Goa's supremacy overpowered by Kerala as 'authentic' beach destination.
ALAPPUZHA: Kerala is in and Goa is out as far as tourism is concerned. This is the opinion of the British media, including the popular daily ‘The Independent’ and the BBC World’s ‘Travel Show’ programme.
‘The Independent’ carried a report on Saturday titled ‘Backwater cruises and ancient cures in Kerala, India’s southern, sun-drenched state’ asking its readers to forget Goa and head to God's Own Country for pristine beaches, highland scenery and a wealth of wildlife.
A week ago, a team of BBC World’s ‘The Travel Show’ had visited the state and filmed the backwaters and its rich culture for two days.
The team consisted of Mike Landon, editor of the show, Down Lake, producer, and Henry Golding, presenter.
The Independent said that Goa’s supremacy over beaches in the early seventies has been overpowered by Kerala as ‘authentic’ beach destination with pristine stretches of sand. “However, Kerala is still slightly off the tourist trail,” it said.
“This remains the case today, with even the most accessible of beaches remaining relatively empty. Yet the gods have bestowed more than beautiful beaches on their west-coast domain. Apart from the backwater wilderness of canals, it’s blessed with rivers, traditional hamlets, and even further the incredible highland hinterland of the Western Ghats,” the report written by Mark Eveleigh pointed out.
Highlighting the 60th anniversary year of Kerala Piravi (the state was formed on November 1, 1956), the report said that there would be processions, performances and parties to celebrate the state formation day.
“The vibrant town of Kochi has one of the largest Catholic communities in the country (a legacy of Portuguese colonisers) and as the anniversary coincides with All Saints' Day, the festivities will be even more impressive,” it said.
Pointing out that ayurveda was holding the key to Kerala tourism getting world attention, the report said that increasing numbers of visitors were choosing to spend extended periods in ayurvedic centres.
