This rural tourism project banks on waterfalls, hilltops, riverine treats
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The scenic hilltop of Kodikuthumala, one of the tallest hills in Ernakulam district is all bracing up to fly high in the tourism map of Kerala, pinning its hopes on a grand plan to boost rural tourism in the eastern parts of the district. Besides this, a hanging bridge planned at Triveni Sangamam at Muvattupuzha providing a fresh view of the riverine treats.
A brand new beautified road to the pristine Shoolam waterfall is also on the cards. These are some of the highlights of a new project report prepared by an expert panel to give a new lease of life to the village tourism aspirations of Muvattupuzha and destinations around.
The project report was prepared by an expert team comprising Tourism Regional Joint Director P. G. Shivan, architect consultant of the Tourism Department P. C. Rasheed and Senior Engineer Sandeep Kumar. The team had visited various spots before finalizing the report. It would also submit a detailed master plan to the Tourism Department by next month. The riverside tourism at Muvattupuzha, rural circuit tourism at Maradi panchayat, Kodikuthippara eco-tourism project at Arakkuzha panchayat, Pinapple City tourism at Manjallur panchayat are given prominence in the project.
Watch Triveni Sangamam from a hanging bridge
One of the most important infrastructural development to come up as part of the riverside tourism is a hanging bridge at Triveni Sangamam. A waterway connecting the two parks under the municipality will also be developed as part of the project. Both these parks are on the banks of the river, making the waterway project all the more attractive and conducive at the same time. Water sports facilities and a cafeteria are also planned along with this.
At present, a walkway is already there, from Puzhakkarakkavu reaching up to Asramam Bridge. The new project will be implemented along with this.
Kodikuthimala: Without harming nature
Earlier, a tourism project with an estimated cost of Rs.1.5crore had been planned at Kodikuthippara eco-tourism spot. The charming hillock situated in Arakkuzha panchayat earned its name from an incident dating back to the colonial era. The British authorities set a flag post at the top of the hill for land survey purposes. From then on, it was called Kodikuthimala, or the hill where the flag was posted. It’s a steep hillock, one of the highest in the area, reaching up to 735 feet above the sea level. In the memories of the old generation, there were tigers and other wild animals roaming freely in and around Kodikuthimala. Many a people now come to this hilltop with a singular purpose to watch a tiger's den there which is now closed with a big boulder.
The project proposes to develop the spot with its ecology and natural beauty preserved- the expansive rock settings on the hilltop would be changed to natural seating facilities. And the patches of green would turn to recreational spots. In short, it is going to be an ecologically sustainable initiative, utilizing the naturally available resources judiciously.
The sacred pilgrim spots of Malekkurishu and Arakkuzha church are very close to Kodikuthimala. The tourists coming here can also enjoy the beauty of the rare terracotta structures en route the Malekkurishu. The way up to Malekkurishu or Kurishinte Vazhi, is also a scenic treat. Besides this, the tourists also can pay a visit to the Forane Church at Arakkuzha and the museum along with it built in the ancient Portuguese school of architecture style.
The enticing scent of the fruit in Pineapple city
When the pineapple from here began to bring fame to Vazhakkulam from all over the world, the interest to learn about its farming techniques and familiarize with the various pineapple products also went high. Hence, a pineapple tourism project is perceived with an aim to tap the ever increasing fame of Vazhakkulam, now known as the largest pineapple market in India.
An ambitious plan to set up a pineapple museum is the highlight of the project here. Vazhakkulam pineapple has already received the coveted Geographical Indication. It is also home to several institutions related to pineapple, including a state-run pineapple research center and Vazhakkulam Agro and Fruit Processing Company, the only pineapple processing factory under the state government.
The museum is envisaged to provide knowledge and information to the farmers and to satisfy the curiosity and the varied interests of the travelers from across the globe. Besides this, small tourism projects would also come up at Poyalimala at Payipra, Maniyantram Para and Chembanmala at Kallurkad.
A wild beauty awaits at Shoolam
Shoolam falls in Maradi Panchayat is one of the most attractive waterfalls in the district. Once the new plans become a reality, the tourists would be able to enjoy the beauty of the falls in greater comfort with added facilities for taking a safe dip in the waterfall.
Another rural tourism circuit project connecting Aruvikal waterfalls, Shoolam waterfalls and Aruvikkal forest temple is also under consideration. Though it is a very beautiful water fall in the district, so far it has not figured much in the checklist of tourists. Besides its unspoilt beauty, the Shoolam waterfalls has other advantages like the presence of the scenic untapped destinations like Mayiladumparam, Kodikuthimala, Aruvikkal forest temple and Areekal waterfalls within a radius of three kilometers. Mayiladumpara, with its rare natural surroundings, also has tremendous potential for developing it into an adventure tourism spot. The Aruvikkal Kavu,the scared grove surrounding the forest temple there, is blessed with a wild beauty. The thrill of Areekal waterfalls will also be a bonus for those taking a trip to Shoolam.
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