The See Kuttanad service has transported 40,000 tourists in over two years.
| Photo Credit: SURESH ALLEPPEY
The State Water Transport Department’s (SWTD) Vega and See Kuttanad boat services have become a major hit among tourists. Offering affordable and picturesque cruises through Alappuzha backwaters, Vega has carried 1.15 lakh tourists and generated ₹5 crore in revenue over the past 55 months. The ‘See Kuttanad’ service, launched in 2022, has transported 40,000 tourists in over two years, earning ₹1.55 crore in revenue.
Officials said that the two services had quickly emerged as tourist favourites. The cruises pass through the iconic Punnamada backwaters, the serene stretches of Vembanad Lake, and the verdant paddy fields of Kuttanad, while treating passengers to authentic Alappuzha delicacies such as pearl spot fry, tapioca and clam roast served on board.
Commissioned on December 24, 2020, the 120-seater Vega, built at a cost of ₹2.10 crore, recovered its projected seven-year investment in less than four years, a testament to its popularity and operational success. Building on Vega’s success, the 90-seater See Kuttanad was launched on November 1, 2022, and is now close to recouping its ₹1.90 crore construction cost.
Both Vega and See Kuttanad depart daily from the Alappuzha boat jetty at 11 a.m. and 11.30 a.m., respectively. The cruise takes in the scenic Pathiramanal Island, offers views of the SAI rowing facility, and passes through Chithira-Marthandam Kayal, Kamalante Moola, and Mangalassery before returning by late afternoon.
The 120-seater Vega.
| Photo Credit:
SURESH ALLEPPEY
During the journey, tourists are served light refreshments, tea, and snacks, followed by a hearty traditional Kerala lunch prepared by Kudumbashree.
For Vega, non-AC tickets cost ₹400 and AC seats ₹600. For See Kuttanad, lower deck tickets cost ₹400 and ₹500 for upper deck. Tickets can be booked in advance by contacting 9400050325 (Vega), 9400050326 (See Kuttanad).
The SWTD is also in the process of launching Kuttanad Safari, another tourism boat service that will connect various destinations across the region. Officials said that Kuttanad Safari would be modelled after the popular desert safaris in Gulf countries. The project will be implemented in such a way that tourists can experience the entire scenic beauty of Kuttanad in a single boat journey, much like a desert safari.
Published – August 13, 2025 07:25 pm IST
