A Tunnel Transformed
Kerala is set to make history with the grand unveiling of India's very first light-and-sound show, uniquely situated within the Chilakoor Tunnel near Varkala.
This pioneering attraction is designed to offer a deeply immersive experience, charting the historical tapestry of Kerala and highlighting the profound wisdom of the revered saint and social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru. The official launch date is slated for February 26th. The show will employ sophisticated video mapping technology, projecting vivid imagery directly onto the tunnel's inner surfaces, promising audiences a truly unparalleled cinematic journey. The inauguration of the refurbished Chilakoor Tunnel will be led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This extensive renovation project is a significant component of the initial phase of the expansive Akkulam–Chettuva Waterway project. This particular waterway segment, extending over 280 km, is a crucial part of the larger 616-km Kovalam–Bekal waterway initiative, which aims to bolster Kerala's inland navigation capabilities, enhance its standing as a vital multi-modal logistics hub, and significantly promote water-based tourism across the state.
Technological Marvel Meets Culture
The ambitious restoration of the Chilakoor Tunnel was undertaken by Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Limited (KWIL), a collaborative venture between the state government and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL). To complement the tunnel spectacle, CIAL will introduce a specially designed electric tourist boat. This vessel is integrated with a synchronized light-and-sound system, enabling passengers to fully engage with the visual narrative as they glide through the tunnel. The entire show, developed with an estimated investment of Rs 4.5 crore, will feature dynamic 3D projections that showcase Kerala's breathtaking natural landscapes, pivotal moments in its literary development, celebrated cultural figures, and its rich array of traditions. A central element of the presentation will be a dedicated six-minute segment meticulously detailing the life and philosophical contributions of Sree Narayana Guru. Students and faculty from the RLV College of Music and Fine Arts in Thripunithura have played a vital role, contributing beautifully illustrated sequences that trace Guru's life journey, all brought to life through animation powered by state-of-the-art mapping techniques.
Boosting Water Tourism
Tourism officials are expressing strong optimism that the combination of the innovative tunnel show and the accompanying electric boat ride will transform Chilakoor Beach into a truly distinctive tourist hotspot. This development is anticipated to provide a substantial impetus to Kerala's burgeoning water tourism sector. The 20-seater electric vessel, a product of the Kochi-based startup NavAlt Green Mobility, is outfitted with high-intensity laser projectors and a modern onboard sound system. Its battery-powered propulsion system ensures an environmentally friendly and completely synchronized viewing experience. Beyond the show itself, KWIL is actively developing essential supporting infrastructure, which includes plans for a beach park and a dedicated boat jetty. The Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre will oversee the ticketing operations for visitors, ensuring a smooth and accessible experience for all. The Chilakoor Tunnel, measuring 350 metres in length, stands as a testament to remarkable engineering achievements of the past, originally conceived to facilitate unimpeded inland water transportation within the historical princely state of Travancore. The canal connected to this tunnel has now been revitalized for navigation, aligning with Kerala's broader strategic objectives for the development of its inland waterways network.
