CHAPTER V GROWTH OF TOURISM INTRODUCTION

Tourism occupies a permanent place in the changing trends of the modern world. Every one in this world desires to enjoy the life with refreshment and

entertainment not as whole part of life, free from mental and physical unrest. Tourism as a post world War II phenomenon has revolutioned the economy of many countries of the world. International tourism has now become one of the biggest industries in the world68. The people with the advent of industrialiasation started moving in a large numbers to places away from their usual places of residence and work with a view to seek change. This continued until tourism became a phenomenon 69. Today tourism presents anunparallelled change to the marketing world. The vastness of market, its unpredictability the diversity of the product itself, the financial and sociological rewards to be gained have made tourism as one of the most fiercely competitive markets in the world. Between 1950 to 1970 there has been accelerated growth in the world Tourism70. All the countries give importance to tourism as an industry. Geographically tourism is an universal industry and a highly organized complex business. Tourism directly encourages hotel industry, transportation and gives a fillip to arts and crafts. It is also being recognized as a source of employment. By using of earning foreign exchange and employment opportunity tourism also makes a tremendous contribution to the improvement of social and political understanding and cultural exchange. It promises National Integration71.
68 69 70 71

Gupta S.P and Krishnanlal, Tourism, Museum and monuments in India, delhi, 1974 p.1 Bhattia A.k. Tourism Development principles and protises, New Delhi, 1983 p.7 Encyclopaedia, Americara, U.S.A. 1970, p. 1877. Kritiraswamy. V. Suttula Valarchi (Tamil) Chidambaram, 1986, p. 233.

The beauty of Indian cultural heritage and the richness of natures endowments make India as a tourist area72. Tourism as an industry has made tremendous growth. In some of the countries like Taiwan, Mauritius get the half of the G.D.P. from Tourism. World Tourism Day is celebrated every year on 27th September. The day marks the day of tourism of the status of the world. In India separate department was created under the ministry of civil Aviaticn on 1st March 195873. Tourism is a highly labour intensive industry altering employment to both semi-skilled and un-skilled labourers. People move from their home to distant destination in search of relation for a new experience, Tourism helps every country to earn large amount of income particularly through foreign exchange without exporting tangible product. Tourism nourishes the countries economy stimulates the development process, heals internal and external tensions and restores cultural heritage74. Tourism being a labour intensive activity, generates primary and secondary employment. According to General Sethna, former chairman of Indian Tourism Development Corporation One additional hotel room provides job atleast 9 persons. Tourism provides more employment opportunities75.

Definition of Tourism As tourism has become part of life, a number of definitions have been given by Geographers, Economists and Sociologists. Literally tourism means the
72 73 74 75

Ibid p. 235 Little Flower, Pilgrimage Tourism of Siva temples in Kanyakumari District Madurai,2002 , p. 25. Ibid. Ibid

theory and process of pleasure movement. Austrian Economist Herman. V. Schuh in 1910 defined it as The sum of total operators mainly of an economic nature which directly relate to the entry, stay and movement of foreigners inside and outside certain a city or region76. According to Ziradin Joviav, it is a social movement with a view to rest, diversion and satisfaction or cultural needs. Tourism is an entirely of relations and facts constituted by Travel and Sojourn of persons out of their normal place of domicile as far as this sojourn and travel are motivated by any lucrative activity77. The increasing importance of quantitative aspects of tourism for marketing decisions has led to various attempts by experts in the field to arrive at an internationally accepted definition of tourist as the basic unit of measurement. Definition of Tourist The origin of the word tourist dates back to the year 1292 A.D. It has come from the word tour a derivation of the Latin word tornus meaning a tool for describing circle or a turners wheel 78. In 17th century the term first was used for travelling from place to place a journey touching the principal parts of country or region. The tourist is a person who makes journey for the sake of curiosity for the fun of travelling or just tell others that he has travelled79. The Indian Governments Tourist Department defined foreign tourist as a foreign tourist is a person visiting India, on a foreign passport, staying atleast one day in India and the purpose of whose journey should be leisure, recreation, health, study, religion, sports, business, mission, family and meeting80.
76 77 78

A.K. Bhatia op.cit. p. 34. Pillai, R.N. Tour and Pilgrimage in India, NewDelhi, 1985, p.6 P. Raja, Tourism in Southern Districts of Tamilnadu, 2001 P. 7 (A Thesis from Madura Kamaraj University) Bhattia. Op.cit. p. 95 Ibid

79 80

Scope of Tourism Improving International understanding is one of the major scopes of tourism. Tourism helps to break the prejudices barriers and suspicions that exist between Nations. It has to play an important role in the economic development of a nation. The nations have almost universally recognized the economic advantage of tourism. Newly emerging Nations in such area as the carribean islands depend very heavily on tourist income.81 To create employment opportunities for the local population is also one of the scope of Tourism. It employs a large number of people and provides a wide range of jobs which extended from unskilled to the highly specified. It helps transport, hotel industry and gives fillip to arts and crafts. Economic benefits of Tourism The economic benefits of tourism are mainly identified as i) ii) iii) income creation Employment generation Revenue and regional development Improved income distribution and multiplier effect promotion of international economic co-operation, national resources, stimulation of national enterpreneurship and improvement of transport infrastructure are some of the other benefits of Tourism82. The spendings of foreign tourists increase the National wealth. The income received by the destination can be divided into direct and indirect. In Direct income is those earning from visitors which acquire to the host community as a Passover from the first stage could be called indirect income out of tourism.

