Kadamakudy all set to get a makeover

The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) is giving finishing touches to an ambitious tourism development project for Kadamakudy.

The scenic island, located on the outskirts of Kochi, had grabbed national attention after industrialist Anand Mahindra’s social media post that visiting the island was on his bucket list for this December.

Mr. Mahindra stated that he would visit the island, which he described as the one “often listed amongst the most beautiful villages on earth,” during his business trip to Kochi. The number of visitors to Kadamakudy went up significantly after the post in which he also shared a 25-second video of the island.

The tourism development plan envisaged by the DTPC focusses on infrastructural development as well as tourism activities. The region will see an influx of tourism activities, including water sports, experiential tourism activities, along with setting up of necessary infrastructure. A budget of around ₹8 crore has been allocated for the project, according to the council authorities. 

“A cluster of 13 islands, Kadamakudy is known for its idyllic village aesthetics. It turned into a tourist destination even without us announcing it. But it doesn’t have the infrastructure to accommodate its rising tourism needs,” pointed out K.N. Unnikrishnan, MLA, who represents the Vypeen Assembly constituency, which also includes the area.

The project, which makes use of the tourism potential of Kadamakudy, focusses on promoting traditional cuisine, village activities, and important attractions such as pokkali rice cultivation, pottery, and mural artistry, said Ernakulam DTPC secretary Lijo Joseph.

“We are looking at developing the region holistically, while helping the natives also prosper economically. Even as we focus on turning the place into a tourism spot, we have to be mindful from an ecological perspective.  Kadamakudy cannot withstand extensive construction activities. As such, we are formulating a master plan that can help in developing the tourism services while preserving the region. A carrying capacity study in the location will also be conducted,” he added. Apart from developing the infrastructure, the DTPC envisages implementing responsible tourism and creating a harmony between the tourists as well as the natives.

A cluster of 13 islets

Spread across a total area of 12.92 sq km, the Kadamakudy village panchayat has thirteen wards. Only 15.84% of the region is land area, with the rest comprising canals, rivers and pokkali paddy fields. The island is unique and noted for its farming techniques, pristine surrounds, biodiversity, mangroves, etc. 

Once the tourism State working group gives approval, the department will proceed with the tender procedures for the project. A stakeholders’ meet has been planned in the coming days to help create the master plan.