Kodaikanal : Basking in the Glory to be One of the Hot Spots for Eco Tourism

Kodaikanal is said to be a paradise of South India and is proclaimed to be one of the most popular hill resorts in India. Kodaikanal stands apart, amidst all the hill stations not only for its beauty but also for its biodiversity. Kodaikanal is situated on the southern crest of the upper Palani hills near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Its serene beauty of rocks, woods, lovely lake side scenery is incomparable with anything else.
Kodaikanal is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m and also covers an area of 21.45sq km. The hill station is also renowned for its fruits and plums available throughout the year. Kodai is also known for the Belijam lake, which is counted as one of the most beautiful lakes in India and spreads over an area of 24 hectares.
Kodaikanal is again creating ruffles not for its beauty but for the immense number of facilities which would be created shortly in the prime tourist spots promoting Eco Tourism.
A complete facelift would be done to the lesser known destinations in and around Kodaikanal. Floral Tourism would be promoted to the best and the Kodaikanal lake would be having battery operated train and car services shortly to attract more and more tourists as per the announcement by the collector Mr M.Vallalar.

Mr M. Vellalar proclaimed, while presiding over a meeting on tourism on Wednesday on the 12thof August 2009, that battery operated car and trains would be hovering around the Kodai lake.

Another proposal is also doing the rounds that a rose garden would be set up in Byrant park which would be set up at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore. A sum of Rs 20 lakh has also been allocated to be spent for the development of the Anna Statue Junction.

A total renovation is also proposed to be provided to the Thadiyankudisai and the Thandigudi hills. The major chunk of enjoyment would be when the so proposed tree top houses and eco friendly homes would be constructed which would enthrall the tourists like never before.

Mr Vallalar also made it clear that Elephant safari trips are also in the planning to be introduced in the forest areas in and around Kavunji and Mannavanur villages on the upper Kodaikanal hill.

The uniqueness of the flowering plant 'Kurunji' (Strobilanthus Kunthanus) is that it had last bloomed in 2004, and is believed to be an ultimate nature's gift to Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal is situated amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills which is considered to be one of the most popular serene hill stations in India. It enchants any visitor and is frequented throughout the year by tourists and travelers.

Therefore ascertaining this in mind a Kurinji Flower sanctuary is planned to be developed in a valley below Coaker's walk. Efforts are also on the foray to introduce trekking and para gliding facilities in the regions of Vellakai and the Kumbhakarai forest area as reiterated by the collector of Kodaikanal.

Plans are also on the way to remove the restrictions on entry into the Berijam lake area for tourists. Presently only 25 vehicles per day that too with the permission of the forest department are allowed an entry into the Berijam lake area, but it is ascertained that ban would be lifted shortly.

Mr Vallalar during his speech also advised the hotels and restaurants to display the price list and the room tariffs on the reception itself. They should also keep in mind that they are keen enough in providing free booklets on all the tourist spots on the hill station.

Mr Vallalar said, details regarding the name, their address, all the contact telephone numbers of hotels of the hill resorts and their online booking facility should be added in the website.

Hotel owners are also advised to use all the renewable sources of energy like that of solar water heaters and other non – conventional energy equipments so that it scales down the level of global warming as it truly paves the path towards eco tourism.