81 82

Kritinaswami op.cit. p. 237 S.V. Sudheer, Tourism in Kerala, Problem and prospects, 2001 TVM, p.7 (A thesis from Kerala University)

Direct income is from hotels and restaurants, Travel agents and tour operators transport services, Guide services, Tourism resorts, amusements parks etc. Sales of outlets of curios hardicrofts galleries etc. Indirect employment can be created in the construction agriculture and manufacturing industries. This amount of indirect of secondary employment

generated depends upon the extent to which the tourism sector is integrated with rest of local economy83.

Tourism in India
India being a vast and diverse country has something to offer to everyone. Due to historical reasons, India stored taking interest in modern concept of tourism. Only 3rd quarter of 20th century. In 1967 a separate Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation was created with Karan Sangha as Cabinet minister. Development Corporation [ I.T.D.C] also started this year. ITDC [Indian Tourism Development Corporation] has provided a wide range of service for promotion of Tourism keeping some objectives 84. The primary concern of ITDC and centre ministry Aviation are to provide commercial services for the growth of tourist traffic in India85. The central Department of Tourism has been taken many steps to encourage the tourism Industry. It extends financial assistance for the augmentation of Tourism infrastructural facilities like yatrinas, tourist lodges, way side facilities restaurants, tourist bunglows etc86. Indian Tourism

83

A. Sounder Rajan, Commercial viability of the tourist infrastructure of TamilNadu Tourist development Corporation 1999, TVM, p. 1999 (A Thesis from Kerala University) Little flower op.cit. p. 7 Ibid. Ibid.

84 85 86

Tourism earns so much of foreign exchange to our country.

The

Government took various steps to improve tourism by forming various organizations, producing tourist information centres, constructing guest houses etc87. W.T.O. N.T.O. World Tourism Organisation National Tourism Organisation gives advertisement in magazines.

In order to make more attractive, recreation facilities can be provided at that particular destination, park for children, games etc. Shopping centres should be constructed in order to purchase things for the remembrance of that place. So by tourism people can remember that places visit again there88. From the past days India was much attracted by the foreigners. The land is known as the land of marvels and mysteries89. Tourism in India is primarly a cultural tourism. India has large cities, monuments, temples, palaces, beautiful sculptures and paintings and various artistic creations. The great attractions are valley of Himalayas, Sunny beaches and great diversity found in every aspect in mode of living, dress, food, language and religions90.

Tourist Attractions in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu tourism was declared as an industry on December 1986. Tamil Nadu government gives some concessions and incentives to tourism industry 91. By the stastistical analysis of Indian Statistical Institute Calcutta, many foreign
87 88 89 90 91

R. Rajani kumari Tourism project report 2007, Madurai, p. 1 (A Thesis from M.K.U.) Ibid Roy. P.B.. India (A Hand book of Travel) Calcutta, 1903 p.3 Ibid. Soundar Rajan Op. cit. p. 3

tourists arrive in Tamil Nadu as well as Kanyakumari also one at top ten destinations in India92. The following places are the important tourist interests in and around Tamilnadu. Madras Tamil Nadus capital one of the third largest cities in India. The city has, the National Art Gallery. It contains a splendid collection of old paintings beaches, parks etc93. Kodaikkanal and Ooty are the famous hill stations. These hill stations are situated 2500 meters from seashore. Many foreigners and natives in settled these places. The other important hill stations are Muthumala, Kothagiri, Aramala and Vedanthankal. They are important sanctuaries of Tamilnadu. Hohenakkgel an

important of water falls94. Tutucorin Harbour and Rameswaram and pamban bridge are well known places of Tourist attractions Tamil Nadu. By its location Kanyakumari occupies an unique place among the tourist centres of India. It is the land end of India. It is the confluence of the Arabian sea, Indian ocean and the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the important pilgrim centres of India. The other interesting places in kanyakumari are Vivekananda rock,

vattakkottai, Suchirdranna, Thirupparappu etc95. Tourist Important Places in the District Kanyakumari

92 93 94 95

Tamil Arasu, monthly journal of Government of Tamil Nadu January 1989 p. 10 Madras, gateway of South India, 1989. A folder the TTDC p. 17 Roy P.B. op.cit. p. 5. Chidambaram.K. Kanyakumari Tourist destinations, Madurai, 1991, p.15.

