Kollam: The Thekkadi boat tragedy four years ago brought down the curtains on the popular boat ride through the Parappar Lake in the Thenmala ecotourism zone. Many were disappointed as the cruise gave passengers a view of the lush forests of Kulathupuzha and Thenmala and acquainted them with the wildlife in the catchment valleys along the banks of the Thenmala reservoir. But there's good news. The boat service has now been resumed with two new boats ‘Shenthuruni’ and ‘Palaruvi.’
Re-launched last week, the cruise is expected to up tourist interest in Thenmala. “We believe many tourists will come here for the boat ride alone. We have a rush of inquiries presently and will have more with the school vacations ahead,” said Ms R. Lakshmi, tourism promotion officer, Thenmala Ecotourism.
Currently, six boat services are on offer every day depending on the number of visitors and one boat is always kept as a standby for emergencies.
