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 Gods 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.
Keralas 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 Kovalams 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 areas
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 KeralaThiruvananthapuram. 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 1930s.
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
mortals 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 Keralas 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
natures 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 ones feet on the other side, will strengthen ones feet
while relaxing ones 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 swamijis
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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days 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. Andrews
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 Keralas 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 Gods 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 swimmers 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
collectors 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.Angelos 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 bestmaintained 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 childrens 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, childrens 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
Indias 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
o

Kerala Coast. The climate is tropical ranging throughout the year from 20 c 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 4.2
Trends in tourist arrivals 1999-2008
90
80

No of tourists (Lakhs)

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1998

2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

Year

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
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008

Tourist Arrivals
(Foreign)
2,02,173
2,09,933
2,08,830
2,32,564
2,94,621
3,45,546
3,46,499
4,28,534
5,15,808
5,98,929

AAGR

*Annual growth
%
-3.84
-0.53
11.37
26.68
17.28
0.28
23.68
20.37
16.11
13.23

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala Tourist

Statistics 2007 and Economic Review 2008.
* Percentage of increase over previous year.

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 4.3
Foreign tourist arrivals 1999-2008
7.00
6.00

Number (Lakhs)

5.00
4.00
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Year

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 4.4
Domestic tourist arrivals 1999-2008
80
70

No of tourists (Lakhs)

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Year

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
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008

Foreign *Annual Domestic *Annual

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

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala Tourist

Statistics 2007 and Economic Review 2008.
* Percentage of increase over previous year.
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 4.5
Comparison of tourist arrivals 1999-2008
90
80
70

Number (lakhs)

60
50

Foreign
Domestic

40

Total

30
20
10
0
1998

2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

Year

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 4.6
Quarterly break up of foreign tourist arrival in Kerala
250000

200000

Number

150000

100000

50000

0
1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Year
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

1393659.3 1512552.4

1391636.0

1602672.7 5900520.4

Average
Percentage

23.62

25.63

23.58

27.16

100.00

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala Tourist

Statistics from 1999 to 2008.
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 4.7
Quarterly break up of domestic tourists arrival in Kerala
2500000

2000000

Number

1500000

1000000

500000

0
1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Year
I- Quarter

II-Quarter

III- Quarter

IV-Quarter

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 4.8
Seasonality of tourism of domestic and foreign tourists
40
35
30

Percentage

25
Foreign

20

Domestic

15
10
5
0
I- Quarter

II-Quarter

III- Quarter

IV-Quarter

Quarter

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
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Total

1999
31541
25624
20816
14277
10398
8040
10656
14487
11806
13367
19007
22154
202173

2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
24388 31625
29440
41845
45630
43345
58858
72814
23268 30862
29105
36163
43418
41314
56530
66131
17499 21957
19246
25261
35006
33479
39584
56151
13964 17868
18028
20106
23546
20191
32377
34487
12923 10653
10794
12675
14870
14919
20470
21098
8306
6571
6610
10820
12734
13239
16209
18262
8514
7747
8581
14824
17228
17593
23578
25199
17764 13611
14226
19240
27341
24398
28821
35563
18222 12391
17808
20253
21103
20064
21888
24708
17344 11913
20744
24702
22160
28068
28681
33534
22592 19310
26190
32165
38118
42324
44421
55647
25149 24322
31792
36567
44392
47565
57117
72214
209933 5239692 5568256 5871228 5972182 5946423 6271724 6642941

2008
85028
78155
71026
39538
26348
20578
31610
45711
28292
39748
59923
72972
598929

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala Tourist

Statistics from 1999 to 2008.
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
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Total

1999
453729
402718
419911
456629
441644
351733
356893
367486
382841
403944
411233
439526
4888287

2000
454330
382657
369231
453194
486006
356260
361034
373599
386123
435426
476877
478484
5013221

2001
472377
399215
396320
498856
479515
383196
396805
428291
432608
427181
442386
482942
5239692

2002
471608
387550
382452
499217
537429
406500
406622
488050
466928
472056
494481
555363
5568256

