Muthukulam, Alappuzha: Many new projects that are progressing along the coastline of Alappuzha is expected to give an impetus to tourism in the district. The Mahakavi Kumaran Asan Memorial at Pallana Kumarakodi, the suspension bridge at KV Jetty, the arch bridge and lighthouse at Valiazheekkal are some of the ambitious projects that are coming up. These projects would eventually transform areas like Thrikunnapuzha and Arattupuzha into major tourist destinations. Meanwhile, authorities have to build basic infrastructure like housing facilities to accommodate the expected influx of visitors.
Valiazheekal lighthouse
This would be the second tallest lighthouse in the state once its construction gets over. The piling works for the 38-m high structure have already begun. The leading light from the light house, which will be constructed in the form of a pentagon, will be seen even from 20 nautical miles out at the sea. The construction of this project, which has a whopping Rs 9.18 crore budget, is expected to be completed within one-and-a-half years. The authorities are also planning to open a museum adjacent to this project. Currently, the 41 metre high light house at Thankassery, Kollam, is the tallest lighthouse in Kerala.
Valiazheekal beach beautification
The beautiful pulimuttu (rock bridge stretching into the sea) at Valiazheekal and Azheekal, near the Kayamkulam estuary, attracts a large number of tourists. The pulimuttu at Azheekal is 750 m long, while the one at Valiazheekal is 350 m long. The ‘Nalumanikattu’ beach beautification project envisioned at Valiazheekal would significantly increase the tourism prospects of the area. The fishing boats and local dinghies returning from the sea after fishing trips are an amazing sight to behold.
Vane pump
Before the water authority began the distribution of drinking water, the people at Thrikkunnapuzha and nearby areas depended on the vane pump to draw water from the river. Though the pump was constructed in the olden times, it still stands intact attracting huge number of visitors who have a flair for history. The sails attached to a huge tower would rotate in the wind to operate the pistons and fill water in the nearby tank.
Backwater tourism
Houseboat rides in the backwaters have always been a significant feature of the tourism industry in Alappuzha. The waterways at Thrikunnapuzha and Arattupuzha are also ideal for the houseboat tourism. The district promotion council has already begun an initiative to extend the houseboat rides to these areas as well to attract more tourists to the district.
Hanging bridge
The suspension bridge at KV Jetty, which is the only hanging bridge in the district, attracts lots of visitors every year. Iron ropes are used as cables to hold this gigantic bridge which is 70 m long and 7.5 m high.
Kumaran Asan Memorial
The construction of a memorial for legendary Malayalam poet Kumaran Asan is in its final stage. It is reported that the memorial will be inaugurated at Kumarakodi in Pallana next month. Asan died in a boat crash in the Pallana River.
The memorial building is made on a Rs 3.12 crore budget. The scenes from his famous works like Karuna, Chandalabhikshuki, Chintavishtayaya Sita, Duravastha, Nalini and Leela will be depicted in beautiful statutes and figurines. Description of the legendary poet in various languages, audio facilities to listen to his poems and a museum are also coming up. Boats will have a halt here as envisaged by the state departments for water transport and tourism. Infrastructure facilities like a boat jetty, toilets and concrete benches are also planned.
Valiazheekal bridge
The planned Valiyazheekkal bridge across the Kayamkulam estuary, connecting Alappuzha and Kollam, would be the longest arch bridge in the state. The bridge, which is made on Rs 146 crore budget is 1,230 m long and 13.20 m wide, including its approach road. A footpath which is being built on the bridge would offer a spectacular sight of the sunset for the visitors. The distance between the two districts would be reduced, at least, by 25 km once the bridge is opened.
