chapter-s coastal tourism in keralashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/33015/12/12_chapter...
TRANSCRIPT
CHAPTER-S
COASTAL TOURISM IN KERALA
erala means the land of coconuts. It is the southern-
most state with highest literacy rate & second most
densely populated state in India. Nature has endowed Kerala
with a lavish decoration of all beautiful things; blue lagoons,
golden beaches, backwaters, blue-green mountain ranges, wildlife
sanctuaries, historical monuments, temple-churches & mosques.
It is a land of Kathakali, Kalariapattu, Elephant show, Boat
races etc., everything full of action & zeal.
According to legend, the land was a gift of Parsuram,
one of the ten incarnations of Bhagawan Vishnu. It is believed
that he threw his 'parsu' the battle axe 1 into sea to atone for
his sin of slaying generations of Kshatriyas. At this the
sea receded. The created landmass was Kerala.
Its ancient history is not very clear. The history
appears by the work of Llango Adikal, a Tamil scholar of the
Sangam age. He wrote an epic, 'Silappadikaram•.~ With this
work one can trace the origin of many contemporary rulers,
who held their control over northern, central & southern Kerala
from third to fifth century A.D.
The Kul-Sekhar period (800-1102 A.D.) witnessed the
growth of Hinduism & its predominance over Jainism & Buddhism.
Shankaracharya, the great Advaita philosopher who spearheaded
306
the renaissance of Hinduism was a contemporary of Kulshekhara
Alwar. The Bhakti movement also left a mark on this period,
this resulted into Shaiva & Vashnava cults. The natural out
come of this movement was the construction of many beautiful
Hindu temples & development of art & dance forms exclusive to
Kerala. The physical features; the eastern mountains & Arab
ian sea in west provided a kind of relative isolation.
Being a coastal state with a coastline of about 575Km.,
the sea played an important role in shaping the history of
Kerala. The sea facilitated connections with many western
countries. The evidences of trade relations with Egyptians,
Phoenicians, Chinese & Babylonians were even as back as third
century B.C. Among the Europeans, the first nationals were
Portuguese who landed in early 17th century. Then the Dutch,
the French & the English followed them who found this land
very prosperous of ivory, teak & spices. Religiously, the
foreign religions also entered here. The first among them
was St. Thomas the Apostle. He landed here in ~·2 A.D. & spread
the gospel of Christ. With the arrival of the Portuguese
Latin liturgy was also introduced in the churches. Later
on the Protestantism was brought into Kerala by the Dutch &
the British.
Before the freedom of India, Kerala was made up of
two princely states; Tranvancore-Cochin & Malabar, which was
KERALA COP\STAL TOURIST CENTRES
t C.M. =35KM.
307
308
under the direct administration of the British. As India
became free, these two states were joined as one. After July
1949 the state was known as Travancore-Cochin State. Under the
State-reorganisation act, 1956 the Malabar state was united
into it, to form Kerala on Ist November, 1956. In this scheme
of state re-organisation Laccadive, Minicoy & Aminidiv islands
were detached from Kerala & declared as Union Territory.
TOURIST RESOURCES OF KERALA
Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala. The
~eaning of the name is the 'City of Anantha' or the abode of
the sacred serpent Anantha, on which Bhagwan Vishnu (the pre
server of Hindu trinity) reclines. The temple of Sri Pamana
bhaswamy (Bhagwan Vishnu), which was rebuilt by Raja Marthand
Verma in 1733 A.D. with its magnificent gopuram of seven
storeyed height, was deity of the state. Its historical back
ground also is an important factor which has given it special
gravity. Besides these, there are other attractions.too,
such as Napier musuem, Sri Chitra art gallery, Natural history
museum, Science & Technology musuem, Musuem art gallery & Zoo.
The Kovalam beach is one of the main attractions for foreign
tourists, which has given it special attention on the world
map. Thiruvananthapuram is an international airport & connec
ted with Indian Airl~nes internally. It is well connected
309
with rail & road with important cities.
Cochin is very beautiful place with harbours, ports,
backwaters & several islands. There is an ancient 'Chinese
fishing nets' at the entrance of harbour which are evidence
of Kerala's trade relationship with China. Cochin consists
Ernakulam of Wellingdon island, Vypen island, Gundu Island,
Bolghatty island, Mattancheri etc. The islands are linked
with bridges.
Cochin has a rich combination of a Jewish Synagogue,
Dutch architecture, some mosques, temples & Chinese fishing
nets. All representing different culture & history. The Jewish
Synagogue was built in 1568 A.D. by Mattancherry. The Great
Scrolls of the old testaments, the copper plates in which the
grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded
& the exquisite chinese hand painted tiles are antiquities of
interest. All tiles are unique in design, no two are similar
& over 200 years old. There are five silver & gold crowns
which were gifted to the Syn~gogue by various patrones.
Mattancherry Palace was built in 1555 A.D. by Portu
guese & presented to the Cochin Raja. In 1663 the Dutch
repaired & extended parts of palaces so it got it name as
Dutch, though neither Portuguese nor Dutch lived here for any
time. There is a portrait gallery of Cochin Rajas, many rooms
with murals on Ramayana, made in 17th century. The man made
310
island Wellingdon, the Bolghatty island with Dutch made palace
& the Gundu islands are attractive for tourists. Being a port
it is itself important & all other things & museum etc. are
the reason that the touris~, whoever visits Kerala is attracted
to Cochin. Its attraction for the tourists of all religions,
because there is no such religious place where the entry is
prohibited for any sect.
Alleppy is 60 Km. from Cochin. It is also full of
canals, waterways & temples. There is famous Snake temple.
There are at least 4000 granite stone snake idols. It is
linked with Cochin~& Kottayam by backwaters. Alleppy is one
of the major tourist attraction as being a venue for the Nehru
Trophy Snake Boat (chundans) race.
Kappad beach, which is 16 Km. from Kozhikode(Calicut)
is the place which started modern history of India. This was
the key to India, where Vasco-de-Gama landed first. Thereafter
as soon as this key was found by other Europeans, the treasure
of India was plundered to Europe. Now a days Payipad, north
of Quilon is developed for water sports.
Apart from these there are many other attr~ctions too.
In this state nature itself is not an attraction only. The
active people of Kerala, their festivals, cultural activities
etc. are also added attractions in themselves. It was linked
311
with western world since the advent of Christianity, Judaism
& Islam. Even the modern history begins from Kerala. The
coastal tourism is well developed in Kovalam. Apart from it
Varkala, Baypore, Kappad, Cannanore, Bekal & Manjeshwara etc.
have potentiality to be developed as beach resorts. But
geographical constraints are drawback in their development.
Accommodation
The Department of Tourism & the Kerala Tourism Develop-
ment Corporation have a network of good lodging & boarding
facilities. More facilities are coming up at the lakes &
beach resorts. Yet, they are insufficient in number. After
considering the immediate need of more accommodations, Govern-
ment of Kerala made some encouraging rules & regulations to
get cooperation of private sector.
Tourism was declared as an industry in Kerala by an
order issued on 11th July, 1986. On the recommendation of
Central Government the State Government rendered the status
\ of industry to tourism sector. The motive behind this decla-
ration was that by this order the tourism related activities
will be automatically eligible for the concessions/incentives
as applicable to the industrial sector from time to time. The
. . 1 concessions prov1ded to the tour1sm sector were :
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
312
Subsidy for preparation of feasibility/project report.
Investment subsic:· limited to 10 % thereof.
Incentive for training local manpower.
Augmenting availability of funds from State Financial
Corporations.
Concession in electricity & water charges.
Allocation of land at concessional rate.
Exemption from building tax levied by the Revenue
Department.
