'Oyster Opera' attracts tourists

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'Oyster Opera' attracts tourists
2nd June, 2008

'Oyster Opera' attracts tourists
Press Trust of India / Padanna (Kerala) June 02, 2008, 12:39 IST

Set amidst coconut trees, backwaters and a group of islands is "Oyster Opera", Kerala's first theme village, which despite lacking in sophistication of modern day resorts, is drawing tourists who crave for an experience truly natural and rustic.

One man's passion to provide a better livelihood to his fellow villagers, has now culminated in the form of the resort at Padanna in the northernmost Kasaragod district.
Gul Mohammed, Managing Director of "Oyster Opera", says he always dreamt differently. He began growing green mussels on Coir using the technology offered by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT). After mastering the technology, it was introduced in his coastal village of Padanna and four other neighbouring villages. Presently 5000 farmers are engaged in mussel, clams and Oyster cultivation.

In an effort to transform the lives of his fellow villagers, Mohammed said he hit upon the idea to start "Oyster Opera" with Oyster farming as its theme. Five cottages all made of natural products were built last year. Not even nails and cement have been used to build them, he says.

Tourists can see how mussels and oysters are caught by diving into the waters and have them fresh and uncooked if they so desire.

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