Kochi: Kochi has taken a major step towards Kerala’s tourism sector by introducing the first solar-powered tourist vessel named 'Sooryamshu'. The vessel can accommodate up to 100 passengers at a time and has now begun operations in the waters of Ernakulam.

The double-decker vessel has a conference hall, DJ party floor and cafeteria along with amusement for the passengers. The vessel is designed as a catamaran passenger ferry with two parallel hulls in order to render more speed to the vessel.  

A 6-hours long package will take tourists from KSANC Cruise terminal at High Court Junction to Kadamakkudy village and from there to Marine Drive. 

The 7-hour-long package starts from Marine Drive and ends in KSANC Cruise terminal via Njarakkal. 

Kadamakkudy and Njarakkal are famous for village tourism and fish farm-turned-ecotourism hub, respectively. 

Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation Limited has manufactured the ‘Sooryamshu’ with an expense of Rs 3.95 crore.