Kanyakumari is Indias Southernmost point, where the waters of bay of Bengal, Arabian sea merge with Indian ocean. Kanyakumari district is a small town. The total area of this town 82.25 sq.k.m96. It was popular known as Cape Comorine and it is called as kumaria by the author of periplus97. But the natives called it as Kanyakumari. By its geographical location it is unique among the tourist centres in India and pilgrimage centre. The temple situated on the beach is dedicated to goddess Kanyakumari. So the District is also known by its name 98. The myriad type of sand at Cape Comorin is wonderfully and some of them actually resemble like cereals. Scientific knowledge proves this strange phenomenon due to the presence ofvarious minerals, such as ilminite, monazite etc. There are 68 kinds of soil 99. It very much attracting all tourists. Any one can see sunrise and sunset from here. On the

Chitrapournami day (full moon day in April) one can witness the sun and moon face to face at the same horizon (sun and moon are visible in the same horizon)100. Vivekananda Rock The Vivekananda memorial built on the Vivekananda rock for the memory of the Vivekananda who was an Indian Hindu saint. He mediated here. It was built on the basis on Indian architecture. Government of TamilNadu allowed 2 acres to build Vivekananda rock in 1970101. This rock statue was inaugurated by V. V. Giri on 2nd September 19970. A boat service is available to the rock. Rs. 10/ per head they

96 97 98 99 100 101

Bassien M. All India Travellers Guide (1931 932) Madras p.183. Padmanabha Menon, K.P. History of Kerala Ernakulam, 1924, p.7 Subramanyan and S.V. Rajendraan.G. Heritage of Tamil temple Arts, Madras, 1985, p.102. Suras South (A journey into peninsular India) Suras book Pvt. Ltd. Chennai 2003, p.125. Aruna Desh Pande, 150 fascinating of India, Crest Publishing house, New Delhi 2003, p.434. G.O. No. 1865 (1970) Revenue Department 2 acres land allowted for Vivekananda memorial Committee sanctioned , 17-6-1970. Madras Archives Egmore - 8

collect charge. Daily more than 250 persons visiting here 102. The number of persons increasing during the season (November to February). On the another rock near by Vivekananda rock, the government of TamilNadu built a statue for Thiruvalluvar, the unmatched poet saint, who gave to the world, his immortal work Thirukkural, which gives moral advice to the people. The statue mode is titanic size and its height is 133 feet. Which is a wonder of this millennium103. In 2007 -2008 TamilNadu Tourist Development corporation spent 90 lakhs for the granite flooring around the statue and 80 lakhs spent on providing poly silicon coating for the protection of the statue104. The Kamaraj Memorial on the beach road provided free exhibition photos of Kamaraj. A view tower is also near by it. Bay watch (Water theme Amusement Park) The water theme amusement park at sunset point offers an unique way to experience the exotic grandeur of Kanyakumari in its integrals. Baywatch comes up with a wholesome family entertainment of ecsatatic experience of great fun styles equaling international standard. It keeps the tourists on the ecstatic brink of frenzy. Some of the fun loaded rides like bumping car, sky cab, crazy chairs, Giant wheel, wave pool, Milky way kids pool are great attractions. The location being a prominent places of national integration by all means, Bay watch has become the abode of leisure, happiness, laughter family gathering etc. The search for providing unique and multiple entertainment facilities that match International standards pave the way for introduction of Indias wax museum, which is line with the Madam Tussauds wax

102 103 104

An interview hari Radha Krishnan. Dated, 11.10.2009. Suras South India op.cit. p.125 www.Tamil Nadu tourism. Dated 27.10.2009.

museum at London. One Ticket Rs. 190 daily here 100 persons are visiting in season there are more than 250 persons are visiting here in the Bay watch105. Kanyakumari is essentially a National Tourist centre. come to visit here. Some of the foreigners also visiting here. Kanyakumari is the important business tourist centre. The hotels and other facilities are also here. Mostly natives

Tourist spendings in Kanyakumari

There are some star hotels with a lot of facilities and recreation clubs are there. The rich tourists are spending here. These hotels for nights 5 nights Rs. 17,500 and three nights Rs.10,500 hotels are charged . In Non seasonal 50 persons are staying here106. During the season filled with tourists. The Hotel rooms are well furnished, with ocean facing rooms and all other facilities. Each luxury room has balcony and a dazzling view to the sea, mountain, beautiful surrounding and the panoramic land scape. In such hotels and other private firms are conducting Ayurveda treatment for one treatment Rs. 5000/- onwards levying from the tourist. Among them

important one is Vaidyam Thaikkath mosss Vaidyarathnam Oushadasala. The natives spend for their transportation Rs. 250 for food Rs. 150 purchasing maximum Rs. 250 from the seashore107. They dont stay in star hotel. But some of the government employees spendings for Transport purpose Rs. 300 Food Rs. 350 and purchasing Rs. 500 and they also returned the same day so that they didnt stay in Kanyakumari108.

