Kerala Rajdhani makes its maiden run from Thiruvananthapuram

\'Chalo Kerala\'-\'Go Kerala\', the tourism promotion campaign on wheels by Kerala Tourism Department using the rake of Thiruvananthapuram-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express began its maiden run from here yesterday.



The first such branding and promotional exercise by Kerala Tourism on the Rajdhani Express was officially flagged off at Delhi by Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja in the presence of Kerala Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on Jan 17.



Speaking to reporters on the train\'s maiden run from here, Kerala Tourism Director M Sivasankar said the latest campaign was the part of the \'innovative promotion strategy\' to enhance more visibility for the destination and unique tourism products of the state.



\'To widen the scope of this initiative, we have also launched a \'Shoot and Tweet Contest\' for Twitter users in India, wherein they can take pictures of the train, upload it on the internet and win exciting prizes\", he said.



With all its 17 coaches swathed in myriad hues and encapsulating the best of Kerala- its serene beaches, emerald backwaters, lush hill stations, exotic wildlife, houseboats and also art forms- the train showcases the state across the length and breadth of the country.



Divisional Railway Manager Rajiv Dutt Sharam wanted tourism department to take up more trains for tourism promotion of the state.