Tourism of Kerala

Kerala is probably the greenest place you will ever see, it is one of the 10 paradises in the world. The coconut palms, the red tiles houses, the innumerable lakes and beaches will remain long lasting impressions to any visitor.The colourful festivals, various types of dances, martial arts and wildlife sanctuaries are the other attractions.Location Kerala is a narrow strip of land locates on the south western edge of the Indian subcontinent. It is placed between the Western Ghats mountain range on the East and the Arabian Sea on the WestLegend says that Parashuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu threw his axe into the sea from Gokarnam (near present day Manglore) and it is believed the sea retreated from where his axe fell to give birth to Kerala!Geographically, Kerala is a heady amalgam of Nature's very best. The divine high ranges of the Western Ghats on the east. The Arabian Sea on the west. Emerald paddy fields. Virgin forests. Limpid backwaters, and beaches by the dozen, which in the days of yore, lured adventurous hearts from all over the globe.Kerala is God's own land, untouched and unparalleled.Kerala is a land of great natural beauty. From the majestic heights of the Western Ghats the count

Strengths
State is well known for smooth law and order11 One of the ten paradise and top 50 places to be visited in lifetime by National geographic traveller Innovative branding and positioning Variety of product and services (monsoon tourism, medical tourism, culture and arts, houseboats, backwaters, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries etc) Highly reputable, bagged various national and international awards Kerala, Indias most advanced society with full literacy High life expectancy Excellent quality of life Eco-tourism initiatives

The state is well known for smooth law and order, peace and tranquility, as one of the ten Para-dises Found by the National Geo-graphic Traveller, Kerala is among the 50 places in the world recom-mended to be visited in a lifetime. Kerala offers a wide variety of tour-ist attractions and Kerala.s small land area gives it the added advantage of being the best venture for.multi destination tourism., Houseboat holidays in the 900 kms of tranquil backwaters and Ayurvedic rejuvenation packages are two experiences that have no parallel else- where, Kerala.s almost 600 kms long shoreline has gifted it with some of the most charming beaches in the country such as Kovalam, Varkala, Kappad, Muzhappilangad, Bekal etc, The Western Ghats region gilded by scores of mountain streams and waterfalls are the most nature rich parts of Kerala. The State has some of the finest hill stations in the country and 14 Wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks. The traditional festivals of Kerala are colourful social events that reflect the vibrant nature of the land and its people. Boat races in the backwaters are majestic. The traditional art forms of the state are spectacular. Kerala also has a rich and singular cultural heritage. Above all,Kerala is India.s most advanced society with fully literate people, the world-class health care systems, the lowest infant mortality rates, highest life expectancy rates and an excellent quality of life. The state has a long history of communal harmony and has not experienced any major law and order problems. It is a safe and secure destination. The state also has a well-knit communication and transportation system. Three international airports- at Thiruvanan-hapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. The international seaport at Kochi and major railheads and trains from neighboring states ensure easy access to any part of the State. Tourism manned by small and medium operators and investors giving variety and local flavour to products andVibrant Panchayati Raj system facilitates a participative tourism model including the components of eco-tourism.

Weaknesses
Inadequate infrastructure to match expectation Provisional airline policies by Govt of India Restrictive coastal regulation zone Lack of efficient waste management system

 Lack of regulatory mechanism for sustainable development Shortage of funds for tourism expansion Exploitation of tourists (overcharging for services) Weaknesses are absence of clear and well defined policies, Inadequate infrastructure to match the expectation, restrictive Airline Policy of the Government of India, restrictive Coastal Regulation Zone, lack of quality connectivity, distance from major markets, increased neglect of solid and liquid waste management system, lack of quality shopping and recreation facility, lack of regulatory mechanism for sustainable development and quality controls, dearth of funds in implementation of tourism projects, lack of coordination by various line departments in providing infrastructure, high percentage of low yield foreign tourists, lack of professionalism, lack of expertise in preparation of tourism plans, perception as a militant trade union area, high and prohibitive taxation policy, lack of better rail facilities, lack of positive approach to tourism, endency to overcharge tourists for services and absence of major international companies.