Gudalur: All tourism spots in Nilgiris district will be opened from Monday, December 7, informed Collector J Innocent Divya. At present the Ootty gardens, Rose garden, Sim’s Park in Coonoor, Katteri garden and Tea Park under the horticulture department are open.
From Monday, the Boathouse, Doddabetta Peak, Pykara Dam and Powerhouse and Dolphin Nose will be opened for visitors. The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve will be opened only after permission from the government, Collector said.
It has been 8 months since the tourism centres here were closed down due to Covid pandemic.
Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had granted permission to reopen the tourist centres in state adhering to Covid protocol in a huge relief to many lives that depend on tourism for livelihood including horse safari.
Horse safari is one of the main attraction near the Ninth mile, Boathouse, Doddabetta Peak, Pykara Dam and Powerhouse. The horses range from ponies to the winners of horse races. For a 2km ride, it costs from Rs 100 to Rs 200.
Now, most of the owners are ready to give a ride for the amount proposed by the tourists. M Richard, a horse owner said that it would cost around Rs 200 per day for horse food. The amount for this was found through odd labours till now. For C John, the life has come to standstill for the past few months without any income. Nothing is different for R Murali, another horse rearer here.
