A ride through the city

In an effort to spread green-low cost tourism, the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) is all set to launch a unique tourism project. Called ‘Pedalling through Kochi’ in association will involve a one day cycling tour across various parts of Kochi.

“We will be launching the project by August 15. The idea is to promote eco-friendly tourism packages at low costs especially targeting the younger generation. The brochures and other promotional materials are being prepared. Once that is done it will be promoted through the various help desks of the Tourism Department and through our tour operation divisions,” said DTPC secretary T N Jayasankar.

The one-day tour package will begin from the Durbar Hall Grounds. Jankars and boats will be used through the tours to cycle to places like Willingdon Island and Fort Kochi. The tour will cover Fort Kochi, Mattanchery, Willingdon Island, Vypeen, Fort Vypeen, Chellanam, Kumbalangi, Kannamaly and Marine Drive. The main focus will be on cycling through the coastal roads and historical sites.

The tourists will be led by a guide approved by the DTPC, while the lunch and resting places  will also come under the tour package.

Apart for this a group of 10 or more can also opt for a customised tour.

This will include more far flung areas including Ezhattumkham, Boothathankettu, Anthakaranazhi and so on.

The package costs ` 1350 that includes the cycle rent and `450 without the cycle. “We are trying to get funds through sponsorship for the cycles. Then the cost of travel can be substantially reduced in the coming months. Only imported cycles with gear can be used as we are looking at long range travel. As of now we are looking at renting these cycles, which takes the rates up,” said the secretary.