Kerala is a unique south Indian state with a labyrinthine web of canals, lagoons, lakes and estuaries. Whenever we hear Kerala, our imagination places us in a houseboat in the famous backwaters.
Recently, Kerala&rsquos first water taxi service was launched in the backwaters of Alappuzha. Kerala&rsquos water taxi service will not only promote tourism in times of COVID-19 but also provide hassle-free travel facilities for people living in the water-logged areas around Alappuzha who depend on boats for their travel to the mainland.
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The most famous canal networks in Kerala, Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha is a green paradise, and our number one choice when it comes to backwaters. The stretch of Alleppey Backwater lies 62 km south of Kochi, nestled in captivating greenery, paddy fields, coconut plantations and beautiful islands.
The water taxi is a catamaran high speed boat. All electrical machinery is powered by the sun, and auxiliary loads are powered by solar panels. With a seating capacity for 10 passengers, it is the first in a series of four boats that the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) is planning to introduce.
The water taxi service is launched at a time when the state government is working on an ambitious project of Kovalam-Bekal waterway, which once complete will run from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram., thereby connecting the entire state through the waterway.