An amount of Rs. 25 lakhs were provided for the year
1987-88 for subsidy. The ingredients eligible for the concess~
ions mentioned above were:
i. Classified hotels (one to five star).
ii. Motels (which confirm to the specifications of the
Department of Tourism of Kerala/Central Government).
iii. Restaurants ( approved by classification Committee of
the Government of India).
iv. Construction of structures like Koothambalam/Audito-
rium etc. by Schools/Institutions teaching Kalaripay
attu & traditional art forms of Kerala.
v. Institutions teaching surfing, skiing, gliding, trekking
& other tourism related activities.
vi. Exclusive handicrafts emporia (approved by the state/
central Department of Tourism.).
313
However in this notification it was also made clear
that the Hotels within the Corporation limit of Trivendrum,
Cochin & Calicut will not be eligible for investment subsidy.
But they will be entitled to the other benefits provided by
these orders. Those ingredients which are getting any form
of subsidy from any other department of the State Government
will not be eligible for subsidy under this scheme. A committee
consisting of Additional Chief Secretary to Government(Chairman),
Secretary to Government (Industry, a member) & Director of
Department of Tourism (Convenor) was constituted to check
the applications seeking benefits under the scheme.
Inadequacy of accommodation is felt in star class as
well as in economy class hotels. About 20 % of foreign tou
rists prefer the five sta~ category. The impression is that
this is the class which makes tourism industry. Both the
government as well as the private sector have a wrong notion
that only huge concrete structures make five star grandeur.
During survey many foreign tourists responded that 'rather
than concrete monsters for which we don't have come to India,
we would like to have traditional Kerala style structures with
five star facilities or even ordinary facilities inside them!
Many experts from K.I.I.T.S. are against the overemphasis on
Five-star growth. They commented that most of the tourists
who come to Kerala are keen on becoming one with the natural
314
environment in the country side & beaches. They would like
to stay in small cottages, villages or thatched sheds which
facilitate interaction with the scenic splendour of Kerala.
The 'Spices Villages' at Thekkady & 'Surya Samudra' at Kovalam
prove the point. The Spices village has thatched huts, Surya
Samudra has traditional Kerala style houses. Both are seated
conformably in the lap of nature & give the tourists a feel
of the real scene. These dwellings have state of the art luxu
ries. Now many tour operators alongwith hoteliers are think
ing to develop such type of accommodation. The star class
tourists can be attracted to such types accommodation. There
is need of marketing this concept.
According to the lnformation provided by Department
of Tourism of Kerala, at present (1991) the number of beds
& the target for 1992-93 was as following :
Thiruvananthapuram
Koval am
Cochin
Guru-Vayur
No. of beds(l991)
7031
1294
8540
4011
~arget(l992-93)
7500
1500
9100
4250
In 1991 there were 261 approved hotels, 432 unapproved
hotels & 76 supplementary accommodation facilities in Thiruvan
anthapuram. In the same period there were 96 hotels in Kovalam,
which includes five-star, three-star & one star hotel(one each
among hotels).
315
But the basic dilema does not lie in the numbers of
hotels & bed capacity, but in their seasonality. During peak
season there is 100 per cent occupancy, while in other months
many hotels are closed. For example during Summer & Monsoon
period hardly 10 hotels (out of 96) are functioning. So it
becomes a seasorial job for locals.
As the occupancy rate of hotels show & as the hotel
tariff rate of different months show that in June-July the
rooms remain vacant due to hot wet season. In March, April
August & September may be considered as slender months. But
thereafter the seasons come when there is 100 per cent occup
ancy. The popular-cuisine in hotels are Indian(mostly South
Indian dishes), Chinese & continental. Many hotels try to
arrange some types of entertainment such as classical dance,
music, indoor games etc. Some hotels provide demonstrators
for Yoga & meditation. Most of the hoteliers get their guests
by travel agents & auto-taxi drivers. Some hotels have got
government aid also. Many of hoteliers believe that the
laws & regulations related to tourism are helpful for growth
& promotion of hotel industry & tourism.
The climograph of Thiruvananthapuram shows its climatic
limitation, however, the Kerala Government has tried to extend
the seasonality by organising several festivals such as Nisha
gandhi dance festival, Elephant festival, tourism week etc.
It is supposed that despite climatic vigorousity it will
attract more tourists.
\
316
Other Facilities
In the abstract of Government of Kerala in which
Tourism is declared as an industry, several other concessions
were given to other sectors of tourism industry. Concessions
are given on the construction of Amusement Parks & Recreation
Centres approved by the Government. Construction of Ropeways
at tourist centres, establishment of Ayurvedic Centres with
tourism potential were also facilitated with concessions. Gover
nment also provided concessions on the purchase of luxury
cars, coaches, boats, aircrafts etc. by the Tour Operators
approved by the State/Central Department of Tourism. Building
of traditional types of boats like Chundan, Iruttukuthy, Veppu,
Kettuvallam & House boats were also encouraged under this
scheme.
As far as the surface transportation is concerned, it
is well developed in this small state. The length of metalled
road is 1.06 lakh Kms. , out of which 843.5 Kms is the National
Highway which connects it with Banglore & Tamil Nadu. The
Railways are extended over 1097 Km. But Kerala is famous for
its backwaters (Kayals) & waterways provide 1900 Kms. long
passage through lush green surroundings. Besides all these
the coastal beach with a length of 575 Kms. connects Kerala
with other states of India & other countries abroad.
317
However, from the point of view of tourism, the most
important means of tourists arrival is the Airways. The
International tourism is hampered lergely because of limited
air travel facility; Trivendrum is declared as an International
airport, but no foreign airlines operate on the route, though
it lies en route to Colombo & Maldives. The out bound Inter-
national flights are largely confined to the Gulf countries,
Sri Lanka & the Maldives. Air India has been permitted to
operate S bring its International passengers directly to Tri
vendrum. Chartered flights were being started some time ago
from Europe, but soon it was stopped because of objections
raised by an Indian-air travel agency.
After the publicity by the magazine 'Times' from London
some trips were organised from Europe. Now the 'Queen Elizabeth
-II' has made a scheduled stopover in Madras 2 The recent
liberal charter policy will also help in boosting the number of
tourists in this sector. However there is need of more direct
flights from major International capitals, especially European
cities to Kerala, at least once a week. Some special flights
can also be arranged to bring a large number of rich western
& oriental (specially the Japanese) tourists who visit Sri
Lanka. All these steps will help in achieving more tourists
to this state.
318
PLANNING FOR TOURISM
Since the inception of planning era in Kerala, the
importance of tourism was recognised, but it could not get
its proper share. The Table 5.2 shows that in first plan no
outlay was provided to the sector of tourism. In second plan
it got meagre amount, that was less than one per cent of total
outlay. One of the reasons for this small share was other
priorities of state government. But it also reflects lack
of interest of state government in this sector.
Plan
1
II
III
Annual Plans
1966-69
IV
v
Annual 1978-80
VI
VII
TABLE-5.2
KERALA
Tourism Sector Outlays in the Five Year Plans
Total outlay
(Rs.in Crores)
30.03
87.01
170.00
140.82
288.40
425.58
Plans 413.69
1500.00
2100.00
Outlay to the tourism Sector
(Rs. in crores)
0.13
0.50
0.31
0.50
0.71
1.30
6.75
9.00
Outlay to the Tourism Sector as a per centage of total outlay
0.15
0.29
0.22
0.19
0.17
0.31
0.45
0.43
KEAALA PLAN ALLOCATION for- To~RJsM SEcToR
10
PLANS
319
10
-J ~
o7 ~ ,._ 0 t
Q(, ~
~ o.s -..../
0: 0
()"' t
OlJTLA't'
.... (f)
Fl IN CROR£ C3 IN PER CENT AGE
SOURC£: D.O. T., K£RALA
320
For proper planning, so far no detailed study was
conducted on the tourism industry in Kerala. Though several
master plans have been formulated from time to time. They
mainly concentrated· on the development of travel circuits
transport & accommodation facilities. Among such studies
special mention may be given to the studies of Prof.M.V.Pylee,
former Vice-Chancellor of Cochin University & A.C.Jose,
the former speaker of Kerala Assembly & the Chairman of the
estimates committee of Assembly.
