Kumarakom Kerala , a distt. situated on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Named as one of the ten paradises of the world by the National Geographic Traveller, Kumarakom Kerala is famous especially for its ecotourism initiatives. Kumarakom unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demography, has made Kumarakom one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Beaches and backwaters are prime attractions of Kumarakom Kerala tourism and vacations. There are several beautiful beaches and backwater destinations in Kumarakom offering wonderful opportunity for amazing tourism and mesmerizing vacations. Kovalam, Varkala, Marari, Fort Kochi, Bekal Fort, etc are some of popular beaches of the state.
Heritage sites, such as the Padmanabhapuram Palace, Hill Palace, Mattancherry Palace are also visited. Cities such as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are popular centres for shopping and traditional theatrical performances. Growing at a rate of 13.31%, the tourism industry is a major contributor to the state's economy. Until the early 1980s, Kerala was a hitherto unknown destination, with most tourism circuits concentrated around the north of the country. Aggressive marketing campaigns launched by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation—the government agency that oversees tourism prospects of the state—laid the foundation for the growth of the tourism industry. Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kozhikode, Kuttanad, Kottayam, Fort Kochi, Bekal Fort, Trivandrum, Thiruvallam, etc are some of popular backwater destinations of the state. These beach and backwater destinations in Kumarakom are very popular among tourists and vacationers from all over the world. Tourists and vacationers through out the entire globe tour Kumarakom Kerala to explore its breathtakingly beautiful backwaters and beaches in Kumarakom.
Kumarakom, Kerala Tourism was able to transform itself into one of the niche holiday destinations in India. The tag line Kumarakom Kerala - God's Own Country was adopted in its tourism promotions and became synonymous with the state. Today, Kerala Tourism is a global superbrand and regarded as one of the destinations with the highest brand recall. In 2006, Kumarakom Kerala attracted 4.5 million tourists-an increase of 20.72% in foreign tourist arrivals compared to the previous year, thus making it one of the fastest growing tourism destination in the world.
The state's tourism agenda promotes ecologically sustained tourism, which focuses on the local culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering and personal growth of the local population. Efforts are taken to minimise the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Popular attractions in Kumarakom include the beaches, hill stations and national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