105 106 107 108

www. Tamil Nadu Tourism . org. dated 27 10 - 2009 www.Tamil Nadu Tourism.org. dated 27 10 - 2009 An interview with Rajamany. work in a private firm Marthandam Dated 29.12.2009. Personal Interview with Shanmugam, TVM. Dated 29.12.2009

10

But the foreigners especially Europeans and Americans spend for their food average Rs. 500 for their traveling expense minimum Rs. 350 and the purchasing they spend to Rs. 750109. Some of the foreigners staying in the ordinary rooms Rs. 300 to Rs. 3000 per day. It gives more income to the tourism department. Some of the foreigners are interested to give the charitable works. In such away they giving average Rs. 250 for the charitable institutions or persons110. Same of the important fancy stores in the Kanyakumari area are Chandran fancy, Umastudio, SriRama Vivek fancy, Perumal Handicrafts, Thankam Padmini shellmarket in seasonal business daily Rs. 3000/- but their average business per year Rs. 3 lakhs111. More over tourism promotes photography business and other business. A photographer earn Rs. 1000 per day. Non seasonal they get Rs. 5000 permonth average income is Rs. 10,000 per month112. There is a business is ice cream business. More than 15 ice cream sellers are in the beach. Each ice cream seller will get minimum Rs. 250 but in season Rs. 1000 their average business. Their monthly income is Rs. 10,000 per month 113. Thus Kanyakumari is the very important tourist and business centre in the District annually Rs.5000000/- business can be found in these centres114. Thovala is a small village. It is known as garden of the District. Many tourists are visiting here to see the flowers. Daily 5 tonnes of flowers export from here. The famous flowers are jasmine, jaathi, malligai. Farmers from surrounding villages
109 110 111 112 113 114

like

Chembakaraman

puthorr,

Kunnanputhoor

Aralvaimozhi,

Viswanathanpuram have switched over to cultivate flowers from paddy as they face
A personal interview with Moor Hars Rudolpn, Switzerland, Dated 29.12.2009. An interview with Martin Hetherins, city council, U.K. Dated 29.12.2009. An Interview with Krishnakumar pro.Chandran fancy, Dated.9.12.2009. An interview with Harikumar, Kottaram Dated 29.12.2009. An interview with Paul Nadar ice cream seller, Dated 9.12.2009. An interview with Hariradhakrishnan, Dated 11.10.2009

11

inconsistent seasonal rains. Almost all flowers are sending to the neighbouring states115.

Suchindrum
Suchindrum is a small village located nearly 8 miles to the north west of Kanyakumari, and 2 miles to the south bank of river paralayar 116. This place is famous because of its famous Sthanumalaya Perumal temple. The temple is a complex of many structures. It is also fine example for Dravidian art and architecture. The early Pandyas, the cholas, the Venad kings, the Vinayagar Chieftains and Travancore Maharajas had their share in the construction of this temple117. The inscriptions of chera, chola and pandya kings can be found on the walls of the temple. This inscription shows information about their conquest and their endowments to the temple118. The important festivals celebrated in this temple are the car festival in the month of Markali (December) and the floating festival in the month of Chittirai, attracts the large people. In the month of car festival season nearly 50,000 pilgrims visit this place. There are 25 shops and 10 hotels are there on that day (Car festival day). The shop owners and hotel owners normally have a good business worth Rs. 10,000,00 for all hotels, and shops in this area. Moreover daily 50 foreigners and 200 natives are visiting these temples. In non season the shops have the normal business Rs. 500 for each shop119. Nagercoil Nagercoil, the head quarters of the Kanyakumari District, is situated 19 kms away from Kanyakumari. It has an area of 937 square miles 120. It is the gateway of tourists who visit Kanyakumari. It is an important town for transshipping passengers by buses on various direction. Among the adjoining places of Nagercoil, Kottar and Vadasseri are important commercial centres. Weaving is the main occupation of this
115 116 117 118 119 120

www. Tamilnadu Tourism.org, 29.10.2009. Pillai K.K. A monograph the Suchindrum temple Madras, 1952.p.1 Padmanabha S. Temple in Kanyakumari District, Nagercoil, 1970, p.18 Travancore Archaeological service Vol.IVpart. I p.127-134. A personal interview with Ramakrishnan, Shopkeeper in Suchindrum Dated 12.11.2010 Nagercoil Nagaratchi (Tamil) nagercoil, 1965, p.21

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region. Nagercoil derived its name from a temple (Nagaraja temple) is situated in the heart of the town. It attracted the devotees and tourists121. From these temple there are number of churches and temples found here. The most famous church is the Kottar St. Xavier Church. It is the pilgrimage as well as tourist centre, and the home church near Tower junction. In the memory of Thambi Pavalar, Tamilpoet, a memorial was erected at Idalakudy his birth place at cost rupees 4 lakhs122.

