The Hindu Business Line : Room rates going thru the roof as foreigners throng Kumarakom

The rooms are full in all the resorts. Miss Universe Natali Geblova who arrived from Toronto was accommodated in a houseboat for want of space in a leading tourist resort.

In Coconut Lagoon, there is unusual rush as they could not even offer luxury suits to those who have not made any advance reservation. For pool villa and standard bungalow they charge Rs 27,000 and Rs 17,000 respectively.

Kumarakom Lake Resort is charging Rs 9,500 exclusive of tax for standard accommodation. But for luxury suits they charge up to Rs 35,000.There are also resorts that charge Rs 50,000, inclusive of food, for a single day accommodation.

The tourists who do not get accommodation are spending the day and night in houseboats provided by the resorts. Food is also served in the boat. A day's rent for houseboats ranges from Rs 5000 to Rs 25,000.

Tourists enjoy the greenery of the paddy fields and the birds sanctuary at Kumarakom. Enthralled by the beauty of the scenery around during backwater cruises, the tourists are willing to spend more time in houseboats.

But some are complaining about the exorbitant rates charged by leading resorts. They even described it as `exploitation' and asked, "How many Indians could afford such rates?'' There are also tourists from north India arriving in groups.

Those who spend much of their time in houseboats are fond of cruising in canoes for a diversion through little canals artificially made in the resort itself. Others who spend the nights out in the lake get all the facilities of a luxury suit.

Resorts have also arranged entertainment programmes for the tourists. They include Kathakali, Ottanthullal etc which represent the traditional art forms of Kerala.

There are also a few who enjoy south Indian classical music. Some are inspired by instruments such as harmonium and tabla.

The tourists who failed to get accommodation in resorts or houseboats are proceeding to near-by destinations such as Thekkady, Munnar etc.

Some prefer the `home-stay' as they can enjoy the traditional Kerala way of life and atmosphere. The tourist inflow is unprecedented this year as the number has exceeded all expectations of the hospitality sector.

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