Even as coracle service commences, timings prove a dampener

Just as tourists thronged Hogenakkal after coracle service was flagged off following a two-month-long hiatus, a cloud of disappointment reigned over as the coracle ride timings ended up way too brief turning away tourists.

Though the coracle service was formally flagged off on Friday, it was on Saturday morning that a reckonable tourist population thronged Hogenakkal for the holiday-weekend.

While all 127 coracles were set into operation, the timings have turned to be dampener for the tourists who arrived at Hogenakkal often the previous night itself. The office service time has now been fixed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

However, due to the series of checks and balances that have come into force accompanying a broad set of safety protocols, the actual opening up of coracle service past 10.30 a.m. has proved to be disconcertion.

As part of the safety protocol, two teams of three persons each, one each drawn from police, fire service, and revenue were required to monitor the two boarding points for coracle service. The three personnel are required to vet the safety protocols and counter sign the trip-sheets.

Speaking to

The Hindu , Kempuraj, an office-bearer of Hogenakkal Coracle Owners Association, the service that was meant to start at 10 a.m. however came through only at 11 a.m., since the staff from BDO arrived late.

Similarly, the earlier closing time of 5 p.m. has now been cut short to 4 p.m. leaving behind a trail of disappointed tourists. “There were over 500 tourists who were still waiting in line, but were forced to return without a ride,” Mr. Kempuraj.

An estimated 50,000 tourists reportedly arrived in Hogenakkal on Saturday, according to his estimate. But, just about 600-odd tourists managed a ride, giving each coracle a single ride all through the day. During such long holiday weekends, tourists often arrive the previous night here.

At least, during these times, the opening time should be well before the Sun is sharp and the humidity on the rocky terrain gets intense.

It would be helpful, if the service started at 8 a.m. so that most tourists could have a feel of the ride, says the coracle lobby.

Though 50,000 tourists reportedly arrived in Hogenakkal on Saturday, 600-odd managed a ride