Kerala set to launch more backwater boat services

Following the success of Alappuzha- Kumarakom boat service, which started last Christmas season, Kerala has all set to start more such services.

According to reports, Kerala will launch passenger cum tourist boat services which will operate through the tourist destinations like Ernakulam,Payyanur,Kollam,Kottayam and Alappuzha. The water transport department has started the route survey for these services, director Shaji.V. Nair said.

Kerala’s new budget has provided Rs.28 crores for this project.

In Ernakulam, the service will cover Vypin,Fort Kochi,Mattancherry,Bolgatty and Marine Drive. The duration of the travel here will be 2 hours.

In Kollam the service will be conducted across Ashtamudi Lake. In Payyanur the service will be through Kavai lake and in Alappuzha the boat will take travelers through Vembanad Lake. In Alappuzha the service is planned as Night Cruise which provide the travelers an opportunity to witness the beautiful sunset at the lake.

It was on last December that the state started Alappuzha- Kumarakom boat service and it has earned more than 10 lakh rupees in a month.

During the 5 – hour long journey, the boat named Vega is taking tourists across the backwaters and they can enjoy the beauty of the lake and picturesque view of  Kerala.

Every day, the boat departs from the Alappuzha boat jetty around 11:30 am. Traditional Kerala lunch will be served on board. The service will cover Punnamada,Pathiramanal,Kumarakom,R Block,Marthandam Kayal etc. before reaching Alappuazha again at 5 pm. The boat will charge Rs.600 for A/C seat and for non A/C seat the charge will be Rs. 400. 120 passengers can travel.