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Kochi, the destination as safe as a home for the tourists
An eclectic blend of art and culture, quaint theme-cafes', churches, designer stores, antique shops and spices – the queen of the Arabian Sea gives something to everyone who would want to call round this age-old port town.
To spend a day atleast in Kochi makes up an integral part of the itinerary of all the backpackers who count on visiting `the God’s own country’ these days. Infact, the place has been witnessing rather frequent tourist activity – both domestic and international, for quiet some time now.
But on the flip side, Kochi has its own share of troubles that may raise the alarm for the tourism industry in the future. Because, safety is that one big thing every tourist would look for while visiting a spot.
So the question being asked now is whether Kochi is unsafe to tourists? Ask this question to anyone and each one is quick to jump and deny it.
The statistics available with the police show a positive trend. In 2010, just two instances of attacks against tourists were reported though the year so far has shown a steep increase with four petitions.
"These are all stray incidents which do not mean that the city is no more a safe place for the tourists", observes Lorenz, a sub- inspector of Kerala police and head of the tourism police station in Mattancheri.
"Most of these complaints are related to the attempts of molestation and special attention is paid to dispose these petitions as early as possible", he says, also referring to the action- taken on a complaint of molestation filed by a U.S diplomat who visited the place recently.
The locals also deny any sort of culture clash between them and the tourists. "Most of the youngsters have come to terms with the behavior of foreigners and they do not feel anything bad on seeing even skimpily clad women", says the owner of a home- stay in Fort Kochi.
Even the tourists here seem to understand the fact that "while in Indiia, do as Indians do" - that there is a certain amount of decency required. "We know Kochi is not simply another destination in which to seek a hedonistic high" says Linda, a British national.
The statements by several travel and tour operators points to the view that Kochi is a safer place for the tourists. They, however, issue a customary note in advance suggesting them to not stroll out alone at night and also respect local customs - intimating to tread carefully and be responsible for one’s own safety.
But they know, brand Kochi is as safe as a home for every tourist who comes here to explore its laid- back ambiance.