The Lakshadweep Islands, a captivating archipelago off the coast of Kerala in India, are gaining popularity among tourists worldwide. Previously, the journey to this paradise involved a slow and arduous ferry ride, lasting 12-13 hours. However, with the advent of the 'Parali', a cutting-edge high-speed vessel, the travel time has been significantly reduced to just seven hours. This exciting development shaves off five hours from the previous journey, offering a more convenient and time-efficient way to reach Lakshadweep.
The 'Parali' is a vessel specifically designed to ferry passengers. It is equipped with high-speed connectivity, making the journey smoother and more comfortable than earlier vessels modified to ferry passengers from cargo carriers. The ship can carry up to 400 passengers simultaneously and has several amenities, including air conditioning, comfortable seating, and clean washrooms.
In a successful test run, the 'Parali' transported 160 passengers from the Lakshadweep Islands to the Mangalore old port in just seven hours, a significant improvement from the previous 13-hour journey. The Lakshadweep Islands Tourism Development Authority (LITDA), a dedicated entity under the Central Tourism Ministry, is spearheading the launch of the Mangalore-Lakshadweep tourist liner service after a few more trial runs. The LITDA has already upgraded the facilities at the receiving point in Kadmatt, the nearest port of arrival from the mainland, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for tourists.
Introducing the 'Parali' and the upcoming tourist liner service is a welcome development for tourists wishing to visit Lakshadweep. With faster and more comfortable travel options, more people can now experience the beauty of this unique archipelago.