beach tourism
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beach tourism in indiaTRANSCRIPT
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BEACH TOURISM IN KERALA
Introduction
Kerala is increasingly rated as one of the must visit destinations not only by the
highly discerning foreign tourists but also by the domestic tourists. Tourism is a major
phenomenon of modern world and is one of the world‘s highest priority industries and
employers. Kerala is today the most sought after and trusted tourism brand in India.
Kerala is famous for different facets like pilgrimage tourism, cultural tourism, medical
tourism, beach tourism, backwater tourism etc.
Among them one of the important facets of Kerala tourism is beach tourism.
Kerala beaches, most of the India‘s finest beaches are in Kerala. Its entire 700 kilometer
length coastline is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms.
Each year a large number of visitors (both foreign as well as domestic tourists) visited
there in search of tranquil, palm fringed beaches and also for the various packages linked
with beach tourism like Ayurveda tourism or health tourism. The factors stimulating a
flourishing beach tourism sector include scenic splendor, moderate climate, clean
environment, a friendly and peace – loving people with high tolerance or cultural
diversity and the potential for creating unique tourism products like beach resorts,
Ayurvedic centres, spa centres, health tourism etc. Kerala enjoys an extraordinary kinship
with the sea or beaches which offers a surf, spice and sand like no other place. Though
extremely popular worldwide, the beaches remain strangely unexploited and bewitching.
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Importance of beach tourism in Kerala
1. To increase foreign exchange
Beach tourism is an industry that earns foreign exchange for a country
without harming natural resources and also without exporting any material goods. Both
domestic as well as foreign tourists are frequently visiting various popular beach
destinations of Kerala tends to show an increasing rate of revenue generation.
2. Development of infrastructural facilities
The improvement and development of infrastructural facilities is another
important benefit offered by the beach tourism industry. Some of the infrastructural
facilities like roads, water supply, hotels, resorts, ayurvedic centers, spa centers, and other
sectors of the economy have a positive impact due to it. The provision of infrastructural
may provide the basis as an encouragement for economic diversification. And also, a
variety of secondary activities may be promoted in presence of beach tourism.
3. Generation of employment opportunities
Beach tourism is a sector that offers a wide range of employment opportunities
for highly skilled, semi–skilled, and unskilled labors in sectors like hotels, spas,
restaurants, travel agencies, tour operators, travel guides, tourism officers, shops etc.
4. To maintain a balanced regional development
It greatly benefits underdeveloped regions of various places or beach
destinations. There are some places which have places of high scenic beauty, natural
environment, potentiality etc., but they are not been given importance for improvement
initiatives to bring a lot of prosperity and development to the regional sector.
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5. Importance in maintaining peace and understanding
Beach tourism in Kerala plays an important role in promoting national as
well as international goodwill. It creates awareness and appreciation of other countries
culture and tradition and paves a way for cultural exchange and enrichment. Beach
tourism can be considered as a mediator for international understanding by way of
bringing diverse people from different countries, cultures, customs, and traditions to be
together.
Challenges of Beach Tourism in Kerala
Even though beach tourism is considered as a positive phenomenon, there are
some challenges that are faced during the promotion of beach tourism which includes
1. Disposal of waste, hygiene and cleanliness
The waste disposal system of the beaches like Kovalam, Varkala, Alleppey is
not properly availed, even though if they are available they are not properly maintained
which makes the beaches an dilemma and also, the usage of plastics articles, waste
plastics etc makes beaches a polluted one.
2. Guided services
The services of the guide for the tourists to , the beach destinations in Kerala is
below the standard to Goa beaches and the guide there was not properly trained so as to
cope up with the tourist demands is one of the major challenge faced in beach tourism.
3. Lack of proper infrastructural facility
Even though Kerala is labeled a God’s Own Country, it is not able to meet the basic
current requirement of various infrastructural facilities such as toilets, kiosks, fireplaces,
benches, parlors, information centers, waiting sheds etc to be needed in various beach
destinations like Kovalam, Varkala and Alleppey. Lacking of basic infrastructural
facilities in those destinations can be considered as the reason for the decline of tourists
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visiting beaches. In order to raise the availability of infrastructural facilities necessary
funding is to be provided and steps is to be taken to access infrastructural facilities by the
concerned authorities.
