Venice may be a small country but its waterways are as iconic as the Eiffel Tower. From lovers to tourists, Venice offers more than just history. Now, God’s own country would be transforming its west coast canal into a Venice-like water highway! So if you haven’t been to Venice, don’t worry. With Kerala having its own water highway with 50 tourism spots on its banks, you wouldn’t need to go to Venice. Meanwhile, the paddy fields of Kottayam in Kerala have transformed into a luscious pink spectacle as pink water lilies blossom. The blooming water lilies, Aambal Vasantham last for a month and a half at least. To witness this sight visit Malarikkal hamlet between 5 am to 10 am, you can also go on a boat ride.
#Kerala: Kottayam's Malarikal turns pink as its paddy fields are blanketed with bright pink water lilies
(Video: ANI) pic.twitter.com/1tPdSHcioo
— NDTV (@ndtv) August 20, 2021
Kerala’s Western Coastal Canal To Undergo Global Makeover
Kerala’s western coast canal will be transformed into a Venice-like water highway with as many as 50 tourism spots on the banks. It will be from the corridor of Kovalam in the south to Kasaragod in the north. This 633 km West Coast Canal (WCC), which is the main arterial waterway crisscrosses through 11 districts. It is being made navigable with National Waterways specifications is to be made a Tourism Water-Highway. The Tourism and Public Works Minister, P. A. Mohamed Riyas spoke to The Hindu, “As many as 50 tourism spots will be created along the banks of the WCC corridor from Kovalam in the south to Kasaragod in the north with the involvement of the local bodies.” He further added that all the spots will be developed keeping in mind the flora and fauna of the master plan.
Kerala Govt To Introduce New River Cruise To Give Tourists A Wholesome Experience
The Kerala government will also promote the local cuisine, culture, folk arts and handicrafts to promote the local community and their handiwork. To promote better and effective transportation, the state will promote their new fuel-efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation corridor as well. Also, the Malanad-Malabar River Cruise will entice tourists with individual experiences, explore the unexplored parts of northern Kerala and brighten the waterways in Kannur and Kasaragod. However, now that the pandemic is looming like a sword over us, the Tourism minister is looking towards an aggressive marketing campaign within the country and outside to increase footfalls of foreign tourists to 20 lakh and domestic to 3.65 crore by 2025. For this, the Kerala Tourism will work closely with the stakeholders of the industry to achieve the targets.
Also Read: Kerala Tourism Aims For Survival Before Revival; To Open Medical Wellness First
Kerala To Focus On Green Protocol & Plastic Ban In State
The Tourism minister has also interacted with several travel trade organizations and feels thay the best way to revive the sector in the present circumstances is to promote domestic tourism and attract locals from within the State and outside once there is a decline in the present pandemic surge. The Kerala government is also promoting cleanliness with a collaboration with the local community. They are also promoting the green protocol and plastic ban. This will go a long way in restoring the glory of the Kovalam beach resort that fetched Kerala a place in tourism map and heritage and tourism circuits will get prominence. Until you can visit Kerala, go on a virtual tour of Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village.