Kerala tourism department announced a number of travel packages for visitors from the state. Telegraph pictures

Bhubaneswar, July 15: In a bid to attract tourists from Orissa, a slice of Kerala was presented at an event conducted by the Kerala Tourism Department in the capital on Thursday evening.

The tourism campaign offered special packages for visitors from Orissa and also showcased major cultural attractions of the state better known as God’s Own Country.

Clad in traditional off-white sari of Kerala with golden brocade borders, three dancers displayed a beautiful recital of Mohiniattam, the classical dance form of the state.

Following this vibrant performance was a martial art dance form of Kerala where the artistes showcased stunts as a part of dance steps. They used swords, sticks and other such martial accessories for the performance.

Another colourful aspect of Kerala’s culture was presented in the form of Kathakali, wherein the dancers retold a mythological tale through facial gestures. The faces painted in multiple hues and the movements of the artistes were in coordination with the music in the background.

Apart from the culture capsule, there were some special food items at the event for visitors that consisted mostly of tour operators from Orissa.

The officials of the Kerala tourism department announced a number of special packages for visitors from Orissa who plan a holiday in the backwaters anywhere between July and October.

“Since July and August are monsoon seasons, the tourist inflow decreases during this period. Moreover, European tourists holiday in Kerala often but we wish to promote domestic tourism,” said deputy director of Kerala tourism department, Suresh Kumar.

“Last year the domestic tourist footfalls touched nearly 86 lakh. But it consists of a very small percentage of visitors from Orissa. Hence, we have created special offers as part of our “Dream Season” package that will continue till October,” he added.

As per the package, rates for accommodation and transport will be reduced by 20 to 25 per cent for visitors from Orissa between July and October. There will be special packages of the famous Kerala ayurveda during this season.

“This is the best time for ayurveda and we have created special packages of health tourism for the season,” said Kumar.

Over 30 tour operators from Kerala showcased their products at the event that was attended by 65 tour operators from Orissa.