During 1986-87( December,l986 to February, 1987), the
Department of Tourism, Kerala conducted a tourist traffic sur
vey in order to estimate tourist flows through national high
ways. The Department has also conducted a hotel survey(Feb.
March, 1987). Other studies also concentrated on transport
& accommodation facilities.
Now Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has compai
gned Kerala as 'Gods own Country'. The Tourism -calender of
Kerala begins with Onam, the harvest festival occurs in August
September. The State Government now celebrates it as 'tourism
week'. The K.T.D.C. has published a calender of the events
for the next five years to help tour operators planned trips.
In 1991 over 5,000 artists participated in various programmes
organised at 22 venues during tourism week.
321
After Onam Kerala celebrates six months long Nrithot-
savam, from October. Dance programmes are organised by the
Tourism Department at weekends simultaneously at two venues-
the Kanakakunnu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram & the Askok beach
resort at Kovalam. With the participation of some of the
biggest maestro in classical dances, it is turning to be
the country's biggest dance festival. The average daily attan-
dence has been over 1500 including 600 foreigners in 1991.
In January 17, 1991 the first biggest 'Gajamela' was
started in Thekkinkadu Maidan at Trichur with 101 elephants.
The decorated elephants with multicoloured parasols & umbrellas
were giving fantastic scene. The atmosphere was full of music,
dance with sounds of Panchavadyam & other traditional per-
cussion music. It began with Ganapathi homam at Vadakkunnatha
temple. Thousands of domestic & foreign tourists came to see
3 this spectacular elephant march. Recently (1992) the Union
Government has cleared a project of Rs. 1000 crore to develop
the Sea Shore at Bakel in North Kerala, 18 Km •. from Kashargod.
There is an old fort stands majestically like a mightily pro-
tector of the unspoiit charm of the coconut palm-fringed sea-
shore. At 300 feet above sea level on 30 acres of hilly land
the Bakel fort is biggest in Kerala. The Rs. 1000 crore pro-
ject envisages the development of an airport(either a new
one or upgrading the Karippur airport), highways, five-star
322
hotels, modern communication facilities, motels & Yatri Niwas.
The central & state governments will provide the basic infras-
tructure. Other attractions of place are secret caves, wells
& weapons, a 50 feet high piller, a watch tower used for obser-
ving the movements of enemy warships. The British had also
realised the resort potential of the fort & they established
a tourist banglow in it in 1909.
A conference was organised by Kerala Institute of
Tourism Studies on May 11-13, 1989 on the theme of 'Perspec-
tive in Promotion of Tourism in South India'. Tamil Nadu,
Lakshdweep & Pondicherry with the representation from Air
India, Indian Airlines, Indian Railways & Vayudoot etc. In
this conference five new circuits were identified for promo-
tion f . 4 o tour1sm. Among them one circuit was constituted of
Cochin-Alleppy-Kottayam/Thekkady/Madurai/Madras. It largely
covers Kerala with Tamil Nadu. Another package has been
developed by government of Kerala, which consists of visit
to the tea plantations in Munnar & historic place(e.g.Synagogue,
Dutch cemetry etc.), a cruise on the backwaters & a look at
boat race.
In the week of Onam, Kerala's most important festival-
Snake boat races & water carnivals are organised at Arunmula
on the Pamba river in the Kuttanad region, at Payipad near
Quilon & Thayathangadi near Kottayam. Now most famous is the
3·23
'Nehru Trophy Boat Race'at Alleppy, which takes place each
year on the second saturday of August.
Government is also anxious to make the people cons -
cious of Tourism phenomena. To educate the society at large
about the socio-economic benefits of tourism & to creat the
right kind of approach to it, the government has tried to make
tourism a social movement. Tourism clubs have been set up
in colleges & lectures are also organised on tourism. It has
been proposed to organise some travelling exhibition on tou
rism.
Regarding the importance of service sector, opinion
polls among tourists are planned to encourage better service.
The motive behind these polls is to select the best auto-rick
shaw/taxi driver, bearer, receptionist & guide. K.T.D.C. is
promoting all aspects of tourism; recreational, cultural,
social, beach, wildlife & adventure tourism with motivation
to gear up 'body,mind & soul tours'.
As far as the marketing of the product is concerned,
some scholars of Kerala Institute of Tourism Studies have
focused on three new strategies, they are Geographic, Demo
graphic & Psychographic market orientation. Geographic market
orientation include the destination of tourists & their stay.
Demographic market orientation considers the age, sex, level
324
of education & the income distribution of tourists. Psycho
graphic market orientation concentrates on the motivations,
interest, hobbies, responsiveness to advertising & propen
sity to travel. Tourism marketing is complicated function
due to the dichotomy between ~pply and demand. Supply is
inelastic as considerable fixed investment is required to
expand it & highly trained manpower is required to operate
it. It cannot be adopted quickly to demand variations.
Regarding the marketing policy of government(par
ticularly Kerala Government) different opinions were put
forward by different travel agents& tour operators. S.P.Dutt
(Air India's Commercial Manager ,Tourism) has put optimis
tic view, 'Kerala will become popular on the strength of
its marketing blitz alone as its destinations are exciting'.
The spokesman of K.T.D.C. has also said in same manner,
'We decided to utilise existing infrastructure to its full
potential & promote Kerala as the original tourist destina
tion'. But Gulam Naqshband of Sita travel is nqt satisfied
with present situation, as he stated, 'The awareness level
of Kerala had been very low'.
Som• travel agents & operators feel that Kerala till
now got little exposure in international tourism markets.
Certainly central & state authorities are responsible for
it. They feel that lack of adequate infrastructure & poor
325
services still deter the tourists, while most are unaware
of Kerala as an attractive spot because of poor projection
in the international tourism markets. For this poor situ
ation the local tour operators blame that both central
government & private sector tourism people in North India
are anxious to promote their part of the country & Goa. In
1991, the Visit India Year, the state was not included in
a single travel circuit in the directory published by the
central tourism department. Tamil Nadu was mentioned in
eight circuits & Karnataka in seven. Kerala is mentioned
only in the 16th circuit as a route to destinations in
Tamil Nadu's circuit.
The travel agents & hoteliers of Kerala feel that
there is need of an aggressive merketing to be launched
exclusively tourism. But this is not easy. Till very
recent years, Kerala was considered as peaceful place, but
after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, there was a long
period of disturbance. Now time to time tensions/riots have
become common feature such as the clash between islamic
Sevak Sangh & Rashtriya Sevak Sangh. Some bloodsheds took
place during 'Kar Seva in Ayoydha, 1992', Kovalam March
(May 9 1 1992) by B.J.P. workers against Kashmiri migrants
(whom they alleged that they are engaged in drug trafficking
& supporting militant activities)5
, after murder of five
members of r.s.s. etc. Some time ago a foreign woman tour
operator was molested at Kovalam, all these incidents give
326
very bad name to the region/state & India. The foreign
mass media project these features in very distorted style.
So it is not easy to make a dent in such hostile image.
During Visit India Year a provision of Rs.41 lakh
was funded to Department of Tourism for an intensive compai-
gning. but large chunk of this amount was absorbed in
conducting festivals like Nisha-gandhi dances, Gajamela,
Tourism week & Boat races. In recent world tourism market,
Kerala did not have even a stall.
