<keyword id="6362858" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala-Tourism">Kerala Tourism</keyword> is targeting a healthy 10-12 per cent growth in both arrivals as well as in earnings in the year to March 2020 as the state has returned to normalcy after the worst deluge in a century had ravaged the entire state last year, a senior official has said. Despite the killer floods, the state had recorded a 6 per cent increase in both footfalls and revenue in 2018. It can be noted that tourism was one of the worst affected business sectors of the state's economy that was impacted by the worst deluge in a century that ravaged the entire state in August-September of 2018. The tourism hot-spot <keyword id="30469" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kochi">Kochi</keyword> and the surrounding areas and the Alappuzha, known for its famed boat-houses and backwaters, bore the brunt of the floods bringing the industry to a complete standstill. Apart from remittances, tourism is the mainstay of the Kerala economy with 12 per cent of the state GDP is contributed by this. "After the worst floods last year, tourism has recovered fully from January 2019. We saw 8.07 per cent growth in arrivals in the first quarter at 41,90,468 against 38,77,712 during the same period last year. Looking at the current trends we expect 10-12 per cent growth in both arrivals as well as in earnings this fiscal year," Kerala Tourism information officer Suraj PK told PTI. Despite the floods, Kerala closed 2018 with total footfalls of 16.7 million, up 6 per cent over 2017 while the earnings were over Rs 36,520 crore, up from Rs 28,740 crore, he added. In 2017, the footfalls were 15.67 million, recording an increase of 5.93 per cent. Of the total footfalls, 1.09 million were foreign tourists. The share of revenue from foreign visitors touched Rs 8,764.46 crore. Domestic tourism sector also gained during the period with visitors exceeding 15.6 million, showing an increase of 6.35 per cent, according to the numbers shared by the department. Buoyed by a healthy surge in domestic tourist arrivals, Kerala Tourism is all set to kick-start a new aggressive marketing campaign with a string of partnership meets across 10 cities, showcasing a combination of the state's traditional art forms and its attractive products of touristy appeal. Suraj said tourism will also get a boost from the very first edition of the Kerala's Champions Boat League (CBL), which began from late August. The boat league is conceived in the IPL format. "Every weekend any tourist who comes to Kerala will be able to witness one 'Champions Boat Race' in any of the major backwaters. It will end with the President's Trophy Boat Race in <keyword id="6357351" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="kollam">Kollam</keyword> on November 23, holding 12 races during the intervening weekends. It will be a world-class experience for the guests," he added. To attract tourists, the state has also added an array of new destinations and experiences that will make Kerala a 365-day destination for leisure travel. "A special attraction would be the <keyword id="61688" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jatayu">Jatayu</keyword> Earth Centre, an hour drive north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram, which houses a giant statue of Jatayu, he said. The statue is 200-feet long, 150 feet wide and 70 feet in height, making it the largest functional bird sculpture in the world, Suraj added. Another new attraction is the country's first biodiversity museum, which is tucked away on the outskirts of the capital city. This museum, once a boathouse, is now home to the state's first-ever science-on-sphere system. Another first is the <keyword id="489015" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Muziris">Muziris</keyword> Heritage Project, expected to be completed this year, is the largest heritage conservation project in the country. The remains of a once-thriving port frequented by the Arabs, the Romans and the Egyptians during the first century BC is preserved across 25 museums. Another offering in the historical space is the Spice Route Project that rekindles the 2,000-year-old ancient sea links and the shared cultural and culinary legacies with 30 countries. Kerala is keen to figure prominently in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) tourism destinations as well, Suraj said.

Kerala wants to bounce back after floods, eyes 10-12% growth in tourism

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/27121837.cms" /> When the winter is right upon us and holidays are back with a bang, can festivals be far behind? It is <keyword id="24087" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="carnival">carnival</keyword> time across India – a time to celebrate and share all things good in true Yuletide spirit. So we bring you seven offbeat <keyword id="6385705" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="events">events</keyword> – a mix of modern concepts and traditional happenings that celebrate the varied and vibrant art and culture of the country. And then there will be Christmas <keyword id="192" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Celebrations">celebrations</keyword> all over India. Let go of your toil &amp; care, and connect to retune your life. Happy holidays! 
 
