Good news for Kerala’s tourism sector! The Arookutty houseboat terminal in Alappuzha, a project that has been on hold for years, is finally nearing completion and preparing to welcome visitors.
This terminal, located at the historic old boat jetty, was originally built five years ago as part of the district’s ambitious Mega Tourism Circuit project. Spearheaded by the Tourism department and the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) with an investment of approximately ₹1.5 crore, the main building stood ready. However, the lack of essential supporting facilities and persistent issues with securing contractors meant the promising terminal remained unused, gathering dust for half a decade.
Now, after a renewed tender process, new contractors are on board. The DTPC has given the green light for the final phase of work, which includes a complete renovation of the building, new flooring, fresh paint, and the installation of modern surveillance cameras. In the coming weeks, travelers can look forward to essential amenities like clean restrooms, reliable drinking water, convenience shops, improved lighting, and comprehensive houseboat services. Once fully operational, the terminal will comfortably accommodate up to four houseboats simultaneously.
Adding to its convenience, the existing Panavally-Ernakulam passenger boat service, managed by the State Water Transport Department, already makes a stop at this very jetty, further enhancing the terminal’s accessibility and utility.
A Tribute to Periyar: A New Memorial Takes Shape
The area’s importance is growing, not just for tourism, but also culturally. The Tamil Nadu government has started building a memorial dedicated to the esteemed social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, a pivotal figure in the historic Vaikom Satyagraha.
The Kerala government previously allocated half an acre of land adjacent to the boat jetty for this significant memorial.
Spanning 1,141 square feet and uniquely designed to resemble a jail, the memorial will house a statue of Periyar, a museum, a public hall, a serene park, and a beautiful garden, alongside other complementary tourism initiatives. The Tamil Nadu government has dedicated a substantial ₹4 crore to bring this project to fruition.
This location holds deep historical resonance: it’s where Periyar was held for a month in the Arookutty jail, then part of the princely state of Travancore. His arrest on May 21, 1924, occurred during the impactful Vaikom Satyagraha (March 1924-November 1925), a monumental social reform movement. Remarkably, traces of this historic jail still remain on the very ground where his memorial is now being constructed.