Love

"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one getting burned" - Gautama Buddha (563-483 BC) FOUNDER OF BUDDHISM

Thanks to ‘Tirupati Temple’, Andhra Pradesh top Tourist spot

With Tirupati Balaji temple attracting visitors in hordes, Andhra Pradesh has become the top tourist destination in the country recording 206.8 million domestic tourists last year. Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh stood at second and third positions respectively with 184.1 million and 168.4 million domestic tourists, as per data available with Tourism Ministry. The Lord Venkateswara temple is situated in the hill town of Tirumala near Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, around 600 km from state capital Hyderabad. The 10th century Hindu temple attracts more tourists than domestic visitors to Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra which boast of Taj Mahal and Ajanta-Ellora respectively.

Union Tourism Minister Chiranjeevi launched "Clean India Campaign" at Taj Mahal

Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi launched the Project "Clean India Campaign" at Taj Mahal, Agra. Taj Mahal is the second heritage site to be covered under this project. The first being Qutub Minar Delhi which has been adopted by India Tourism Development Corporation in June 2012. Clean India Campaign has been initiated by the Ministry of Tourism with the objective to increase Tourist Arrivals to the country and to improve quality of services and provide a hygienic environment in and around tourist destinations across the country. 

GPS for safety of Houseboats

A Global Positioning System (GPS)-based fleet safety management system will be introduced for Houseboats, the mascot of Kerala Tourism. The system will track houseboats and ensure the safety and security of tourists while they cruise the backwaters. Besides tracking and locating houseboats on a Geographic Information System (GIS) map and timely emergency response, the route travelled by a houseboat can also be “geo-fenced” to receive alerts on any route violations. Web and mobile-based public interfaces for the tourists and others will help them access information on accreditation, safety, and security rating of every Registered Houseboat in the State through the website of the regulating authority Kerala Tourism. The tracking system, which integrates advanced technologies in GPS, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and microprocessor subsystems, has been developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) for Kerala Tourism. It will initially be introduced on 100 houseboats in the State in view of the increasing safety and security concerns and mounting accidents on the backwaters.

IATO - 29th Annual Convention in Kerala from Sept. 08 2013

‘Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO)’ will organize its 29th Annual Convention from September 8 to 11, 2013 at Le Meridien, Kochi (Kerala). The theme of the convention is “Tourism – Innovations & Partnerships”. The subjects for the business sessions are being finalized. This was announced by Subhash Goyal, President, IATO in an interactive meeting held recently.

Goa all set for ‘Bonderam Festival’ on August 24 at Divar Island - iKeralaTourist.com

Goa is now geared up organize the Bonderam festival to be celebrate in the island of Divar, located 12 kms from Panjim city. This year the festival falls on August 24, 2013. The name Bonderam originates from ‘Bandeira’ – the Portuguese word for flag. The day begins with a Flag Parade from the main Divar junction, which is accompanied by a Brass Band. After this the Bonderam festival is officially declared open. Later in the day there is a fancy dress competition followed by the traditional float parade and a live musical performance featuring the famous music bands of Goa.

IITM 2013:- Next Venue - Bengaluru: 26, 27, 28 July 2013 - iKeralaTourist.com

‘India International Travel Mart’ – a showcase for stimulating Travel, Tourism, Hospitality, Leisure and other related Industries, both from within the country and outside. IITM is aimed at bringing about a face – to – face encounter with the travel – trade, corporate consumers, the burgeoning middle and upper middle class including the elite segment, with the requisite purchasing power, in an ambient and festive surrounding that would facilitate the beginning of a new era of a mutually beneficially business relationship.

Soul of Kerala - iKeralaTourist.com

Our new Promotion Package. 
For more details, please write us on info@ikeralatourist.com 

Safety of Foreign Women Tourists is a concern: Mr. Chiranjeevi

Safety of tourists, particularly foreign women, is a concern for the government, and the states have been told to create a congenial and friendly atmosphere for visitors, union Tourism Minister K. Chiranjeevi said on Monday. Chairing a meeting of the National Tourism Advisory Council (NTAC), Chiranjeevi said: "A few recent incidents where foreign women tourists were sexually assaulted have generated widespread negative publicity for India."

Bangkok ranked World's Top Travel spot

Bangkok has edged out London as the world's most popular Air Travel Destination, becoming the first Asian city to earn the distinction, according to a ranking by the MasterCard Index of Global Destination Cities. The Thai capital headed the 2013 list based on total projected visits by foreigners, followed by London, Paris, Singapore and New York. 

Heavy Rainfall predicted for next one week in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is expected to receive heavy rainfall from July 14 onwards. Heavy monsoon rainfall in the state, resulting into floods and landslides, has already caused loss of Rs 2,575 crore, besides killing 25 people. According to Shimla meteorological centre, rain and thundershower would occur at most places of the state from July 14 to 19 in the state. Shimla deputy mayor Tikender Singh Panwar said that due to recent flash floods, tourists have suddenly cancelled more than 50% of the bookings in the state and particularly in Shimla.

Kerala gets its First Seaplane - iKeralaTourist.com

In a 'Big Boost' to Kerala Tourism, the first Seaplane, which would commence service from Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam to Punnamada Lake in Alapuzha on June 02 2013, landed here to a warm welcome. The project was formally launched by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, aims at connecting various backwater destinations in the state. The Seaplane was given a 'Water Salute' as it touched down at the Kochi International Airport at nearby Nedumbassery.

