THALASSERY: Opening a new chapter in the adventure tourism sector in the district, the two-day Dharmadam kayaking expedition through Anjarakkandy River began at Dharmadam beach here at Thalassery on Sunday.
The programme, which aims at creating awareness about the adventure sports destinations in the district, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the authorities were planning to establish a permanent kayaking facility at Dharmadam from October.
Mr Vijayan , who is also the representative from Dharmdam constituency in the Assembly, said that the government was planning many projects to convert Thalassery and nearby areas into tourist destinations. “The work of the Thalassery Heritage Tourism project and Muzhappilangadu Beach tourism activities are progressing. Once these projects are completed, Thalassery would be a much sought after destination,” he added.
The kayaking at Anjarakkandy River is being conducted in two sessions with 20 people per session using eight kayaks (one person) and six tandem kayaks (two persons). The kayaking, starting from Dharmadam Beach Tourism Facilitation Centre would reach Pinarayi DTPC Park and from there to Dharmadam Boat Jetty in a horseshoe shape covering almost 17 kilometres of the Anjarakkandy River.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Kannur District Collector Mir Muhammed Ali, who did kayaking during the first session, said that it was one of the best suitable routes for kayaking. “Travelling through the lush mangrove vegetation and viewing rare animals and birds living in the area was absolutely breathtaking,” he said.
The Collector, who is also the chairman of the district tourism promotion council, hoped that once the administration purchased kayaks, a permanent facility for adventure sport at Dharmadam, attracting a large number of people, would be possible.
