Forest minister to inaugurate coracle boat ride at Panamkuzhy eco-tourism centre

Kochi: Forest minister A K Saseendran will inaugurate coracle boat ride introduced for the public at Panamkuzhy eco-tourism centre in Perumbavoor along with other basic infrastructure facilities, on Wednesday.The eco-tourism centre is situated on the eastern end of Abhayaranyam animal shelter in Kodanad. As many as 10 coracle boats are arranged for visitors to enjoy a ride in Periyar River. A four-member group can enjoy the ride for 30 minutes at a cost of Rs 600. Guides, who were provided training at National Institute of Water Sports for a week, will control the bamboo coracles, which were purchased from Hogenakkal in Karnataka. The ride will cover a 1km distance both upstream and downstream. The minister will also inaugurate two tree-mounted huts to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and 15 swings set up there. The Panamkuzhy eco-tourism centre witnesses a footfall of around 100 visitors per day and 300 at weekends, said an official at Abhayaranyam.