KOCHI: The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) has launched efforts to reinvigorate two tourist spots and revive a tourist facility in Ernakulam district. The council has floated tenders for the three projects — Prakriti Gramam at Ezhattumukham, Beach Park at Munambam and the Take-a-Break refreshment centre at Ernakulam boat jetty.
The boat jetty refreshment centre, inaugurated in September 2017, was one of the 20 such facilities the tourism department had opened across the state. Each centre is equipped with a snack bar, ATM counter, unisex resting areas, toilets, and a parking lot. However, over a period of time, the boat jetty facility stopped functioning.
Taking cognisance of the growing demand for its reopening in its intended version, the DTPC has invited tenders from interested parties to upgrade, renovate, and run the facility.
“It is being tendered as it is in a bad condition,” DTPC secretary Lijo Joseph tells TNIE.
“Located in the heart of the city, it has immense possibilities when it comes to catering to the needs of tourists visiting Kochi. The facility will be renovated and made operational soon.” Over the past few years, Prakriti Gramam has emerged as an important tourist attraction in the district. According to Johny Maippan, the Ezhattumukham ward member in Karukutty panchayat, the destination blessed with natural beauty was first created in 2015 on an acre of land belonging to the irrigation department.
“There were tree houses or erumadoms on the property. Another attraction is the Ezhattumukham-Thumboormuzhi suspension bridge across the Chalakudy river. However, a lack of proper maintenance and other restorative activities has led to the tree houses falling into disrepair. Even the suspension bridge is slowly coming apart. The guard rails are all rusted,” he says.
This when the tourist destination attracts a lot of footfall every day. “On an average, the site makes around Rs 40,000 per day,” Johny says.
Taking note, the DTPC has come up with a project that aims to renovate and set up basic facilities to attract more tourists. “The park is operational under DTPC. The place has been gaining popularity and has become a must-stop for visitors going to Athirappilly. It is a popular weekend destination,” Lijo says.
In a district blessed with many beaches, the Beach Park at Munambam is another destination with immense potential.
“We want to develop this as a standalone destination. At present, we have water sports at the beach. We are planning to add more facilities to attract more visitors. Since the state government is promoting the policy of including private players in the industry, DTPC is looking at attracting investors on a private public partnership (PPP) model. We will work closely to develop this into a complete destination which will include upgraded toilets, food courts, play area, and activity zone,” the DTPC secretary says.
On the anvil
The boat jetty refreshment centre, inaugurated in September 2017, was one of the 20 such facilities the tourism department had opened across the state
The DTPC has come up with a project that aims to renovate Prakriti Gramam at Ezhattumukham and set up basic facilities AT to attract more tourists
Take-a-Break refreshment centre at Ernakulam boat jetty is another project with immense potential