4. Basic Amenities
The basic amenities are the factor that promote beach tourism in Kerala. By
focusing on various beach destinations like Kovalam, Varkala, Alleppey the basic
amenities such as transport facilities, hotels , car parking areas, toilets, restaurants,
hotels, waiting sheds etc were absent which makes destinations a weaker one. So
necessary initiatives is to be implemented in order to solve the issue.
Popular Beaches in Kerala
Some of the destinations popular beaches of God’s Own Country, Kerala include:
Kovalam Beach
It is one of India‘s internationally renowned beach. Kovalam is situated just 13 kms from
capital city of Kerala, Thiruvnanthpuram and journey takes only about half an hour.
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Kovalam beach is an ideal destination of honeymoon couples, families, lonely hearts and
adventurers due to its ambience combined with good facilities. This beach is named as
golden beach due to its golden sand. This beach has lovely coconut palms fringe in the
golden sands. Kovalam in fact is stretched among three crescent beaches which are
separated by natural rocky promontories as barriers. These beaches are samudra beach,
Eve’s or the Hawah and Lighthouse beach. Kovalam beach is excellent for sunbathing,
swimming, surfing and boating. The beach is guarded by lifeguards. Kovalam beach is
highly commercialized having most of the modern facilities. Ayurveda massages,
panchrakma, spas, sauna and Jacuzzi are very common and are offered by most of the
hotels/resorts. Foreigners throng Ayurvedic parlors, yoga and meditation centers, that
have sprung up all over the place. The volleyball court and the hammocks are the spots
around the Kovalam beach resorts, popular with the tourists in Kovalam beach. Apart
from the usual sunbath and surfing, many marine activities are possible at Kovalam. In
2004-05, the number of tourist visited Kovalam destination was 855,787 and those visited
on 2007-08 has an estimation of 948,579 indicates an increase in trend of inflow of
tourists for about four years and the number of International tourists visited during 2007-
08 was about 193,924 as compared to 103,558 in 2004-05 also exhibits an increase in
tourists inflows in an continuous manner.
Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach is been ranked as a top ten seasonal beach by discovery
channel. Situated in South Kerala at North end boarder of Trivandrum District, Varkala is
an amazing seaside resort and spa. Varkala spa, 42 km away from Thiruvananthapuram,
is the best spot along Kerala coast for watching sunset. The sight of the sun melting into
the sea would blossom your poetic sense. The mineral water gushing from the hill is
believed to have medicinal properties. The Varkala sand has become an ideal spot for
confluence of cultures exotic and alien. The Varkala Beach has something for everybody
I As a tourism destination Varkala is filled with Hotels, Restaurants, Ayurvedic and Yoga
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centers, Spa centers and Travel Operators. It is an ideal location for those looking for a
relaxed and quieter holiday. The Beach with its brown sand, panoramic landscape and
seascapes is a tropical paradise. Varkala beach is an ideal spot to enjoy the sight of sunset
in Kerala Red laterite cliffs that borders the beach just dramatically into the sea; Varkala
is a seaside resort and spa, as well as important Hindu center of pilgrimage. Various
beach activities like, beach volleyball, swimming, surfing, sailing, parasailing or scuba
diving can be enjoyed at the Varkala family beach. Else just laze in the sun or try your
hand at building a sand castle or participate in any of the numerous beach activities
offered on the beautiful beach.There is Nature Cure Centre at Varkala beach, which is
ideal for naturaotherapy and Ayurvedic treatments. It offers a wide range of quality stay
facilities from luxury accommodation to budget rooms to the tourists. The tourists inflow
for the period 2004-05 has 865,048 and 948,579 during 2007-08 and the International
tourists visited there was about 193,924 in 2007-08 as against 94,835 in 2003-04.
Alleppey Beach
Allapuzha is known as Venice of East. Alappuzha beach in Kerala is located o
a strip of land, sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Punnamada backwaters.
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Tourists can fly upto Kochi airport in Nedumbassery and can get a cab to travel the rest
90 kilometer towards south of the state- Alappuzha beach is quite a popular hangout and
relaxation spot in the district of Alappuzha. Alappuzha is a district of enormous natural
beauty. Facilities at the Alappuzha Beach include boating, a children's park with toy train
and bicycles. The tourists participate in any of the numerous beach activities offered on
the beautiful Alappuzha beaches! For instance, indulge in any of the exciting water sports
such as surfing or parasailing, or go swimming in the clear blue sea, or even try your
hand at building a sand castle or playing a game of beach volleyball! Water sports are one
of the most thrilling beach activities, and Alappuzha beach have the best of aqua-sport
equipment such as water-scooters and high-speed boats .The Alleppey beach is a
spectacular one. At one end are the dense palm groves that are so characteristic of
Kerala’s landscape. Most of the tourist visited there in order to experience its natural
scenic beauty and clean environment which made them an experience of rich and
nourishing.
