CHENNAI: As lockdown restrictions were eased, tourists were able to take boat rides in the famous Kodaikanal and Yercaud lakes on Monday after nearly four months.
There are five boat clubs in Kodaikanal — one run by the municipality, two by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Board and two private clubs. Boat rides in the lake at the heart of the Kodai town is a major attraction but it was off-limits despite other tour activities resuming.
K Pandiarajan, a tourist from Tirupur on a trip to the town, almost missed the boating. “I was surprised to see boats on the lake on Monday. I was to leave the town, but I decided to extend my stay by a day and enjoy the boat ride. The crowd was less too,” said Pandiarajan.
Kodaikanal revenue officer S Murugesan said they were screening tourists strictly at all checkposts. “Only those full vaccinated or with a RTPCR negative report taken within the preceding 72 hours are allowed to enter the hill town,” he said.
There is no separate checking at the boat clubs.
Boating at Yercaud in Salem district also resumed on Monday and vaccination details were checked there too. Officials at the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation started the first boat ride in Yercaud lake. The corporation had used the down-time since April to repair and repaint the boats.
“We were not expecting to get to ride the boats this trip, the government’s go relaxation has made us happy,” said T Mahesh Mithran, who was on his honeymoon to Yercaud.
The officials at the boating house allowed the tourists only after verifying their Covid-19 vaccination certificates. “Wearing face masks, even during the rides, was a must,” an official added.
