A morning conversation about KOKO, Pusthakagramam and a different way of looking at tourism.
This morning, I met Shri. P. C. Vishnunadh, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism and Culture, Government of Kerala, at his office.
I went there with something very simple in my hands — a small piece of Kochattante Kolayi.
KOKO started with a feeling I have had for some time.
Our villages have so many stories. Stories about people, places, food, farming, traditions and everyday life. Many of them are slowly disappearing, not because they are unimportant, but simply because we have stopped telling them.
KOKO is an attempt to bring some of those stories back into our everyday lives.
It is not meant to be another conventional tourist destination. The idea is to create a village experience where people can slow down, spend some time, meet people, discover local stories and experience a side of Kerala that is often missed.
During our conversation, I also shared an idea that is becoming important to the way we are thinking about KOKO — regenerative tourism.
For me, the idea is quite simple.
If someone visits a village, can that visit leave something good behind?
Can it create opportunities for local people?
Can it help keep traditions and stories alive?
Can it encourage us to care for the land and the village better?
Tourism should not only take from a place. It should also give something back.
That is the direction we would like to explore with KOKO.
There is still a lot to do. KOKO is very much a work in progress, and many of the ideas are still taking shape.
But today felt like one of those small moments when you realise that a little village idea can travel beyond the village.
I went carrying a story.
And came back with a little more belief in it.
Prakash Varma.
Kochattante Kolayi
Experience Timeless Kerala.
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