Two hills & a riverside: Amboori to be developed as tourist spot

T'puram: Residents will soon have a new getaway spot as the tourism department will float tenders for the Amboori hill area development. The initiative aims to provide amenities and promote tourism at two hills and one riverside in the pristine village as part of new destination development.A detailed project report was submitted and the state govt has approved the project. Trekking paths, pathways, rain shelters and a natural stage for cultural shows on a flat rock without disturbing nature will be built.Koonichi Mala, Kalipara, Plankudi Kaavu and Mayam Kadavu by a lake are the locations that will be developed and promoted by installing basic amenities. These also include seating, coffee shops and a children's park. Koonichi Mala and Kalipara will have trekking paths while Mayam Kadavu, a lakeside destination, will offer kayaking or non-motorised boating.The department also plans to install a cultural stage at Plankudi Kaavu, where vehicles can go all the way up to the vast array of flat rocks. "People already visit these locations because it is a scenic hill station-like setting. But there is nothing to cater to the visitors' needs. That's why we decided to develop it without interfering with nature. Very basic facilities will be provided so that it will help in the conservation of the area in spite of the arrival of tourists," said Satheesh Miranda of Thiruvananthapuram district tourism promotion council.The DPR was submitted and the project was approved after it was taken up at the Nava Kerala Sadas. "The tender for the work is likely to be floated in 2-3 months," said Miranda.He said that the work could be completed in a short period of time as it does not imply major construction or changes to the location. Amboori is around 38km from the city and is getting popular among people who want to drive down for a day's picnic.Koonichi Mala is popular among the trekking community in the city while Kalipara is a rocky hilltop. Mayam Kadavu is a scenic location where a lake weaves itself around green hills. Plankudi is already an eco-tourism spot where people drive up by motorcycles and sit on the rocks atop the hills. All these locations are by the Western Ghats and are away from human settlements.The tourism department is working to promote such lesser-known destinations in each district so that people will have new options and can explore non-conventional locations that are not overcrowded.