Coracle rides have resumed at Thannithode in the Kallar river in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala after a long interval caused by the lockdown. However, all pandemic-related protocols are being followed during the ride.
At present, only a short ride of 30 minutes is allowed as the water level in the river is low. Visitors can hop on to the coracles, experience the thick forest as well as its sights from the river and return to the same spot.
All boatmen and other staff at the coracle tourism centre wear masks, face shields and gloves. After each trip, the entire coracle, especially the seats, and lifejackets used by the passengers are sanitized.
Things to note
Masks are compulsory for all visitors to the tourism centre. They should follow social distancing and only two travellers would be allowed on a coracle. The fare for two persons is Rs 500 and the rides are available from 8.30 am to 5 pm.
Entry to the tourism centre is allowed only for persons who have purchased tickets for the coracle ride. Tyres of all vehicles entering the parking area from the main road would be disinfected. At a time, only 10 persons can enter the tourism centre and the next batch of 10 visitors can go in when the others return from the coracle ride.
A sanitizer dispenser is placed near the ticket counter and visitors have to undergo thermal scanning as well as record their details in a register before purchasing the tickets. With the tickets, they can walk to the riverside spot which is the starting point of the coracle ride. However, no visitors would be allowed to spend time at the tourism centre after the coracle ride.
