: Thirty ace bloggers hailing from 21 countries set out on a two-week road trip across Kerala on Tuesday to explore the beauty of the region and experience its unique culture.
The majority of the participants, including two Indian nationals, selected for Kerala Blog Express 2.0, the second edition of the campaign hosted by Kerala Tourism, are first-timers to the country and excited to travel the length and breadth of Kerala.
Hof Kim Cohen, a solo traveller for the last 10 years from Israel, said she was looking forward to visit India for several years. It has materialised now through the opportunity given by Kerala Tourism.
It is a dream come true for ace blogger and professional chef from the U.S. Lee Blackwood. “I love India and am very interested in the country, its food and cuisine,” she said.
Deepthi Asthana, a travel blogger and photographer from Mumbai, said she was looking forward to making friends and a fun-filled trip. Preeti Hoon is also a first-timer to the State.
Attired in blue, white and red T-shirts, the bloggers did not hide their excitement and joy when Minister for Health and Devaswom V.S. Sivakumar arrived at the Mascot lobby to flag off the Kerala Blog Express. After the flagging-off and a quick interaction with the participants, the Minister joined them to take a selfie.
The bloggers later went on a sight-seeing tour in the capital and will move to Neyyar Dam on Wednesday before travelling to the central and northern districts. The road trip will conclude in Kochi on March 16.
The winners were selected based on their profile, reach, and number of votes, according to Additional Director, Tourism (General), Anupama T.V. Compared to 664 entries in the first edition, the second season saw 702 entries. The participants include three from Spain and Italy, two each from the U.S., Poland, the U.K, the Philippines, and a participant each from Brazil, Slovakia, Hungary, Finland, Uruguay, Mexico, Czech Republic, Greece, Israel, France, Indonesia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Bulgaria.
Thirty bloggers from 21 countries have embarked on a journey to take in the sights and sounds of Kerala
