In a major move to boost tourism, the Tamil Nadu government has decided to introduce boat rides to Kurusadai Islands, one of the 21 in the Gulf of Mannar. Here’s what we know. By Anushka Goel
Soon, tourists will be able to enjoy a boat ride to Tamil Nadu’s Kurusadai island, which is one of the 21 islands in the Gulf of Mannar marine national park, reports Times of India. The area, which has been largely protected, with strict travel curbs, will be open to people now, who can visit the 168-acre island and witness breathtaking sights of corals, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, varieties of fish and more, apart from the coastal flora and fauna enroute. Not only this, but tourists may also be able to see humpback dolphins and other sea creatures, the report adds.
Go on a boat ride to the Kurusadai Islands
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According to a report in DT Next, visitors will be able to sail in the sea for up to a distance of two kilometres, and the boat ride will last around 20 minutes. “Travelling to the islands in a marine national park is a serious offence that attracts punishment. But, this initiative has been taken up by the forest department for the benefit of tourists and local fishermen community,” Mandapam range officer G Venkatesh told Times of India, adding that the aim here is to create awareness among students and the general public about the importance of these islands and the marine ecosystem.
Boat ride timings
The timing planned for these boat rides is 7:00 am till 2:00 pm. However, rides could be halted in case the weather conditions are unfavourable/chaotic. Visitors will also be permitted to click pictures of the islands and the birds, flora and fauna there. The 90-minute boat trip to the Kurusadai islands starts at the jetty in Kunthukal, which is about 10 kilometres from Rameswaram.
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of Saffu/Unsplash
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