Udayagiri Fort
It is another historical important attraction in the District. This fort popularly known as a foundary for casting guns is located 34 kms from Kanyakumari123. The word is combination of Udaya and giri Udaya means east and giri means mountain, it is a well known fort124. respectively. Udaya giri was an armoury of the chera rulers. During the reign of Raja Raja the great, he sent a messenger to this fort. But Baskara ravivarma Chera king imprisoned the messenger. So Raja Raja waged was with Ravivarma and destroyed the fort and released the messenger125. It was the principal arsenal of the Travancore Government. Marthanda varma, the modern maker of Travancore (1729-1758) took renovate for this fert between 1741 A.D. to 1744 A.D126. Recently fort has a deer park and herbal garden for 50 acres. This fort is working under forest Department of TamilNadu. Ticket fare Rs. 5 per year average 3000/- people visiting these fort for their leisure127. The height of this hill is 80 meter and the area of forest is 90 acres. The height and the breadth of the fort is 5 and 4 meters

Muttom
Muttom is one of the important tourists place in the District. It is situated 17 kms southwest from Nagercoil. It is a beautiful beach with fine rocky backdrop, near
121 122

Padmanabhan op.cit, p.30 Tamil Nadu State, Administartion Report 1984 85, Government of Tamil Nadu, Madras, 1986p.182. Kanyakumari (Lands end), a folder published by the Deaprtment of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, Madras, 1989 p.37 N. Muhammed Husain, Padmanabhapuram throughages 1994, p.120. Subramnian N.Historyof TamilNadu, Madurai : 1978, p.173. Shangoomy Menon.R. A History of Travancore, Cochin 1878, pp100-102. An interview with Nithyanandan, Security guard of Udayagiri fort, dated 7.1.2010

123

124 125 126 127

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the seashore a light house located this place are of the best choices of the cinema technicians for shoot film128. First London missionary church was built at this place. Several varieties of fish obtained here. It is often visited by persons to have seaside holyday129 per year average 5000 tourist are visiting here. In this place have 3 hotels and 15 shops are here, average business per month each shops Rs.3000/-130.

Colachel
It is another tourist centre a harbour under construction fish is the main export from here for all other parts of the District. In this area only limited shops and hotels are here. Daily their average business Rs. 5000/- for all shops.

Thengapattanam beach
It is situated 54 km. from Kanyakumari coconuts are abundant in this place. It had trade with Arabia. There was the a direct cargo between this place and other foreign cities. Copra, dry fish, coir and shark fin were the main products exported. An added attraction at the beach is sea about 30 feet from the shore by the Thamparavarni river. The back water 20 feet deep runs to a length of 2km from Raimanthurai fishing village. Here daily almost 25 person 131 are visiting here. In holidays more than 100 people are visiting. In this area have five petty shops and ordinary hotels are here. Petty shops daily average business Rs. 250 for hotels average Rs. 3000/132.

Mandaikkadu
It is the tourist centre as well as the pilgrimage centre for Hindus. It is famous for its Kodai festival. Mandaikkadu is situated on the sea cost, North east of Colachel port. The Mandaikkad Kodai festival is the local holiday for the District133. More than 15 shops and 8 hotels are here. Normal business for per month Rs.5000 and during the festival all the shops have the business for Rs. 7000,000134.

Sothavila Beach
128 129 130 131 132 133 134

Sura;s South India op.cit. p125 P. Raja op.cit, p.72 An interview with Babu, native shopkeeper, Dated 6.1.2010 An interview with Rajkumar seller coleachal 6/1/ 2010 An interview with Dhas, Villages 11.1.2010 D. Raja op.cit p.72 An interview with leo and Aniston Dated 6/1/2010

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Sothavila, a historic village southern most tip of Indian pernisular and Arabian sea cost. It is a developing place of tourist attraction in the District of Kanyakumari. Like Kanyakumari here also people can watch sun set. Meticulous efforts are taken as a picnic spot by. Government of Tamilnadu has taken care very much to develop place as a tourist spot135. After their efforts good road and transport facilities are available in the Sothavila beach. They constructed a garden and a play ground per year 10,000 people are visiting in these beach including foreigners. During the summer vocation and Saturdays and Sundays very busy here. But only limited shops are available very limited business Rs. 10,000 only in season. Non season only Rs. 250 as business to each shop. In this area private rest houses are here they levying from the guest 250 to 3000 per day. Almost like 50 rooms are here. In season all rooms are filled with guests. The foreigners also own private bunglows here.

Thripparappu
Thripparappu is situated 50 km away from cape comorine. Thampravarni which enacts from the western ghats flows on the The river east in the the

Tirunelveli District136. Here a marvelous look mountain with fall attraction

tourists. In 1880 to 1985 the Sri Mulam Tirunal Maharaja laid stone for the this scheme. This scheme was opened by last Travancore king chitra Tirunal Maharaj, There after the tourists are attracted towards Tripparappu. Thirpparappu falls also flows from rocks a height of 50 feet. These rocks and water falls are spectangular in sight and a feast to the eyes of the tourists 137. There is a siva temple which is famous for its festival Sivalaya Ottam of siva devotes. It has a weir length 288 feet crest leave 155 feet. It irrigates more than 5000 acres. It is a tourist centre and a trade centre. Here more than 22 shops and 10 fancy shops are here. Their average business daily Rs. 500/- for each shops. 3 Guest houses are also available here for government guests its room rent Rs. 150 almost all the days it is filled with guests138. More over here boat club available. 8 boats are here 2 pedal boats and row boats are for pedal boats Rs. 50 yielding for row boats Rs. 100 yielding for its

