Vithura: Despite the favourable conditions at high range, tourism sector is neglected. Authorities are keeping a blind eye towards the income and employment opportunities here.
Ponmudi, Peppara, Kallara are some of the favourite destinations of travellers. The waterfalls, tea gardens, snowy mountains are highly attractive.
Ponmudi and the nearby waterfalls are the main tourist spots here. The flowing waters of Kallar river also mesmerises the visitors. But, the frequent drowning deaths keep the travellers at bay.
Locals say that the main reason for the deaths are the lack of warning boards and guides. The Bonacaud hill ranges have been neglected for long. The tea and cardamom gardens here are on the verge of destruction. Vazhvanthol, Meenmutti, Thavakkal waterfalls and Chathankott also attracts visitors.
There are huge number of people visiting the Peppara dam and wildlife sanctuary. But the main issue here is the lack of basic amenities like toilets and restaurants. There are no safety measures. The tree houses and boating services are non-functional. Also the roads are in dilapidated condition.
Need of the hour
Vithura tourism project can be implemented joing the Peppara, Kallar and Ponmudi regions. Brimoor-Ponmudi route when materialised, Idinjar, Mankayam and Meenmutti waterfalls can be integrated into the project. If the tropical botanical garden at Palode is included, it will be helpful for the students also.
The implementation of basic facilities like toilets, food stalls and better roads can attract tourists.
