Gavi- Vagamon Thekkady tourism circuit | Newsbytes November 2015 issue

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

ISSUE: 267

NOVEMBER 2015

Mega Tourism Circuit at Gavi-Vagamon

One of the major mega tourism circuits in the country will be developed in Kerala. A proposal of Kerala Tourism in this regard has been approved by the Union government. As per the proposal, a world-class infrastructure covering Pathanamthitta, Gavi, Vagamon and Thekkady would be developed, said Mr. A. P. Anilkumar, Minister for Tourism, Kerala.

The 150km long circuit will have activities like trekking, archery and rock climbing. It will be the first tourism project to be built under the new Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Union Tourism Ministry. Other projects under the scheme include the Buddhist and Himalayan circuits.

The Pathanamthitta-Gavi-Vagamon-Thekkady tourism circuit is based on the theme of eco-tourism. The project would incur an expenditure of Rs 950 million, which will be funded by the Central government. The Swadesh Darshan projects are meant for the theme-based development of destinations.

"We are happy to announce that the empowered committee has cleared our proposal to develop a mega tourism circuit in the proposed region, which will be eco-friendly. The development of a mega tourism circuit will not only create tourism infrastructure with global standards, but also lead to the creation of jobs and livelihoods for the people of our State.

Mr. P. I. Sheik Pareeth, Director, Kerala Tourism said the project would extend from Angamoozhy in Pathanamthitta to Vagamon covering about 150 km. "The main components of the project include destination development, tourist facilities and security of visitors," Mr. Pareeth said.

Under the project, destination development would be undertaken in Angamoozhy, Moozhiyar, Kochu Pamba, Kakki and Gavi in the Pathanamthitta-Gavi region, including tourist facility centres consisting of cafeteria, rest and activity areas. Facilities for trekking at view point, boating surveillance camera, security arrangements, eco-friendly accommodation and adventure sports activities will also be developed in the area.