Kochi: Tourists visiting the district could soon have a wide choice of eco-tourism spots as the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) is all set to implement a series of new projects with the Kadamakudy rural tourism village topping the priority chart. “We are planning to cash in on the boom in eco-tourism and focusing on new projects besides extension of existing ones at places like Kadamakudy, Piravom, Nedumchira, Ezhattumughom and Parunturanchi Island off Aluva,” said a senior official. The biggest of the projects will be Kadamakudy rural tourism village for which the masterplan is being prepared.
“The aim is to offer tourists a one-day stay at an organic village away from the buzz of city life with them getting to enjoy mangroves and bamboo forests, fish farming, paddy cultivation, houseboat rides, village walk, trekking and bicycle paths, floating restaurant and floating jetties. There is also a plan to develop an aqua adventure tourism hub there with facilities for water scooter, paragliding and speedboat among others,” the official said.
However, the DTPC will be only one agency of the Special Purpose Vehicle being formed to implement the project estimated to cost '20 crore. A one-day workshop will be held later this month involving all stakeholders to finalise the masterplan. “The draft concept of the ‘Multi Dimensional Rural Tourism project’ has been presented before a panel including the state tourism minister and the local MLA. The state government has promised '5 crore for the project. It will also be presented under the United Nations Development Programme for funding as the project aims to raise homestays in the island, thereby, giving employment opportunities to the local people,” the official said.
Similarly, it was decided to complete the second phase of ‘Kallidumbil Attuteeram’ project at Piravom before December 25. Also, steps are underway to set up a ‘Perumbavoor eco-tourism circuit’ linking places like Okkanturth, Tattekad chira and Tookkupalam. Other tourism projects taken up for immediate focus include protection of Chinese fishing nets (Fort Kochi), the second phase of the Paranthuranchi Island eco-tourism project (Aluva) and renovation of ‘prakruthi Gramam’ at Ezhattumughom.
