Traveling to Munnar, Kerala’s renowned hill station, is set to become faster and more convenient with the launch of a new seaplane service. The flight between Kochi and Munnar will cut down travel time from the usual 3.5 hours by road to just 25 minutes by air. This new service offers a safer and quicker alternative, bypassing the dense forests along the Neriamangalam and Adimali routes, which are often avoided by travelers due to wildlife activity, especially at night.
On November 11, the State Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas inaugurated a new 17-seater seaplane service to Mattupetty Dam, as part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). This initiative aims to enhance travel options across Kerala, connecting four major airports and backwaters, with a focus on providing subsidised fares for passengers.
What is the Kerala Seaplane Service?
The seaplane service will use small aircraft with capacities ranging from 9 to 30 seats, allowing passengers to board from waterdromes—floating terminals located on water. These planes will travel across scenic locations, providing a unique and exciting experience. The service is expected to promote tourism and offer a faster, more convenient way to travel across the state.
Key Features of the Kochi To Munnar Seaplane Service :
- Aircraft Sizes: Planes with 9, 15, 17, 20, and 30 seats.
- Departure Points: Waterdromes, floating terminals on water.
- Connectivity: Connecting key tourist destinations across Kerala.
New Opportunities for Tourism and Employment
Tourism Secretary Biju highlighted that the seaplane service will not only create new tourism packages covering various destinations but also foster new enterprises within the tourism sector. This growth will generate employment opportunities, benefiting local communities.
Benefits of Munnar Seaplane Journey
- Significant Time Savings: Travel time is reduced from 3.5 hours by road to just 25 minutes by air, allowing tourists to reach Munnar quickly and spend more time exploring the hill station.
- Scenic Aerial Views: Passengers can enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Kerala’s lush landscapes, including picturesque backwaters, rolling hills, and tea plantations, making the journey a part of the experience itself.
- Avoiding Road Travel Challenges: The seaplane route bypasses the winding and often congested roads, especially in dense forested areas like Neriamangalam and Adimali, making the trip smoother and more comfortable.
- Safety and Convenience: With a flight time of only 25 minutes, tourists can avoid the risks associated with long road journeys, especially at night, when wildlife activity on the roads can be a concern.
- Unique Travel Experience: Taking a seaplane offers a thrilling and exclusive mode of transport that adds a sense of adventure to the trip. It’s an opportunity for travelers to experience Kerala from a unique perspective.
- Comfort and Relaxation: The seaplane offers a more comfortable and peaceful journey compared to a long, bumpy road trip, especially for tourists who wish to avoid the fatigue of a lengthy drive.
- Connection to Scenic Locations: The seaplane service directly connects Kochi and Munnar, making it easier for tourists to visit other scenic spots along the way, enhancing their overall travel experience in Kerala.
- Perfect for Time-Conscious Travelers: Ideal for those on a tight schedule, the seaplane allows tourists to maximize their visit to Munnar without compromising on time or convenience.
- Eco-Friendly Option: Air travel via seaplane is a more sustainable option for reducing travel congestion and maintaining the natural beauty of Kerala’s roads and landscapes, providing an eco-conscious alternative to traditional travel methods.
This new seaplane journey offers an exciting, time-efficient, and comfortable way to explore the natural beauty of Munnar, all while adding a memorable touch to your travel experience.
SeaPlane Operators and Infrastructure
The service will be operated by a Switzerland-based private company in partnership with SpiceJet, using de Havilland Canada planes. Officials from Cochin Port Trust, the Indian Navy, and de Havilland Canada have already assessed the locations, addressing logistical challenges. Extensive feasibility and hydrographic surveys were completed before the service launch to ensure smooth operations.
Key Partners in the Seaplane Tourism:
- Operators: Switzerland-based private company and SpiceJet.
- Planes: de Havilland Canada aircraft.
- Support from: Cochin Port Trust, Indian Navy, and de Havilland Canada.
Future Plans for Waterdrome Seaplane Service
Additional waterdromes are being considered at key tourist spots across Kerala, such as Kovalam, Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Vembanad, Malampuzha, and Bekal, with a goal of reducing travel time between destinations to within 30 minutes. Existing waterdromes at Bolgatty and Mattupetty are already operational.
Future Waterdrome Locations:
- Kochi to Kovalam
- Kochi to Ashtamudi
- Kochi to Punnamada
- Kochi to Kumarakom
- Kochi to Vembanad
- Kochi to Malampuzha
- Kochi to Bekal
Seaplane Ticket Cost and Accessibility
For travellers, the estimated cost of a seaplane ride on the Kochi-Munnar route is expected to be between INR 3,000 and INR 4,000. Although this price is comparable to road fares, the seaplane offers significant time savings and a more comfortable journey. However, it’s important to note that the seaplane service is still in its trial phase, and full details, including package costs, are yet to be announced.
Estimated Fare:
- Route: Kochi-Munnar
- Cost Range: INR 3,000 to INR 4,000
- Travel Time Savings: Faster and more comfortable than road transport.
This new seaplane service will revolutionize travel in Kerala, providing a unique and efficient way to experience the state’s natural beauty. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting development!
