Veli is gaining a new link between everyday travel and backwater tourism. The solar powered boat service introduced on Veli and Kadinamkulam connects passengers through Parvathy Puthanar and the Kadinamkulam backwaters. It is also part of a broader plan to develop Veli as a transport hub linking air, rail, road and water networks, with further tourism potential expected around the route.
The service starts at Veli Tourist Village and runs to Kadinamkulam and back, covering 14 km each way. A 24-passenger solar boat from Cochin International Airport Ltd is being used for the service. The journey takes about two hours each way, or around four hours for the full 28 km round trip.
The announced schedule includes:
The first phase is described as beginning with one service, while the announced schedule provides two daily operating windows.
The route caters to regular passengers as well as tourists. Standard fares are ₹50 from Veli to Channankara, ₹30 from Channankara to Kadinamkulam and ₹80 for a direct Veli to Kadinamkulam journey.
For tourists, the Veli to Kadinamkulam return package costs ₹400. The fare structure is:
The tourism package includes a 30-minute backwater cruise after passengers reach Kadinamkulam jetty. Tea and food are also planned there in association with Kudumbashree.
The boat service supports a wider vision for Veli, where airport, railway, road transport and inland waterways are intended to function around one major transport centre. Its proximity to Thiruvananthapuram airport and Kochuveli railway station is expected to strengthen this role.
Veli is also projected to become an important point in the tourism circuit between Kovalam and Varkala. The service forms part of the state’s broader inland waterway plan extending from Kovalam to Bekal.
The waterway also carries historical importance, with its origins traced to the period of Rani Parvathi Bhai about 202 years ago. The stated focus is not only new construction but regular use of existing waterways to maintain their cleanliness and utility. Development plans are also intended to include the rehabilitation and development of local fishing communities.
The launch ceremony also included an MoU exchange between KSRTC and the Water Transport Department, followed by the transport minister’s boat journey. The new Veli- Kadinamkulam service brings a practical passenger connection together with a short tourism experience, while the wider transport and waterway plans are expected to shape Veli’s role further.
1. What is the Veli- Kadinamkulam solar boat service?
The Veli- Kadinamkulam solar boat service is a passenger and tourism route from Veli Tourist Village through Parvathy Puthanar to Kadinamkulam and back.
2. How far does the Veli- Kadinamkulam boat travel?
The Veli- Kadinamkulam service covers 14 km each way, making the full round trip approximately 28 km.
3. What are the timings of the Veli- Kadinamkulam boat service?
The announced Veli- Kadinamkulam schedule has morning operations from 9 am to 1 pm and afternoon operations from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
4. How much does the Veli- Kadinamkulam boat cost?
The direct Veli- Kadinamkulam fare is ₹80 for regular passengers, while the tourist return package costs ₹400.
5. What tourism facilities are included in the Veli- Kadinamkulam service?
The Veli- Kadinamkulam tourism package includes a 30-minute backwater cruise at Kadinamkulam and planned tea and food arrangements with Kudumbashree.
6. What is the wider plan connected to the Veli- Kadinamkulam service?
The Veli- Kadinamkulam service forms part of a wider inland waterway plan from Kovalam to Bekal and Veli’s proposed role as a hub linking air, rail, road and water transport.
