Kottayam: Two new tourism projects in Kottayam district, Erumely Pilgrim Hub and Kumarakom Cultural Centre, have been inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. They are among the 25 new projects launched by the Chief Minister online. Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran presided over the function.

Erumely Pilgrim Hub

A Rs 2 crore project, the hub would benefit pilgrims to the Sabarimala temple as well as tourists. It comprises VIP rooms, a light refreshment stall, 80 washrooms, two conference halls and dormitories, among other facilities. The hub has come up at the site of the Pilgrim Amenity Centre set up 18 years ago under a Central government project.

Kumarakom Cultural Centre

Built at a cost of Rs 1.16 crore, the Centre is intended to promote the cultural activities in Kumarakom region. At the Centre, various art forms would be performed which could be enjoyed by the guests at the hotels and resorts in the area.

Between 70 and 80 people can watch the shows at the Centre, which would also be let out for staging private programmes.

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To reach the Centre, take the Attippeedika Road from Kumarakom Junction and travel 100 m ahead. It is near the Overhead Tank of the Kerala Water Authority and the Homoeo-Ayurveda Hospital.

Inaugural fetes

Meanwhile, the opening ceremony at Kumarakom Centre was inaugurated by K Suresh Kurup MLA. Those present included Ettumanur block panchayat president Arya Rajan, grama panchayat chief Dhanya Sabu, Deputy Director of Tourism Department G Sreekumar and district panchayat member K V Bindu, among others.

At Erumely, P C George MLA, Erumely grama panchayat president Thankamma Georgekutty and district panchayat member Subhesh Sudhakaran spoke.