Keralam is planning to develop Vizhinjam as an international cruise tourism destination, with a proposed cruise terminal and dedicated passenger facilities aimed at attracting foreign tourists and boosting tourism-related economic activities in southern Keralam.
Tourism and Culture Minister P C Vishnunadh outlined the proposed facilities in a reply in the state Assembly, including a cruise terminal, immigration and customs facilities, a tourist information centre and other visitor services. The plan also envisages day trips and heritage tours for international cruise passengers arriving at the port.
The initiative seeks to capitalise on Vizhinjam’s strategic location near the international east-west shipping route and its natural deep-water characteristics. According to the Kerala Maritime Board (KMB), the port is located about 10 nautical miles from the international shipping route and is connected to major road and rail networks. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is approximately 12 km from the port.
Under the proposed plan, cruise passengers could be offered excursions to popular destinations such as Kovalam, Varkala and the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The tours are expected to showcase the region’s beaches, cultural heritage and religious attractions, enabling international visitors to explore the capital district during port calls.
Dedicated immigration and customs facilities would be essential for processing international passengers, while tourist information centres and visitor services would help coordinate excursions and other travel requirements.
Vizhinjam has already featured in the state’s broader maritime tourism development plans. In an expression of interest document issued in 2024, KMB noted that the port had hosted more than 20 foreign cruise vessels since 2009, bringing in over 3,350 foreign passengers. The document also referred to the possibility of developing a dedicated cruise berth as part of a future phase of port expansion.
Keralam has also explored coastal cruise services connecting its ports with destinations in neighbouring states. The proposed network would link Vizhinjam, Kollam, Kochi and Beypore, potentially creating new opportunities for coastal tourism and passenger transport.
The proposed cruise tourism hub is expected to support growth in hospitality, transportation, tour operations, local commerce and other allied sectors, while strengthening Vizhinjam’s role in the state’s maritime tourism landscape.
However, the project’s implementation timeline, investment requirements and development schedule for the proposed cruise terminal have not yet been specified.