Thekkady Lake Alive With Tourist Boats
Kerala had been looking forward to the resuming of boat services on the Thekkady Lake much since the boat tragedy about three months ago. On Friday, amid security measures and eager expectations, two boats carried tourists, officials and others across the lake.
Three boats owned by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) – Jalaraja, Jalatharangini and Jalamohini – and also two boats of the Forest Department – Vanajotsna and Periyar – are open to public now. The number of seats in the boats have been considerably reduced to adhere to safety norms.
And think of all the safety measures that are available now: life jackets, life buoys, fire bucket, fire-resting machines and hand-box. And before the boat journey, tourists are given important guidelines and information. Also interesting is the appointment of a life-guard each for every 25 passengers. They’ve received training in rescue operation.
The forest department’s double-deckers, ‘Vanajyotsna’ and ‘Periyar’, offer an upper deck view of the lake as well as animals, if spotted. Tourists can now enjoy lazy afternoons on the lake. Tourism-related activities, too, will receive an impetus with the boat service now back on track!
Though Periyar wildlife sanctuary at Thekkady is a tiger reserve, it’s really hard to see them. But some animals can surely be seen. Eventually, nature is the only reason to go there.