Tourism News

Model eco- tourism project for Konni

An 'Elephant museum' will be the highlight of the eco- tourism project to be implemented at Konni in Pathanamthitta district. The place is known for wild elephants and an elephant camp. The new development project is envisaged as a model forest- based eco- tourism project. Local participation is a key element of the project. The project will be executed in four phases. The elephant museum, development of the elephant camp, pathways, parking facilities, signages, mahouts shed, pavilion and a rain shelter will be set up in the first phase. A proposal to manufacture eco-friendly paper and greeting cards from elephant dung has also been suggested in this phase. Landscaping works of the elephant camp, development of Kottapara and improvement of water supply and sanitation facilities include the second phase. Trekking sites and facilities will also be developed. There will be two options for the trekkers, hard treks and relatively soft and easy treks. The areas identified for hard treks are Kottampara and Pulinkayam and soft treks would be offered to Kattathipara and Neduvathumoozhy. Setting up eco- friendly cottages would be taken up in the fourth phase. Training programmes would be conducted for the local population to make them aware of the opportunities. Marketing locally made handicrafts, souvenirs and agricultural produce would also be a part of the project. The project is expected to generate employment opportunities for the local population both directly and indirectly.