KWA to launch pilot tourism project with guest houses in Idukki

(with pic)

The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) aims to generate additional revenue beyond its traditional water service charges. According to officials, the KWA decided in 2023 to explore various sources of Non-Water Income (NWI). As part of this strategy, the authority decided to construct guest houses within its various compounds and open them to the public for tourism.

Sudheer M., executive engineer of the KWA Kattappana Project Office, stated that as a State-wide pilot project, guest houses have been constructed in Cheruthoni and Painavu in Idukki, which are set to open for tourists soon.

“Interestingly, the guest houses were constructed above and below water treatment plants owned by the KWA,” the official said. “In Cheruthoni, two suite rooms and four deluxe rooms were built on top of a 15-lakh-litre water tank. The facility also includes a conference hall named ‘Periyar,’ which can accommodate up to 200 people. In Painavu, three suite rooms and two normal rooms were constructed below a 2.5-lakh-litre water treatment plant,” he said.

The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) guest house at Painavu in Idukki.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The rooms and conference hall can be booked by the public through the KWA website and are expected to be available starting March 15. The Cheruthoni guest house features a view of the Idukki dam as its main attraction, and both locations offer ample parking facilities.

Officials noted that the KWA plans to provide affordable, high-quality stay facilities for the public. A total of ₹72 lakh was spent on the project. If this tourism initiative proves successful, the KWA plans to expand and construct more guest houses in major tourism spots across the state.

“The KWA has space to open guest houses in several major tourism destinations,” an official said. “By opening these facilities, the public will gain access to affordable accommodation, and the KWA will generate additional income.”

The KWA is looking to mirror the success of the Public Works Department (PWD), which previously opened its guest houses to the public. “We are expecting a level of tourist interest similar to the PWD guest house model,” the official added.

The daily rent for suite rooms has been fixed at ₹3,000, while non-suite rooms will cost ₹1,000. The rent for the conference hall is set at ₹10,000 per day. Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine is scheduled to officially inaugurate the guest houses on February 27 in Idukki.