Pachamalai eco-tourism project nearing completion.

The community-based eco-tourism project, funded by the Tourism Department and executed by the Forest Department, currently being implemented on Pachamalai in the district will be completed in two months. This being the first venture on the hills located at a height of 800 feet above sea level, more facilities will be provided based on the feedback and demand of the visiting tourists, said K.S. Palanisamy.

The Collector visited the site recently and inspected various ongoing works being executed at an estimate of Rs. 230 crore. Work on a slew of programmes commenced last year and so far Rs. 185.50 crore had been spent, he said.

The most important and child-friendly endeavour is setting up an interpretation centre at Thenpuranadu, known as Top Sengattupatti, atop the hills under the Tamil Nadu Bio-diversity and Greenery Project. The centre provides a visual and aural treat for tourists.

Thenpuranadu, being in the centre of the hills, has been chosen for accommodating tourists. Four tree top houses each of 400 sq. ft. area each and a 'mushroom' tree-top house with a larger area of about 650 square feet are being constructed. A children’s park and a medicinal park are the other major development works being executed at Thenpuranadu. A dormitory for men and women, children’s park, and medicinal park are other facilities at this place.


THE HINDU