Heritage and cultural tourism in kerala

Heritage & cultural tourism constitutes a dominant component among bothdomestic and foreign tourists visiting the State. Among the available assets, it isimperative to identify and focus upon those that are outstanding enough to attractand satisfy varied interests. Apart from developing Kochi as a heritagedestination, there is perhaps scope for promoting a heritage circuit coveringKochi, Thrippunithura, Kodungalloor and Chennamangalam. Important museumsmay be developed to international standards with up-to-date interpretationsystems and interactive audio visual facilities. Museum retailing is also acomponent that needs upgradation.Possible models for tourism development that would draw strength from the localculture, arts and lifestyle of Kerala include rural tourism, development of aheritage village, and business tourism packages incorporating culturalperformances, local cuisine, etc. Suitable elements of these models could beincorporated into various projects, or separate projects along these lines couldalso be considered at appropriate locations in the State