Analysing the Contributions of Early Travellers in the History of Kerala

“Man’s curiosity for things and enquiry for food and shelter from one place to another gave birth to travel and travel led to tourism.”[i] From time immemorial man’s thirst for journeying is unquenchable, which has resulted in the spread of Human civilisation to all parts of the globe. Travels in the more advanced stages of our civilisation was done with an intent on Exploration, Diplomacy, Commerce, Knowledge etc. With Trade and Commerce being the main motivation behind travel rather than for pleasure in the early ages, the travellers were mostly consisting of Merchants, Pilgrims or Scholars. Conscious travels were undertaken to explore and see the world as it had progressed. And a new phenomenon of travelling in pursuit of leisure came to being and in course of time the concept of tourism got new meaning and acquired importance, as travelling exclusively for pleasure constitutes the main theme of tourism in these days. 106-113 Reimagining the Growth and Development of Tourism in Travancore with Special Emphasis on Kanya kumari SAFEED R Abstract One of the wealthiest and most developed state in the British India was Travancore, which was situated on the south of the Indian Subcontinent. The princely state was blessed with nature and the geographical features are entirely distinct from other places in India. The modern industry like tourism got spatial attention from the government from the beginning of the twentieth century and it accepted several plans for attracting visitors to its tourist spots. A few tourist destinations, which were in pathetic condition were elevated to high standard and world class facilities were arranged to meet the demands of the travelers. Kanyakumari, the land of rising sun was situated on the south of Travancore got special consideration and government made necessary arrangements for the growth and development of Kanyakumari as a tourist destination. 114-