Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Tourism is set to introduce an innovative project named 'Ethnic Villages,' which will offer tourists an immersive experience of the state's rich ethnic culture while preserving the lifestyles and ecosystems of ethnic communities.

This groundbreaking initiative is a collaborative effort between the state's Responsible Tourism Mission and the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), with the pilot project taking place in Idukki district.

The project envisions the establishment of an ethnic village on a two-acre plot of DTPC land, where visitors can explore and engage with the traditional art forms, cuisine, handicrafts and other cultural expressions of Kerala's diverse tribal communities.

The state government has allocated an administrative budget of Rs 1.27 crore for the first phase of this two-part project. The 'ethnic village' initiative will not only showcase the unique aspects of Kerala's ethnic culture to the world but also contribute to the conservation of the lifestyles, ecosystems and heritage of ethnic communities.

The 'ethnic village' will offer accommodations modelled after tribal houses, equipped with modern amenities. The village will be designed as a gated property, featuring two distinct sections: A tourism activity zone and an accommodation zone. /BI/