On February 26, Kerala marked a historic milestone in tourism and infrastructure with the launch of India’s first-ever light-and-sound show inside a tunnel. The renovated Chilakoor Tunnel near Varkala has been transformed into a dynamic canvas of light, history, and culture, offering visitors a unique immersive experience powered by cutting-edge video mapping technology. Inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the initiative represents a bold step in blending heritage storytelling with modern innovation. More than just a visual spectacle, the show celebrates Kerala’s cultural evolution, literary legacy, scenic landscapes, and, most importantly, the teachings of revered social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.

A 350-Metre Engineering Marvel Reimagined

The Chilakoor Tunnel, a 350-metre structure originally designed during the princely state of Travancore to facilitate inland navigation, has now entered a new chapter. Once serving purely functional purposes, the tunnel has been restored and reimagined as a cultural corridor. Renovation was carried out by Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Limited (KWIL), a joint venture between the Kerala government and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL). The project forms part of the larger 280-kilometre Akkulam–Chettuva Waterway, itself a segment of the ambitious 616-kilometre Kovalam–Bekal waterway initiative aimed at strengthening Kerala’s inland water transport network. The tunnel’s restoration ensures seamless navigation while adding a new dimension of cultural tourism into the state’s waterways vision.

Technology Meets Tradition: The Power of Video Mapping

What sets this initiative apart is its innovative use of video mapping technology. Instead of projecting images onto a flat screen, advanced laser projectors beam 3D visuals directly onto the curved interior surface of the tunnel. The result is a synchronised display where walls come alive with motion, colour, and storytelling. Designed at a cost of ₹4.5 crore, the six-minute visual spectacle takes viewers on a cinematic journey through Kerala’s picturesque backwaters, literary milestones, and rich cultural diversity. The highlight is a dedicated segment on Sree Narayana Guru, whose life and philosophy reshaped Kerala’s social fabric. Students and faculty from RLV College of Music and Fine Arts, Thripunithura, contributed illustrated frames depicting Guru’s life, blending artistic creativity with advanced projection technology. This collaboration between art institutions and technological experts adds authenticity and emotional depth to the experience.

A Floating Theatre: The Electric Boat Experience

The magic does not unfold from a fixed seat. Visitors experience the spectacle aboard a specially designed 20-seater electric boat built by Kochi-based startup NavAlt Green Mobility. Equipped with four high-intensity laser projectors and advanced onboard sound systems, the vessel ensures synchronised visuals and audio throughout the tunnel ride. Powered entirely by batteries, the eco-friendly boat aligns with Kerala’s sustainability goals, offering a pollution-free and noise-free journey. As the boat glides through the tunnel, passengers are surrounded by light, sound, and storytelling, transforming a simple canal ride into a floating theatre experience.

Honouring Sree Narayana Guru’s Legacy

At the heart of the show lies a tribute to Sree Narayana Guru, the saint and social reformer who championed equality, education, and social justice in Kerala. His message of “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Humanity” continues to inspire generations. The visual narrative highlights key moments of his life, portraying his spiritual journey, reformist ideas, and impact on Kerala’s transformation into one of India’s most progressive states. By placing his teachings at the centre of the spectacle, the show connects past reform movements with present aspirations of inclusivity and harmony. For many visitors, especially students and young viewers, this immersive presentation offers not just entertainment but a powerful lesson in history and values.

Boosting Water-Based Tourism and Connectivity

The project is expected to give a major push to water-based tourism in Kerala. The panoramic Chilakoor Beach, combined with the tunnel experience, positions the region as a unique destination for domestic and international travellers. Additional infrastructure such as a beach park, boat jetty, and ticketing counter by the Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre further strengthens the tourism ecosystem. The broader Akkulam–Chettuva Waterway initiative aims to enhance Kerala’s reputation as a multi-modal logistics hub while also supporting eco-tourism. By revitalising historic waterways and integrating modern attractions, Kerala is redefining how infrastructure projects can serve both economic and cultural purposes simultaneously.

A Glimpse Into the Future of Tourism

Kerala’s pioneering tunnel light-and-sound show sets a benchmark for experiential tourism in India. By combining heritage preservation, sustainable technology, and immersive storytelling, the state demonstrates how infrastructure can transcend utility to become an attraction in itself. As lights shimmer across the tunnel walls and boats glide silently through illuminated waters, Chilakoor stands as a testament to Kerala’s vision, where culture, innovation, and sustainability converge. With this launch, Kerala not only creates a new tourism landmark but also lights up a pathway for other states to explore creative ways of celebrating history through modern technology.