Udupi backwaters to get ’Houseboat cruises’

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Nov 24,2016: Taking a feather out of neighbouring Kerala’s cap, houseboats will soon be introduced at Swarna River, Kalyanpura, situated 8-km form Udupi. P Nagraj from tourism department said, "Proposals are received for the project and the district administration has directed tourism department to investigate potentials. The fabrication of a cruise, which is expected to be put to use in February, next year, is in progress," .

Udupi is known for quality health, education, temples and transport infrastructure, these sectors have failed to attract tourists to the district. To tackle this situation, the district administration is keen on implementing backwater tourism. The Kerala-style traditional houseboats will have all modern amenities and is expected to provide memorable cruise experience to tourists.

A houseboat trip here would offer a closer view of backwater stretches, lush green paddy fields and everyday village life. Fresh seafood dishes would be served to the tourists to complete the backwater experience.

Permission to run houseboats would be given only on meeting all safety requirements set by the department. The owners will have to get a no objection certificate from the DC and police department, and also should provide details of customers, their accommodation, food, customers service and other information to tourism department.