Tourism News

Upcoming tourism projects by Kerala Tourism

Kerala Tourism has given final shape to several of its projects with a bearing on future tourism activities in the state. Some of these projects are as follows:

Cleanliness in public areas
The Department of Tourism has taken initiatives to ensure cleanliness in roads and other public areas. The Department has put into operation few eco- friendly road-cleaning equipments in the corporations of Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kollam, Thrissur and the Palakkad municipality. The equipments, eight SW- 700S- High Standard Walk- behind- Sweeper at a cost of Rs. 2.4 million and four SR- 1100- Ride- on- Sweeper at a cost of Rs. 3.6 million. The Ride on sweeper can be used both for indoor and out door uses.

Renovation of Vaipikotta Seminary
The Vaipikota Seminary built by the Portuguese in 1577, which is located in the Holy Cross Church campus in Chennamangalam of Ernakulam district would be renovated with the help of the Archaeology Department. The site in which the Fort exists, a one acre 16 cents of land, was declared a protected monument by the Government of Kerala. The remnants of the Fort include an L- shaped wall about 80 feet length and 35 feet height. The dense vegetation and direct exposure to the sun had caused chemical and physical deterioration of the Fort. The Fort has three caves near the sides and offers scope for studies. The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 1.2 million.

Access road to Sooryakanthi fair Ground to be improved
The access road to the Sooryakanthi fair ground will be improved at a cost of Rs. 1.35 million. The Public Works Department will execute the work.

Access to Thirunelly to be improved
The access road to the Thirunelly temple, the Kartikulam- Panavally- Thirunelly road will be improved at a total cost of Rs. 10 million.

Heritage village near Karalad Lake
A new project, which would enable scholars and Travelers to learn the unique culture and heritage of the tribal villages of Kerala would be started in Wayanad. ?Wayanad Heritage Village?, the project is estimated to cost Rs. 2.5 million. The project will be executed by the District tourism promotion Council, Wayanad.

Renovation of Park View building
The ancient mansion that housed the office of the Department of Tourism till recently would be renovated and converted to a heritage museum. The first phase of the project is estimated at a cost of Rs. 4.48 million. The KITCO would execute the work for the Department of tourism.

Construction of pavilion for Nehru Trophy Boat Race
A permanent pavilion for the world famous Nehru trophy Boat race would be constructed at Punnamada in Alappuzha. The construction works include a roofed pavilion and toilet facilities. The Central Public Works Department would execute the project that has central financial assistance. The estimated total cost is Rs. 4.06 million.

Development of Eco- tourism project in Palaruvi
A project has been envisaged for the development of the Palaruvi Eco- tourism project. The project include the restoration of the historical structures, setting up facilities for the collection and disposal of waste, construction of a check dam at Kadavapara, improving the parking facilities and. The project would be executed by the Director, Eco Tourism at a cost of Rs. 0.67 million.

Eco- tourism programmes in wildlife sanctuaries
The project is aimed at revamping the existing eco- tourism programmes in Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar wild life sanctuary, Periyar tiger reserve, Thekkady and developing the facilities for trekking and bullock- cart safaris in the destinations. The programmes would be implemented at a cost of Rs. 3.1 million. The execution of the work is entrusted with the Director of Eco- tourism.

Wayside amenity
Wayside amenities would be set up at Meppadi in Wayanad, a convenient resting place for tourists heading to various destinations like the Sentinel Rock waterfall, Kanthanpara waterfall and Meenmutti waterfall. The Government of India has sanctioned Rs. 0.9 million for the project, which include construction of toilets and stalls for sale of refreshments. The Central Public Works Department would execute the project.

Conservation project for Sakthan Thampuran Palace at Thrissur
A conservation project for the Sakthan Thampuran palace, the second residence of the erstwhile royal family of Cochin would be implemented. The palace built in the early years of the 17th century is a monument noted for the blend of Kerala and colonial architectural styles. The project would be executed by the Department of Archaeology and is estimated to cost Rs. 2.27 million.

Walkway at Varkala
A walkway would be constructed at Varkala from Papanasam to Vettakkada at an estimated cost of Rs. 9.6 million. The KITCO would execute the work.

High range Tourism circuit development
Various developmental and construction works would be executed under the Integrated Development of the High Range Tourism Circuit project. The works include tourist complex at Pythanmala, Development of Parassinikadavu, tourist complex at Muthanga, tourist complex at Nilambur, wayside amenity at Nedumkandam and tourist complex at Vagamon. The total cost estimated at Rs. 78.307 million.

Art and Craft Village at Vizhinjam
An Art and Craft Village would be developed in Vizhinjam at a total cost of Rs. 50 million. The project would be executed through KITCO.

Development of Northern Regional Circuit
The first phase of the Integrated Development of the Northern Regional Circuit in the State has been sanctioned by Govt. of India. The project include the development of the Kappad beach, construction of tourist/ pilgrim facilitation centre in Thirunelly, Pythalmala eco tourism project, development of eco- tourism in Nilambur, Integrated development of Athirappalli waterfalls (civil works only) and tented accommodation in Parambikulam. The total cost estimated is Rs. 79.556 million. The first installment sanctioned is Rs. 63.648 million. The executing agency for the work is KITCO.

Marine walkway project at Ernakulam
A walkway from Cheenavala Paalam to High Court boat jetty in Ernakulam district would be built at a total cost of Rs. 9.771 million.

Mobile toilet vans for tourist destinations
To tackle the problem of lack of changing rooms and toilets in various destinations mobile toilet
vans would be introduced. This is ideal in places where permanent construction would be difficult like in Kovalam where CRZ regulations are in effect.

Rectification work of Thana East Road
A sum of Rs. 0.8 million would be spend for the rectification works of the Thana East Road in Alappuzha district. The work will be implemented through the Public Works Department.

Renovation work in Palakkad Guest House
A sum of Rs 2.94 million would be spend for further works in the new Guest house in Palakkad. The work will be executed through SIDCO.