Tourism News
Southern eco-tourism circuit coming up
Published in Newsletter Issue No. 156 - Aug 01 2006
The state eco-tourism
department has come up with an eco-tourism tourist circuit connecting about ten
destinations in the state. Neyyar, Ponmudi, Thenmala, Konni, Gavi, Thekkady,
Munnar, Chinnar, Parambikkulam and Nelliampathy are the destinations falling in
the circuit. Adding new features and strengthening the infrastructure facilities
at the destinations is the crux of the project. Conservation, sustenance of
ecology, environmental eductaion and local community benefits are the focus areas
of the project. A detailed report for the Rs. 100 million project has been
submitted to the Union Government. A canopy walk way planned at Ponmudi in the
circuit is the first of its kind in the country. An attractive programme the
'canopy walkway' would also help a tourist to understand the canopy eco-system.
Education, foreign language interpretation and trekking are the activities to be
taken up Neyyar wildlife sanctuary in Thiruvananthapuram district. Freshwater
aquarium, interpretation centre and camping facilities would be developed in
Thenmala. Elephant museum and tourist facilities would be developed at Konni.
Facilites for boating and jungle camping will be developed at Gavi in
Pathanamthitta district. A Kalagramam is the highlight of the activities at
Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Infrastructure facilities would be developed at
Lakkom falls and along the road from Munnar to top station. Trekking trails at
Chinnar wildlife sanctuary and wildlife safari facilities at Parambikulam would
be developed. Jungle camping will be introduced at Chullannur peacock centre.
The project will be implemented with the participation Forest Development
Agencies. Kerala Tourism would
publicise the project on a large scale at major tourism fairs and marts.
