Boating trends at Thekkady

KOTTAYAM: The tourist inflow for the boating inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady is yet to gather steam, for a brief cessation of services. For the first time in its recent history, the authorities had to stop Periyar Lake cruise this year when the water level fell down to 108 feet - from May 28 to June 28. Deputy director of the reserve Shilpa V. Kumar told DC that it would take a few more days to get it on track.

Approximately 500 to 600 tourists arrive here per day for boating now while their number usually goes up to 5,000 during the peak season. The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) operates three boats with a capacity of 126, 54 and 34 seats and two others by the forest department having 60 seats each.