2003
511396
427116
400503
514213
566603
450537
421346
469920
496977
513082
526578
572957
5871228

2004
523145
451420
422727
503583
561503
440469
508893
489182
457398
516386
544746
552730
5972182

2005
499698
432673
428235
500005
562616
445652
467532
483490
485205
519239
552523
569555
5946423

2006
532748
469363
457435
522408
610241
467879
478701
511198
517659
543876
556297
603919
6271724

2007
588620
501204
485722
557785
639712
502224
478781
525309
529847
555721
618908
659108
6642941

2008
645492
586317
580681
643808
719566
566541
574544
600121
572977
655670
695118
750415
7591250

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala Tourist

Statistics from 1999 to 2008.

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
Month
January

Average
Number

Domestic Tourists

Percentage

Average
Number

Percentage

46451.4

13.73

515314.3

8.73

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

338343.7

100.00

5900520.4

100.00

February

Total

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 4.9
Month wise arrival of domestic and foreign tourists
600000

500000

Number

400000

Foreign

300000

Domestic
200000

100000

December

November

October

September

August

July

June

May

April

March

February

January

Month

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
U.K
Maldives
Germany
U.S.A
France
Sri lanka
Japan
Italy
Netherlands
Australia
Switzerland
Sweden
Belgium
Austria
Canada
Saudi Arabia
Bangladesh
UAE
Singapore
Spain
Israel
Russia
Total
Others
Grand Total

1999
38737
21048
17569
15131
15097
11124
8931
8329
6523
6490
5970
5275
4104
4029
3982
-

2000
37254
19279
14210
21604
15375
14475
6061
6430
5611
5785
6343
4181
4695
3931
3435

2001
44181
16782
15689
21727
21991
11788
4902
6941
5516
5587
6728
3082
3792
3625
3222

2002
45252
18265
17971
32397
24634
13183
4650
7287
5658
5604
7385
3121
3777
3261
3222

2003
50363
16333
21347
25933
30225
10109
7463
10291
9379
7017
10260
4613
5570
5554
7585

2004
61684
25863
25304
29188
37739
7014
7598
12688
9665
10271
9715
5671
6781
6853
6324

172339 168669 175553 195667 222042 262358

29834 41264 33277 36897 72579 83188
202173 209933 208830 232564 294621 345546

2005

2006

2007

70423

91033

120890

32967

29687

22642

22861

24649

35848

27453

40409

39433

27791

37923

48137

4741

5787

6055

6954

10020

14197

18052

7554

10488

12738

9962

12460

14622

8742

10690

16097

4593

6207

10173

2008
141147
35435
43468
43307
52239

17385
12511
16968
15603
20666

13541
12137

7527

8780

10492

6213

8560

8773

8174

13334

4595

6981

8176

10632

2 48 445

312458

382807

98 054

116076

133001

346 499

428534

515808

3161

9766
458139
140790
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
U.K
Maldives
Germany
U.S.A
France
Sri lanka
Japan
Italy
Netherlands
Australia
Switzerland
Sweden
Belgium
Austria
Canada
Saudi
Arabia
Bangladesh
UAE
Singapore
Spain
Israel
Russia
Total
Others
Grand
Total

1999
19.16
10.41
8.69
7.48
7.47
5.50
4.42
4.12
3.23
3.21
2.95
2.61
2.03
1.99
1.97

2000
17.75
9.18
6.77
10.29
7.32
6.90
2.89
3.06
2.67
2.76
3.02
1.99
0.00
0.00
2.24

2001
21.16
8.04
7.51
10.40
10.53
5.64
2.35
3.32
2.64
2.68
3.22
1.48
0.00
0.00
1.82

2002
19.46
7.85
7.73
13.93
10.59
5.67
2.00
3.13
2.43
2.41
3.18
1.34
0.00
0.00
1.62

2003
17.09
5.54
7.25
8.80
10.26
3.43
2.53
3.49
3.18
2.38
3.48
1.57
0.00
0.00
1.89

2004
17.85
7.48
7.32
8.45
10.92
2.03
2.20
3.67
2.80
2.97
2.81
1.64
0.00
0.00
1.96

