The Adavi ecotourism center in Pathanamthitta district is bustling with activity with the arrival of rains and subsequent rise in the water level of the Kallar river. After months-long lull, long-distance coracle rides have started on the undulating waters of the picturesque river. Brand new coracles have been brought from Hogenakkal in Tamil Nadu to provide a unique experience to tourists.
It is an adrenaline-rush moment for the travellers as the small round boats start the fun-filled ride from the Mundommuzhi kadavu, circumnavigate the Pandiyankayam, and pass through Thottikayam and Thattathikayam before reaching Peruvali.
The coracle rides are conducted as part of the Adavi ecotourism project, which comes under the state forest department’s Konni Vanamvikas Agency.
Though short-distance coracle rides are available throughout the year, the long-distance services are up for grabs only during rainy season. The 2km-ride through the forest is a sought-after activity of adventure enthusiasts. With the restart of the long-distance coracle ride, the agency’s cash register is ringing as the income over the weekends touched close to Rs one lakh. Safety is given the highest priority and the tourists have to wear life jackets mandatorily. The parking slot, ticket counters, walkways and coracle ride area are under camera surveillance.
How to reach
Adavi is 23km away from Pathanamthitta and the boating facility is available between 8.30am and 5.30pm. The ticket rate is Rs 900 for long-distance rafting and Rs 500 for a short trip (a team comprising four persons and one child).
