Tamil Nadu

The first endogenous spices tourism spot

KODAIKANAL: Thadiyankudisai, one of the major spice producing centres in Dindigul district, has become the first endogenous spices tourism spot under United Nations Development Programme in the district, here on Tuesday. District administration plans to pump Rs.50 lakh to improve the project area including road connectivity and way side amenities.

Two eco-friendly cottages, children park, botanical garden, animal stage, view point would be created at an estimated cost of Rs.40 lakhs.

Village business centre, eco-walk path would be established.

Twenty five prime tourists’ attractions including Bats View, Eco-Rock, Marudhanadhi dam upper view, traditional temples of tribal people, Dolman’s Cave and a few falls have been identified to attract for foreign tourists and buyers of spices.

Already, district administration had spent Rs.20 lakh for software activities like creating a workforce and imparting special training to develop their traditional skills.

Fifteen tribal men and women were trained as tourists’ guides. The SHG members have become chefs to cook traditional tribal food items.

The project area has 123 plant species, 17 cultivated plants, 33 medicinal plants, 120 species of birds, 10 mammals, 35 species of lizards, 41 species of butterflies and 37 other invertebrates, according to a biological survey conducted by SPACE Trust.

Addressing the inaugural function, Collector R. Vasuki said economic and social needs of tribal people would be fulfilled, besides ensuring sustainable mountain development.

It would also harness traditional skills of rural artisans and rope in women, youth and disadvantaged groups in all income-generation activities, she added.

Activities such as setting up of common facility centres for crafts persons and village art centres showcasing the cultural heritage of the identified sites will also be taken up.

A village committee, comprising 10 members from SHGs, would execute the entire project. They will man botanical garden and parks.

The NABARD will offer Rs.1 lakh to tribal people to develop their houses to enable tourists to stay as pay guests.

If estate owners wished to join pay guest scheme, guest houses and bungalows in their private estates would also be included.

Endogenous tourism would focus on local culture and crafts and create livelihood opportunities for local people through ecologically sustainable projects, she added.

Representatives of tour operators and travel agencies associations took part.

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