The KSINC plans boat cruises through picturesque backwaters to new island destinations located off Kochi and Alappuzha this tourist season.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Enthused by the demand from tourists and others for backwater cruises to islands located off Kochi and in neighbouring districts, the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) is gearing up to launch three new cruises beginning from Saturday (December 14).
The launch of these cruises coincides with the peak tourist season in Kerala. The tours include two luxury package cruises from the agency’s terminal at Marine Drive to resorts in Kadamakudy located off Kochi and to Panavally in Alappuzha, official sources said.
“As per plan, sister vessels Michelle and Cleopatra would take turns in operating to these locales, where water sports and allied activities are available. Lunch too is served here. Priced ₹1,799 per person, the 10 a.m.-5 p.m. day tour would be operated if there is a minimum of 35 people. We intend to begin with the cruise to Kadamakudy,” they said.
These vessels of the agency under the State government can seat 20 people in their AC space and the rest 80 people in the non-AC space.
“We would also operate purse-friendly tours priced at ₹1,199 to a resort spread over four acres in Poothotta, which has a host of activities, pets and also a swimming pool, beginning from this tourist season. The aim is to offer guests cruises to new destinations where food and standardised infrastructure are available,” the sources said.
Over the years, the KSINCs tourist vessels, including Sooryamshu which is a solar-powered 100-passenger boat, have been operating Kochi backwater cruises apart from reasonably-priced tours to Kadamakudy and also to aqua-tourism farms in Njarakkal and Palaikari.
However, it is still unable to commence tourist boat operation to the famed Kakkaturuth Island located south of Ernakulam district, although the tour package to the destination was announced at the Kerala Travel Mart that was held in September. This has been attributed mainly to the delay in relocating ‘illegal’ fishing nets near the island. Kakkaturuth shot to global fame after National Geographic termed it as among the best places to watch the sunset and also listed it in its ‘Around the World in 24 Hours’, a photographic tour of travel worthy spots, in 2016.
Published – December 13, 2024 01:25 am IST