135 136 137 138

P. Raja op. cit, p. 69 Ibid Ibid An interview with Devasds (a shop conductor) Dated 4.1.2010.

15

services. It is conducted by the panchayat tender oat club. Tourists are interested in boating here139. Padmanabhapuram Palace The palace is under the Department of Archaeological of Kerala. This palace was built on traditional lines of Malabar architecture with point gables and corridors. The palace was built in 1335 A.D. during the reign of Aditya Varmma 140. A mile stone to the east of Thuckalay on the Nagercoil Trivandrum. Its route location is picturesque with coconut grooves and fruit gardens. During the reign of His highness Marthandavarma Maharaja being the capital of Travancore till 1745 A.D141. Inside of these council chamber is just above poomukham where the king met advisers to discuss the important matters. There was a special Mandapam for musical and dramatical performances. This was called Maharathri Mandapa 142. It has fifty five feet by nineteen feet. It was used for thousand persons for feed. Rich treasurers mural paints were housed in third floor of Uppirikka malika (three storeyed building) which was the most important edific of the palace143. In the prayer room one lamp has been burning more than 250 years. The locally manufactured clock to be seen in the palace tower. It is considered one of the oldest kinds in India144. The main entrance of the palace is called Poomukham. It measures fifty two feet in the length and thirty three feet in the width. Inside a chamber it contain wooden shelves with good locking system. On the shutters of the shelves elegent flowers are curved. Its floor seems to have been made of coal, lime, egg, coconut water and medicinal herbs. The former type of windows are former with piece of coloured with piece of coloured mica145. Neerpura is another important edifice though not with in the palace was used as domestic department. It contains small rooms for the internal use. An idol kept in

139 140 141 142

An interview with Satheesh (boat club conductor) Thripparappu Dated 4.1.2010. P.Raja Op.cit.p.72 N. Muhammed Husian op.cit.p.182 Archaeological monuments of Kerala (published by the Department of Public relations) TVM, 1975, p.8 Vasudeva poduval R. A short guide to Padmanabhapuram palace, TVM, 1978, p.4 -15. Unnithan N.G. Padmanabhapuram Aranmarakku oru chiru kaiyedu (Tamil)TVM 1969 p.2 N. Muhammed Husain op.cit.p.197.

143 144 145

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the third buildings of Neerpura on the ceiling they curved the pictures of flowers, shells and animals are excellent one146. Its circumference is two and half miles. The area of fortification is 180 acres. The fort functional as the capital of Travancore. In this area having 25 shops including grocery shops, two shops for species and one hotel. Here 25 persons are visiting the palace. The palace entrance fee Rs. 25 per head (the income goes to Kerala Archaeological Department). In season (Summer holidays and Saturdays an Sundays). Hundred of people visit here. Seasonal business is Rs. 500,000/- 147. Mostly spice items, handicrafts items are purchased by mostly foreigners. This area was also attracted by foreigners148. Pechippara It is another tourist place in Kanyakumari District. In this place has a dam. It was constructed in 1896. It was built across the river Kothayar. It is 29 km away from Nagercoil149. The dam is very good tourist spot. The length of the dam is 1396 feet the width at the foundation is 105 and height of the dam is 305 feet. The dam spread over 80sq.km. For the construction of this dam a plan was prepared by the British Engineers in 1869. During the reign of Srimulam Tirunal Maharaja the work has been finished in 1906. Its cost is Rs. 21.1 lakhes150. By this dam about 56000 acres lands are benefiting. There is a beautiful part with different varieties of flowers and trees attracted by tourists per year almost 5000 people are visiting here. Only 2 hotels and 3 petty shops are here. Their maximum business per year is Rs. 2lakhs 151. Moreover 2 guest houses have 11 rooms for government guests. For a Tourist bunglows room rent is Rs. 150 per day. government152. Perunchani Peruchani is another beauty spot in Kanyakumari District. The dam irrigates 25,000 acres in the district. Its height is 100 feet and depth 860 feet. This area is
146

It is another income source for the

Dr. J.H. Cousin Padmanabhapuram a Treasure House of Art, Travancore information and listener Vol.I No.6 Tvm. 1941, p.3 An interview with with Mohan, (Seller) Dated 12.10.2010 Nathan, Newyork, Tourist dated 12.11.2010 Srikumaran Nair.S. Irrigation source in Kanyakumari District, Nagercoil, 1987, p.18 Shangoony Menon Op.cit, p.297 Interview with Prabhakaran, a native shopkeeper, Dated 5.1.2010 An interview with Gopalan (an employ in the dam) Dated 5.11.2010

