With Lonely Planet, an international travel guidebook, listing northern Kerala as one of the 10 best Asian locations, lesser known tourism spots in the region are all set to attract more tourists.
The entry on the Lonely Planet website says that as India in 2017 marks the 70th year of Independence, the opening of a new international airport in Kannur is expected to provide an easy introduction to the region. It notes: “The beaches around Kannur, Thottada, and Bekal are pristine, and a string of homestays and resorts have sprouted to give in-the-know travellers on all budgets a beachfront view that should make Goa’s hoteliers weep.” The entry also mentions wildlife sanctuaries in Wayanad. “Northern Kerala has long been the underrated half of the State, concealing its backwater charms and emerging slowly like a butterfly from a Chrysalis,” it says.
Vertical marathon
The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) here is now planning to promote lesser-known tourism locations in the district. A ‘vertical marathon’ programme being organised at Paithalmala, an ecotourism location in the eastern hill areas of the district, on July 30 is the first of the events being planned to promote such locations.
“The vertical marathon is the first of the programmes for promoting lesser-known tourism locations and another marathon programme will be organised on the Muzhappilangad beach by the end of August,” District Collector Mir Mohammed Ali, who is also chairman of the DTPC, said at a press conference here on Tuesday.
The vertical marathon would be an adventure event as the final 300-metre stretch of the Paithalmala hill was a very steep climb, the organisers said.
Pottenplavu to Paithal
The marathon will begin from Pottenplavu church at 11.30 a.m and culminate at the Paithal resort. Those who are interested in participating in the marathon may register their names at the DTPC office here by remitting a fee of ₹50. The prize money is ₹10,000, ₹8,000 and ₹6,000 for first, second and third prize winners respectively.
The organisers said that 100 people in the 18-50 age group who registered first would be selected. The last date for registration is July 28. For registration and details, call: 0497-2706336, 96454 54500.
