KOCHI: To attract more foreign tourists, the Kerala Tourism is planning to introduce an adventure tourism circuit connecting Ernakulam, Bhoothathankettu, Neriamangalam and Munnar. A preliminary discussion with other stakeholders like Forest and Irrigation Departments have already been started.
Considering the popularity of adventure events among foreign tourists, the government is looking to turn some of the tourist destinations in Kerala for adventure tourism. One of the suitable locations for this purpose would be Thattekad, Bhoothathankettu and Nerimangalam. Considering the number of tourist flow to Munnar via Ernakulam, developing these places for adventure tourism will attract more tourists. K P Nandakumar, Joint Director, Tourism Department said promoting adventure tourism in Thattekad and Bhoothathankettu would be a priority project for the department this year.
“Each year, the number of tourists arriving in Kochi prefer to travel to Munnar. We are planning to start river rafting, kayaking, boating and trekking in these areas. Bhoothathankettu and Neriamangalam are ideal locations for water sports. Thattekadu is already popular among foreign tourist arriving for bird watching,” he said.
Adventure tourism in these locations will have to be carried out with the tie-up with other government departments. In Bhoothathankettu, the Irrigation Department is already running boating services. In Thattekkadu and Neriamangalam, the majority of the land is with the Forest Department. “We are conducting discussions with both Forest and Irrigation Department. We expect to finalise the final draft in a few months,” K P Nandakumar said.
The Tourism Department had conducted a study in which 44 locations across Kerala were identified suited for eco-adventure tourism. Adventure Tourism Society under the Tourism Department overlooks promotion and development of adventure tourism in Kerala. The government has decided to enhance activities of the society. The society already conducting adventure events like trek and camp, rock climbing, wildlife safaris, bird watching, cycling, off-road jaunts and paragliding in Kerala. Last month, District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) introduce beach adventure games in Cherai. Catamaran yachts were introduced. Banana boats and a few other rides too will be introduced shortly.