Kumarakom revamps to welcome tourists

Kumarakom, Kerala, Dec 3: Famous for its backwater tourism, Kumarakom is prepared to attract tourists with the introduction of 60 new luxury boats to provide a serene cruise through the backwaters.

Boats, each worth Rs 25 to 40 lakh, have all modern facilities, including air conditioned rooms, conference halls and dining halls.

The existing 350 boats have also been renovated.

Though the tourist season commenced in October, first two months were dull. However, a positive trend can be seen with the arrival of more foreign tourists, House Boat Owners Association President Alex George said.

He said the number of tourists coming by chartered flights is increasing every year.

Meanwhile, the crew members of the boat, who are trained in hospitality, have been instructed to avoid plastics.

Centuries ago, Kettuvallams was the only mode of conveyance available for transporting people and goods in Alleppey and Kuttanadu, with its unique topograghy of lands surrounded by rivers, lakes and canals.

The farm produce of Kuttanad and other villages were transported on Kettuvallams to far away villages and towns like Alleppey, Kottayam and Changanacherry.

With the development of road transport in the 20th century, the Kettuvallams lost its prime role.

The present role of Kettuvallams as house boats started around 20 years ago, when a foreigner who had a trip in a Kettuvallam was impressed with the journey as its slow cruise provided him with a unique experience of enjoying the quintessential natural beauty of the landscapes from Alleppey to Quilon.

UNI