Kerala is one of the smallest
states in the Indian union. Its area is just 1.3
percent of the total area of India. The land comprises
of a narrow coastal strip bounded by the Western
Ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea on the west.
In the words of Sreedhara Menon “Its unique
geographical position and peculiar physical features
have invested Kerala with a distinct individuality.”
Hence it has played a vital role in the commercial
and cultural history of India. Kerala has been
describes “as the favorite child of nature.”
Like Kashmir in the north, Kerala in the south
is famous for its breath-taking natural beauty.
With
its evergreen mountains, dense forests stately palms,
swift flowing rivers, extensive backwaters and blue
lagoons, it looks like a fairyland. This atmosphere
of beauty and peace has nurtured religion and art
in Kerala and enabled her to become a precious gem
in the necklace of Indian culture. Indian poets
of eminence have showered their praises for the
abundance of its peppers, the fragrance of its sandal
and the wealth of its coconuts. No part of India
is so widely known or has played so important a
part in world history as Kerala.
As
far as Kerala is concerned, the state's potential
for tourism has been well accepted. Tourism is Kerala's
boom industry. Strategically located at the south
western tip of India, Kerala enjoys unique geographic
features which has made it one of the most sought
after tourist destinations in Asia. The state is
a breathtakingly beautiful green, greenland. Natural
endowments like tranquil beaches, soothing backwaters,
exhilarating hill stations, enchanting waterfalls,
historic monuments, spectacular artforms, rejuvenating
health packages, exotic wildlife and year-round
festivals offer excellent investment opportunities
in tourism related activities. All of which offer
the tourists a unique experience, which enchants
him throughout his life.
Again,
Kerala has in store more for the tourists. The state
can boast of having the most advanced society in
Kerala. It has a hundred per cent literate people,
the lowest infant mortality rate, the highest life
expectancy rate, the highest quality of life etc.
As a destiation, Kerala can attract the independent
traveler with its unique qualities like the pristine
environment, the rich and vibrant culture and the
high quality of life for the local inhabitants brought
about by the state's investments since Independence
in the field of education, health care, institutions
of democracy, social justice etc. The state is also
endowed with its unique natural, cultural and social
resources.
