Army team gives a leg up to adventure tourism in Kerala

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Thiruvananthapuram: A 35-member army team that explored Kerala recently got a hands-on experience of the best of what adventure lovers look for – high mountains, lush forests criss-crossed by rivers, gushing brooks, and sylvan beaches where water sports flourish.

The uniformed visitors from the Arms and Ammunition Control Unit, led by Brigadier Sudhindra Itnan, had come to the state on an invitation from the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society, set up by the Tourism Department to give a push adventure tourism in the state.

A trek deep into a forest home to 48 tigers

The itinerary of the special guests included night trekking at Thekkady in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, a five-day trek and stay in the colonial-era hill station Munnar, and a visit to the water sports hub of Cherai Beach near Kochi.

Congratulating the team, state Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said "visits of groups like this will impart fresh energy to Kerala tourism."

"Kerala has a string of alluring spots that appeal greatly to adventure-lovers including unspoilt rainforests, high mountains, and wildlife sanctuaries.

These are going to be prime attractions for visitors, especially youngsters," said Tourism Secretary, Rani George.

"We expect more such visits, since adventure tourism is on the rise and Kerala has the best of what tourists expect in this promising segment," said Manesh Bhasker, CEO, Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotional Society.

He also added that the visit by the army team was quite an encouragement to the adventure tourism of Kerala.

Combining the thrill of adventure with community service, the visitors from the defence service voluntarily undertook a cleaning drive when they reached Cherai beach, inspiring other tourists and local communities to keep the premises spick and span.

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