Life at its exotic best – <keyword id="78069" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rann-Utsav">Rann Utsav</keyword> (<keyword id="6354766" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gujarat">Gujarat</keyword>) It’s a desert <keyword id="58" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Festival">festival</keyword> with a difference. The white salt marsh, spread across some 7,000 sq km in Gujarat, attracts thousands to the Great Rann every year, revealing the many-hued life and culture of <keyword id="6361801" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kutch">Kutch</keyword>. The journey from Bhuj will take you to the colourful Tent City at <keyword id="1967990" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dhordo-village">Dhordo village</keyword> and other exotic locations such as <keyword id="1967991" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hodko">Hodko</keyword>, <keyword id="1967994" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhirandiyara">Bhirandiyara</keyword>, <keyword id="144766" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Khavda">Khavda</keyword>, <keyword id="476012" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kalo-Dungar">Kalo Dungar</keyword> (<keyword id="226408" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Black-Hills">Black Hills</keyword>) and the <keyword id="656787" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mandvi-beach">Mandvi beach</keyword>. The great white saltpan in the distance looks mesmeric and nearby, you can catch the haunting tunes played by the locals on their jodia pava (twin-flutes). While you are here, <keyword id="76631" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Folk-music">folk music</keyword>, dances, camel safaris and wildlife viewing will fill your days. A stay at the bhunga (egg-shaped mud huts), a taste of the Kutchi cuisine and the exquisite local art will enthral you further. In mid-January, Kutch celebrates the traditional <keyword id="4062388" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kite-festival">kite festival</keyword> <keyword id="90750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Uttarayan">Uttarayan</keyword> and you can watch the spectacular view as thousands of flying beauties dot the sky. 
When: Dec 15-March 18 
What it costs: Rs 7,900-22,500 plus taxes per person on twin sharing basis. 
Image: Rann-utsav.com 
 
<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/27120067.cms" /> 
 
Shake a leg at <keyword id="91958" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sunburn-festival">Sunburn Festival</keyword> (<keyword id="826" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goa">Goa</keyword>) If the <keyword id="24879" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sun">sun</keyword>, seas and <keyword id="6354530" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="music">music</keyword> allure you to distraction, it’s time to head for the coastal capital for a rocking experience. Sunburn is the coolest <keyword id="881528" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="electronic-dance-music-festival">electronic dance music festival</keyword> to invade the <keyword id="1834821" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="indian-beaches">Indian beaches</keyword>, now entering Season 7 with pomp and style. With custom stages in the making, numerous genres of music on offer and some world famous DJs &amp; <keyword id="49237" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Artistes">artistes</keyword> debuting, it is surely going to be an electrifying extravaganza that could be the party of parties in Goa. Get ready for some fun, frolic and froth even as the music captures your soul and you can’t stop dancing. 
When: Dec 27-29 
What it costs: Rs 9,250-15,500 per person. 
Image: Wikimedia Commons 
 
<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/27120166.cms" /> 
 
Super fun at <keyword id="1968003" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vh1-Supersonic">Vh1 Supersonic</keyword> (Goa) Another electrifying <keyword id="6356630" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="EDM">EDM</keyword> (<keyword id="42249" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="electronic-dance-music">electronic dance music</keyword>) event that will be held in Goa this year. A super line-up of artistes and DJs from all over the globe will keep you spellbound with some rocking music while dancing gets even better when you are grooving on the <keyword id="8688" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="SEA">sea</keyword> shore. And guess who is leading the super fest? None other than the electronic music promoter <keyword id="135873" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nikhil-Chinapa">Nikhil Chinapa</keyword> who has left Sunburn and is now starting his own show. The <keyword id="1968004" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Debut-edition">debut edition</keyword> this year is purely for <keyword id="6355317" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dance">dance</keyword> music fans, but it could be a <keyword id="1968005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Multi-genre-festival">multi-genre festival</keyword> within the next year or two. So let’s wait and watch the magic happen. 
When: Dec 26-30 
What it costs: Keep a tab, the organisers will soon come up with the ticket pricing. 
Image: Gosupersonic.in 
 