The domestic tourists during 2003-04 has an estimation of 172,119 as
compared to 170,731 shows an decline in tourists visit in the destination and the
International tourists in the destination was about 38,024 in 2003-04 and the arrival of
tourist in 2007-08 was 40,463 indicates an inflow of tourists.
Bekal Beach
Bekal beach is located towards the northern tip of Kerala and is 14kms away
from Kasargode. The Kazargode district is blessed with so many beaches like bekal
beach which has an historical background which makes one of the most tourist
destination beach spot. The 2 km long Bekal beach is a perfect place for individual, who
knows nothing then swimming and sightseeing Bekal beach with Bekal fort in the
background is been developed as international tourist spot which is 300 years old and the
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largest and the best preserved fort in Kerala. Largest best preserved Fort in Kerala
spreading over 40 acres that runs in to the Arabian Sea. The Bekal fort is also among the
five centers selected by the government of India to be developed as Special Tourism
Area.
The tourists arrival in the destination has an estimation of 134,661 during
2003-04 and 135,191 as in 2007-08 shoes an increase trend in visits. And the
international tourists arrival was 868 in 2007-08 as compared to 689 in 2003-04.
Muzhupilangad Beach
Muzhappilangad beach of Kannur is one of the longest beaches of Kerala. It is
situated at a distance of 15 kilometers from Kannur. The Muzhapilangad beach is the
only drive-in beach of India. This is what makes it unique among all other beaches of not
only Kerala but also India. The long stretch, which measures around 4 kilometers, is the
ideal place to laze around or go for a drive. The beach is about 5 km long and curves in a
wide area providing a good view of Kannur on the north. Local laws allow beachgoers to
drive for a full 4 km directly on the sands of the beach. The beach is clean and well
maintained and is one of the best places to hang around in Kannur. It is Kerala’s only
drive in beach where one can drive about 4 kilometer from Kannur to Tellichery. It is one
of the beach that welcomes to have an experience of swimming, sunbathing etc. The
beach is famous for a number of water activities and a naval academy, Muzhupilangad
beach. It is a suitable place for Ayurvedic therapies, Spa treatments etc.
Kappad Beach
Located at a distance of 16 kilometer from the Kozhikode town, the kappad
beach is wrapped in a sheet of history. It is a land where the famous portugese sailor,
Vasco Da Gama set his feet in the year 1948 along with 170 men which marked the
beginning of a new era and new relationship earlier. Today, Kappad attracts a whole lot
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of visitors desirous of knowing more about the Portuguese and the native Indians of that
time. Travel to Kappad Beach and get immerse in various beach activities. Marvel the
beauty of nature that engulfs this beautiful sandy beach. A mere sight of the beach evokes
the feelings of joy and content. Play beach volleyball or football or just lie down on the
powdered sands makes the Kappad beach an distinct one.
Cherai Beach
Cherai Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala. It is a long
golden sandy beach extending for 10 kilometers, famous by families for its ideal wind
conditions and good restaurants. Cherai Beach is located in Vypin island, Kochi, India.
Cherai Beach is just 25 km from Kochi, the business capital of Kerala and 30 km from
Cochin International Airport. The place is a unique combination of sea and backwaters
rimmed by lush green coconut palms and paddy fields. It is an ideal location for
swimming, surfing etc. angling is one of the best leisure sports that test both the agility
and the patience of the sportsman. Fishing and angling tours on the magical cherai waters
can be the most fascinating experience .The crystal clear waters around Cherai waters are
ideal for swimming, snorkeling and surfing. Besides these, there is an ample scope for
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bird and animal watching. Cherai is well known for the mouth lingering fresh sea food
and country wine Toddy.
Cherai also has some ancient historical monuments in its close proximity.
Fort Kochi Beach
“The Queen of Arabian Sea”, Kochi, beckons one and all to relish and relive
the glory of the bygone years. Fort Kochi beach is among the finest beaches of world and
popular beach holiday on the map of Kerala beach tourism and renowned for Indo-
European architecture and cultural roots with Portugal, Judaism Culture. The Fort Kochi
beach has secured a top position in the itineraries of tourists and businessman alike Fort. .
