The first phase of the Idukki tourism project of the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) has been completed with a pavilion, open theatre and pathway ready for receiving the tourists who reach here to savour the beauty of the reservoir and the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.
The first stage of the project, the Hill View Park -combining the elements of reservoir and garden- was completed in February last. The second stage of the project was in front of the Idukki Arch Dam. Joykutty George, the deputy director of Tourism Department and who is in charge of the DTPC, told The Hindu on Sunday that the project was done utilising a Central government fund of Rs.3.39 crore. He said that the project was launched to tap the serene beauty of the reservoir area and a large number of tourists reach the dam area when it is opened for public during the festival seasons.
He added that eco-friendly tourism will be developed in Cheruthoni.
Cheruthoni lies between Munnar and Thekkady, the two main tourist spots in the district. Being near to the district head quarters at Painavu, a large number of people visit Cheruthoni and there are many scenic spots like Kalyanathandu nearby. One major problem being faced is the lack of enough accommodation facilities, and most of the tourists select Cheruthoni as a stop-over.
The reservoir area is being developed in the model of the Malampuzha garden.
