Date:28/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/28/stories/2008122855310600.htm

Tamil Nadu

Kurangani set to become a major tourist attraction in Western Ghats

K. Raju

Development works worth Rs.50 lakh planned
16-km long trekking route to Top Station on anvil

THENI: Kurangani, which has been selected for implementation of endogenous spices tourism project, would soon become one of the major tourist attractions in Theni istrict as Department Tourism has started giving a facelift to it.

Development works would be taken up at an estimated cost of Rs.50 lakh soon at Kurangani situated in the Western Ghats.

Ten villages on the hill would benefit from the project. Sixteen km away from Bodinayakkanur, Kurangani is an unexplored tourism spot.

The region has ridges and mountain peaks, surrounded by valleys,and is covered by dense forests. Road connectivity will be upgraded. Ten houses have been identified as tourist stay homes and funds have been sanctioned for their development. Tourism development works worth Rs.20 lakh have been completed.

View points will be created to enable tourists to enjoy the beauty of cloudy peaks, waterfalls, valleys, cardamom, tea and coffee estates.

A 16-km long trekking route to Top Station from Kurangani via central station is to be established without disturbing the ecosystem.

Tourists will get an opportunity to taste tribal culture by visiting their hamlets.

A sum of Rs.9 lakh will be spent for disposal of waste. Zero waste management committee will be set up to ensure proper disposal of solid waste generated on the hill station, according to Collector P. Muthuveeran. Efforts are also on for safe disposal of plastic wastes with effective community participation.

Community-based tourism development alone will sustain and preserve the ecosystem of the tourist spot.