Alappuzha: With the Onam holidays around the corner, Alappuzha is preparing for a major influx of tourists. Bookings on the Kerala State Water Transport Department’s popular boats, Vega and See Kuttanad, have already seen strong demand well ahead of Thiruvonam. Traditional puravanchi (houseboats) are also ready to welcome visitors. Most of the tourists arriving this season are from within Kerala.

As schools reopen right after Onam celebrations (Chathayadhinam), the peak rush is expected during the Thiruvonam holidays. Leading hotels in the district have reported a rise in bookings for the traditional Onam feast (Sadhya) on Thiruvonam day.

The budget-friendly services of the Water Transport Department, which offer scenic backwater cruises, were fully booked nearly a month in advance. The department’s See Kuttanad conducts five services a day, each lasting around one and a half hours. Tickets for these trips can be purchased directly at the time of boarding.

Additionally, visitors can also enjoy rides on motorboats and shikara boats across the backwaters. While the department boats run on fixed routes, houseboat rides often provide tourists with the option of choosing their own routes.