Alappuzha–Kumarakom boat ride attracts tourists; water transport dept mulls more services

Kottayam: The state water transport department is gearing up for introducing more boat services on the Alappuzha – Kumarakom route for tourism purposes.

The department has decided to start passenger-cum-tourism services from Ernakulam, Payyannur, Kollam, Kottayam and Alappuzha. The route survey for this has begun, said Shaji V Nair, director of state water transport department.

Rs 28 crore has been allotted for this in the budget. The service will be based on Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam and Kavvayi backwater in Payannur. The 2.5-hour boat ride in Ernakulam will cover Vypin, Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Bolgatty Palace and Marine Drive.

The Alappuzha boat service on Vembanad Lake will be ‘night cruise’. The ride will begin in the afternoon and the tourists will be able to enjoy the sunset in backwaters.

The Alappuzha–Kumarakom service began in the last week of December. Within the first month of service, a revenue of nearly Rs 10 lakh was obtained.

The boat ride starts at 11 am from Alappuzha, covers Punnamada, Muhamma, Pathiramanal, Kumarakom, R Block, Marthandom backwaters, Chithira, C Block, Mangalassery and Kuppappuram and ends in Alappuzha by 5 pm. There are 40 AC seats and 80 non-AC seats available on the boat.

An AC seat costs Rs 600 while non-AC seat costs Rs 400. Homely food, organized by Kudumbashree, is made available on the boat. All safety measures including life jacket are also ensured on the boat.