The Centre has accorded sanction for spiritual tourism circuit and eco-tourism projects in the state with a total budget estimate of Rs.200 crore, Kerala Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar today said.
The Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple spiritual circuit and Gavi Eco-tourism projects, each with a total outlay of Rs.100 crore, have received Centre's approval, the minister told a press meet here.
He said Rs.84 crore would be used for upgrading the facilities at the Padmanabha Swamy temple here, Rs.5.6 crore for Sree Parthasarathy Temple at Aranmula and Rs.6 crore for Sabarimala under the spiritual tourism circuit project.
With regard to eco-tourism, the scenic high-range spot Gavi at Pathanamthitta would be connected with Wagamon and famous Thekkady wild life sanctuary, he said.
The spiritual tourism circuitproject was announced by the Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture Mahesh Sharma during his visit to the state in August last. The minister had asked the state to submit a detailed report on the project.
Meanwhile, Tourism Department Director Sajiv Gauns Desai
said tourists tend to take a break from adventure sports and beach holiday during monsoon and department's focus will be to now promote monsoon tourism.
"Summer time in Goa has always been a season of joy and fun with all the adventure and water sport activities available across the state. However, monsoon also has a special place in thecalendarfor touristslooking for relaxation," Desai said.
"Goa is at its best during the monsoonsforits greenery, picturesquelandscaping and more. It is that time when nature flourishes. Goa takes on a more traditional flavour," he said.
Desai said tourist arrivals during monsoon (June, July and August) last year recorded 22 per cent increase as against an 18 per cent rise in 2014, which indicates that Goa is as much as a favoured destination to visit during rainy season.
"The downpour have already started and soon we shall start various monsoon adventure activities carried out in the hinterland such as eco-trekking, adventure expeditions, white water rafting, which are greatly enjoyed and loved by the locals as well as tourists," Desai said.
Goa also has plethora of natural sights ranging from various waterfalls to springs that come alive along the hilly terrains, he added.
