ITDC to promote Kerala as pilgrim destination

Kochi, July 29 (UNI) In a bid to promote Kerala as a pilgrim destination, the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) is launching the first 'temple tour' package in the state covering the famous Sree Krishna temple at Guruvayur and the 'Nalambalam' dedicated to Sree Rama, Lakshamana, Bharata and Shatrughana.

The day-long tour, starting and ending in Kochi, would be launched from August one, ITDC Manager, Kerala, Vishnu Mohan said here today.

He said this was the first time that any public or private sector agency was starting a 'temple tour' in 'God's Own Country'.

Stating that Kerala was popular only as a holiday destination due to its beaches, backwaters and hill stations, Mr Mohan said the ITDC had decided to promote it as a 'pilgrim destination', keeping in mind the presence of world-renowned temples such as 'Sabarimala' and the Sree Krishna temple at Guruvayur here.

Besides these two famous temples, there were scores of other little known but significant 'kshetrams' (temples) and the ITDC tour was designed to popularise these also.

Thus, the package being launched on August 1 would cover not only Guruvayur but also 'Nalamabalam', which were four temples dedicated to Lord Rama and his brothers.

In fact, the 'Bharata' temple at Irinjalakuda was the only temple in the country dedicated to 'Bharata', he said. Besides this temple, the tour would cover the 'Lakshamana' temple at Moozhikkulam, 'Shatrughana' temple at Payammel and the 'Sree Rama' temple at Triprayar.

In another attraction for the tourists, the package would also include a visit to 'Punnathoorkotta', two km from Guruvayur, where 65 Guruvayur temple elephants are housed. ''This is a rare sight. No where else in the country would you come across so many elephants in a single place,'' he said.

He said depending on the response to this tour, the ITDC was also planning a half-day tour to temples in Kochi, Chottanikara, Tripunithura and Vaikkom.

The Guruvayur and 'Nalambalam' package, costing Rs 475 per person, would be a daily tour. Covering a distance of about 220 km, it would start from Kochi at 0630 hrs and end at 2030 hrs. There would be halts for breakfast, lunch and tea.

While Guruvayur temple had recently relaxed the dress code for women by allowing them to wear 'churidars' and 'salwar kameez', it was better for them to wear 'sarees', 'dhotis' or long skirts for this tour as the 'Bharata' temple at 'Irinjalakuda' allowed only these dresses, Mr Mohan added.

UNI