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New Indian Express
5 days ago
- New Indian Express
Cheengeri Hills is Wayanad's eco-friendly trekking haven
KALPETTA: Wayanad Tourism Department's well-timed strategy to promote Cheengeri Hills as an alternative to manage the growing tourist rush to the ecologically sensitive Chembra Peak is earning widespread praise. One of the district's most popular attractions and a favourite among foreign tourists, permits for trekking to Chembra is restricted to fewer than 100 visitors a day due to its fragile ecosystem. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) has proposed Cheengeri Hills -- a lesser-known but equally scenic peak -- as an alternative to address the mounting demand. Situated en-route to Kaduvakuzhi from Sultan Bathery, Cheengeri is known for its gentle slopes and ease of climbing, unlike the forest-clad hills that surround it. The peak is especially famed for its breathtaking views at dawn. While a trek to Chembra costs over Rs 1,000 per person, a trip to Cheengirimala is priced at just Rs 50, making it a budget-friendly and accessible option for travellers. Local trip planners and tour operators in Wayanad have begun recommending Cheengeri Hills to tourists seeking a less crowded, eco-conscious, and economical trekking experience. Over the past few months, the hills have emerged as one of the most popular trekking destinations in the district. 'Cheengeri Hills have been open to visitors for the past few years. However, after assessing the difficulties faced by tourists at other trekking spots including Chembra peak, we decided to actively promote this location,' said Binosh Kunjappan, secretary of the Wayanad DTPC. 'Unlike other forested peaks, Cheengerimala is safe, scenic, and family-friendly, attracting steady footfall throughout the year. On peak days during the season, an average of 300 people trek the hill – a significant number for a new destination.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- The Hindu
Idukki to get heritage tourism project soon
The hilly district of Idukki is all set to get a heritage tourism project. According to officials, the project aims at conserving the rich heritage of the district and popularise it. The project will be implemented in association with the district administration, Tourism department, and the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). At a meeting with tourism stakeholders on Tuesday, District Collector V. Vigneshwari announced that the heritage tourism project will be implemented soon. According to sources, authorities will collect data on the major heritage spots in the district soon. 'The old British churches, graves, British-built bridges, tribal art forms, old estate bungalows, dolmens, menhirs, and other historically important sites will be included on the list. After preparing the list, the government will take further steps to implement the project,' said an official. According to the officials, Idukki has a vast potential for heritage tourism. Idukki is filled with British-built constructions, religious and educational institutions. These aspects will provide a new outlook to the tourism sector in the district. The Tourism department is already preparing a heritage tourism project for the elegant British-built St. George CSI Church with its gothic-style architecture at Pallikunnu, near Kuttikanam. During his visit in March, Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas directed the Tourism Director to prepare a heritage tourism project for the church. During the interaction with the tourism stakeholders, Ms. Vigneshwari said the district administration plans to utilise the tourism potential of the district in full. She said the district will prepare a website and arrange facilities for tourists visiting the Idukki dam.' A standard operating procedure (SOP) will be implemented in the district to issue climate-related alerts and other restrictions. A project named Idukki Plaza will be implemented in the district to provide basic facilities to the tourists who arrive there, said the Collector.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Munambam Beach to get tourism makeover
Kochi: District tourism promotion council (DTPC) is planning to transform Munambam Beach area into a standalone tourism destination by launching a special development project there. Currently known for its beachside water sports, the area will soon see a major upgrade with addition of modern amenities to attract more visitors. As part of state govt's push to involve private players in tourism development, DTPC is actively exploring opportunities under public-private partnership (PPP) model to bring in investments. DTPC secretary Lijo John said the proposed development plan includes setting up food courts, upgraded toilet facilities, a children's play area and an activity zone, aiming to create a comprehensive and family-friendly destination. "We will start the work soon after monsoon," said John. A DTPC official confirmed that they will work closely with stakeholders to ensure Munambam becomes a well-rounded tourist spot, catering to both adventure seekers and families looking for a relaxed getaway. The initiative aligns with Kerala's broader strategy to diversify its tourism offerings beyond traditional hotspots. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
