Village tourism plan to boost Alappuzha

ALAPPUZHA: Kerala’s move to showcase rural tourism could boost Alappuzha district, especially Kakkathuruthu Island, which appeared on NatGeo’s must-visit list in October. Tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran had recently said places like Kakkathuruthu would be part of the initiative. The local community hopes it will bring better infrastructure, including a bridge to the island of 300-odd families. With no proper interconnecting bridges, islanders live in secluded quietness cohabiting with nature. Women travel in small country boats, wash laundry by the water’s edge and dry them over twig fences.

D. Satheesan, a resident of the island, hails the decision. “Our life is moving at a slow pace compared to urban people,” he said. “The budget this year has provided funds for a bridge, and its paper works are going on. We hope the government will expedite work on the bridge as part of village tourism.” Apart from seeing sundown, it has an array of lagoons as attractions for the guests. Kuttanad villages are also set to benefit from the new tourism product. The beauty of Alappuzha villages had appeared on BBC’s The Travel Show hosted by Henry Golding last year.

Sheela Sajeev, president, Kainakary panchayat, said their village was “a sought-after place” for foreigners, who get attracted by its natural beauty and unique way of living. “There are many impressed by our lifestyle. We used to provide special care to enjoy the uniqueness of our land,” she says. Apart from the toddy production and lifestyle, there is another reason that makes Kuttanad attractive: its cuisine. In 2010, it figured on Discovery Channel’s culinary show No Reservations hosted by Anthony Bourdain.