Houseboats may include toddy in package

ALAPPUZHA: The tourists to Alappuzha can enjoy Kuttanadan toddy in the absence of hard drinks  due to the  government implementing the new liquor policy. They will be offered  a package with Kuttnadan  toddy along with  special  programmes like kathakali, velakali and other traditional art forms on board  the houseboats, of course, with an additional charge too.

Mr Tomy J. Pulaikkattil, a houseboat owner, said   that during the last few years, toddy sale in the local shops  had gone up. “Foreign tourists are fond of sipping toddy while cruising. We are trying to cash in on this trend,” he said.  “National and international corporate companies  demand cultural and traditional programmes along with fireworks using Chinese crackers,” he said.  

According to the data available with the local toddy shop owners in  Punnamada area, an average of 700 litres of toddy is  sold per day exclusively for foreign tourists from as many as 15 toddy shops. Each shop sells at least 30 litres of toddy  daily.

Mr J. Jinu, owner of Cherukayal toddy shop at Punnamada, said, “we maintain high quality and hygiene and supply toddy to 25 houseboats. Our shop has special arrangement for tourists to have toddy along with local people also,” he said.

All Kerala House Owners Association (AKHOA) general secretary N. Sreekumar said, “the  challenge is to ensure the quality and availability of toddy.” Around 800 houseboats are currently plying in the  Punnamada lake.  As per data, as many as 2,75,821 tourists visited Alappuzha last year.