Seaplane Tourism in Kerala: Soaring Over Scenic Waterways for a New Travel Experience

On a memorable Sunday in November, Kerala witnessed a milestone in tourism as the state’s first seaplane touched down on the backwaters of Kochi. The seaplane, which embarked on its journey from Vijayawada, arrived at the Bolgatty backwaters in Kochi, sparking excitement and anticipation for a new era of tourism in Kerala. The following day, Tourism Minister P.A. Muhammad Riyas was scheduled to officially inaugurate the trial route from Bolgatty to the Mattupetty reservoir near Munnar, marking a significant step forward in Kerala’s vision for seaplane tourism.

The Vision Behind Seaplane Tourism

Kerala, with its extensive networks of rivers, lakes, and lagoons, is ideally suited for seaplane travel. Known for its backwaters, dense greenery, and scenic landscapes, the state is now set to offer visitors an aerial experience of its natural beauty. This unique tourism initiative is designed to connect Kerala’s beautiful waterways through the skies, providing travelers with breathtaking aerial views and quicker access to some of the state’s most remote and serene destinations.

The seaplane project has been a collaborative effort, with Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) lending essential technical expertise and infrastructure support to make this vision a reality. CIAL’s involvement ensures that the project meets international standards for safety, convenience, and service quality.

Tourism Potential and Economic Impact

The introduction of seaplanes is expected to open up new tourism pathways for Kerala, allowing tourists to take in stunning views of the state’s landscapes, including the Western Ghats, Munnar’s lush valleys, and the famous backwaters of Kochi. This airborne journey offers an entirely new perspective, promising to be an attractive option for domestic and international travelers seeking a unique way to explore Kerala.

Beyond tourism appeal, seaplane services are expected to boost the local economy by creating jobs in tourism, hospitality, and aviation support services. Additionally, these services enhance connectivity to secluded regions, making them more accessible for both tourists and locals. By facilitating easier travel between prominent destinations and less-visited scenic spots, the seaplane initiative could spur economic development in remote areas.

Technical Features and Passenger Experience

The seaplanes operating under this initiative are amphibious aircraft, which can take off and land on both water and land, making them exceptionally versatile for Kerala’s diverse terrain. With a capacity of up to nine passengers, these seaplanes are designed for an intimate and scenic journey over Kerala’s landscapes. Passengers will enjoy large windows, ensuring panoramic views of lush greenery, glistening backwaters, and rolling hills as they travel across Kerala’s waterways.

For travelers, this means access to regions that would otherwise require hours of ground travel. A flight over Kerala’s landscapes, even for a short duration, provides a memorable experience that combines the thrill of flight with Kerala’s natural beauty. Seaplane tourism here represents a novel way to explore, ideal for those looking for both adventure and tranquility.

Challenges in Implementation and Sustainability

While the tourism sector is enthusiastic about the prospects of seaplane tourism, ensuring its sustainability presents a number of challenges. For one, infrastructure at multiple water bodies needs ongoing maintenance and development to facilitate safe and regular seaplane landings. Additionally, local environmental and cultural sensitivities must be carefully managed to prevent disruption to the fishing communities and maintain ecological balance.

Kerala’s earlier seaplane initiatives, including a substantial investment of Rs 14 crore in 2013 to establish waterdromes at Ashtamudi and Punnamada lakes, faced pushback from local communities. Concerns were raised by the fishing community, primarily represented by pro-Left unions, about the potential impact on livelihoods and water access. These protests ultimately led to the project’s suspension, underscoring the need for careful planning and community engagement in any future seaplane projects.

Government and Regulatory Support

Kerala’s seaplane project has been made possible through the support of the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) UDAN, which aims to improve air travel accessibility across India. To support the growth of seaplane tourism, the Civil Aviation Ministry has introduced regulatory changes to simplify operations for non-scheduled seaplane services. For instance, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has eliminated the requirement for waterdrome licenses, streamlining compliance processes and making it easier for operators to enter the market.

The state government has also identified key water bodies that would serve as landing sites for seaplane services. Proposed destinations include Kovalam, Ashtamudi Lake, Kumarakom, Idukki Dam, Mattupetty Dam, Punnamada, Malampuzha Dam, Banasura Sagar Dam, and the Chandragiri River in Kasaragod. These locations were chosen based on both tourist appeal and feasibility for safe seaplane operations.

Proposals and Future Prospects

As seaplane tourism gains traction, the Kerala government has explored potential partnerships with private operators to extend services. A recent proposal from a private company suggested linking four airports and several key water bodies, including Kochi’s backwaters, under a two-year contract. This proposal includes a four-hour daily service connecting these locations, although it would require an estimated investment of Rs 54 crore.

If accepted, this partnership could further expand Kerala’s seaplane tourism network, attracting more tourists and making inter-destination travel within the state more convenient. However, this proposal remains under consideration as the state weighs potential financial and logistical commitments against expected returns.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Kerala’s Seaplane Tourism

Kerala’s foray into seaplane tourism represents a bold step in expanding the state’s tourism offerings. By leveraging its unique geography and cultural heritage, the state is poised to create a distinctive travel experience that attracts adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and tourists seeking new perspectives on Kerala’s landscapes.

While there are operational and social challenges to navigate, Kerala’s commitment to sustainable tourism and regulatory support could pave the way for a thriving seaplane tourism sector. As the trial service kicks off, the future of seaplane tourism in Kerala holds the promise of transformative growth, fostering a richer and more accessible travel experience across the state’s enchanting waterways.