President stresses on the importance of sustainable tourism in Kerala

Online, August 26, 2010 (Newswire.com) - The President Pratibha Patil, underscored the need to give importance for sustainable tourism to keep its pristine backwaters remain pollution free when she had been in Alappuzha to inaugurate the Nehru Trophy boat race. The State was asked to draft a masterplan for sustainable tourism."Kerala has everything - beaches, misty hill stations, the backwaters, forestlands rich with a large variety of flora and fauna. It has historic monuments and a rich variety of art and culture. It's alluring beauty and serenity leaves tourists mesmerised," the President, said while inaugurating the 58th historic Nehru Trophy boat race.

Boat race festivals have become inseparable parts of any Kerala holiday that has rendered Alappuzha has a special status as the prime destination for backwater tourism. The traditional boat races fostered not just the spirit of competition but also the team works and camaraderie among the participants of this exciting sport, which is one of the largest group sports in the world.

This year's boat race that span over 3 hours had drawn thousands of enthusiastic spectators from all over the world. Sixty boats, including 19 snake boats participated in this mega event that took place in the rain fed Punnamada lake. The most popular event had been the snake boat race ( 'Chundan Valloms') though other types of boats like 'churulan', 'Odi', 'Vepu' added a special charm to the whole affair. This race became an annual event since 1952 when the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was enchanted by an impromptu race that was conducted in his honour. This boat race has set a benchmark in not only assessing the physical strength of the crew but also about their skills to maneuver the boat through the tricky water currents and their keen observation powers.

Mr. Venu K Nair who handles sales and booking of Karma Kerala had this to share with us " We have been promoting a lot of packages for tourists who will be interested in the unique event of Nehru Trophy snake boat race. Compared to previous years, the tourist footfalls during this season has increased thanks to the publicity of this unique event in tourist portals all around the world. More information on the various tourist deals of Karma Kerala can be had from http://www.karmakerala.com/