However, various steps of state & union governments
are getting positive response from bot~India as well as
abroad. Various festivals & fairs have lengthened the
period of tourism.
'.
"""'*· . ' ·~.
327
A Profile of Domestic Tourism in Kerala
f it is not possible, even then it is very diffi-
cult to count the exact numbers of domestic tourists
in Kerala. There are several points of entry, several modes
of transportation through which the people enter into Kerala
e.g. Railway~' Roadways, Airways & Waterways.
Now the question arises for what the people from
other parts of India are coming to Kerala? What are the
main motivations which pull them to Kerala? There can be
several types of motivations : such as recreation, beach,
wildlife, adventure, social, cultural etc. For assessing
the main motivations to visit Kerala, one should observe
the main attractions of Kerala. Some of the attractions
are common to other states, particularly to the coastal
state, e.g. the sea coast with dense palm trees & dense
vegetation, lush green high mountains on the eastern side.
Except the backwaters, much of these physical features are
more or less common to other regions. Climatically, for
' a long period of year, particularly the summer and monsoon
seasons are period of sultry-hot-wet-sweating-very uncomfor-
table conditions. So it is not favourable for tourists to
visit coastal Kerala. It is proved by the climograph of
Thiruvananthapuram & the occupancy rate of hotels in differ
ent months of year. So for long duration the hill stations
328
such as Munnar & Thekkady are attractive for tourists. How
ever, the importance of natural beauty cannot be ignored
which is plentiful in Kerala.
The main attraction for Indians in Kerala are socio-
cultural in nature. There are many important temples in
Kerala of religious importance6 , which were outcome of great
Hindu renaissance spearheaded by the Advaita philosopher
Sankaracharya & the phenomena of the Bhakti cult which led
to the growth of Shavaite & Vaishnavaite movements. There
are about a dozen Cave temples in the state, clustered in
South, Central & Northern parts. The main temples are
Kaviyoor(north-east of Thiruvalla in Alleppy district)Kottakal
(on T~ivendrum-Kottayam Central road in Quilon dist.)Thri
vikramangalam & Padmanabhaswamy in Trivendrum, Bhagwati in
Kodungalloor, Vadakkunnathan (shiva) in Trichur, Shree Shankara
at Kalady, Guruvayoor (Trichur) etc. Each of these temples
are maintaining their own peculiar traditions from centuries.
Different fairs & festivals attract a large number
of people, these are Onam, a festival of great zeal & festi
vity when King Bali comes on yearly visit (as it is believed)
is celebrated after autumn harvest. Pongal is celebrated
on 14th January. There is great elephant show in January,
snake boat race in August etc. are great attractions. Now
329
government has started six month long Nrithotsavam in which
dance programmes are organised by Tourism Departments at two
vanues : Kanakakunnu palace in trivendrum & Ashok beach resort
at Kovalam which is turning into country's biggest festival,
attended in large number by both Foreigners as well as Indian
. 7 tourists.
In October '92 on the occasion of closing ceremony
of SAARC festival, Thiruvananthapuram was crowded not by
Indians only , but foreigners too. The following table shows
the number of domestic tourists over the years.
TABLE-5.3
Domestic Tourists Arrival in Kerala
Years Domestic Tourists Years Domestic Tourists
1985 3,38,776 1989 6,34,248
1986 4,23,756 1990 8,66,525
1987 5,10,619 1991 9,48,991
1988 5,82,050
Source: Department of Tourism, Kerala.
The table shows an increasing trend in the number
of tourists over the years. In begining there is a gradual
increase, but the growth between 1989-90 is phenomenal. In
a period of about five years the growth is three times, which
is an exceptional growth. The credit for this growth goes
to the strategies followed by state & central departments of
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1
0
KERALA DoMESTIC ToURISTs 1\RRIVALS
1915 '' n u YEARS
330
--., 90 91
SOURCE: D. 0. T. KcRALA
331
tourism. Particularly in recent years, there has been a
trend to south India due to disturbances in north Indian
traditional destinations. Jammu & Kashmir is disturbed &
the carrying capacity of Himachal Pradesh & U.P. Himalaya
is not enough to cope up with the indeasing tourists in
limited facilities. So now the north Indians are more
interested to visit south India which is culturally very
rich. Parts of Andhra Pradesh is disturbed by Naxalites &
Tarnil Nadu by LTTE, so western states are supposed to be more
peaceful destinations.
The average stay of domestic tourists in past two
years has been 3 days. In the absence of availability of
data of different states, it is very difficult to make any
comparison or to draw any conclusion. But one can say such
small duration can not be of 'excursionists', i.e. there is
dominance of such people who are interested in visiting
temples, museums, art galleries & in watching few fairs &
festivals. This conclusion seems sound on the basis of
following two tables :
TABLE-5.4
Tourists Arrival in Kerala
Place
Koval am Trivendrum Cochin Thekkady
1986 Forei n
44,626 6,215
34,488 10,238
Domestic
34,0467 389,710 543,158
79,654
39,529 12,287 27,013 10,213
Domestic
511.549 4,59:110 4,6-d,073
87,714 '
332
TABLE-5.5
Tourists Arrival in Kerala
. Place 1989 1990 1991 Foreign Domestic Foreign Domestic ~reign Domestic
Koval am 40,807 75,621 40,674 76,683 40,189 83,814
Guruvayoor X X 30 812,201 27 1037077
Source: Department of Tourism, Kerala
The figures show that in Kovalam, which is a sea
beach the difference between domestic & foreign tourists is
not as much as in the case of other places. This difference
is greatest in Guruvayoor which is a religious place. In
1986 the number of Indians was less than foreigners in
~ovalam. In 1987, it grew substantially. So after an obser-
vation of available data one can say that there is dom.inance
of socio-cultural tourists among Indian tourists in Kerala.
Foreign T.ourists in Kerala
The state has remained in the contact with foreign
countries for long time. But in terms of modern tourism
Kerala has not got its proper share in tourist market. Now
the central & state governments are giving proper attention
to saie it. Kerala has veried attractions for all age, sex
& religion's people.
Year
1985
1986
1987
1988
·333
TABLE-5.6
The Foreign Tourists Arrivals in Kerala
No.of Fnreign Tourist !Year No. of Foreign Tourists
42,347 1989 62,952
50,841 1990 66,139
51,816
52,083
1991 69,309
Source:Department of Tourism,Kerala.
The table shows a substantial growth in the number
of tourists. The growth in the year 1986,1989, 1990 & 1991
over previous years seems phenomenal. But the share of state
to total tourists arrival in India is very low, only five
per cent. The main reason behind this factor is lack of
professionalism in the marketing, as the professionals say,
It is already mentioned that Kerala is mentioned in only one
planned circuits of 'New action plan'. So Kerala is not
getting its due position. The figures for average stay is
available for two years. It was 14 days in 1990 & it became
17 days in 1991. Though it will be too early to draw any
conclusion, we can say that it will attain the national
average. Earlier it was lower. This is a satisfactory trend.
Following table shows country wise distribution of foreigners.
KERALA FoREIGN TOURISTS ARRIVALS
ISIS •6 t7 !I IS 50 ''
YEARS
334
Source : D.O. T. KeJ"ala.
KERALA.
FoREIGN fouRISTS BY CouNTRY
12 r--
'
r--
1--
1--
r-r--
I--
-~ -
2 f--1---
r-1--
0 .. U.Y,.. CAN U.K. GER. FRA ITAlY .JIJ¥.N
Na.tzonttlity
335
B 1989
1990
Sou7'Ce ; D. 0. T. K er-ala.
Year
1988
1989
1990
336
TABLE-5.7
No. of Foreign Tourists according to their Place
of Origin
U.S.A.
