Tourism in Kottayam to get a face-lift with these new projects

Kottayam: An ambitious eco-tourism circuit, connecting the tourism and pilgrimage centers of the eastern part of the district, is to become a reality soon. If everything goes as planned, the project will see an investment of Rs. 2, 000 crores pumped into various development projects in the circuit.  

Initially, the state tourism department is planning infrastructure development projects worth Rs.89 crore, with private participation. Out of the total estimate, the government will spend Rs.45 crore and the rest Rs. 44 crore would be borne by private partners. 

The first phase is expected to be completed in three years. The project connects the destinations Ilaveezha Poonchira (Melukavu Panchayat), Illikkal Kallu (Moonnilavu-Melukavu Panchayat), Marmala Aruvi (Theekkoyi-Thalanadu panchayat), Ayyanpara (Thalanad panchayat) and Vagamon (Theekoyi panchayat). 

A society formed under the department of tourism will coordinate the development project and it will be chaired by the minister for tourism.

In the second phase, the tourism spots including Peerumedu and Kuttikkanam region in Idukki district will also get a facelift. State-of-the art facilities will be set up in these destinations to draw in tourists from far and wide. Environment-friendly five-star hotels will be opened with private participation. Revenue land required for setting up the hotels would be leased out to private investors for a stipulated period.

Nalambalams to figure in the pilgrimage circuit

The famous temples, known for 'Nalambala Darshan', are also part of the pilgrim circuit. Ramapuram Sreerama Temple,Koodappulam Lakshmana Temple, Aramanakara Bharata Temple and Methiri Shatrughna Temple find place in the tourism project. 

The project so far

The installation of lightning protection systems is progressing in all the tourist spots as part of the project. The construction of roads to Illikkal Kallu and Ilaveezha Poonchira is in the final phase. The works of a reservoir and a vast lake in two acres are also nearing completion. The irrigation department is carrying out the work. 

Infrastructure development at each spot

Vagamon : 

Accommodation facilities for twenty families, conference hall, amenity center and parking facility. 

Ilaveezha Poonchira

Boating, cable car from hill top to base camp, tents, a 40-bed cave-model five-star hotel at the base camp, conference hall, parking facility, amenity center, entrance plaza, open air theater, restaurant. 

Illikkal Kallu

Watch tower, amenity center, restaurant, accommodation for five families and parking facility. 

Ayyanpara

Accommodation for ten families, conference hall, restaurant, amenity center and parking. 

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