Sagara Rani, a boat operated by Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation, offers stunning views of the Kochi backwaters as well as provides travellers an experience of choppy sea trips. Though this service has been available over the past 13 years, very few people know about it.
At a moderate Rs 350, travellers can start their journey from Ernakulam boat jetty. After cruising smoothly in the backwaters near Rainbow bridge, Kettuvallam bridge, Bolgatty Palace, Raman Thuruthu, Cochin Port, Willingdon Island, Vypeen island and Fort Kochi, the boat completes its trip in the Arabian Sea.
Sagara Rani is available for the ride from 8 am and winds up its day's schedule by 10 pm. As many as 50-90 people can travel on each of the two decks of the vessel and passengers can choose the seat of their liking if they purchase tickets early. Tickets can be booked from High Court boat jetty at Marine Drive.
Meals from breakfast to supper are available on Sagara Rani and special packages are offered. In addition, prior booking can be done for night parties and conferences also. The boat flaunts an air-conditioned conference hall which can seat 40 too.
Authorities advice prior booking for a hassle-free trip as enough seats may not be available at the spot. School students doing bulk booking are given discounts. Facilities for reserving the entire seats are provided. Dance parties, games and other activities can be arranged as the boats travels along the backwaters and the sea.
The ticket fare, which is Rs 350 on holidays, goes up to Rs 400 on other days.
