Date:05/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/05/stories/2009010551110300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Waterfall in Kolli Hills to be made tourist spot

Staff Reporter

NAMAKKAL: The Kolli Hills in Namakkal district will soon have a new tourist attraction. The district administration is improving the surroundings of a waterfall in Aariyur panchayat.

The waterfall, which is so far known only to the locals, will be promoted as a popular tourist destination along the with the famous Aakasa Ganga waterfall located near Arapaleeshwarar temple, Collector U. Sagayam said.

After inspecting the works being carried out in the Kolli Hills recently, the Collector said the administration was laying a 500-metre-long approach road to the waterfall.

The tourists would be instructed to park their vehicles 200 meters away from the waterfall. A parking facility is being created for this purpose, he added.

Amenities

The administration earmarked Rs. 20 lakh for improving the surroundings near the waterfall and to create basic amenities for the tourists.

Mr. Sagayam said the initiative would attract more tourists to the ancient kingdom of the celebrated King Valvil Ori.

Other attractions in Kolli Hills, like the boat house on Vasulurpatti lake and Akasa Ganga waterfall, were drawing tourists in large numbers, he added. Senior officials accompanied the Collector.