3930
4786
3515
Canada U.K.
1095 5989
1587 9971
1397 11864
German
6947
8590
7740
France Italy Japan
3987 3678 1635
5392 4096 2158
4282 3918 2087
Source:Department of Tourism, Kerala.
The table shows that the share of American countries,
viz. U.S.A.& Canada-is less than most of European countries.
The table also shows that the number of tourists was lower
in 1990 than previous year in all countries except for U.K.
The main reason behind this factor can be the contemprory
tense situation in Gulf countries, due to seization of Kuwait
by Iraq, then gathering of Euro-American forces for 'opera
tion desert fox' & subsequently the threat of Saddam Hussain
to allied countries to face the consequences. Tourism season
in Kerala is largely confined to winter months, so their
arrival was exceptionally low. The figure for 1991 is not
available, in which first part of year has also seen lowest
ebb due to gulf war. However in the second half of year
the tourism industry got mormalcy.
During tourism week, celebrated on August 23-29,1991,
K_OVALAM BEACH RESORT
lAI<SHADWffp 5EA.
NOT TO SCALE
337
338
the presence of foreign tourists in four destinations was
recorded as following : Trivendrum-785, Kovalam-984, Cochin-
936, Allapuzha-298. The table 5.4 & 5.5. shows that the
foreigners come mainly for recreational purposes. That's why
their number was highest in Kovalam, Cochin, Thekkady etc.
Their presence in Trivendrum is not much. This clearly ref
lects that tourists prefer to reside in Kovalam rather than
the capital which is only 16 Km. far from it. Cochin is main
harbour from which the tourists depart for Laksdweep, so it
also gets substantial number of tourists. Figures during
tourism week also show that the tourists visited Kovalam,
Cochin, Trivendrum the most.
Some analysis of foreign touiists are based on
questionnaire & information by D.O.T., Kerala concentrate on
Kovalam. That is discussed in the following section.
Kovalam Beach Resort: A Case Study
Kovalam is one of the best beaches in the country.
The golden sands stretched for a couple of kilometres. Its
crescentric curves are terminated by large masses of rocks
jutting into sea. Tall palm trees form a lush green back
ground. The azure blue-green & blue sea to the west are
endless watermass. The huge waves breaking the blue-green
surface with white foams. The waves are countless.
339
It is the best place for leisure. The environment
is slow & easy. It is best for sun-soaked vacation. There
is no historical monuments to see. So one has just to spread
a mat on the sand & relax. When heat gets unbearable, the
person should walk into the sea & dive into the big waves.
The food articles available on sea front are also
unique, from fish & chips to prown spring rolls-Indian-Chinese
& continental. Besides there are famous 'Papaya ladies' who
sell delicious fresh fruit, coconut, pineapple, oranges, papaya
etc.
in many cottages there are facilities of massage, herbal
care, yoga & meditation. So in this beach a tourist forgets the
concept of time. He is satisfied with the products of Kovalam
beach. At present the number of beds was 1294 in 1991. It
was supposed (target) that it would be 1500 beds in 1992-93.
TABLE-5.8
Tourists Arrival at Kovalam
Foreign Indian
1986 44,626 34,046
1987 39,529 51,549
1989 40,807 75,621
1990 40,674 76,683
1991 40,189 83,814
10
2
KOVALA M TOURISTS ARRIVALS
340
TOURISTS
r=l INDIANS
CJ I=OREIGNERS
SOIJRC£; D.O. T. KERALA.
341
The figures show that there is a slight decline or
stagnation in foreign tourists arrival in Kovalam. The reason
can be lack of proper professionalism in marketing of the
beach. Simultaneously some other beaches are also developed
in last few years such as Varakala, Kappad & Bekal. The den
sely populated beach with declining facilities may also be
one of the reason. However, the average stay is 17 days which
is near to national average. Surprisingly the number of
Indian tourists has grown very fastly. One of the reasons
may be the disturbances of northern destinations have diverted
the tourists to south.
According to a survey conducted by D.O.T. Kerala
shows that main motivations which attract the foreigners to
Kerala are : Natural beauty-43 %, Beaches-37%, Culture-9 %
& other purposes as business-11 %. Thus the combination of
natural beauty & beauty of beaches are the main attractions.
Though state government is arranging cultural activities
such as elephant show, boat race, tourism week etc., but
they have not resulted so far. The beaches visited by tourists
are Kovalam-100 %, Varkala-13 %, Kappad-0.5% & Bekal-0.1 %.
Now a days tourists do not come only for leisure,but
there is an increasing trend in participation in water sports.
About 62 % tourists participate in different water based
10 r <.!
-~ 8 ~ ....
~ 1 ...........,
6
~ V) - 5 !k: ::::, () t- il
~ 3
0 ~
2
1
0 J
KovALAM MONTHWlSE TOURISTS ARRIVAL
1991
' '
F
'· ' ' ' ' ' ' ', ' '
A t-1 J JW., A
MONTHS
-·/ /
/
0
I /
I
I
I
I
i I
D
10UR ISTS
B INDIANS u fOREIGNt:RS
Sou7'ce; D. 0. T. Kerala
342
J(OVALAM
PARTICIPATlvN Of TOURISTS IN WATER BASED ACTIVITIES
c:n ·" ~ ~ ~ ! J ~
~ 4> .... l ~
.~ ~
~ 1.1. ~ () 1 "
,:. ~ ~ ~~· 4- \f) ·-<:I $ I..J >- ~
f\.CTIVJTIE5
343
:. I -- I
I I I
""·~. I
---=I
344
activities : Among them they prefer: Yatching=46.77%,
Snorkelling= 56.45 %, Wind Surfing = 36.7 %, Catamaran=35.48%
Water Skiing=27.42%, Beach football=l6.13%, Sailing= 51.61 %.
Water sports facilities are available in I.T.D.C. Kovalam
Ashok for catamarans, rowing, power boat, water scooter,
snorkelling, beach volleyball & football. Some other hoteliers
have also started them.
TABLE-5.9
Monthwise Tourists Arrival in Kovalam(l991)
Months Forei ners Indians Months Forei ners Indians
January 5362 8517 July 1709 5824
February 4530 7142 August 2470 6112
March 3455 6732 September 2904 7028
April 2353 6322 October 3751 7763
May 1340 5024 November 4804 8432
June 860 5642 December 6646 9276
Source: Department of Tourism, Kerala. '.
The figures show the phenomena of seasonality, the
seasons affect foreign tourists arrival more than the domes
tic tourists arrival. The reason is clear, i.e.the main
motivation of foreigners is beach leisure & recreation while
for Indians cultural & religious aspects are also important.
During tourism week (August 23-29, 1991) 984 foreigners
visited Kovalam. So we can say that cultural activities
KOVALAM
FOREIGN TOURISTS BY COUNTRY (1~91)
\0 ,..
I- 'a
1-
1-
2 - I I ~
I I
0 I
,.----
U.K. Gel". FTQ.n( U.S. lt41'1 · Swit3 ~u!>t. J<>fl I~
Natf'fm,a)dy
345
Sl1Ura; D.O.T. }\e'N11a.
346
can lengthen the seasonality of tourism.
TABLE-5.10
Number of Foreign Tourists according to their place of origin:
-1991.
Country No. of Tourists Country No. of Tourists
United 8359 Italy 2205 Kingdom
Germany 6326 Switzerland 1560
France 3997 Australia 1504
U.S.A. 3002 Japan 1331
Ireland 2200
Source: D.O.T. Kerala.
The figures show that 27 % of foreigners are Briti-
shers. Apart from main motivation of recreation many of
them come here for cultural purposes. During survey some
respondents answered that they came to find out some of their
ancestors or old linkages. Now Germans (17%) are also
prefering this place. Kovalam is also a new destination
for Japanese & Australians.
