Alappuzha (Kerala): The passenger cum tourist boat service from Kottayam to Alappuzha and Alappuzha to Kumarakom has been started operations in Kerala on Sunday.
Besides the passenger services, the boat service opens up new possibilities in tourism in the region by connecting tourist centres like Punnamada, Muhamma, Kayippuram, Pathiramanal, Thanneermukkam Bund and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary along the Vembanad Lake.
While promoting the water transport facilities, the scheduling of passenger services between Kottayam and Alappuzha has been done in such a way that tourism potential of the region is utilised optimally.
The tourist service of the boat is from Alappuzha to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and back, scheduled between the passenger services.
Kerala: Tourist-Cum-Passenger Boat Starts Service On Alappuzha-Kumarakom Route This is the first conducted tour package organised by the Government in Alappuzha district. The services have been classified and scheduled as day cruises and passenger services.
At a time, 120 persons can travel on board this boat. The seating capacity of the air-conditioned cabin is forty and that of the non-air-conditioned cabin is eighty.
ALSO READ:IAS officer Baseer Ahmed Khan appointed fourth advisor to J-K Lt Governor
The Passenger service schedule is as follows.
- The boat departs Kottayam at 7.30 in the morning and reaches Alappuzha at 9.30 am.
- In the evening, the boat leaves Alappuzha at 5.30 and reaches Kottayam at 7.30 pm.
On its way up and down, the boat has scheduled stops at Punchiri, Mangalassery, Kamalande Moola, Krishnankutty Moola, Pallam. On this route, the ticket charge will be Rs 100 for the AC cabin and Rs 50 for the non-AC cabin.
Compared to the travel by road which is time-consuming and often delayed due to traffic blocks and bad road conditions, the passenger boat service will be of immense help in the daily commute of the working individuals who travel on Kottayam-Alappuzha route, as they can reach their destinations quickly by boat.
Between the passenger shuttle services between Kottayam and Alappuzha in the morning and evening, the tourist’s service is being operated from Alappuzha to the Bird sanctuary.
The boat leaves Alappuzha at 10 am and reaches Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary at 1.15 pm passing through Punnamada, Muhamma, Kayippuram, Pathiramanal and Thanneermukkam Bund. On return, the boat leaves at 2.15 pm and reaches Alappuzha at 4.30 in the evening.
Enroute, the passengers can enjoy the sight of the canals in Kuttanadu area, an attraction among tourists from other places. After reaching Alappuzha, the boat is ready for its regular passenger service back to Kottayam.
On Alappuzha Kumarakom route, the ticket charge is Rs 300 (inclusive of Rs 40 commission) on AC cabin and Rs 200 (inclusive of Rs 30 commission) on Non- AC cabins respectively. Plans are also there to set up a cafeteria on board with the help of Kudumbasree Self Help Groups to provide snacks and tea to the passengers.
The tourists who reach Alappuzha to visit Pathiramanal island and the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary can avail the tourist boat service at a minimal rate for a safe and interesting ride.
ALSO READ:AP CM complains to Guv against SEC decision to put off local body polls