2005
20.32
9.51
6.60
7.92
8.02
1.37
1.75
2.89
2.18
2.88
2.52
1.33
0.00
0.00
2.17

2006
21.24
6.93
5.75
9.43
8.85
1.35
1.62
3.31
2.45
2.91
2.49
1.45
0.00
0.00
2.05

2007
23.44
4.39
6.95
7.64
9.33
0.00
0.00
3.50
2.47
2.83
3.12
1.97
0.00
0.00
2.03

2008
23.57
5.92
7.26
7.23
8.72
0.00
0.00
2.90
2.09
2.83
2.61
3.45
0.00
0.00
2.26

0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
85.24
14.76

0.00
0.00
0.00
1.87
1.64
0.00
0.00
80.34
19.66

0.00
0.00
0.00
1.74
1.54
0.00
0.00
84.07
15.93

0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1.40
1.39
0.00
84.13
15.87

0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1.89
2.57
0.00
75.37
24.63

0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1.98
1.83
0.00
75.93
24.07

0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1.33
0.91
0.00
71.70
28.30

1.45
0.00
0.00
0.00
1.63
0.00
0.00
72.91
27.09

1.66
1.70
1.58
0.00
1.59
0.00
0.00
74.22
25.78

2.03
0.00
2.23
0.00
1.78
0.00
1.63
76.49
23.51

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
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22

Country
U.K
Maldives
Germany
U.S.A
France
Sri lanka
Japan
Italy
Netherlands
Australia
Switzerland
Sweden
Belgium
Austria
Canada
Saudi Arabia
Bangladesh
UAE
Singapore
Spain
Israel
Russia
Total
Others
Grand Total

Average
70096.40
23830.10
23891.60
29658.20
31115.10
9777.63
6576.75
11162.00
8564.30
9476.60
9753.30
6758.20
4104.00
4029.00
6893.70
8970.00
8773.00
10754.00
3778.00
5856.56
5073.00
9766.00
308657.43
78496.00
387153.43

Percentage
18.11
6.16
6.17
7.66
8.04
2.53
1.70
2.88
2.21
2.45
2.52
1.75
1.06
1.04
1.78
2.32
2.27
2.78
0.98
1.51
1.31
2.52
79.72
20.28
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 4.10
Average foreign tourist arrival from top 15 countries
Others
Russia
Israel
Spain
Singapo re
UA E
B angladesh
Saudi A rabia
Canada

Country

A ustria
B elgium
Sweden
Switzerland
A ustralia
Netherlands
Italy
Japan
Sri lanka
France
U.S.A
Germany
M aldives
U.K

10

15

20

25

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

TVM

755897 763345 749968 775225 865048 855787 837211 866712 948579

Kollam

110569

96103

90490

91331 101890 100729

98227 122998 145524

76311

67041

72267

67514

59328

Pathanamthitta

2000

2001

2002

2003

2006

2008
1102115
180943

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

Kasaragod
Total

57032

2007

59832

96918

64640

2005

60988

Kannur

68014

2004

76565 326632 317879 319338 323645 333855 351309 375255

395121

148146 135542 145867 134391 137657 134661 133880 123352 135191

135581

4888287 5013221 5239692 5568256 5871228 5972182 5946423 6271724 6642941

7591250

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala Tourist Statistics

from 1999 to 2008.

162

Table 4.14
District - wise arrival of domestic tourists 1999-2008
(Percentage of tourists)
Month
TVM

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

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

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

Idukki

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

from 1999 to 2008.

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

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala Tourist Statistics

from 1999 to 2008.

