Showcasing holiday destinations in Kerala, a team of senior officials from the Tourism department of the neighbouring State on Thursday said the world’s biggest bird sculpture was the cynosure of all eyes.
Speaking to reporters here, the officials listed out ‘must visit’ and ‘must see’ locations from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod. Details of resorts ideally suited for all types of budget were available on the tourism department’s website, they said.
Besides performances by artistes from Kerala, there was also a power-point presentation highlighting the facilities, exotic items available in each city in the State and places of interest for art and history lovers and trekkers at the press conference.
Only in Kerala, there were four international airports, which reflected the significance of the State, Joint Director (Tourism) Nandakumar K.P. said.
Connectivity
The Kerala government was keen to connect Tiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod stretch by six lanes connecting 14 cities/district headquarters in the State. Similarly, rail connectivity too was ideal between Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country to the State, he added.
Apart from beaches and backwaters, the State also had enriching experience for travellers from far away destinations, especially after the opening of Kannur international airport. Other locations in north Kerala, besides Bekal and Wayanad, and even micro destinations in Kannur and Kasaragode districts would get a fillip.
Explaining about the bird sculpture, Mr. Nandakumar said the ‘Jatayu Earth Centre’ was spread across 65 acres with a giant statue measuring 200 ft long, 150 ft wide and 70 ft high, making it the largest functional bird sculpture in the globe. The destination was easily accessible as it was right at the epicentre of south Kerala tourist spots.
After the State was badly hit by a cyclone a year ago, it made a quick comeback. Since July last, the Department of Tourism had organised partnership meets in many cities including Bhubaneshwar, Vijayawada, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Indore, Nagpur, Bangalore, Mumbai, and now in Madurai.
The officials also held a meeting with travel agents from Kerala and Madurai.