The State government plans to build a mini cruise terminal at Kolavipalam to boost coastal tourism. An expert team inspected the site and found deep waters suitable for small vessels. "In our inspection, the depth is very satisfactory," said port officer Hari Achutha Varrier, noting the project's potential for Malabar.
The State government's proposal to set up a mini cruise terminal in Kozhikode district has given fresh impetus to the region's coastal tourism sector. Aimed at unlocking the untapped potential of Malabar's shoreline, the initiative forms a key component of the State government's flagship 'Mission Samudra' project, which seeks to seamlessly integrate maritime transport, cruise tourism, and local commerce.
In a major step forward, a high-level expert team recently inspected Kolavipalam near Payyoli, identifying it as an ideal location for constructing the proposed tourist cruise vessel jetty. Led by Thiruvananthapuram Port deputy director Aswini Prathap, the delegation conducted a preliminary technical assessment in the area and found that Kolavipalam possesses a rare natural advantage: deep waters situated at the shortest distance from the shoreline in the region.
Following these encouraging preliminary findings, the authorities have proposed a detailed environmental impact study and instructed officials to draft a comprehensive project blueprint. The visiting team included Kozhikode port officer Hari Achutha Varrier and a hydrographic surveyor, along with Koyilandy MLA K. Praveen Kumar and Payyoli municipal chairperson N. Sahira.
Mr. Varrier confirmed that a preliminary report related to the field visit and findings had been submitted to the chief executive officer of the Kerala Maritime Board for follow-up measures. Further studies, including an environmental impact assessment, would be needed before the project could go ahead, he added.
According to Mr. Varrier, the proposal is to realise a mini cruise terminal which can facilitate the anchoring of small cruise vessels. He also confirmed that it would be the first of its kind in the north Keralam region, exclusively for cruise vessels.
"The Harbour Engineering Wing and the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation will have major roles in taking up further action on the proposal. In our inspection, the depth is very satisfactory, and the area can be considered for the smooth anchoring of small cruise vessels," said Mr. Varrier. The completion of the project would also depend on the release of the required funds in time, he pointed out.
Mr. Praveen Kumar said the proposed terminal, which he described as the first such venture in the State, would cater for passenger cruise vessels. He added that facilities for small cargo ships could be explored in subsequent phases. He also believes that the project will anchor a comprehensive new regional tourism circuit connecting several key historical, cultural, and natural landmarks along the coast.
Local administrators from Koyilandy and Payyoli pointed out that the proposed circuit would seamlessly link Mini Goa-local Kolavi beach, famous for its pristine golden sands, mangrove ecosystems, and Olive Ridley sea turtle nesting sites, with the Sargaalaya Kerala Arts and Crafts Village at Iringal, an acclaimed cultural hub along the Moorad river featuring live traditional artisan workshops.
The maritime route will also incorporate the historic Kunjali Marakkar Memorial and Museum at Kottakkal, which displays ancient weaponry and relics of the legendary 16th-century Samoothiri naval commanders, as well as the offshore rock formation of Velliyamkallu, a historic naval lookout post during anti-colonial battles that is now revered for its natural sea caves and birdlife.