<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/27120247.cms" /> 
 
Wellness fest at Zambhala (Goa) If you are seeking wellness and harmony this <keyword id="6389817" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-year">New Year</keyword>, the <keyword id="1968009" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Zambhala-Yoga">Zambhala Yoga</keyword>, <keyword id="1968008" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Music-and-Life-Spirit-Festival">Music and Life Spirit Festival</keyword> could be the <keyword id="1968010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lifestyle-event">lifestyle event</keyword> for you. Debuting this December, it is going to be an annual festival that brings together <keyword id="1968011" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Yoga-experts">yoga experts</keyword>, <keyword id="551676" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="spiritual-teachers">spiritual teachers</keyword>, <keyword id="25205" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="doctors">doctors</keyword>, <keyword id="21324" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Therapists">therapists</keyword>, <keyword id="145052" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="healers">healers</keyword>, <keyword id="6367711" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Musicians">musicians</keyword> and <keyword id="1792" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="artists">artists</keyword> from all over the globe. So that one may nurture the power of self and live with positive energy. The yoga part of the festival is especially interesting as it will focus on various methods of yoga and <keyword id="6388212" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="meditation">meditation</keyword> – all curated to ensure a better and <keyword id="1968013" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Healthier-living">healthier living</keyword>. Then there will be talks and workshops on <keyword id="639756" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="life-skills">life skills</keyword> and <keyword id="1968014" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Alternative-healing">alternative healing</keyword>. Overall, quite a new concept and could be worth joining. 
When: Dec 21-22 
What it costs: Rs 2,800 per person for participation; day passes available at venue for Rs 1,600 while kids under the age of 12 can attend for free. Event to be held at Bardo, Morjim, in North Goa. 
Image: Zambhala.in 
 
<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/27120306.cms" /> 
 
Melody, masti at <keyword id="1968016" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mt-Abu-Winter-Festival">Mt Abu Winter Festival</keyword> (<keyword id="6355588" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajasthan">Rajasthan</keyword>) Come December and this hill resort in the heart of Rajasthan pulsates with festive notes. A grand procession marks the beginning, diyas are set floating on the <keyword id="455501" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nakki-Lake">Nakki Lake</keyword> in the evenings and spectacular <keyword id="54214" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fireworks">fireworks</keyword> light up the night sky. <keyword id="29645" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Performers">Performers</keyword> and <keyword id="6360759" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="artisans">artisans</keyword> from all over the state assemble here, bringing to life the rich culture and traditions of this princely state. Give in to the serene magic of music – the folk, the shehnai and the <keyword id="6401082" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sufi">Sufi</keyword> strains. Or join the Rajasthani dancers with full zest. The thrilling <keyword id="1968020" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fire-dance">fire dance</keyword> of Bikaner, the graceful <keyword id="1968022" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ghoomer">Ghoomer</keyword> and <keyword id="1968023" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Terahtali">Terahtali</keyword>, the lively <keyword id="1288524" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kalbelia">Kalbelia</keyword> and the fascinating <keyword id="1622221" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gair">Gair</keyword> of Mewar are sure to take your breath away. For the adventurous, there’s a long list of contests – rowing, horse races, tug-of-war, gilli danda, <keyword id="6799761" type="SPORT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kite-flying">kite flying</keyword> and even 20-20 cricket. Shop for exquisite <keyword id="6502685" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Handicraft">handicraft</keyword> and taste the delectable local food to make the most of this colourful carnival. 
When: Dec 29-31 
What it costs: A trip to <keyword id="434732" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mt-Abu">Mt Abu</keyword> suits every budget and starts from Rs 7,000-8,000 per person on twin sharing basis. 
Image: Wikimedia Commons 
 
<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/27120323.cms" /> 
 
The beat of sun, surf &amp; ruins – <keyword id="1968024" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mamallapuram-Dance-Festival">Mamallapuram Dance Festival</keyword> (<keyword id="12864" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chennai">Chennai</keyword>) If you missed the Konark dance festival in Odisha earlier this month, travel south to the beach town of <keyword id="385028" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mamallapuram">Mamallapuram</keyword> (also known as <keyword id="73041" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mahabalipuram">Mahabalipuram</keyword>), around 60 km south of Chennai, and soak in the <keyword id="1968025" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Open-air-dance-festival">open air dance festival</keyword>. One can never find a more majestic backdrop with the <keyword id="1968028" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Monolithic-rock-sculptures">monolithic rock sculptures</keyword> and temples rising above the golden shore and the endless waves breaking nearby. This ancient port town of the Pallava dynasty hosts a month-long festival that brings to life classical and <keyword id="522230" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="folk-dances">folk dances</keyword> from all over India – <keyword id="14944" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bharatanatyam">Bharatanatyam</keyword>, <keyword id="6386949" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kuchipudi">Kuchipudi</keyword>, <keyword id="255053" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kathakali">Kathakali</keyword>, <keyword id="1300412" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="mohini-attam">Mohini Attam</keyword>, <keyword id="6354459" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Odissi">Odissi</keyword>, <keyword id="210" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kathak">Kathak</keyword> and more. The exact venue is close to <keyword id="1968030" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Arjunas-Penance">Arjuna’s Penance</keyword>, a bass relief sculpted on the face of two gigantic adjacent rocks. While in Mamallapuram, you must visit Cholamadal artists’ village and shop for some exquisite handcrafted items. 
When: Dec 27-Jan 26 
What it costs: Most tour operators offer customised pricing, depending on itinerary and package; may cost around Rs 7,000 per person on twin sharing basis. 
Image: Tamilnadutourism.org 
 
