The newly developed trekking and camping sites of the North Wayanad Forest Division (NWFD) in the district are all set to tap the tourism potential of the district.
The sites have been set up on the Brahmagiri Hills near Thirunelly and Muneeswaran Hills near Talapuzha under the Begur forest range at a cost of Rs.20 lakh.
“The project envisages to tap the adventure tourism potential of the district and ensure a sustainable income for the tribal members of the Vana Samrakshana Samitis of the areas,” Narendranath Veluri, Divisional Forest Officer, NWFD, told The Hindu .
The site on the Brahmagiri Hills has been set up at a picturesque lush green spot, nearly 4,700 feet above the sea level. It will take a two-hour trek through the forest to reach the site. A 30-minute drive from Mananthavadi through the lush greenery of coffee estates and forest canopy will lead the travellers to the Inspection Bungalow of the Forest Department at Thirunelly. From there, it is a three-km trek to the camping site. As many as five eco-friendly cottages have been built at the site for camping. The solar panels erected there would provide 24-hour power supply to the cottages. A solar fence has also been installed around the cottages to ensure the security of tourists. A three-storied forest watchtower built at the site at a height of 5,093 feet is the major attraction of the new destination. From the tower, one can see the picturesque Shola forests in all its beauty. “Similar facilities have been set up at the camping site on the Muneeswaran Hills,” Mr. Veluri said.
The sites were opened for the tourists a few weeks ago at a rate of Rs.5,000 a day for a cottage, including food, along with a six-km morning trek on the sholas,” he added . For details, contact 8547602504.
