Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 31 (IANS) The Kerala government will release a coffee table book 'IT@Kerala - The Smart State', depicting the journey of the state from being a tourist destination to an information technology hotspot.

The 160-page book, charting Kerala's march from being God's Own Country to the hottest investment destination in the IT sector, will be launched by Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan here Monday.

The book details Kerala's IT infrastructure, industry and its journey of becoming a smart state with smarter professionals. It also highlights the strengths and growth potential of IT in Kerala and gives a complete description of infrastructure facilities laid down for the IT industry.

Also, testimonials by the top IT companies operating in the state are shown.

IT Principal Secretary Ajay Kumar said the book is an initiative to provide an insight to potential investors about the exciting opportunities and conducive environment Kerala has to offer.

'We have developed our IT policy with the idea of inclusive growth to enable socio-economic transformation to reach every single citizen of the state, simultaneously benefiting IT investors also,' said Kumar.

The book lists all the major tourist destinations, the lush valleys, sunny beaches, misty hills and dozens of cultural spectacles, food, and ayurveda that engage business with pleasure and the facilities available with easier connectivity through road, rail and air transport in the state.

Currently there are more than 30,000 IT professionals working in the state in companies of varying size and shape which include top notch companies in the country.