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Kerala’s Tourism Landscape to Expand with New Seaplane Routes
Kerala’s Tourism Landscape to Expand with New Seaplane Routes
On November 11, Shri PA Mohamed Riyas, the Minister for Tourism and Public Works, will inaugurate a new seaplane service aimed at enhancing the state’s tourism sector. The inaugural event will be chaired by Shri P Rajeeve, Minister for Industries, Law, and Coir, and will take place at 9:30 AM at the Bolgatty Palace in Kochi. Subsequently, a celebratory reception for the seaplane’s crew and passengers will occur at Mattupetty Dam in Idukki, attended by Shri Roshy Augustine, Minister for Water Resources.
The seaplane, a ‘de Havilland Canada’, is scheduled to arrive at Kochi International Airport on November 10 at 2 PM and will proceed to Bolgatty Palace’s waterdrome by 3:30 PM, where the Department of Tourism will host the crew. This service is part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN initiated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, to enhance connectivity between Kerala’s airports and its scenic backwaters.
Shri Riyas highlighted the significance of improved connectivity for the growth of Kerala’s tourism industry. The service, operated by a Switzerland-based private company in collaboration with SpiceJet, follows successful trials in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Comprehensive inspections and surveys were conducted by officials from the Cochin Port Trust, Indian Navy, and other involved entities to ensure readiness.
“The launch of heli-tourism is a significant step in this direction, making our destinations more accessible for quick, seamless travel. Additionally, the expansion of motorable roads connecting even the remotest parts of Kerala ensures that tourists can now reach far-off locations with ease, enjoying scenic routes along the way,” the Minister noted.
“Our efforts also extend to the development of national highways, as well as coastal and hill highways, which will further boost connectivity. Seaplane services will soon complement these efforts, positioning Kerala as a well-connected destination through a robust network of transportation channels—including waterways, highways, helicopters, and now, seaplanes. These initiatives underscore our commitment to making Kerala a tourism-friendly state with unmatched connectivity,” Shri Riyas added.
Tourism Secretary Shri K Biju noted that the seaplane service would allow tourists to cover more destinations efficiently and is expected to be promoted internationally to boost visitor numbers. Tourism Director Smt. Sikha Surendran anticipates that the service will also bolster domestic tourism, especially in remote areas accessible mainly by waterways.
The initiative aims to connect Kerala’s four airports and potential waterdromes, leveraging the state’s abundant water bodies to improve tourist access to various attractions. Discussions are underway to establish additional waterdromes in several locations including Kovalam, Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Vembanad, Malambuzha, and Bekal. These seaplanes, available in various sizes including 9, 15, 20, and 30-seaters, offer a unique way for passengers to embark directly from water surfaces.