Travellers going to Kerala, God’s Own Country, will no longer be deprived of liquor. For, major tourist destinations of the state will be allowed to sell beer and wine.
The Kerala state government, through its excise department, has issued an extraordinary gazette notification declaring 74 new destinations across the state as tourist centres. Interestingly, the state had issued such a notification in the past, in 2003, when 15 destinations were designated as tourist centres. This time around, the number of such destinations has increased to 74. These destinations were selected from an exhaustive list of 150 places under consideration.
This move is aimed at promoting tourism and boosting the hospitality sector. The newly designated areas will now be eligible for beer and wine parlour licences. Two-star hotels under the Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953, can be issued such licences. The Tourism Department selected these locations based on their potential to attract tourists.
Some of the newly notified destinations include:
In Thiruvananthapuram: Ponmudi, Poovar, Veli and Akkulam tourist villages, Chovvara, Neyyar Dam, Vikramapuram Hills, and Kappil.
In Kollam: Thenmala-Palaruvi, Kollam Beach, Jadayu Rock, Ashtamudi, Munroe Island, Paravoor-Thekkumbhagom, and Thankassery.
In Pathanamthitta: Perumthenaruvi, Gavi, and Konni Eco-tourism Centre.
In Alappuzha: Alappuzha Lake, Alappuzha, Kakkathuruthu Island, and Pathiramanal Island.
In Kottayam: Kodimatha and Vaikom.
In Idukki: Mattupetty, Eravikulam, Parunthumpara, Amappara-Ramakkalmedu, Panjalimedu, Chinnakanal, Ilaveezhapoonchira, and Wagamon.
In Ernakulam: Kochi, Malayattoor-Manappattuchira, Kuzhuppally-Cherayi-Munambam Beach, Kalady, Bhoothathankettu Dam, Kumbalangi, Kadamakkudi, and Muziris Heritage Zone.
In Thrissur: Snehatheeram Beach, Thumboormuzhy Dam, Nattika Beach, Athirappilly, Poomala Dam, and Malakkappara.
In Palakkad: Parambikulam, Malampuzha, Nelliyampathy, and Silent Valley.
In Malappuram: Kottakunnu Hill and Ponnani Thirunavaya.
In Kozhikode: Kappad, Beypore Fort and Beach, Iringal Craft Village, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Kozhikode Beach, Kudalundi Bird Sanctuary, and Kakkaam.
In Wayanad: Edakkal Caves, Pookode Lake, Wayanad Heritage Museum, Kuruva Island, Pazhassiraha Park, Thirunelli Bathery, and Phantom Rock.
In Kannur: Thalassery, Dharmadam, Kottiyur, and Palakkayam Thattu.
In Kasaragod: Kottappuram.
The notification will allow hoteliers in the eligible category to serve food and liquor to tourists, with the time for bars extended until midnight. This is expected to enhance the tourism experience and attract more visitors to the state. The tourism sector has welcomed the decision, with industry leaders expressing optimism about the positive impact on tourism and hospitality.
