Date:28/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/28/stories/2008122850160100.htm

Front Page

Rural tourism project launched

Staff Reporter

TUTICORIN: A community-managed rural tourism project was inaugurated at Kazhugumalai in Tuticorin district by Collector R. Palaniyandi on Saturday.

Kazhugumalai is one of the 36 spots identified by the Union Ministry of Tourism for the implementation of this endogenous tourism project in association with United Nations Development Programme.

Dr. Palaniyandi said that the project adopted an innovative approach to build livelihood opportunities through community participation. In the last three years, a sum of Rs. 50 lakh had been spent on improving infrastructure and Rs. 20 lakh on skill development of the community.

Community guides were trained in handling tourists, he said. The facilities provided included a guest house and a community hall. Madurai-based non-governmental organisation Dhan Foundation would be the implementing agency.

Website www.exploreruralindia.org would help in popularising Kazhugumalai as a preferred tourist destination. R. Venkataraman, former professor of Madurai Kamaraj University, M.P. Vasimalai, Executive Director, K.P. Bharathi, Programme Leader, and K. Karthik, Project Officer, Dhan Foundation, were present.

With Kazhugumalai as the hub, a freedom fighters’ memorial tourist circuit will be developed linking Ettayapuram, Kayathar, Panchalankurichi and Ottapidaram, according to Dhan Foundation.