The Hindu Business Line : Kerala Tourism offers `Heritage walk'

The tour was formally launched today as part of the World Tourism Day celebrations, by Mr K.C. Venugopal, Minister for Tourism and Devaswoms, Government of Kerala.

The two-hour tour, which seeks to expose visitors to history and culture of the erstwhile kingdom of Travancore, has been developed by the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies.

Priced at Rs 100 per person, the heritage walk will touch several historic sites within the `Fort' area including the famous Padmanabhaswamy temple. Besides, the tour will also provide visitors with an opportunity to see a performance of Kerala's traditional martial art — kalariyppayattu. Specially trained guides will accompany visitors on the tour, which will end with breakfast at a building within the `Fort' complex.

As part of the World Tourism Day celebrations, Kerala Tourism also organised a seminar for students. Several tourism entrepreneurs and officials from the Department of Tourism participated in the event.

A mass run, workshops on tourism and cultural programmes were also organised as part of the Tourism Day celebrations.

ETHNIC BOAT: The Kochi-based Emerald Star Tourism Pvt Ltd has introduced a unique venture in backwater tourism by launching a traditional yet modern Kettuvallom designed like a restaurant and cruise options that resolve around the culture, colour and cuisine of Kerala.

The 36-seater cruise boat is furnished with a lounge-cum-dining hall, a live performance area and an upper observation deck. The company had invested Rs 58 lakh for designing the boat, which was equipped with bio tanks for waste disposal and arecanut plates to serve food on board.

According to Mr Rajeev Dholakia, Director, Emerald Star Tourism, the company initially is offering two cruises - The Oarsman Song (day cruise) lasts for 8 hours and the Moonlight Symphony for four hours in the evening from 7.30 p.m.

The charges has been fixed at Rs 1,480 and Rs 985 respectively per person for the two cruises.

A wide range of Kerala, Indian and continental vegetarian food all cooked on board without the use of artificial flavours will be served. He said that the company has focussed on safety measures and eco-friendliness.

Approval of the Indian Register of Shipping had obtained for the hull of the boat. Moreover, there were enough life jackets and life buoys for all on board, he said.