Cheruvathur: The tourism sector in the district is expected to get a major boost once ‘Malabar River Cruise’ project is launched. The project is envisaged for three rivers and one lake in the district by the tourism department.
The ‘handloom and handicrafts’ cruise is planned for the Kavvayi backwaters; meanwhile the ‘model village’ cruise is meant for Valiaparambu Lake. The ‘water sports and river bathing’ cruise will be launched in the Karyankode and the ‘Yakshagana cruise’ in Chandragiri River.
As part of the ambitious river cruise project, boat terminals would be built at Madakkal, Kottapuram and Kakadavu. The cruise project aims to promote trips through the lakes and rivers of the Malabar region which would be equally entertaining and educational.
Besides, the tourists would also have the opportunity to see the lush green paddy fields and enjoy the traditional industries like handloom, toddy, pottery and handicrafts. The production and sale of these indigenous products too are expected to go up significantly when the river cruise project is on.
About 25 house boats are already functioning around the various water bodies in the district with Kottapuram house boat terminal as its main centre. The tourism department is also planning to introduce modern yachts by collaborating with private parties and cooperative societies.
