In Brief

Karnataka, Kerala To Form Tourism Circuit
Karnataka and Kerala will team up to promote the tourism interests of respective states, through the formation of a tourism circuit. The proposed circuit will link destinations in the Malabar region of north Kerala to the southern regions of Karnataka like Mangalore, Mysore, Coorg etc. According to the tourism director, Alkesh Kumar Sharma, a decision in this regard was taken during the inauguration of Kerala Food Festival and exhibition of photographs titled ‘God’s Own Moments’ held as part of the road show organised by Kerala Tourism in Bangalore.

Efforts On To Brand Kerala Tourism
According to the minister for tourism, professor K V Thomas, the department would take efforts to brand Kerala Tourism, through maximum possible means. As a first step, the department is contemplating on the idea of having products exported from Kerala stamped ‘Made in Kerala - God’s Own Country.’ The minister mooted the idea of branding Kerala Tourism, while inaugurating the sales of lucky draw coupon in connection with the upcoming Gold festival, to be held in five corporations. Thomas handed the inaugural lucky draw coupon to Babu Alappat. Besides the minister, the tourism director, Alkesh Kumar Sharma, president of Gold and Silver Merchant Association, P T Cherian and general secretary, P T Natesan attended the function.

Varkala To Undergo A Facelift
A high-level meeting chaired by the minister for tourism, professor K V Thomas, gave consent for implementation of the Rs 300 million master plan prepared by the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC) for the beach resort at Varkala. The master plan has in it projects that would drastically enhance the destination value of this beautiful beach resort, which is catching up with Kovalam, near Thiruvananthapuram. According to the Thomas, a proposal for setting up a hanging bridge at a cost of Rs 20 million is under consideration. The construction of hanging bridge will be implemented only after a feasibility study and also after seeking the opinion of local people. Attending the high-level meeting the tourism secretary, T Balakrishnan said that the Public Works Department (PWD had been asked to submit a project costing Rs 100 million for the development of roads at Varkala.

Mini Pavilions To Be Set Up At Neyyar Dam
Three mini pavilions will come up at the popular tourist destination of Neyyar Dam, located near the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. These pavilions will be opened to public during Onam and is meant for having a panoramic view of the dam and the adjoining sights. These pavilions will come next to the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) hotel and will have a height of five metre each. Work has been completed on the two bathing ponds and a traffic park meant for kids. They will also commence operations this Onam season.