KFDC plans to develop eco-tourism in Arippa Forests

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Follow us:WhatsappFacebookTwitterTelegram.cls-1{fill:#4d4d4d;}.cls-2{fill:#fff;}Google NewsThe Arippa forest would soon turn out to be an eco-tourism hub offering various facilities to travellers, including night camping in the woods.The Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) has charted out a Rs 42-lakh development plan for the destination which would also benefit travellers to Thenmala and Mankayam waterfalls. Arippa, situated around 52 km from the capital on the Shencottah highway, now has meagre accommodation facilities, insufficient to cater to the large number of travellers arriving there.The destination boasts of Myristica Swamp, a characteristic eco-system found in valleys. Along the Western Ghats, this forest type is found at Shendurney, Kulathupuzha, Anchal ranges, besides Arippa. Bird watching, wildlife sighting and visits to tribal settlements are other attractions of the destination. The KFDC officials said that the development project planned for the destination mainly focuses on improving accommodation facilities.‘Jyothismathy’, the inspection bungalow of the Corporation, will be renovated and more rooms would be added. A kitchen-cum-dining hall and an interpretation centre will also be set up,” said an official. “The highlight would be the night camping options in two Swiss cottage tents and five normal tents,” he added.The Corporation has also trained 15 personnel of the Kani tribe to guide the tourists. “Tourists will be allowed to explore the woods in specific locations. Trained guides would lead the forest trips,” the official said. “Empowerment of local population is our priority. The personnel selected as guides belong to the Kottamavu Kani settlement,” he said. The officials hope the improved facilities would attract more travellers to the destination as the Thenmala eco-tourism destination, situated around 20 km away and nearby Mankayam waterfalls do not have accommodation facilities. The KFDC plans to launch the new facilities by December this year.first published:August 12, 2012, 11:25 ISTlast updated:August 12, 2012, 11:25 IST
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The Arippa forest would soon turn out to be an eco-tourism hub offering various facilities to travellers, including night camping in the woods.

The Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) has charted out a Rs 42-lakh development plan for the destination which would also benefit travellers to Thenmala and Mankayam waterfalls. Arippa, situated around 52 km from the capital on the Shencottah highway, now has meagre accommodation facilities, insufficient to cater to the large number of travellers arriving there.

The destination boasts of Myristica Swamp, a characteristic eco-system found in valleys. Along the Western Ghats, this forest type is found at Shendurney, Kulathupuzha, Anchal ranges, besides Arippa. Bird watching, wildlife sighting and visits to tribal settlements are other attractions of the destination.

The KFDC officials said that the development project planned for the destination mainly focuses on improving accommodation facilities.‘Jyothismathy’, the inspection bungalow of the Corporation, will be renovated and more rooms would be added. A kitchen-cum-dining hall and an interpretation centre will also be set up,” said an official. “The highlight would be the night camping options in two Swiss cottage tents and five normal tents,” he added.

The Corporation has also trained 15 personnel of the Kani tribe to guide the tourists. “Tourists will be allowed to explore the woods in specific locations. Trained guides would lead the forest trips,” the official said.

“Empowerment of local population is our priority. The personnel selected as guides belong to the Kottamavu Kani settlement,” he said. The officials hope the improved facilities would attract more travellers to the destination as the Thenmala eco-tourism destination, situated around 20 km away and nearby Mankayam waterfalls do not have accommodation facilities. The KFDC plans to launch the new facilities by December this year.