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Kerala is gearing up for unique canal tourism  

       Kochi: Kerala is gearing up for unique canal tourism through its vast network of canals and backwaters for this season. The state is famous for its picturesque backwaters, beaches, waterfalls and an intricate network of lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries and river deltas. For domestic as well as foreign tourists, the state government has sought to promote facilities like leisure boat rides along 1900 kms of backwater, boat races, houseboat holidays, access to marine products and the coir industry.

       Promotions also include a visit to Kuttanad, the "Granary of Kerala," perhaps the only place in the world were farming is done below sea level. Foreign tourists experiencing canal tourism for the first time, said they were simply amazed, excited and happy to see what was on offer for them. "It is a really beautiful place. It is very interesting. We are able to see the beauty and the life of fisherman. The picturesque is really wonderful. It is very peaceful. It is nice" said Andira, an American tourist.

       "This is the first time I have seen anything which is so beautiful. It is great to see. Everything is gorgeous. Every day is a new day for us," said British tourist Elisha Brown. As per the statistics, approximately 294,000 foreign tourists arrived in the state in 2003, while there were 5.9 million domestic visitors. The last tourist season closed with a record turnover of Rs. 59.38 billion ($1.29 billion). There was also an incredible increase of 39 per cent in foreign exchange earnings.
- Nov 2, 2004