C.J. Punnathara

Kochi , April 6

TOURISM in the tea town of Munnar is in for a major changeover. With a view to showcasing the legacy, traditions, sights and flavours of South Indian plantations, the Kannan Devan Hills Plantations Company plans to enter the tourism map of Munnar in a systematic and organised manner. The company has recently taken over control and management of 16 tea estates from Tata Tea.

"The response to plantation tourism has been quite encouraging and we are ideally positioned to cater to this sunrise sector in a big way," Mr T.V. Alexander, Managing Director of Kannan Devan Hills Plantations Company, told Business Line.

During the last two to three years, the management staff of the company has fallen from 150 to around 60 mainly on account of voluntary retirement scheme and the company has no intention of filling up these posts.

This has rendered a large number of ideally located estate bungalows vacant. These bungalows have an old-world charm, having been constructed in the regal colonial style, furnished and maintained right from the days of the British.

Located at the crest of a hillock to oversee the vast operations of the plantations down below, they provide a scenic and often breathtaking view to the visitor. It is these bungalows and their vantage locations that the Kannan Devan plans to launch for the elite national and international traveller.

"The estate bungalows have a distinct and enduring character of their own," Mr Alexander said. The company also plans to tie up with the Taj group of hotels and travel agents to market the unique property among the upper crust tourists. The plans to start a golf course of international standards and a Five Star deluxe hotel at Kundalay, would still be pursued in association with the Taj group.

"We plan to enter into tourism in an organised and systematic way and bring in a semblance of order to the tourism of this hill town, which has of late been growing in a chaotic manner," he added.

"Tata Tea had been meticulously ensuring the proper and systematic development of the Munnar township over the years. We hope the new company will continue the trend," Mr P.C. Binoy from one of the older resorts, Issac's Residency said.

The basis for any sustainable plantation or tourism activity in hill resorts like Munnar stems from the ecological harmony and environmental balance. Reiterating the company's commitment for the environment and bio-diversity, Mr Abraham said: "All the employees of Kannan Devan have been brought up in the culture of showing concern for the environment and nature and we will continue the practice."

Emphasising that it is the basis of their survival, he added that extra efforts would be undertaken to protect the shola forests, grasslands, as well as extending water harvesting and soil conservation measures. The company planned to work closely with the State Forest Department to make these objectives a reality.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu Business Line