Despite recent events and some negative publicity which may be creating concern for travellers and travel agents, Kerala is still safe, and people are still incredible friendly, warm and welcoming. Now, more than ever, the Keralites need your support.
Help Kerala get back on its feet.
Southern India is already on the top of many travellers’ bucket lists, so now is a good time to push it higher up the list and help your clients to start planning a trip. It entices visitors with its relaxed way of life, mouth-watering food, fascinating history, endless flora and fauna and stunning natural landscapes - from the picture-perfect coastlines to the tea plantations in the highlands. Named as one of the ten paradises of the world by the National Geographic, it is mostly famous for its eco-tourism and picturesque backwaters. This summer, while we were experiencing an unusually hot summer, Kerala had its worst flooding in nearly a century, caused by exceptionally high rainfall. Following this devastation, the resilience and determination of the local people was inspiring and with a well-organised clean-up operation, many local businesses were re-opening by the 1st of September.
Travel is the best way of showing your support.
Rather than avoiding the area due to the recent floods and publicity, we encourage you to do the exact opposite. According to Vishal Koshi, General Manager of Kalypso, our DMC on the ground in Kerala, restoration is already progressing and the places visited on tourism visits will not be impacted.
“Tourism is one of the biggest forms of revenue for Kerala and many local people make their livelihoods from tourism. From the tea shops to the tender coconut vendors, drivers to destinations guides, waiters at resorts to small homestays, a lot of families survive because of tourism. It will take some time for Kerala to get back to normal, but as long as there is income for families, they will fight their way through.”
All major roads to the tourism destinations are already accessible, and any main roads closed for maintenance can be accessed via detours on other roads. The Public Road Works department plans to finish all the maintenance work by mid-September, after which there should not be any restrictions on traffic. The floods have not affected cycling routes, campsites or trekking routes, which are located well above the impacted areas.
“The Keralite people have built societies in all parts of the world, and now, we will rebuild our own state. Hard work has never been alien to us. The restoration of our amenities is our priority and our clients’ safety is paramount. You can comfort us most by doing business with us; please support us by trusting our instincts about our land. Be a part of our resurgence.” - Vishal.