The relationship between two huge industries of tourism and sports has led to a new type of tourism that has been very much favored and used by the people of the world, in a way that some countries, considering their capacities, potentials and suitable climatic conditions, have managed to bloom as a major sports tourism destination in the world. Some necessary resources for sports industry are Natural resources: national parks, outdoor facilities, deserts, geographical aspects (mountains, cliffs, spas, seas), Sports organizations:sports clubs,social and voluntary groups, management, development of facilities, budget, sponsorship, information services, marketing, commerce. So Lets checkout whether Kerala has in store the above necessary resources to be the Sports Tourism Destination in India.
Kerala has been one of the major contributors to sporting arena in India, whish has
produced some of the best athletes and stars in cricket and
football.The Kerala Sports Council at Trivandrum holds a number of
sports events including acquatic sports. The fantastic boat races are pure
adrenalin,with 30 metre-long snake-shaped boats, and hundreds of oarsmen
singing loudly as they tug at the oars, competing for the most coveted
prize in these parts. Another form of
entertainment which has been recognized in the state is Kalarippayattu.
This gives considerable importance to both brain and brawn. Development
of physique and great concentration are essential to excel in this sport
which has become part of Keralas history.
Serene Backwaters of Kerala |
Kerala has great potential for water sports activities in India. Kerala water sports are adventurous activities fostered by the diverse
network of rivers, lakes, canals, lagoons and estuaries, not to mention
the expanse of backwaters and the mighty Arabian Sea itself.
Tourists from all over the globe make a beeline for this veritable adventure hub. Some of the most commonly indulged water sports of Kerala are:
Tourists from all over the globe make a beeline for this veritable adventure hub. Some of the most commonly indulged water sports of Kerala are:
Canoeing: Canoeing is a favorite sport among the tourists of Kerala and among the local inhabitants of the state. A canoe is a small 2-3 seater boat which is rowed by the sailors.
Canoeing expeditions are undertaken in Kerala by groups of tourists and
such sashays are often arranged by tourist operators on request.
Catamaran Sailing: A catamaran is small often wooden vessel
with twin hulls joined together. Catamarans are usually set sail across
the backwaters of Kerala nowadays motorized catamarans are in vogue
along with traditional oar propelled ones giving the tourists of the
state more variety to indulge in.
Kayaking: Kayaking requires high levels of physical fitness. A
Kayak is a small one or two man boat which the rowers actuate with twin
paddled oars. Kayaking can be undertaken on rocky rapids (similar to
white water rafting) or on calm sea waters. The backwaters of Kerala are
extremely conducive to such sea kayaking.
Para Sailing: Parasailing is a water sport commonly indulged
in beaches and sea side resorts. The sailor is strapped to a parachute
which in turn is attached by a harness to a motor boat or some such
small vessel. As the boat speeds, the sailor takes off into the air.
This highly recreational sport is one of the primary adventure sports in
Kerala's many beaches.
Scuba Diving: Scuba diving is deep sea diving with an oxygen
pack fitted to the diving suit so that the diver does not need to depend
on any surface supplied equipment. The deep Arabian Sea off Kerala
shores makes scuba diving a veritable pleasure sport. The rich
underwater flora and fauna attracts the diver over the risks involved in
the sport.
Snorkeling: Snorkeling is a major tourist recreation at the
beaches of Alappuzha, Kovalam and Varkala. It involved swimming at the
surface of the deep sea equipped with a snorkel or a breathing tube and
mask. It allows the diver to view the natural underwater bounties and
the diversity of marine life.
Wind Surfing: Windsurfing is skimming the water face on a
surfboard with a revolving sail. The skill of the surfer is tested in
maneuvering the craft amidst the high waves and tearing winds.
Windsurfing is a sport that rouses much interest in the numerous beaches
that fringe coastal Kerala.
Kerala is indeed "God's Own Country" because it has adventure and sports activities available along with the nature's beautiful places to be explored. Do make some plans to visit the state of Kerala in upcoming vacations.
More Information on Sports Tourism in India,
Check out these links :-
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Lakshadweep Islands
Nature's Beauty at Munnar |
Kerala is indeed "God's Own Country" because it has adventure and sports activities available along with the nature's beautiful places to be explored. Do make some plans to visit the state of Kerala in upcoming vacations.
More Information on Sports Tourism in India,
Check out these links :-
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Lakshadweep Islands