Leisure water sports promotion plans on the anvil for Kerala

Kerala is bestowed with a long sea coast that virtually extends all along the State and a meandering  network of backwaters, canals and rivers, which makes it a perfect destination for water tourism and leisure activities.

Kerala has asked The  National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS) in Goa to chart out a detailed project report. Once the policy clearances are obtained , water sports and other leisure activities will be taken up in a phased manner. Kerala holds an enviable position for a range of  water sporting options like windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing. The ethnic water activities of Kerala including house boat cruise and  snake boat racing could also be included in the activity list to ensure a diverse fare. The main objective of this plan would be to promote new water sporting destinations apart from the popular spots like in Kerala like Punnamada, Ashtamudi, Kumarakom and Bakel.

Apart from enhancing the tourism potential of the State, weather sporting events would also ensure the protection of water bodies in the State, which are facing a high risk from the spiraling commercial and developmental activities in the State, which has taken a heavy toll over its natural resources.