The Hindu Business Line : Season sets Kumarakom abuzz

As the tourism season picks up momentum, Kumarakom is again abuzz with activity. The inflow of tourists has considerably increased. Though the season is from September to March every year, the peak period is from November to February, during which time the hotels are fully booked by foreign tourists.

Around 2,000 rooms are available for the guests in Kumarakom, a spokesman of the Tourism Department said. As per the estimates of the department, on completion of the season from September to March an income of Rs 1,000 crore is expected.

Based on the reservation chart last year, over 70,000 tourists arrived from the UK. The number of tourists from Japan, China, and West Asia are more compared to other regions.

This year, it is estimated that one lakh visitors will come from the UK alone. The next largest group is from France, the US and Germany. About 33,000 tourists came from Male for treatment in the State as part of the medical tourism programme.

FULLY BOOKED

Reservations are full in Kumarakom and most of other places. The resorts are not making new bookings because of unprecedented rush. In Kumarakom, the monsoon tourism has not fully receded.

This year there will be a 20 per cent increase in the number of foreigners. The General Manager of a major resort told Business Line that eco-tourism and kayal (backwater) tourism get maximum priority now.

To entertain the tourists, classical art forms such as Kathakali, Mohinaiattam and musical programmes have been arranged by the resorts. Some visitors have expressed the desire to undergo short treatments under the ayurveda system.

Vembandu Lake and the near-by Pathiramanal bird sanctuary are also big attractions. Backwater cruises in canoes and houseboats provide the visitors an opportunity to enjoy the rich bio-diversity and the natural beauty of the area.

Different types of houseboats launched by various groups, including Malayalam film stars, compete each other. Copying the rare scenes in the camera is a hobby for some of the tourists.

"Boating in the lake lulled by sunny waves and paddy fields enshrined in the backdrop of coconut lagoons is an unforgettable experience,'' said a tourist from the UK.

Major hotels and resorts are charging Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 for accommodation, which is inclusive of food and sight-seeing. The houseboats charge between Rs 5,000 and 20,000.

The construction cost of a houseboat ranges from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, owner of a houseboat said. The cost depends on various types of luxuries provided in the boat.