Not just backwaters; canals decorated, coir museum, big change for Alappuzha

ALAPPUZHA: Tourists swarming to Alappuzha can add to their varied list of itineraries a new addition. Hitherto, it was mostly the backwaters and the serene greens of Allepy that caught the tourist's eyes. It is indeed a soulful and comfy watch. However, the tourists can now see the museum which will show the history of how the 'Venice of the east' turned out to be the fortress for coir. All these can be viewed by the tourist while taking a comfortable ride through a canal. The heritage plan of the coir museum has reached its completion and the chief minister's date is awaited for the inauguration. The total cost of the project is Rs 122 crore.

The hardware, TV screens, and projector works of the museum have been completed. Now, the software works are running busy in works. Near the commercial canal, the old Volkart factory will be used for turning into a coir factory museum. The Alappuzha Heritage Project will see the opening of 20 other such museums in the area, on themes ranging from Mahatma Gandhi to naval heritage. Also on the cards is the restoration of heritage structures such as the old Alappuzha port office, the Saukar Masjid (only mosque in Alappuzha without a minaret) and the Makham Masjid.

The canals in the town will also be restored as part of the overall facelift. A cycle track and a garden will also run sideways to the canals. The port museum meanwhile is in the final stage. A ship that reached the Alappuzha port will soon entertain people to view the museum.