A backwater tourism circuit linking the brackish water Kadinamkulam lake, the biggest inland waterbody of the capital district, Anchuthengu and Akathumuri lakes, Anjengo Fort, light house, Asan Memorial, Kayikkara, and historic places en route to south of Varkala is on the anvil.
The circuit involving three lakes with Perumathura, 29 km north of Thiruvananthapuram, as the hub is being worked out on the lines of the backwater circuit of Alappuzha by the Thiruvananthapuram District Tourism Promotion Council (TDTPC). The circuit will involve a three-hour cruise from Kadinamkulam lake to Akathumuri.
Commencing from Kadinamkulam lake, the cruise will cover Perumathura bridge, Muthalapozhi, fishing harbour, Anchuthengu Fort, Anchuthengu light house, Hanging Bridge, Asan Memorial and Ponnumthuruthu (Golden Island), a privately-owned island in Akathumuri lake, and conclude at Nedunganda Onnam Palam.
The Tourism and Forest Departments are exploring the potential of Ponnumthuruthu and looking into developing it into an ecotourism spot. The Valiyapurackal family trust, which owns the island, has expressed keenness for a joint venture. The centuries-old Siva Parvathi temple, also called Thuruthu Kshethram by local people, is situated in the island.
“Many are unaware of the circuit and its potential. Two safari boats and four speed boats from the the DTPC’s boat club at Pulimoottilkadavu in Vamanapuram river will be put to use initially. A one-way ride in a seven-seater boat will cost ₹1,200 each an hour,” says DTPC secretary T.V. Prashant.
Customised package will be offered through the revamped website of the TDTPC, he said. Berths need to be set up at Kadinamkulam, Perumathura, Asan Memorial, Hanging Bridge and Panayil kadavu for boat operations.