<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/27120377.cms" /> 
 
A symphony of Indian traits – <keyword id="1968032" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cochin-Carnival">Cochin Carnival</keyword> (Kerala) This is one colourful carnival that calls for fun, feasting and revelry. It’s an age-old event and dates back to the colonial days when the Portuguese held <keyword id="9735" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-year-celebrations">New Year celebrations</keyword>. Now it offers loads of <keyword id="1783440" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="carnival-games">carnival games</keyword>, <keyword id="1968033" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Beach-games">beach games</keyword>, races (how about some dirt biking), dancing and fireworks. Locals dress up in <keyword id="1968034" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fancy-costumes">fancy costumes</keyword> and the grand finale includes a huge procession on New Year’s Day – complete with drum beats, music and embellished elephants. But just like a full-blooded carnival, it has more to offer that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the globe. While the North and <keyword id="1968035" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="South-Indian-folk-dances">South Indian folk dances</keyword> set the stages on fire, a three-month-long <keyword id="1968037" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="International-exhibition-of-contemporary-art">international exhibition of contemporary art</keyword> (they call it <keyword id="1055137" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kochi-Muziris-Biennale">Kochi-Muziris Biennale</keyword>) was also held across the state in 2012-13. So it should be back next December to delight <keyword id="1643" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Art-lovers">art lovers</keyword> and Aspinwall in <keyword id="6361494" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fort-Kochi">Fort Kochi</keyword> is expected to be the main venue for the second edition. 
When: Dec 25-Jan 1 at Fort Kochi. 
What it costs: A week’s vacation in Kerala may cost around Rs 16,000 per person on twin sharing basis (excluding airfare). 
Image: Keralatourism.org 
 
<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/27120517.cms" />

Seven
Indian Festivals You Must Not Miss This December

New Delhi, Feb 18 () Kerala is eyeing a robust growth in domestic tourist arrivals in 2020 as it undertakes a slew of initiatives, including 'Tourism Trade Meets' in ten cities in the country, to make the state a 365-day destination. In the first nine months of 2019, the state witnessed 1.32 crore domestic tourist arrivals. Kerala has commenced the second phase of national partnership meets in January which will go on till March, Kerala Tourism said in a statement. The increase in domestic tourist footfalls is a firm reiteration of the fact that the powerful promotional campaigns connected with the people instantly, Tourism Secretary Rani George said. "Travellers from across India will find the state not only heritage-rich and enchanting but also a welcoming destination, especially with Vishu, Thrissur Pooram, and a host of other festivals lined up," she added. Kerala has added an array of new and exciting products and experiences that are tailor-made for the domestic traveller and would also make the state a 365-day destination, Tourism Director P Bala Kiran said. In a bid to make tourism a sustainable enterprise, Kerala has also introduced the concept of village life experience under the responsible tourism mission, the statement said. The customised experiences include serene backwater cruises, calm boat rides, thrilling canoe cruises, and silent walks through lush greenery and paddy fields, it added. The state has taken other initiatives such as Muziris Heritage Project, Kochi-Muziris Biennale and Spice Route Project to hard sell the state as a preferred tourist destination. AKT RVK

You Searched For "Muziris" and got 3 results

Kerala wants to bounce back after floods, eyes 10-12% growth in tourism

PTI

Seven Indian Festivals You Must Not Miss This December

Sanghamitra Mandal

Kerala tourism eyes robust growth in domestic tourist footfalls in 2020

PTI