When it comes to holidaying, ‘God’s own country’ Kerala figures among the most sought after destinations and why not! Government of Kerala has rolled out new initiatives to lure people from across the country and outside to visit the state and enjoy the backwaters. The latest among the initiatives include ‘Seaplane Project’ and ‘Project Muziris’. While the former aims at improving last mile connectivity by air to its destinations across the state, the latter directs to reinstate the historical and cultural significance of the legendary port of Muziris, which makes a part of Central Kerala.
Addressing a press conference here in the city organised to increase awareness among the masses about the various initiatives, Information officer, Kerala Tourism Muralidharan said, ‘‘For the Seaplane Project, the immediate plan is to provide service initially in the priority circuit, consisting of the three airports of Trivandrum, Cochin and Calicut and the prime destinations Astamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Bolgatty and Bekal in the state.’’ He also added that the Muziris Heritage Site (MHS) that stretches across from the municipality of North Paravur in Ernakulam district to that of Kodungalloor in Thrissur district, aims at promoting awareness and understanding of the cultural distinctiveness and diversity of Muziris. More than 25 museums will showcase the Muziris Heritage.
The Spice Route
Another initiative in the offing is the Spice Route Revival Project. Kerala’s initiative to revive and promote the two millennia-old spice route, that links the south western coast of India up to Europe, through tourism has received a boost, with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) pledging support to the venture.
Noteworthy Natventure
Kerala Tourism has come out with a unique nature based soft adventure holidays programme called Natventure. The idea behind this is to use the key tourism products - wildlife, hill stations, beaches, backwaters, etc. and engage the possibilities of adventure activities they offer. Kerala Natventure activities include trekking, camping, rock climbing, jungle, wildlife safaris, bird watching, cycling, kayaking, canoeing and paragliding.