KALPETTA: The summer rains have breathed new life into the tourism industry of the hill district as recurring rains have brought back greenery in jungles, water in dales and coolness in the air. This year Wayanad witnessed the highest temperature in its history causing rivers to dry up, waterfalls to go silent, jungles caught in threat of widespread fires and wild animals packing themselves in the water rich zones of sanctuaries. It was truly a cruel summer.
Wayanad wildlife warden Dhanesh Kumar told Deccan Chronicle that the sanctuary which was closed for few days due to threat of wildfires has been reopened for visitors. “There is a huge crowd to see the jungle soaked in rains”, he added.
With the schools closed the crowd in Kuruva Island, which was opened for tourists, is also high. The prime tourist destination of Pookkode Lake and another important destination Banasura Sagar dam also is getting high flow tourists.
District Tourism Promotion Council official M.S. Dinesan told DC that at present the most endearing spot to tourists is the Karlad Lake where new adventure sports items were introduced.
"Now we are getting the family crowd with children opting for the adventure sports items including zip line (moving across the Karlad Lake hanging on a cable), zorbing (one is kept in a large transparent ball which is being rolled in the ground), kayaking, archery and rock climbing. Today (Sunday) we have 1,110 visitors and 187 opted for zip line”, he added. The total collection of the day at Karlad was Rs 1,06,000 and yesterday also it was almost the same, according to DTPC records.