The Hindu
20-05-2025
- The Hindu
Amid tourist influx, Munnar hill station witnesses hours-long traffic chaos
With the summer vacations coming to a close, Munnar hill station has been witnessing a last-minute rush of tourists and resultant hours-long traffic jam. According to tourists, the traffic blocks in the hill station badly affect their travel plans. The hill station has been witnessing an influx of tourists after the Pahalgam terrorist attack prompted tourists to look for alternative spots, such as Kerala, and the implementation of e-pass regulations by Tamil Nadu for entry to Ooty and Kodaikanal. Munnar-Devikulam, Old Munnar Road, Ekka Nagar, and Munnar-Mattuppetty routes witnessed hours-long traffic blocks for the past several days, said various stakeholders in the tourism sector. 'A small traffic block in Munnar was expected considering the vacation time. But the problem was finding parking slots by the roadside, especially at scenic spots where tourists often get down to take pictures. I believe this issue was primarily due to the presence of many heavy vehicles, particularly buses,' said Arun Gorge, a recent visitor to the hill station. G. Sojan, coordinator of My Munnar Movement, an initiative to encourage tourism activities in Munnar, said that in April and May, there was heavy tourist footfall on all days. 'However, tourists were complaining that the traffic surge was causing mental and physical stress. Also, the authorities failed to take steps to address the serious issue,' said Mr. Sojan. District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) secretary Jitheeh Jose said that all tourism destinations in the district witnessed a heavy flow of tourists in May. 'Traffic block is a major concern in Munnar hill station. The district administration is taking the issue seriously,' said the official. According to Tourism department officials, the traffic issue was also raised before Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who recently conducted a meeting at Nedumkandam as part of the fourth anniversary of the State government. Mr. Vijayan said that the government will intervene on the issue. ' District Collector V. Vigneshwari is exploring the possibility of parallel roads in Munnar to connect major tourism destinations,' said a tourism department official.
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- The Hindu
Tourist arrivals at all-time high in Idukki: Riyas
The tourist inflow to Idukki was on the rise with the hill district witnessing an all-time high of tourist arrivals in the past three months, Minister for Tourism P.A. Mohamed Riyas said on Saturday. Virtually inaugurating the Kudiyetta Smarakam (settlement memorial) museum at Idukki Park near the Idukki dam and the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC)'s photo frames project, Mr. Riyas said the State tourism sector was on the path of growth. 'In the first three months of the year, 9,84,645 domestic tourists visited Idukki, which was 25% more than the previous year,' the Minister said. 'There was also a rise in the number of foreign tourists visiting the district. In the past three months, 55,033 foreign tourists visited the district, an increase of 4%,' he said. 'The settlement memorial portrays the settlement history of farmers in Idukki through installations and sculptures. The project will be an eye-opener for tourists and history enthusiasts,' said Mr. Riyas. The museum has been set up by the Tourism department at a cost of ₹3 crore in six acres. The sculptures cover settlement history under six topics. Agitations by settler farmers have also been portrayed in the museum, including the protests led by Communist leader A.K. Gopalan and Fr. Joseph Vadakkan. The sculptures depicting AKG and Fr. Vadakkan portray their interaction with farmers against the backdrop of a settlement village. Human-animal conflict in the district has also been portrayed in the museum. Farmers chasing away wild animals from farmlands is depicted. Portraits of early farming practices are also featured here. The DTPC's photo frames project is another innovative project to attract tourists. The DTPC has set up photo frames in seven major tourism destinations in Idukki to give tourists a chance to click photos and selfies. Photo frames have been set up in Wagamon Meadows, Wagamon Adventure Park, Idukki Hill View Park, Panchalimedu, Ramakkalmedu, Aruvikuzhi and Sreenarayanapuram Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine presided over the meeting. District Collector V. Vigneshwari, district panchayat president Rarichen Neeranakunnel, and DTPC secretary Jithesh Jose, among others, were present.
