Maravanthuruthu

-K. Rupesh kumar
State Responsible Tourism Mission Coordinator

A Rebirth of Culture, Nature, and Sustainable Tourism

Maravanthuruthu offers a heady mix of spectacle and music – the water carnival of Aattuvela that aims to propitiate the goddess of the land; the ritual of Garudanthookkam which features suspension of devotees from hooks high up in the air; the Bhadrakali theeyattu, the stylized fire-dance depicting and celebrating the victory of Goddess Kali over Darika, the demon; the kalamezhuthu, three-dimensional, multi-coloured, powder designs of demi-gods like Nagayakshis and Gandharvas on consecrated floors; the sarpakkavus that worship serpents; the rhythmic clacking of handlooms; the mellifluous songs of the Pulluva caste . . . the rustic charms of life in Maravanthuruthu are so varied that they have to be seen, heard and experienced at least once in your lifetime. Maravanthuruthu is one of the local selfgoverning bodies in Kottayam district, and one of the ten selected under the STREET Projects of the Responsible Tourism Mission. A place that has seen a huge surge of people’s participation and progress in the tourism sector.

A land that has shown the world that, powered by the will of the panchayat committee, it can create wonders and mesmerize foreign travellers with its sheer majesty. An island nourished by the Vembanad lake and the many tributaries of the Moovattupuzha. A region that had witnessed many a mass movement against the feudal system of old; whose soil once bore the boot marks of violent authority that sought to suppress the rightful demands of the hut-dwellers; whose loyal natives offered places of hiding for political leaders who tried to organize them, give them a voice, and teach them the power of slogans; and whose geographical insularity made it impossible for haughty torturers to conquer it completely . . .

A land that blossomed during the time of people’s planning project, when the residents shouldered the responsibility of building roads and bridges, and thus established connectivity with the world around it. Today, under the Responsible Tourism initiative, Maravanthuruthu is making history once again under the leadership of Mohammed Riyas, Minister for Tourism, Public Works and Youth Affairs, and V. N. Vasavan, Minister for Co-operation, Registration and Culture; and ably supported by Dr V. Venu IAS, Chief Secretary and others. Dr Harold Goodwin, Advisor to World Travel Market and Founder of ICRT (International Conferences on Responsible Tourism in Destinations) and Paige McNulty, The New York Times reporter, besides 2,140 domestic and 418 foreign tourists visited Maravanthuruthu this year.

Eighteen canals that were once the life-blood of Maravanthuruthu, in course of time became conveyor belts of waste materials, and converted the island into a dumping ground. But under the leadership of the village panchayat, Maravanthuruthu was included in the water STREET Project of the Responsible Tourism programme, and that brought about a tremendous change in the landscape. With people’s participation and the implementation of the employment guarantee scheme, all the eighteen canals were combed clean, and made deeper to allow easy passage of boats. Instead of constructing granite stone walls to protect the banks, as had been customary until recently, the more eco-friendly method of spreading kayarbhoovastra or coir geo textiles was adopted, and mangroves planted. In order to prevent any backsliding that could precipitate water pollution, an RT STREET cluster of 40 houses was created. Regional RT clubs were started and strengthened subsequently. A Haritha Karma Sena [a professional team of Green technicians and supervisors] was created in order to collect nonbiodegradable waste from each and every house. Members of the village panchayat, office-bearers of the RT cluster and members of the Tourism Development Committee made regular visits to households, that were unwilling to join the project, in order to make them aware of the importance of the scheme. Today, Maravanthuruthu stands as a beacon of sustainable and vibrant tourism, transformed into a land of scenic beauty and cultural richness.

The once-polluted canals, rivers, and backwaters now boast clean and navigable waterways where local residents row Shikaras, and tourists enjoy sight-seeing in safe canoes. The thick green canopies and cool air have returned, fulfilling visions of an idyllic paradise. Local kayaking clubs, guided by trained experts, invite tourists to explore the canals, where once-endangered species like snakehead murrel and shellfish have made a visible comeback. The outer walls of houses have become canvases for mural paintings, showcasing local art and festivals, and a newly published Tourism Resorts Directory details the region’s unique flora and fauna.

Through the efforts of the Responsible Tourism Mission, the local community has embraced alternative tourism models, offering hospitality and lodging to visitors, and demonstrating to the world the viability of ecoconscious travel in this rejuvenated land. The jury of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism has announced the names of the awardees this year.

The World Travel Mart Global Award goes to Maravanthuruthu water STREET! You can reach Maravanthuruthu in an hour’s time from Kochi; in one hour and ten minutes from Kottayam railway station; in one-and-a-half hours from Alappuzha; and in 40 minutes from Kumarakom. There are two prominent resorts in Maravanthuruthu panchayat which offer comfortable stay, besides several homestays. Shikaras, kayaks and boats are ready to ferry tourists at their convenience. Tourism packages prepared by RT Mission ensure safe sightseeingtrips.