Amidst expectations of a gradual rebound in tourism, Kerala is taking up a gear to develop a new brand of tourism through the strides of its waterbodies. Combining skill and muscle, it offers the visitor a rare combination of exploration and wilderness on water.
With over 40 kayak units waiting for the government nod besides the existing 10 licensed units, the State is now looking to pitch itself as a hub of soft adventure tourism. The majority of these enterprises has been registered with the Responsible Tourism Mission Kerala, ensuring engagement of the local communities as well.
According to P.A. Mohamed Riyas, Tourism Minister, the maze of natural waterbodies that crisscrossed the State provided for bountiful kayaking opportunities while also ensuring protection of these water routes. “The plan is to systematically develop the adventure tourism potential of different types of waterbodies including rivers, canals, backwaters and even the sea,’‘ he said.
