Tourism News

Tourism Minister Inaugurates Seethathode Kayaking Festival

Published in Newsletter Issue No. 386 - October 2025

The waters of Pathanamthitta came alive as the first edition of Kerala Tourism’s Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Memorial Seethathode Kayaking Festival opened on September 2. Mr. P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Tourism, Kerala, inaugurated the event marking another milestone in Kerala’s push to develop adventure tourism.

The festival is being organised by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) under the aegis of Kerala Tourism, with technical support from the Kerala Kayaking Society and the Canoeing Association.

The competitions will cover multiple categories: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, open to participants aged 15 and above. Interest has been overwhelming, with 110 registrations across categories. Twelve participants from states outside Kerala and two international kayakers from Ukraine and Nepal have also confirmed their participation, giving the event a global dimension.

A total prize pool of Rs.3.45 lakh has been announced. In the singles categories, winners will receive Rs.25,000, with Rs.15,000 and Rs.5,000 awarded to second and third place, respectively. For doubles events, the prize money is larger, with Rs.50,000 for winners, Rs.25,000 for runners-up, and Rs.10,000 for those in third place. Cine actress Navya Nair will present the prizes at the closing ceremony. All participants will also be awarded certificates, acknowledging their contribution to the festival.

To ensure safety, life jackets are mandatory, and KATPS will provide kayaks, paddles, and protective gear to all competitors. Beyond the races, the festival is expected to give a major boost to Seethathode, which is being promoted as an ethnic tourism hub. With boating facilities, kayaking infrastructure, and a children’s park already in place, the event will help position the destination as a family-friendly adventure spot.

The launch of the Seethathode Kayaking Festival underscores Kerala Tourism’s efforts to expand its offerings beyond traditional attractions. By combining sport, culture, and community development, the festival is set to draw attention from adventure seekers within India and abroad, while also providing fresh opportunities for local tourism.