People come to beach to play, exercises, meditations and many other things. The main
attraction on this beach site is the historic fort which helps you to get familiar with its
eventful colonial history and European regimes who ruled it. Cochin Carnival on the New
Year eve is a colorful festival not to be missed at the beach site. The experience of the
beach is worth cherishing the entire life. The main attraction on the beach site is the
historic fort which helps to familiarize with the eventful colonial history and European
regimes who ruled it. The raw and unused stretch of beach is a loner's delight, where one
could swim, play cricket or volley ball and even manage to practice yoga. It is offering
some of the beach activities like water and beach sports activities.
Kappil Beach
Kappil beach is just 6 kms away from Bekal fort. Kappil Beach is a
beautiful, calm and secluded one which is an ideal spot for such nature lovers and attracts
a large number of tourists everywhere. The Kappil beach is sun-drenched and it is an
exact getaway to spend time after a hectic toured Bekal Fort The sun drenched Kappil
Beach is a perfect gateway after a hectic tour of the nearby Bekal Fort, some 6 kilometer
away. The beach covers an area of about twenty-five acres land and it is the most exciting
location to relax and enjoy the pleasure The long stretch is wide and clean enough for
swimming and beach walking. The beach has the massive rock, the Kodi Cliff, which act
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as a resting place for the visitors. It is an ideal location for relaxation and rejuvenation
which offers a high spirit of peace and solitude from the place.
SWOT ANALYSIS
For the purpose of the study, a SWOT analysis was conducted by
concentrating mainly on three popular beach destinations of Kerala like Kovalam,
Varkala and Alleppey among the stakeholders and the results of the analysis is given as:
Strengths Weaknesses
Natural environment Inadequate infrastructure
Scenic beauty Taxation policy of Government of India
Smooth law and order Restrictive coastal regulation zone
Innovative brand and positioning Waste disposal system
Beach products and services Lack of trained staffs
Advanced society and full literacy
Opportunities Threats
Unused potentialities of beach tourism Pollution and ecological hazards
Employment opportunities Natural calamities
Cultural distortion
Recommendations for the Promotion of Beach Tourism in Kerala
Based on the SWOT analysis conducted above, some suggestive measures can
be taken into consideration for the purpose of promoting beach tourism in Kerala which
includes:
1. Provide special attention and care to tourists, both domestic and foreign
while they are visiting beaches by setting up of Information Centers, Help
me Desk, Trained staffs and guides, medical care facilities etc in order to
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support the tourists and tackle the issue and improves the beach tourism in
Kerala.
2. Maintain smooth law and order and proper enforcement ensuring the safety
and security of those using various beach destinations of Kerala.
3. Provide necessary basic facilities like hotels, shops, toilets, transport
facilities, car parking facilities to the tourists in various beach destinations.
4. The lack of trained staff and guides in some of the popular beach
destinations such as Varkala Beach, Alleppey Beach, Cherai Beach makes
the domestic as well as foreign tourists visits a difficult one. So it is the
responsibility of Tourism Promotion Council to provide the experienced,
well trained guides to different beach destinations to tackle the situation.
5. The availability of affordable hotels, restaurants, spa centers, parlours to the
foreign tourists as well as domestic tourists is an inevitable one which
makes beach destinations a popular one. So inorder to cope up with the
demand the Government should take initiatives to provide these facilities
both on peak season as well as off seasons
6. Maintain cleanliness in beaches such as placement of waste dumping
baskets in various places helps to minimize the wastages here and there
7. Promote quality service such as medical facilities, personal care facilities,
transport facilities, accommodation facilities to the tourists visiting different
beach destinations.
8. Development of infrastructural facilities such as toilets, kiosks, fireplaces,
benches, waiting sheds etc for the tourists visiting beaches.
9. It is very important to get the feedback from the tourists visiting different
beach destinations in order to know what the experiences that they got from
the destinations are. For that a mechanism should be developed, reported
and maintained about the feedback so as to improve the beach tourism in
Kerala.
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Conclusion
In the forth coming years, beach tourism will develop in an exorbitant stage which
makes Kerala an identifiable and attractive destination among the world. Kerala is
blessed with so many potentials to a great extent and the only way that we to promote
beach tourism are to protect, promote and preserve the beaches of Kerala so that Kerala,
God’s Own Country will be a place of beach tourism.
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Bibliography
Websites
www.keralatourism.org
www.hinduonnet.com
www.keralatourismdomain.com