Peechi seeks project to tap its ecotourism potential

Thrissur: A demand for initiating an ecotourism project by including destinations with tourism potential within the Pananchery panchayat inThrissur district has gained momentum in the recent times. Experts say that the tourism industry in the area could get a boost by including the various waterfalls which would be alive for almost 8 months a year.  The forest knowledge centre at Kuthiran, the Peechi dam, the Kerala Forest Research Institute and the engineering museum are other sites that could be included in the network.

The zoo which is under construction at Puthoor would also increase the tourism prospects of the Panancheri panchayat especially during Onam.

Pattathipara

One can reach Pattathipara by travelling 2 km north on the Chemboothra road on the Mannuthi–Vadakkanchery six-lane path. Though the area comes under the forest department, a large number of visitors show up to enjoy the pristine beauty of the nature. The waterfall which meanders through the rocky mountain of Vellanimala is truly mesmerising. Though people bathe at the upper part of the waterfall, the path towards it is extremely dangerous.

Ward member Vinitha Santhosh says that the beautiful Pattathipara too should be considered for the proposed tourism project. “The road to reach Pattathipara should be repaired immediately and facilities should be set up near the waterfall to let the tourists enjoy its beauty in a safe and comfortable way. If the government allots fund for these, then more number of tourists can visit the waterfall which will be active from June to December,” says Vinitha.

Orappankettu

Orappankettu is situated just 1 km south from the Orappan rock on the Peechi dam road. The area which has a small waterfall also exudes the amazing charm of the Peechi dam. However, the people in the locality say that the area is extremely danger-prone and the government should come up with a project to arrange the necessary safety measures here. 

The second- and third-year students of the Bachelor of Travel and Tourism course at the Vazhukkumpara Sree Narayana College has offered to prepare a project about the tourism prospects of the Pananchery panchayat. As part of their academic tour, the students visited Pattathipara accompanied by their principal Dr NV Savitha and the panchayat member Vinitha Santosh. Sasi Pottayil, president of the college management committee said that the study report would be submitted to the panchayat.