The Idukki and Cheruthoni dams, which have been opened for the public in connection with the Christmas season, is receiving good response.
On the first day on Monday, as many as 763 persons visited the dams.
The Hydel Tourism Department of the Kerala State Electricity Board, which operates the tourism project, expects a good rush in the coming days. This is the season when the water level in the dam will be at its peak and those interested will have a chance to see the dam in its near-full level.
An important feature is the baggie ride for the physically handicapped persons.
Saneesh, a staff posted at the ticket counter, said that they expected good rush from December 25 onwards. Most of the visitors were domestic tourists, he said, adding a large number of persons from Tamil Nadu also turned up to see the dams. The tourists were not allowed to carry camera, electronic items and mobile phones, he said. Photography was banned inside the dam area.
The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, where the reservoir water is situated, started boat services for tourists from Vellapara on Tuesday. It is for the first time that the Forest Department was offering tourism packages inside the sanctuary. A ticket counter-cum- eco shop was inaugurated at Vellapara on Monday.
Roshy Augustine, MLA, told The Hindu on Tuesday that the plan was to develop the district headquarters as a major tourism destination linking Munnar and Thekkady.
The boat services and trekking facilities inside the sanctuary are aimed at making it a tourism hub. A large number of tourists visit the dam on holidays and festival seasons when they are allowed entry.
Cheruthoni’s advantage is its topographical location of being between Munnar and Thekkady. The scenic beauty of Calvery Mount, the Hill View Park operated by the District Tourism Promotion Council, and Asia’s biggest dam open a new experience to the visitors.
The present rush being experienced in Munnar and Thekkady could be eased with the development of tourism here.
Mr Augustine said that there was also a proposal for opening the dam permanently to the visitors.