According to the survey conducted by D.O.T. Kerala,
the broad occupational structures of three nations were
found as following:
347
TABLE-5.11
Occupation British German Swiss
Students 26 % 29.41 % 33.33 %
Professionals 37 % 58.82 % 50 %
Others 37 % 11.77 % 16.67 %
Source D.O.T., Kerala.
The figures show that the proportion of youth
tourists ranges from one fourth to one third of total tour
ists. This is the group which is 'allocentric'in nature, who
needs economic or-budget accommodation, but who really is
interested in fun, adventure & knowledge. So ~here is ample
scope for the development of adventure activities. About
half of tourists are professionals who may be 'mid-centric'
or 'psycho-centric' in nature, who are more interested in
leisure & recreation. So, the planners should also take
care of this class people. They need comfortable accommo
dation & recreational facilities.
From available data & observed trend Kerala govern
ment has also focussed on the development of other beaches.
Ashoka group has recently acquired land to build a hotel of
three star category on Varkala beach. On other beach ·
'Kappad beach' central P.W.D. has recently completed the
348
' construction of a beach resort which will be handed, over to
the Department of Tourism. D.O.T. will give this resort to
private sector on contract basis. There is another beach
'Bekal beach' for which the state government has recently
announced a mega project costing around Rs. 1000 crores to
develop the Bekal fort & its surrounding beaches with the
help of central D.O.T. These enthusiastical steps of state
& central D.O.T. show that beach tourism will get prominence
in near future.
Ecological Aspects of Tourism
Kerala is a small state bounded by Eastern highlands
& endless waterbody of Arabian sea on the west. So whole
state is like a single biomass, which behaves like a single
unit • The different elements of ecological phenomena are
interrelated. If land slides from the hills, ~t comes down
to lower plains. Similarly deforestation, land slide, soil
erosion, siltation & floods all are interrelated. So having
a holistic approach the ecology of state must be studied
which will help in understanding the coastal ecology too.
The main human activities on Kerala coast are: small
scale industry, mining of sands, fisheries, refineries, port
activities & recreational activities. The population pre-
ssure on coasts has badly affected the coastal area. At
349
many places the plants are eliminated. The deforestation
has affected the habit & habitaL of animal lives. The
presence of radioactive sands are menace to coastal popula-
tion. The deforestation & mining has resulted in disfigure-
ment & erosion of the coastline. There is a problem of
litter, sewage disposal & fire due to increasing population.
Some of these problems have been discussed in following
headings.
o The Problems of Forest: The total forest cover in the
state is 11,22,520 hectares or 28.89% of the geographical
area. 81.54% o( the forest area is reserve forest,--16.82%
are private forests vested in the government & 1.64 % is
proposed to be made reserve forests. About 50 % of forest
land is under teak plantations. On 21.88 % forest area is
under eucalyptus platation which wa~ meant for industries.
8 In 11.48 % of forest area the vegetation is mixed type.
Thus the state possesses a forest area equal to national a
average & the situation seems satisfactory.
But there are various loopholes in the system which
are adversely affecting the vegetal covering. The problem
has also grown due to replacement of vegetation. There are
plantations of acacias, eucalyptus etc. in plains.
In Quilon, on the bank of the Ashtamudi lak~ there
were mangroves, a threatened species. These were cleared
350
to raise acacia. The roots of the mangroves were in water.
To prevent their regeneration, a retaining wall was cons
tructed on the banks of lake under the world bank financed
social forestry project. This was done under a scheme for
tourism promotion. This act was repeated at many places on
the coasts where mangroves were existing. In these regions
it was done to check the soil erosion.
An environmentalist, Prof. Ravi of Botany department
(Quilon College)) opposed the administration alongwith his
students. At last Kerala High Court stayed the work & appoin
ted a Commission of two scientists. The commission reported,
'There is no need to construct a retaining wall on the bank
of the lake. The water may be allowed to come so that the
local vegetation may come up. Acacia, which is an exotic,
does not fit with the local species. Mangroves should be
regenerated in this area.'
Prior to this a great war was fought by environment
alist against 'Silent Valley Project' in early 1980s. Ultima
tely the environm~ntalist got the victory.
Besides replacement, other problem is deforestation
.on many levels. About 1200 hectares of forest area are lost
each year due to legal/illegal cutting of trees. various
development projects have also taken toll of large vegetal
351
areas. A big naval base inaugurated by late P.M. Rajiv
Gandhi is expanded over 1000 hectares area in Ezhimala dist
rict10. It will be Asi~s biggest naval training centre on
the coast. There are many other projects which are in the
process of initiation. One example is some different. The
state government made an agreement with Gwalior Rayon, Mavoor
(Calicut) to supply two lakh tonnes of bamboo & eucalyptus
per annum. The government supplies them at subsidised rate,
just half than market rate while the poor people are finding
it very difficult to get bamboo for hut making 11 •
Other problem is fire. Often fires break out & des
troy flora & fauna of large area. Sometimes they are natural
due to frictional heat of dry bamboos or plants. But many
times they are man-made due to burning cigaratte buttes, camp
fire or other wise.
One way of preventing forest fire is to cut the
contact or fire lines before reaching the fire, or sometimes
it is done before on set of the dry season. But the corrupt
officials do this in haphazard manner. In 1987, about 40
hectares of Silent Valley Park was destroyed by the park
authority. Some C.P.r. members blamed there is a lobby which
gets benefits from these fires.13
Some are getting
charcoal & some timber which are being cut to prevent the fire
from spreading. The overall impact of such selfishness causes
various ill consequences on flora, fauna & whole environment.
352
o Flood : Kerala is a state of heavy rainfall. It inaugur~s
the rainy season of India. The South-West monsoon bursts into
enormous rainfall. During rainfall flood is very common.
There are many reasons for flood. Besides heavy rainfall,
deforestation causes high rate of soil erosion which is deposited
in natural drainage system & makes them shallow. The result
is that sudden heavy rainfall overflows the banks of channels.
The increase in population has pushed the population to margi
nal areas, even on the banks of streams which often overflow.
So all these factors result into flood menace.
The people, particularly the farmers & fishermen in
Kuttanad, Idukki & parts of Trivendrum are always facing the
problems. Many lose their lives & animans lives. The crops
are damaged & many houses, buildings & roads are demolished.
The worst scene is in Kuttanad, which is a cluster of tiny
islets, full of canals, lagoons including famous vembanad lake.
When the water level rises, it crosses bunds due to greater
inflow of river water into the lake. Even in no~mal times
drinking water is a problem in the area, but during flood it
gets worse. The Punnamada lake- V@nue for Nehru Boat race
is also flooded. The worst year was 1992, when Kerala faced
the flood menace thrice: during monsoon, in October(lOth onward)
& November (15th-20th). Each of these episodes affected more
than 5000 families, collapsed many houses & tolled hundreds
of lives.
353
o Land Slide & Soil Erosion :The combined effect of defores
tation & torrential rainfall is severe for Keralites. The
deforestation resulted into denudation of forest areas which
has loose soil structure. After heavy rainfall the loose soil
is washed down from slopes & at many places mass of soil slides
which flattens huts, houses & uproots the trees. In Iddukki
district it affects an average area of two Km. radius. In
1992 during the sudden heavy rainfall (Oct.l0-12) many people
died & more than 4000 families were outstead due to wide land
slide. In November(l5-17th) about 50 persons died due to
cyclonic rainfall besides flattening of thousands of houses.
