The Hindu : Front Page : Kolli Hills to become major tourist spot

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 14, 2007
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Kolli Hills to become major tourist spot

S. Ramesh

NATURE'S BOUNTY: Akasa Ganga waterfalls in Kolli Hills. - Photo: P. Goutham

NAMAKKAL: Kolli Hills, the ancient kingdom of the celebrated `Valvil Ori', will soon emerge as a major tourism centre in the State with the district administration paying special attention to its overall development.

The existing amenities are being spruced up and new facilities such as viewpoints, parks, and a boat house are being added to attract tourists to the hills, which is known for its medicinal plants and Sri Arapaleeshwarar temple. The works are being undertaken at a cost of Rs. 69.60 lakh. One of the major works relates to the development of boat house in Vasular Patti Lake which has a water spread of 8.5 acres. The administration has already started deepening lake bed.

Beautification of the rocky surfaces near the lake and development of landscapes will begin shortly. "By creating facilities for boating, we can put Kolli Hills on the tourism map after the established hill stations such as Udhagamandalam and Kodaikkanal,'' Collector G. Sundaramurthi said while inspecting the development works recently.

Handrails have been installed along the steps leading to `Akasa Ganga' water falls from Arapaleeshwarar temple. The steps also are being altered and corrected to facilitate easy climbing for tourists. Two viewpoints - one at Seekuparai and another at Selur Nadu - are being developed to enable the tourists enjoy the stunning panorama of steep valleys. Creation of a park and formation of an approach road to the Seekuparai viewpoint are nearing completion. Another park to be set up near the youth hostel at a cost of Rs. 7 lakh is also taking shape. "We are planning to update our district website and request the tourism department to promote it to attract more tourists, " Mr. Sundaramurthi said.

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