Now You can Enjoy Beautiful Backwaters in Kerala Water Taxi
A joint initiative of Kerala Tourism and Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Ltd. (KTIL), Three ‘hop-on, hop-off’ boats and three water taxis were launched from Marine Drive here on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary of Kerala Tourism Suman Billa said the 24-seater boats were the first to be introduced in Asia, while six-seater water taxis were being launched for the first time in India.
The bigger vessels will operate circular trips in Marine Drive-Wellingdon Island-Fort Kochi-Vypeen-Bolghatty Island route every hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fare per person is Rs.350 and guests can board the vessels any number of times in a day. Each water taxi can be hired for approximately Rs.4,000 per hour and it will take guests to destinations of their choice, including Kumarakom and Alappuzha. They will be based at the jetty on northern side of Rainbow bridge in Marine Drive.
Unlike other vessels, paintings by renowned artists adorn their exterior. Mr Billa said this made the vessels moving art galleries. He said the vessels would be launched shortly in Muziris heritage site as well. KTIL plans to operate three ‘hop-on, hop-off’ and two water taxis there.
Speaking on the occasion, K.V. Thomas, MP, who was also former Tourism Minister, said house boats and home stays were Kerala’s contribution to the country’s tourism sector. Minister for Tourism A.P. Anil Kumar flagged off the services. He said more Kochi-centric tourism projects were on the anvil.
Src- http://m.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/get-set-for-a-colourful-cruise-in-the-backwaters/article6597964.ece/?secid=12617
Related News
- Kerala Tourism receives Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) award for Thekkady
- Thekkady Wins World’s Top Emerging Destination Award
- Kerala Tourism conducts roadshow in Poland to attract Polish visitors
- Kerala & St Petersburg’s tourism will sign a MoU to promote tourist inflow from Russian to Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi
- Kerala Tourism to strengthen ties with Russia
- Saarc Nations Will Take Part In An International Handicrafts Exhibition In Kozhikode
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre Add Vadakkunatha temple to the World Heritage Site List
Leave a Reply