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The panoramic vistas of many breathtaking locales in Kerala are yet to be revealed to the wider world. Several such locales are remaining relatively unknown for a variety of reasons and Kerala Tourism is now trying to bring such exotic locations to the limelight.
Peerumedu (Peerumade) and Wagamon (Vagamon) in Idukki districts are among such locations that will get better tourism infrastructure. Tourist Resorts Kerala Ltd. (TRKL), an agency established by the State government to promote investment in the tourism sector and accelerate tourism infrastructure development, has prepared a plan for improving the facilities at these places with private participation.
In the misty hillocks of Peerumedu, the proposed plan focuses on the development of a health resort and spa. Combining healthcare with tourism has proved to be a success mantra in the field and by developing a full-fledged facility for the same is expected to generate more interest from travellers' point of view.
Peerumedu, a hill station located en route Thekkady has also been embedded in the tourism circuit connecting Munnar, Ernakulam and Madurai. The easy accessibility from Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu also enhances the tourism potential of this area. Proximity to Kuttikkanam, another breathtaking locale in Idukki, and widespread plantations of coffee, tea, pepper and cardamom, spread across the hilly terrain, complement the beauty of Peerumedu.
The proposed project at Peerumedu will utilize about half a hectare of land under the possession of the Tourism Department, adjacent to the Government Guest house. The project consists of hill station cottages, a multi-cuisine restaurant, spa, yoga and meditation centre and recreation and business centres. The estimated cost for the development plan is Rs.260 million.
In Wagamon, TRKL proposes to set up an adventure sports arena. Situated on the border of Kottayam and Idukki districts at an altitude of 1,100 m above sea level, Wagamon is the international paragliding destination of south India. The proposed adventure sports arena will have go-karting, trekking, cycling and hot-air balloon rides. The project worth Rs.50 million at Wagamon will be set up on the 20 hectares of land under the possession of the Tourism Department.