Sea erosion also is a havoc for coastal dwellers. Many
houses, hutments (made of coconut leaves) are washed away &
collapsed due to roaring waves of angry sea. The beaches are
highly prone to sea erosion because of mining of large quanti
ties of sands by 'Indian Rare Earths'. At some places the
sea walls were constructed at highly vulnerable_areas, but
they are destroyed in some places.
About 320 Km. out of 575 Km. long Kerala's beach is subject
to severe sea erosion. During monsoon period the soil erosion
is augmented by rough sea water. The worst affected areas are
Poonthura, Panthura & Kottapuram in Thiruvananthapuram district,
Edavas, Thanni & Eravipuram in Quilon district, Thirikkunna
puzha, Arattupuzha, Punnapara, Thumboli, Anthakaran Azhi &
354
Pollithodu & Nayarambalam in Ernakulam district & Kadapuram,
Eriyad, Perinjanam, Kaipamangalam & Engandiyoor in Trichur
d. . 14 1str1ct.
In monsoon period the backwaters (Kayals) along the
coastline of Kerala separate the mainland from the coastal
tract which becomes longitudinal strip of water logged area.
This narrow strip is thickly populated. The National Highway
& the main inland nevigational system run parallel to the
coastline with only a very narrow belt of low lying lands
separating them from the sea. This strip is subject to severe
erosion during monsoon period. On the hilly side hunqreds
of coconut trees are uprooted & several huts are destroyed due
to soil creeping.
The only permanent method for preventing the coasts
against sea erosion is the construction of sea walls & planta~
tion of grooves, particularly mangroves & other endemic species
of plants. work on these lines were started since the first
plan period. Sea walls were constructed in some vulnerable
areas of the coastline. Sea walls were constructed in more
places & they are in different stages of progress. But as
mentioned earlier, it has created some controvarsies also be-
cause in the areas of mangroves, the walls restricted their
growth. However, the main spirit should be prevention of
coastal region with any of methods.
355
Fishing is one of the main occupations of coastal
people. It .is the livelihood for lakhs of fishermen. Pre-/
viously they were catching fishes with traditional nets on
traditional boats. But gradually they modernised their
fishing equipments. Now the mechanisation led to them a ten-
dency to have maximum catch. They also tend to export fishes
to abroad. This export oriented mechanised fishing has creat-
ed an ecological problem of. the coast of Kerala. Now these
fast depleting natural resources are adversely affecting the
lives of fishermen. Over 800 thousand fishermen on the coasts
of Kerala are facing an intermediate threat dislocation &
paupensm. There has been a sharp decline in marine produc-
tion over the last decade. The introduction of trawlers
causes the erosion of the sea bed, where fish breeding takes
place. The plankton & other plants on which fishes thrive
are also facing the problem of survival because trawlers
erode the sea bed & uproot the flora. In traditional method
the fishes below a particular size were rethrow~ into water.
But in modern method all catches are brought to the board.
Thus such export oriented mechanised fishing has resulted in
the depletion of such a natural resource that was once consi-
dered as inexhaustible.
Air pollution is not as severe problem in Kerala
except for large towns & industrial areas. The state is rich
356
in natural vegetation, surrounded with green plants or blue
water. The diurnal circulation of winds-land breeze & sea
breeze dilutes the air pollution. Even then its bad effect
can be seen in some places where large industries are estab-
lished. The conscious people of Kerala are vigilent on such
issues through various environmental plateforms. A salutary
trend has been provided by the Kerala Government when it ordered
to close down two Gwalior Rayon factories at Mavoor.15
There
were complaints that poisonous gases discharged by these indus-
tries were causing several kinds of chest disease & polluting
the chaliyar river. The intervention of administrators com-
pelled the management to undertake effuent disposal work.
Many similar control devices have been enacted. However,on
coastal areas air pollution seems not a great problem.
0 The Dangerous Sands Sometimes some boons become bane.
We cannot develop beach tourism everywhere, even being rich
with sands. The reason is that the sands are radio-active
in nature. The sands of Kerala & Tamil. Nadu ar~ one of the
world's biggest & richest resources of monazite & other rare
minerals. The 'India Rare Earth' mines about 2.5 lakh tonnes
16 of the mineral sands every year. Earlier the entire mining
was on the beach, sometimes a few metre into the water. Thus
they cut & disfigured some parts of coast. Now mining is
restricted to an area at least 15 metres away from the shore
357
line to protect the beach profile. The mining has led to
depletion of sand. It has deserted many depressions. The
overall impact is the severe erosion of coastal beaches.
A stretch of 160 Km. of beach from Purakkad in
Alappuzha district to Kanyakumari is characterised by the
patches of highly radio-active mineral sands. These sands
are creating hazardous background radiation. This belt is
interrupted by stretches with normal level of radiation. The
radioactive sands have been found in Neendakara, Chavara,
Puthenthura & north of Kellam. In these places the Geiger
counter records an average of 1400 counts a minute, which is
17 more than 10 times the level in other places, such as
Thiruvananthapuram with normal natural background radiation.
The effect of these sands is very severe for local
people. In Alappad the background radiation has caused
sterlity, congenital blindness, deafness, mental retardation.
etc.
According to K.Sundaram of Bhabha Atomic Research
Centre (BARC), Trombay who conducted a cytological & other
studies in the region 18 , 1 the infant mortality rate in the
study population was more than 200 per 1000 live births
whereas the highest recorded rate of infant mortality in
India in the past 60 years was 178 during 1926-30. The
age specific fertility rate of women qetween 40 & 49 was
almost six times lower. 1 Another study was done by
358
Dr. N. Kochupillai & his collegues of AIIMS (All India Ins-
titute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi) in 1976. They found
higher incidence of Down's Syndrome (Mangolism), different
forms of mental retardation & chromosomal abnormalities in
the population due to high background radiation.
After such complaints BARC sent another study team
which reported 'Evaluation of long term effects of high back-
ground radiation on selected population groups on the Kerala
coast.' 19 The report says , 'The analysis of demographic data
indicated no statistically significant differences in ferti
lity index, sex ratio among off spring, infant mortality
rate, pregnancy terminations, multiple births & gross abnor-
malities among population groups receiving different levels
of radiation exposure •••• It is very likely that parameters
analysed in this study are not sensitive enough to reveal
any differences which are significantly different.'
The reaction of this report was harsh ~mong the
anti~uclear activists. V.T.Padmanabham, an anti-nuclear
activist reacted,' The silica separated from the sands was
not being used to fill the mines areas. The mining caused
sea erosion & the crushing of sands led to the release of
additional quantities of radioactive thoron into the air.
But the I.R.E. had not cared to give jobs or hospital ·facili-
ties to the affected people. The issue is still contraver-
sial.
359
o Law Regarding Constructions on Beaches: The direction
given by central government to states regarding the ban on
all construction within 500 metres of the high tide mark
& now relaxed to 200 metres for beach resorts could not be
observed in Kerala. The simple reason behind this factor
is the dense population of the state. The officials of Chief
Town Planner's Office admitted that the directives has not
been strictly enforced. 20 Even the authorities in Triven-
drum Development Authority(TRIDA) argue that Kerala is a
densely populated state, particularly the coastal stretches.
The people have been settled even before the beaches end.
Even relaxing the ban to 200 metres for beach resorts did
not make much difference at Kovalam. Mr.K.Jayakumar, Direc-
f . .d 21 tor o Tour~sm sa~ , 'There is simply no land available
within the 200 metre zone at Kovalam. There are many repu-
ted groups which would like to put up hotels there if land
could be found.'
There are many unauthorised hotels & buildings at
Kovalam. But the administration seems not much effective
to do anything against it. If the government is enforcing
the 200 metres ban law then it will uproot many of local
enterpreneurs.