147 148 149 150 151 152

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situated interior of Kulasekharam. Very limited tourists visit the place. About 500 tourists visit the place annualy. Only one tea stall and two petty shop are available here. Their maximum business Rs. 50,000/-153. Chitharal Malaikoyil Chitharal is a village situated 7kms to the north east of Kuzhithurai and 31 kms from Nagercoil. This mountain is called Thirucharamathumalai which means holy to the refuge154. Epigraphical evidences also show that the devout jains dominated the hill 9th centuary A.D. The presiding deity is Mahavira in Padmasana posture, the king AyAndiran was a Jain. In 1914 His highness Srimulam Tirunal Maharaja renevated these temple155. The temple and the huge rock in the background present a striking view. The top of the works commands beautiful view of the jungle clad hills, the low lying paddy fields, river and numerous palmyrah groves. A lot of people visit the here to collect knowledge about Jainism from the inscription of temple 156. The sunset from this rock is a pleasant sight indeed. On the mountain one fountain gives water even in summer season. Central state government combined spent 63 lakhs rupees for the maintenance for, constructing step on mountain (Malaikovil) parking area, resting area, and garden157. In this area daily minimum 15 to 25 persons are visiting during Saturdays and Sundays more than 100 person are visiting here. It has limited shops 3 shops and 2 hotels. For each shop has deals with Rs. 75000/- peryear158. Mathoor Hanging Bridge It is situated in Mathoor. It is Asias longest and highest bridge 159. It was constructed across river pazhayar through canal on the bridge carries water for irrigation. One can comfortably walking on the bridge. The canal is being shouldered 29 pillars. It has the length 750 meters. It was constructed during the administration of Kamaraj. Chief minister of Tamil Nadu. The Panchayat made a park and garden for children. This area is suitable for producing red plantain and pine apple. The
153 154 155 156 157 158 159

An interview with sunder raj dated 5.12.2010 Raja op.cit, p.77 Padmanabhan.S. Temples in Kanyakumari District, Nagercoil, 1970, p.127 Suras South India op.cit, p.125 Malayala Manorama News Paper TVM, Edition , 2009 September 1, p.3 An intensive with pratheep (A villager) dated 12.11.2010 www. Tamil Nadu Tourism.org.

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sellers from these area selling red plantain fruit and pine apple 160. Moreover the sellers from these area sell tender coconut and ice cream and other eatable items. During the season only they get Rs. 1000 as profit daily other days they get only Rs. 250 for all shops161. Accommodation Kanyakumari and Nagercoil are the major centres which provide tourist elements. These places provide number of lodges a hotels and transportation facilities and information services. So that most of the tourists select these place for their accommodation. During 1980s government of Tamil nadu sanctioned Rs. 10 lakhs for the construction of lodges in Kanyakumari and Nagercoil. At present Kanyakumari there are almost 25 lodges are there. Hotel Tamil Nadu (Cape Hotel), Kerala House and Tourist Banglow are declared as classified hotels and other hotels are non classify hotels by the Government of Tamil Nadu. These classified hotels provide better facilities. The tariff differ from hotel to hotel. The hotel Tamil Nadu, Kerala House and Tourist Banglow collect Rs. 300 per day. The remaining lodges attract most of the tourists because the cost of accommodation suits the purse of the visitors. These are two country chaultries in Kanyakumari Township which provides lodging accommodation for cheaper rate. About 27% the tourist who visit the place in organised group stay mostly in these lodges. About 60% of incoming stayed in the unclassified lodges and most of them belonging to the middle income group. The main object of the tourists to spend less money and visit more places. In Nagercoil facilities are available to the tourists. Many government undertaking hotels are in Nagercoil. There are a number of private hotels. Among the private hotels, Hotel Hotel Canan etc. Inn (3 star Hotel) in vadassery provides good accommodation to the tourist. The Hotel mostly attracted by foreigners. Niranj, are luxurious hotels in Nagercoil. Apart from the private accommodations the Nagercoil Muncipality is conducting very good Travellors Bunglow, one at Vadassery and another at Ramavarmapuram which are 1km. from the town.

160 161

Malayala Manorama News Paper 2009 Agust 21, Friday, TVM, Edition p.7 An interview with Laser, icecream seller, Mathoor, Dated 19.1.2010.

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Besides these major accommodation dormitory type accommodation facilities are available at Pechipaarai and Perunchani162.

Food
In all Hotels Indian and Western Food facilities available (Niranji, Queens Resturants). They provide conventional, North Indian South Indian food.