International Film Festival 2013 Kochi - iKeralaTourist.com

Date : 04/07/2013 - 01/07/2014

A year-long International film festival started in Kochi on July 4th 2013. The film fest is organized jointly by the district administration, district information office, District Tourism Promotion Council and Cochin and Metro Film Societies in association with the Federation of Film Society of India.

With the help of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy and Chalachitra Academy different entertainment programs will be staged in Kochi for one year. Every Friday a Movie each will be screened.  

Soft copy of our Newspaper Ad - iKeralaTourist.com

Soft copy of our Newspaper Ad

Neelamperoor Padayani : “A Miracle Of Magnificent Management With Spontaneous Spiritual MESSMELIGHT”

Padayani, a great religious and cultural event of central Kerala celebrated in Aug/Sept  period for 16 days at Neelamperoor, an enchanting village is now attracting  tourists, art lovers and pilgrims not only from Kerala, but from all parts of India. This is an old Dravidian religious ritual, an offering to Mother Godess in the temple. The origin dates back to early Christian era, when there were only Kaali temples all over Kerala. The celebration in such temples was marked by ritual dance, mostly martial in nature with vigorous music produced by percussion instruments, the songs praising the battle Godess. Kalamezhuthu, Kavadiyattam, Kummattikali, Mudiyettu, Theyyam,Velakali etc are purely Dravidian in nature. In this year, it will be on 05 Sep 2013. it’s Hardly 100 kms. away from Nedumbaserry Air Port near Cochin. By Train: 15 km away from Kottayam Railway Station. By Road: Travel up to Kottayam by M.C.Road, from Kottayam through Kottayam-Kainady road to reach Neelamperoor.

Sri Lanka posing a challenge to Kerala Ayurveda

Its decades long ethnic conflict over, Sri Lanka is steadily emerging as a major competitor to Kerala's Ayurvedic system of medicine, a leading industry expert says. But officials are quick to point out that as long as Kerala sticks to its pristine form of Ayurveda school, no challenge from anywhere can upset what is clearly the biggest tourist draw to the southern state.

Ad in Mathrubhumi Newspaper (Kerala) - iKeralaTourist.com

our Ad in today's Mathrubhumi Newspaper...

61st Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Snake Boat Race), Alleppey - 10th Aug 2013 - iKeralaTourist.com

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is conducted on the Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha (Alleppey), on the Second Saturday of August every year. On the day of this fiercely fought boat race, the tranquil lake front is transformed into a sea of humanity with an estimated two lakh people, including tourists from abroad for watching it. For the people of each village in Kuttanad, a victory at this race for their village boat is something to be celebrated for months to come.

A wonderful spectacle with specially crafted Boats measuring over 100 feet, rowed by upto 100 Oarsmen including drummers accompanied by boat chants and frenzied local supporters- it's truly exciting.

DO’s

·    Purchase Tickets from Authorized Retail Outlets (through Govt. depts. And tourism information office– authorized ticket counter)

·         Please check the tickets for authorized seal of the committee and serial number

·         Authorized counters can be identified with banners having logo of NTBR

·         Try to reach Alappuzha by 09 AM

·         The committee already arranged separate boats for the tourists and ticket holders to reach the race area

·         The ticket holders must reach the specially arranged boat jetty by 11:00 for catching the boat

·         Try to bring food items and water and can take to the venue

·         Occupy your seat by 12:00 noon

·         Vehicles can be parked in Municipal Stadium north of Zillah Court Bridge

·         This facility will available only up to 11:00 AM

·         Less luggage more comfort

·         Show your tickets at the entrance of the boat jetty and also at the entrance of the pavilion

·         For any help please contact the control room 2243441 / 100 (police)

Dont's

·         Do not purchase Tickets from Unauthorized Person

·         Do not purchase Complimentary passes by paying cash

·         Do not purchase Tickets having no Seal or Serial no. etc.

·         Do not bring any Explosive items and dangerous electronic devices

·         Smoking is not allowed in the pavilion

·         Do not bring Liquors to the pavilion

Falling Indian Rupee diverts Foreign Travel Traffic

The value of the Indian Rupee, which has fallen below the psychological resistance level of 59.52/dollar, has put a spanner in the works not only for students planning to study abroad, but also for those who had plans to vacation Abroad. With foreign trips becoming quite costly for Indian Tourists, many people are either cancelling or cutting short their foreign trips, or opting for Domestic Holidays, says a survey conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). According to the survey, "the Foreign Tourist outflow registered a significant decline to the extent of 15-20% due to the falling Rupee. In the wake of the record Rupee Depreciation, Indian Tourists are not just cutting their vacation days, but are opting for holidays within the country rather than going abroad."

National Extension Tourism (NET) - iKeralaTourist.com

National Extension Tourism (NET) conference to be Held in Detroit, MI, USA, August 6-9, 2013. Registration is now open with the theme, "Tourism – Building Lasting Relationships". The 2013 NET Conference will be an opportunity for Extension professionals, university research and teaching faculty, students, tourism professionals and community officials to network and to learn more about the topics like, Rural Tourism Development/Tourism in Resilient Communities, Agritourism—Local Foods, Farmers Markets, Culinary Tourism, Tourism Research and Evaluation, Tourism Education, Training, and Certification Programs, Nature-Based Tourism: Ecotourism, Adventure Tourism, Coastal Tourism & Heritage and Cultural Tourism.