Kochi: Kerala’s tourism received a boost as the state’s first seaplane completed its official trial flight, successfully landing at the scenic Mattupetty Dam in Idukki. The 17-seater amphibious plane, intended to support tourism and simplify transportation within Kerala, took off from Kochi’s Bolgatty Marina and safely reached Mattupetty Dam, creating excitement and hope for this novel travel option. Launched by Kerala Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, the trial is part of the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s initiative to utilize water bodies and small airstrips as transit points.
According to Minister Riyas, the seaplane project will enhance the state’s tourism by offering unique sightseeing experiences, with plans to expand routes to more water bodies in the future. The maiden flight marked a historical achievement, showcasing the potential for a faster, scenic alternative to road travel between popular destinations. Additional state ministers, including Industries Minister P. Rajeev and Education Minister V. Sivankutty, were also in attendance for this significant event.
With limited public access at Mattupetty Dam, the trial run maintained a controlled setup, installing only a temporary boat jetty, thereby keeping costs low. The De Havilland seaplane model, known for its flexibility in landing on smaller water bodies, promises a convenient 30-minute journey between Kochi and Munnar, with additional routes under consideration. A larger network connecting reservoirs like Kovalam, Kumarakom, and Banasura Sagar is being mapped out as part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN).
The project’s future plans include collaborations with tour operators and hotels, integrating seaplane journeys into travel packages. However, concerns have emerged from the Forest Department due to the proximity of Mattupetty Dam to an elephant corridor. While officials assured that environmental concerns will be addressed, the service’s launch has marked a promising step toward a new chapter in Kerala tourism.
