.94 32.82 2008 3066.52 16.11


* Percentage of increase over previous year.

The table 4.21 shows that, there is an increasing trend of foreign exchange

earnings from tourism, except in the year 2001, which shows a growth rate of

only 1.85 percent. In the year 2003 it reaches up to 39.35 percent and after that,

172

though a declining trend results, in the year 2007 the rate of increase is 32.82

percent. In 2008 the increase was only 16.11 percent.

Earnings from domestic tourists and total earnings

The Table 4.22 shows the earnings from domestic tourists and the total

earnings from tourism for the last 10 years.

Table 4.22 Earnings from tourism 1999-2008

Year Earnings from

domestic tourists (Rs in crores)

Percentage of increase

Total revenue generated from Tourism (Direct & Indirect) (Rs in crores)

Percentage of increase

1999 - - - - 2000 2222.36 - 4000 - 2001 2561.16 15.24 4500 9.58 2002 3011.31 17.58 4931 20.42 2003 3492.68 15.99 5938 12.83 2004 3881.92 11.14 6829 15.01 2005 4281.42 10.29 7738 13.31 2006 4891.94 14.26 9126 17.94 2007 5978.65 22.21 11433 25.28 2008 6832.13 14.28 13130.00 14.84


The total revenue generated from tourism shows an increasing trend

through out the years from 2000 to 2008.

Accommodation Availability

Accommodation facilities constitute the most important part of tourist

supply. The primary function of a hotel is to accommodate those away from

house. Tourists seek a wide range of facilities and services which are provided

173

by different suppliers at different stages of the trip. The tourist who has left

home needs accommodation at his destination and en route when the journey

cannot be completed in a single way. Accommodation is a very important part

of tourism infrastructure and development of tourism is a function of

accommodation. The Table 4.23 shows the details of availability of

accommodation facility in classified hotels in Kerala.

Table 4.23 Details of availability of accommodation facility in classified hotels in

Kerala (2008)

Category of Hotels Number of Hotels Number of Rooms

5 Star Deluxe 4 509

5 Star 9 951

4 Star 17 1020

3 Star 219 5331

2 Star 78 1293

1 Star 5 139

Heritage/Resort 20 673

Apartment Hotel 1 58

Total 353 9974

Source: Economic Review 2008, Govt. of Kerala.

The Table 4.23 shows the major accommodation facilities available in

Kerala. Total number of rooms available in different types of hotels is 9974 and

the total number of foreign tourists arrived in the year 2008 is 5,98,929 (Table

174

4.2). As the flow of tourists are increasing year by year and the

accommodation facility is not enough, more and more new initiatives in the

field of hotel industry is to be promoted in Kerala.

Special features and attractions of Kerala Beaches

The exotic, palm –fringed Kerala beaches are considered the finest and

the most scenic beaches in the world. These beaches of Kerala offer surf and

sand like no other coastal place in India. For virtually its entire 600 kilometers

length, the Kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and

coconut palms. Each year greater number of visitors arrive here in search of

sun, sand and palm-fringed beaches. Among the facilities a tourist can enjoy at

the beach sites of Kerala include boating, sunbath, swimming, water spots and

yoga. Swim with fish, soak in the sun, sip tender coconut, catch a crab and

watch the sun lazily melt its way down into the sea .A loveable and a

memorable experience to the beach visitors.

Some of the special attractions and features of Kerala beaches are as

follows.

The Kovalam beach in Thiruvanathapuram District is famous for sun

bath on the silver sands of the beaches. The high rocky promontory jutting into

the sea has created a beautiful bay of calm waters for sea bathing. The palm

fringed bays of Kovalam in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay.

There are ayurvedic parlors, yoga centers and meditation centers near the

175

Kovalam beach.Poovar beach are one among the natural wonders where the

lake, river, sea and beach meet the land. Poovar beach in Kerala is one of the

most picturesque beaches in India. The shanghumugham beach is a favorable

place for sunset watchers. Fishing is an attractive scene in this beach. A dip in

the holy waters of Varkala beach is believed to pure the body and the soul of all

the sins. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coast

line. The mineral waters gushing from the hill is believed to have medicinal

properties. Thirumullavaram beach in Kollam is ideal for sun bathing.

Alappuzha beach provides a good picnic spot with a children park and boating

facility. Cherai beach in Alappuzha is ideal for swimming. Dolphins can also

be seen here. Cherai is also well-known for the mouth lingering fresh seafood

and country wine toddy. Beypore beach in Kozhikode, the country craft is

visible here- that is the uru built by traditional boat builders. From Thikkodi

light house beach, the attractive velliyamkallu can be viewed.

The Ezhimala beach in Kannur district, the beach sand is different

texture and the sea is bluer than that in other areas. The Muzhappilanged beach

is one of the longest drive in beach in Kerala.The Bekel beach in Kasargod, the

historically and archeologically significant Bekel fort gives an enchanting

pleasure to the beach viewers.

Conclusion

There is an increasing trend of foreign tourist arrival from 1999 to 2008

except in the year 2001 and 2005. Domestic tourist flow also shows an

176

increasing trend except in the year 2005. The set back in the year 2005 was due

to the tsunami issue. The month wise flow of foreign tourist is concerned the

month of January shows a better flow and in the case of domestic tourist the

month of December shows a better flow. In the case of district wise arrival of

domestic tourist and foreign tourist the Thrissur district and the

Thiruvanathapuram district respectively occupies top ranking and U.K. is the

largest contributor of foreign tourist to Kerala.

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