The settlements started at Kovalam with a government
KOVALAM BEACH
CONSTRUCTION ON SEA BEACH
1\0VALJ>..M A5HOK BE~H RESORT
360
361
guest house. The India Tourism Development Corporation
constructed Ashok Beach Resort. Thereafter the state
government started Hotel Samudra. Thereafter several hotels
of various sizes sprang out. Among these hotels, only hotel
Samudra is beyond 200 m zone, while Kovalam Ashok lies within
the boundary.
There is Eve's Beach & Hawa Beach on the southern
side of Kovalam. It is protected by high cliffs & veritable
forest of coconut trees. The beach extends up to Vizhinjam
fishing harbour. The whole beach is crowded with huts &
small cottages. _During winter whole beach is crowded with
people.
The paths which lead to main road abound with hotels
& lodging to suit every pocket & taste from concrete structu
res to thatched cottages. The government is now less worried
about buildings being too close than their conditions, espe-
cially sanitation & hygeine.
pect & licence them.
It is considering ways to ins-
In February, 1990 the Central Ministry of Environment
& Forests reminded the state government about the ban~ 2 'It
has come to our notice that the state government is promoting
tourism by constructing Five-Star hotels & tourist complexes
throughout the state of· Kerala ••••• if the beaches are to
362
be built less then 500 metres from the H.T.L., the projects
should be examined by the Department of Tourism & Ministry
of Environment & then sent for clearence by an Inter ministe-
rial committee headed by Director General of Tourism'. But
this memo is perhaps not functioning, as still many new
hotels are mushrooming. At present there are about 96 hotels
(in 1991) of all sizes & in summer only about 13 of them were
functioning in Koval am.
o Response of Local Residents:"Regarding the study of socio
logical ecology, questionnaire were responded by the local
residents. The questions were divided into three groups-
physical, social & Economic. This was a random survey which
was carried on at Kovalam. The respondents were Keralites,
from Trivendrum, Cochin, Calicut etc. who use to come to the
place.
Regarding the impact of tourism on physical environ-
ment a majority of respondents were of opinion that tourism '·
has enhanced the scenic beauty of the place. _But whether
tourism has destroyed woodlands/wilderness area ? there was
controversy. Some were of opinion that it has destroyed the
natural vegetation to certain extent while some considered
that deforestation is a natural process & tourism in not res-
ponsible for it. Some people were thinking that tourism has
changed the land use pattern while many thought it unaltered.
363
Most of people observed that tourism has not encroached upon the
the agricultural lands, because tourism is more or less sea
sonal in character. This was also a reason that they unani
mously accepted that tourism has not destroyed energy resou
rces & it has enhanced the ecological awareness among the
people. For environmental degradation the people do not blame
tourists for any pollution. On the contrary many have opined
that tourism has promoted cleanliness & hygiene.
Mostly people accept that tourism has helped in the
rediscovery of lost folk traditions. They believe that
tourism has revi~ed & promoted many fairs & festivals. The
festivals like Onam, Pongal, Snake boat race, Elephant march
etc. have got new celebrity & zeal largely due to participa
tion, interest & encouraging attitudes of tourists. The pre
servation & conservation of many old monuments has become
possible due to their touristic importance. Such monuments
include some palaces, art-galleries & many temples. The
funds provided by visitors have helped in their maintenance
& upgradation. The Keralites also believe that the tourism
has encouraged the local arts & crafts. Many artisans would
have left their traditional occupations if they were not
economically supported & encouraged by th~ visitors who show
their int~rest in their crafts. Today many small scale/
village industries, crafts, handlooms & artistic objects are
prepared only for tourists. Thus thousands of people are
engaged in earning foreign exchange.
364
Tourism has some negative impacts also. The influence
of outer world upsets the local customs, religious practices.
It breaks ethnic identity due to modern life values & brings
anarchy in society. On such issues the Keralites responded
in negative i.e. they unanimously opposed any such negative
impact of tourism on society. There are two reasons for
it, first, Keralites are deeply rooted in their cultural
system & the domestic tourists who visit Kerala are also
supportive in nature, i.e. they also often believe the same
sects, religions & beliefs. Secondaly the number of foreign
tourists is low & seasonal. Kerala is a land of out migra
tion & thousands of people are working abroad. So tourist
factor is not important in bringing social change. The deve
lopment of beach tourism is enclave like development. The
foreigners prefer to stay at beach resorts (preferably Kava
lam). They seldom visit other places too, but their presence
is not felt amidst crowded Keralites. However, all believe
that there is increasing inclination towards westernisation
in fashion & life style. But films & other media are more
responsible for it rather than tourism. They believe that
tourism has facilitate a contact with outer world & it has
broadened their understanding & perception.
365
Kerala is a state with highest literacy rate. Is
there any role of tourism in the promotion of education. On
this matter they think that tourism cannot be accredited for
this. It can be a subline or surficial factor.
Some social norms are common for any society, which
may be very uncommon for other society. Such alien norms
can create disturbance in other society, for example the
dresses of foreigners etc. Some Keralites believe that their
activities have disturbed peace in public places, but many
do not support it. Regarding immoral aspects of society such
as crime, moral laxity, drugs, gambling there is some debate,
but maximum people believe that tourism alone cannot blamed
for these degradation in society. That's why they do not
feel that there is any unrest among the people against tou
rists because so far they have not caused any disturbance
to local people.
On the question of improvement & construction of
local infrastructure, all believe that tourism has certainly
upgraded the standards of buildings of public utility. Con
struction of roads, sanitation, sewage. water supply, elec
tricity supply etc. are boosted due to tourism.
Kerala is second densest populated state. The over
population & lack of job opportunity has resulted in large
366
exoduous of people. Today they are spread all over India
& in many parts of world. Tourism is a service industry.
The respondents accepted that tourism has increased job
opportunities for locals. Whether these labourers have been
withdrawn from agriculture sector ? Some believe 'yes'
but many could not decide, as it is very difficult to deter
mine. But they believe that tourism has provided additional
income. It is true that in many strata of this sector they
are getting low .paid jobs, but this is not making them
frustration, rath~r satisfaction, because it has helped in
upgrading their standard of living. They do not believe that
tourism is exploiting ~he natives, t~ough some hesitatingly
accepted that it has created beggar mentality among them.
They felt that tourism, particularli foreign tourism has
produced developed enclaves where increasing inflationary
trend can be observed.
•.
Thus among these mixing responses one can conclude
that tourism is beneficial in kerala where it will provide
job to local people according to their ability.
367
REPERENCES
1. Abstract, Govt. of Kerala, 11th July, '86, Trivendrum. 2. Varma,N. 'Destination,The South' The Week, March 29, '92,
p.39. 3. Thampi,K.M. 'Kerala' Frontline, April 13-26,'91, p.95. 4. 'Destination Travellers' No. 152, June 1989, Govt.
of India, p. 34. 5. H.T., May 10, 1992. 6. Trivedy,s. 'On a temple Trail' T.O.I. August 4,1990. 7. Thampi,K.M. op. cit. p. 95. 8. Nair,K.P. 'Fire in the Forests', Frontline, Aprill-14,
1989, p. 93. 9. Bahuguna,Sunderlal, 'Kerala:The Green Veneer'
Frontline, April 1-14, 1989, p. 91.
10. Ibid. 11. Ibid. 12. Nair,K.P. op.cit. 13. Neg i. 14. Negi, op. ci~. p.90. 15. Mathew,Roy,'The Buried Wealth',Frontline,Apri~l4-27, '90
p. 118. 16. Mathew Roy, 'The Unsafe Sands', Frontline,April,l4-27, '90,
p. 115. 17. Ibid. 18. Ibid. 19. Gopal Raj,N., 'Kerala : No Ripples' Frontline,
July 21-August 3, '90, pp.98-99. 20. Ibid. 21. Ibid.