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New Indian Express
11-07-2025
- 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
09-07-2025
- 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.
The Hindu
07-07-2025
- The Hindu
Collector bans off-road MUV safari in Idukki
District Collector V. Vigneshwari on Sunday imposed a ban on multi-utility vehicle (MUV) safari in Idukki under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. According to officials, the Collector imposed the ban following an MUV accident in Munnar recently in which a tourist was killed and 10 were injured. The order stated that the recent event had brought to light the urgent need for regulating vehicular tourism in areas characterised by hilly terrain, narrow and winding roads, steep gradients, and prone to landslides. The operation of such services without official oversight exposes passengers to grave risk, said the order. Lack fitness certificates It further stated that vehicles conducting safaris often lack valid fitness certificates. Most often the vehicles are modified ones which are poorly maintained. Drivers with unverified qualifications, lacking formal training or licensing specific to high-risk terrain and tourist operations are used to conduct services. Lack of uniform safety standards, standard operating procedures, passenger insurance or accountability in the event of accidents are other issues. Noise and ecological disturbance lead to degradation of fragile mountain environments. The services pose serious public safety risks and undermine disaster readiness, according to the order. The Collector further said that to ensure supervision by the district administration, all safari vehicles, including individual, institutional, off-road, and ecotourism safaris, are banned in the district with immediate effect. 'Collect details' To ensure a proper facility, the local bodies are directed to collect the details of the safari vehicles, drivers, and routes under their jurisdiction. A committee comprising representatives from the panchayats, police, Motor Vehicles department (MVD), District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), and the Revenue and Forest departments will examine the details under the supervision of the respective Subcollectors. The list of vehicles and routes should be submitted to the district administration on July 10. Based on the verification, the off-road MUV safari will be resumed with proper guidance, said the Collector. Kolukkumala According to officials, the ban on off-road MUVs did not impact the Kolukkumala off-road vehicle safari. The authorities have already completed safety inspections of the off-road safari vehicles in Kolukkumala. Last week, the MVD completed the inspection of 210 off-road vehicles used for off-road safaris in Kolukkumala. Meanwhile, drivers of MUV vehicles staged protests in various parts of the district on Monday against the sudden ban. They claimed that thousands of people depended on the income from off-road vehicle safaris.
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Over 14 international kayakers to take part in MRF 2025
The eleventh edition of the Malabar River Festival (MRF), to be held in the Chalippuzha and Iruvazhinji rivers in upland Kozhikode from July 24 to 27, will be a star-studded event, with at least fourteen renowned kayakers from different parts of the world participating in the International White Water Kayaking competition held as part of it. International kayaking giants Anton Sveshnikov, Daria Kuzishcheva, and Ryan O'Connor (Russia); Manu Wackernagel, Zack Stones, Millie Chamberlain, Dayala Ward, and Philip Palzer (New Zealand); Patrick Sheehan and Joy Todd (USA); Kilian Ivelic (Chile); Jilly Jus (Belgium); Maria (Italy); and others will be iconic contestants at the Malabar River Festival. Professional kayakers from countries such as Nepal, Malaysia, and Singapore are also participating. Exhibition kayaking and registration will be held at Meenthullipara on the inaugural day, July 24. The intermediate competitions in the men's and women's categories are scheduled for July 25, while the professional competitions are slated for July 26. The Downriver Super Finals in both the men's and women's categories will take place the following day. Meanwhile, pre-events for the kayaking competition have already begun, with an ankling competition held in Thiruvambady on Saturday (July 5). A rain walk is scheduled at Thusharagiri in Kodenchery on July 8, while a mud football tournament will take place at Chembukadavu on July 11. Events on July 12 include a farm tour in Thiruvambady, a rain walk at Kakkadampoyil in Koodaranhi, a monsoon off-road safari at Thevarmala in Kodenchery, and a kabaddi competition at Manasseri in Mukkam. A football tournament in Thiruvambady on July 13, a painting event at Thusharagiri on July 16, and a rain walk along the Wayanad Ghat Road on July 17 are also part of the festivities. Additionally, a bullock race at Perumanna and off-road events at the Thusharagiri Adventure Park are scheduled for July 17, 19, and 20. A badminton tournament at Pulikkayam and a tug-of-war at Nellipoyil will be held on July 19. Cyclists from Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Malappuram districts will participate in a rally concluding at Pulikkayam on July 20. The Malabar River Festival is being organised by Kerala Tourism in collaboration with the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society, the District Tourism Promotion Council, and the Kozhikode district panchayat, with technical support from the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association. Selection trials for the national kayaking team will also be held alongside the competition.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Time of India
College submits DPR to revive Kadambrayar as tourism spot
Kochi: In a bid to leverage the academic community to address issues in the society, a team of students and faculty from Jai Bharath College of Management and Engineering Technology, Perumbavoor, submitted a detailed project report (DPR) for the sustainable development of Kadambrayar tourism destination centre in Pallikkara. The initiative, carried out under the directive of Kunnathunad MLA P V Sreenijin and in coordination with District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), aims to breathe a new life into a largely neglected public space. According to college principal Shameer K Mohammed, the project is a testament to how educational institutions can play a vital role in addressing the needs of society. The destination, though equipped with a suspension bridge, walkway and restaurant, is underutilised and is currently non-functional. Issues such as waterlogging also persist. You Can Also Check: Kochi AQI | Weather in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi DPR, prepared by a team led by Ajenabi K K, head of civil engineering department, outlines a holistic plan to redevelop the site into an eco-friendly and inclusive tourism centre. Final-year BTech Civil Engineering students conducted on-site assessments, community consultations and design interventions as part of DPR preparation. "The proposal envisions several upgrades, including eco-integrated walkways and riverfront seating, improved accessibility and an inviting natural landscape that encourages community use and tourism alike," said Ajenabi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Daniw: Scholarships You Can Apply For (Start Now) College Scholarship | Google Search Search Now Undo She said the report recommends the introduction of kayaking and other water-based adventure sports to capitalise on the scenic potential of the river. It also includes proposals for a dedicated children's play area, an open-air amphitheatre for cultural performances and wellness zones. A key infrastructural recommendation is the elevation of the existing walkway by two feet to prevent waterlogging. DPR also suggests setting up solar-powered streetlights. DPR also proposes a plan to improve connectivity between Kadambrayar site and Water Metro station in Kakkanad. While large boats may not be able to access the area, the report suggests using smaller feeder boats to ensure seamless transit for visitors, potentially boosting footfall and improving regional accessibility. For students like Joyal K Varghese, who participated in preparing the DPR, the experience was eye-opening. "It was a unique experience as we could indulge in a real-world project and see how what we learn in class can make a difference on the ground," he said.
