Discover Kerala’s Hidden Treasures with GoKeral: The Story of Chittur Taluk Tourism Cooperative Society and Research centre (TARCOS Ltd)

Nestled in the lush landscapes of Kerala—a land celebrated for its backwaters, spice-

scented hills, and vibrant culture—lies a world of unexplored beauty waiting to be

discovered. In 2020, amidst a global shift toward mindful travel, CHITTUR TALUK  TOURISM COOPERATIVE  SOCIETY  AND RESEARCH CENTRE LTD. UNDER DEPARTMENT OF CO-OPERATION, GOVT.OF KERALA (TARCOS LTD) embarked

on a mission to shine a light on Kerala’s lesser-known gems. Thus, ‘GoKeral’ was

born: India’s first travel booking platform dedicated to empowering local homestays,

eco-lodges, and hidden retreats while offering travelers authentic, off-the-beaten-path

experiences.

The Genesis of a Vision

The idea for GoKeral emerged from a simple yet powerful observation: while Kerala’s

iconic destinations drew crowds, countless enchanting villages, heritage homes, and

family-run stays remained unnoticed. Founders of TARCOS( CHITTUR TALUK  TOURISM COOPERATIVE  SOCIETY AND RESEARCH CENTRE LTD. UNDER DEPARTMENT  OF CO-OPERATION, GOVT.OF  KERALA) , inspired by Kerala’s rich cultural tapestry, envisioned a platform where these hidden spots could thrive. 

The goal is to democratize tourism by giving small businesses the tools to market themselves

and connect with travelers seeking genuine connections.

How GoKeral Works

GoKeral isn’t just a booking website—it’s a movement. By allowing homestays,

boutique hotels, and eco-friendly stays to register for free, create detailed profiles,

and showcase their unique offerings, the platform bridges the gap between travellers

and local hosts. Visitors can explore categories like:

Heritage Homestays: Sleep in century-old homes steeped in history.

Eco-Lodges: Stay sustainably in treehouses or farm stays.

Cultural Hubs: Immersion local art, cuisine, and traditions.

For hosts, GoKeral provides marketing support, booking management tools, and

training to enhance their digital presence. For travelers, it’s a gateway to curated, crowd-

free experiences that benefit communities directly.

Milestones & Impact

Since its launch, GoKeral has:

Partnered with 1,200+ homestays and hotels across Kerala’s hidden districts.

Welcomed 50,000+ travelers seeking unique stays.

Won accolades for Innovative Tourism at state and national levels.

One standout success is Murali’s Riverside Homestay in Wayanad. Once struggling

for visibility, it’s now a top-rated destination, thanks to GoKeral’s platform. Stories like

Murali’s underscore the brand’s commitment to transforming lives through tourism.

Building a Sustainable Future

GoKeral’s impact extends beyond bookings. By promoting community-based tourism, the platform helps preserve Kerala’s cultural heritage wile fostering economic growth. 

Initiatives include:

Eco-Tourism Partnerships: Collaborations with conservation projects.

Skill Development: Training locals in hospitality and digital literacy.

Cultural Preservation: Highlighting traditional art forms and festivals.

What’s Next for GoKeral?

The journey has just begun. Upcoming plans include:

Experiential Travel Packages: Guided village walks, spice plantation tours, and cooking classes with local families.

Expanded Reach: Adding destinations in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu while staying

rooted in Kerala.

Tech Innovations: AI-driven personalized travel recommendations and virtual

reality previews of stays.

Join the Movement

Whether you’re a traveler yearning for authenticity or a host ready to share Kerala’s

secrets, GoKeral invites you to be part of this transformative journey. Together, we

can redefine tourism—one hidden gem at a time.