Transportation
Transportant Department also conducts bus services to tourist spots and earning income. The T.T.T.C. (Tamil Nadu Transport Corporation) Kanyakuamri District connected with various centres in South India, Thirupathi, Bangalore, Madras, Kodaikkanal etc. The Karnataka transport corporation runs a bus connecting Bangalore with Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari and Nagercoil are connected by Railway link with Tirunelveli and Nagercoil. The Trivandrum Nagercoil Kanyakuamari broadgauge was laid in 1979 and Nagercoil Tirunelveli, broadgauge line has established in 1981. From Tirunelveli express trains leave to Madurai, Trichy and Madras. From Kanyakumari daily express leaves to Bombay, Bangalore and Madras. There are many private persons owning tourist vehicles like cars, buses etc. Almost 25,000 such vehicles are in the District. For a tourist in such a vehicle through out the Kanyakumari District they levy Rs. 2500/- All vehicles fully engaged with such a trip in summer Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays and they get good income source from this trips163. Kanyakumari lodge particulars Sl.No 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
162 163

Name of the lodge Hotel TamilNadu Kerala House P.W.D. I Class P.W.D. II Class Pioneer Srikarthika lodge Kaveri lodge Trisea lodge Sundarsan Tourist Home

Rent Daily Rs. 100 to Rs.300 Rs. 75 to 250 Rs. 100 Rs. 100 to Rs. 150 Rs. 150 to Rs. 300 Rs. 100 to Rs. 150 Rs. 300 Rs. 250

Nagercoil Nagarachi (Tamil) 1965 , p.12. An interview Jhonson, Taxidriver Parvathipuram Dated 11.01.2010

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9. Hotel Snagam 10. Tri sea cottage 11. Kanyakuamri Township lodge 12. Hotel Trivani 13. N.R.S. lodge 14. SriBhagavathi lodge 15. Ashok lodge Nagercoil lodge particulars Sl.No Name of the lodge 1. Hotel Rajam 2. Hotel Niranj 3. Azad lodge 4. Aroma lodge 5. Lekshmi lodge 6. Senthil Kumar lodge 7. Gomathi lodge 8. Hotel Madras 9. Travellers Bungalow 10 Raj Home 11 S.M. lodge 12 Hotel Sirgar 13 Swathy lodge 14 Sriswami lodge Shopping and Recreation facilities

Rs. 150 Rs. 300 Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 Rs.100 to Rs. 250 Rs.150 to 300 Rs. 250 to rs. 500 Rs. 100 to Rs. 30 Room Rent Rs. 500 to Rs.3000 Rs. 250 to Rs. 500 Rs. 250 to Rs. 300 Rs. 250 to Rs. 300 Rs. 250 to Rs. 300 Rs. 150 to Rs. 350 Rs. 250 to Rs.300 Rs. 350 to Rs. 500 Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 Rs. 250 to Rs. 500 Rs.150 to Rs. 300 Rs. 150 to Rs. 500 Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 Rs. 150 to 300

The tourists visit the tourists spots not only to see the place but also for shopping and recreation Kanyakumari and Nagercoil are the only important centres which offers shopping and recreation facilities. Kanyakumari is noted for it sea shells, toys and mats of different kinds. Some of the important shopping are located here.

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CHAPTER V GROWTH OF TOURISM

Tamilnadu Co-oplex sales Emporium, TamilNadu Khadi crafts sales centre, pumpuhar Handicraft sales centre and Indco products sales centre etc. Bhagavathi supermarket, Ganesh shopping centre are he important shopping centres in Nagercoil. Restaurant, clubs, are considerd as a recreation facilities. In Kanyakumari Restaurent, swimming pool in the way of YMCA clubat Vivekanandapuram, Vivekananda Library near boat jetty road, theatre near Kottaram are available to the tourists.

Conclusions
Tourism is today widely acclaimed as an important international industry. It is a highly organized complex business. It is a source for the development of total industry and transportation. It earns large amount of foreign exchange. It provides 22

employment opportunities and advancement of back ward areas. World Tourism contributes a lot for the development of International peace and amity while the domestic tourism brings national unity and integration. The motivalving forces for the development tourism in ancient days were trade and commerce, religious merits and political aspirations. The development of the modern tourism was further developed by pilgrimage and renaissance. The new traveling facilities in many ways for the development of modern tourism. In this century tourism has emerged as worlds fast growing industry. The establishment of TamilNadu Tourism Development corpation in 1971 was yet another important milestone tourism in Tamil Nadu. It becomes popular because of its coach tours with less expenditure, offering accommodation boating facilities etc. to the tourist important spots in Tamil Nadu. By the State Reorganization of 1956, the present Kanyakuamri District was incorporated with less expenditure, facilities etc. to the tourist important spots in TamilNadu. By the States Reorganization of 1956, the present Kanyakumari District incorporated with TamilNadu from the Travancore-Cochin state. This District is noted for its rivers and markets the District fertile. The lemonerat are and land in this district is favourable for the growth of valuable trees in the forests. The soil in the district is suitable for the cultivation of the different crops especially paddy. The district beach contains heavy minerals , such as rutile, ilminite, monozile, titanium etc. The special characteristic of this district flora its diversity, beauty and economic value. The important ports such as Muttom, Leepuram and Colechal. Kottar is leading commercial centre in this district. The pleasant climate, historical monuments and temple art and architecture and traditions of the people make Kanyakumari as a tourist centres in Tamil Nadu. There are some major and a number of miner tourist spots in the district. Among them the major centres are, Kanyakumari, Suchindrum and Vattakkottai, Pecipparai, Perunchani, Thirpparappu have miner importance.

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