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.