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
3.68 4.29 4.77 3.65 2.93 2.39 1.97 1.85 1.72 1.46
Kollam
0.07 0.10 0.07 0.08 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.08 0.11 0.06
Pathanamthitta
5.18 5.72 6.16 7.42 8.88 11.00 8.74 8.50 7.84 8.33
Alappuzha
5.85 6.13 8.50 8.81 7.43 6.81 5.78 6.19 5.30 4.55
Kottayam
27.47 26.59 33.51 37.56 33.94 31.64 11.36 10.40 9.00 32.23
Idukki
5.30 11.83 12.16 10.62 10.80 13.32 31.39 30.75 32.01 8.52
Ernakulam
0.81 0.98 0.93 0.85 0.91 0.77 0.70 0.97 0.90 0.57
Thrissur
0.75 0.72 0.39 0.26 0.22 0.27 0.23 0.19 0.12 0.13
Palakkad
0.42 0.41 0.46 0.45 0.48 0.91 1.48 1.66 1.89 1.70
Malappuram
0.22 0.27 0.30 0.24 0.21 0.22 2.43 2.60 1.94 0.94
Kozhikode
1.47 2.46 1.55 1.32 1.20 1.36 0.27 0.61 0.80 1.66
Wayanad
0.63 0.67 0.57 0.44 0.49 0.73 0.60 0.63 0.60 0.52
Kannur
0.40 0.39 0.37 0.25 0.23 0.52 0.34 0.20 0.17 0.13
Kasaragod
100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
Total

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala Tourist Statistics

from 1999 to 2008.

The datas 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.

165

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

Month
Thiruvananthapuram.

Foreign
Average

Domestic

Percentage

Average

Percentage

120640.80

35.66

851988.70

14.44

8405.00

2.48

113880.40

1.93

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

913.70

0.27

136426.80

2.31

338343.70

100.00

5900520.40

100.00

Kollam
Pathanamthitta

Kasaragod
Total

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 4.11
Regional arrival of foreign and domestic tourists
60.00

50.00

Percentage

40.00
Foreign

30.00

Domestic

20.00

10.00

0.00
South

Central

Noth

Region

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
Year
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008

India

Kerala

Share of foreign
Tourist Arrival to
Kerala

24,81,928
26,49,378
25,37,282
23,84,364
27,26,214
34,57,477
39,18,610
44,47,167
50,81,504
53,66,966

2,02,173
2,09,933
2,08,830
2,32,564
2,94,621
3,45,546
3,46,499
4,28,534
5,15,808
5,98,929

8.15
7.92
8.23
9.75
10.81
9.99
8.85
9.64
10.15
11.16

Arrivals of Foreign Tourists

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
Year

No. of
Tourists

1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008

2,02,173
2,09,933
2,08,830
2,32,564
2,94,621
3,45,546
3,46,499
4,2 8,534
5,15,808
5,98,929

Kerala
% variation over
previous year
3.84
-0.53
11.37
26.68
17.28
0.26
23.68
20.37
16.11

No. of
Tourists
24,81,928
26,49,378
25,37,282
23,84,364
27,26,214
34,57,477
39,18,610
44,47,167
50,81,504
53,66,966

India
% variation over
previous year
6.74
-4.23
-6.02
14.34
26.82
13.34
13.49
14.26
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 4.12
Growth rate in foreign tourists in Kerala and India

6000000

5000000

Number

4000000

Kerala

3000000

India
2000000

1000000

0
1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Year

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
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008

Foreign Exchange
earnings (in crores)
416.07
525.30
535.00
705.67
983.37
1266.77
1552.31
1988.40
2640.94
3066.52

*%of increase
26.25
1.85
31.90
39.35
28.82
22.54
28.09
32.82
16.11

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala Tourist

Statistics from 199 to 2008.
* 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

1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008

Earnings from
Total revenue generated
Percentage of
from Tourism (Direct &
domestic tourists
increase
Indirect) (Rs in crores)
(Rs in crores)

2222.36
2561.16
3011.31
3492.68
3881.92
4281.42
4891.94
5978.65
6832.13

15.24
17.58
15.99
11.14
10.29
14.26
22.21
14.28

4000
4500
4931
5938
6829
7738
9126
11433
13130.00

Percentage
of increase

9.58
20.42
12.83
15.01
13.31
17.94
25.28
14.84

Source: Compiled by the researcher from Government of Kerala Tourist

Statistics from 1999 to 2008.
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

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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

509

5 Star

951

4 Star

17

1020

3 Star

219

5331

2 Star

78

1293

1 Star

139

Heritage/Resort

20

673

Apartment Hotel

58

353

9974

Total

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

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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

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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

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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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