Cheengeri Hills is Wayanad's eco-friendly trekking haven
The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) has proposed Cheengeri Hills -- a lesser-known but equally scenic peak -- as an alternative to address the mounting demand. Situated en-route to Kaduvakuzhi from Sultan Bathery, Cheengeri is known for its gentle slopes and ease of climbing, unlike the forest-clad hills that surround it.
The peak is especially famed for its breathtaking views at dawn. While a trek to Chembra costs over Rs 1,000 per person, a trip to Cheengirimala is priced at just Rs 50, making it a budget-friendly and accessible option for travellers. Local trip planners and tour operators in Wayanad have begun recommending Cheengeri Hills to tourists seeking a less crowded, eco-conscious, and economical trekking experience. Over the past few months, the hills have emerged as one of the most popular trekking destinations in the district.
'Cheengeri Hills have been open to visitors for the past few years. However, after assessing the difficulties faced by tourists at other trekking spots including Chembra peak, we decided to actively promote this location,' said Binosh Kunjappan, secretary of the Wayanad DTPC. 'Unlike other forested peaks, Cheengerimala is safe, scenic, and family-friendly, attracting steady footfall throughout the year. On peak days during the season, an average of 300 people trek the hill – a significant number for a new destination.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Rain & high travel fares slow down daily commute
1 2 Hyderabad: Erratic rain spells have thrown daily travel into disarray, with commuters struggling to book autos or cabs. Ride-hailing apps are showing fewer vehicles, longer wait times, and inflated fares, sometimes nearly double the usual rates, especially during peak hours. For many, even short trips now cost much more than before. Sowmya Reddy, 25, from Kukatpally, said she has been paying almost twice her usual fare for the past three days. "I normally get an auto to my office in Banjara Hills for Rs 180–200, but this morning it showed around Rs 500. Yesterday, I waited 25 minutes for a driver to accept my booking. Just to get a ride in these rains, I end up adding Rs 100 as a tip," she said. Drivers blame flooded streets, poor visibility, and heavy traffic for avoiding certain areas. Srinivas, an auto driver from the western part of the city, said, "In some lanes and main roads, water reaches up to the footrest. If it enters the engine, the auto stops. Repairs cost Rs 500 to 1,000, which is more than my day's earnings." You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Gold Rates Today in Hyderabad | Silver Rates Today in Hyderabad Mohammed Saleem, who drives in Tolichowki, said rains often mean longer hours for less pay. "A trip that takes 15 minutes normally can take 40 minutes in rain. If it is meter fare, there is no extra pay for lost time. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo Wet roads also make braking harder. It is safer to stick to less flooded areas," he explained. Passengers say fare surges and cancellations are making travel unpredictable . Anjali M from Cherlapalli said, "I usually travel to Secunderabad for Rs 80 to 90. Yesterday it showed Rs 250–280, and even then no one accepted the ride. Maybe there should be rules to control fares during rains." Susmitha Meekala from Madhapur added, "Today, one auto driver charged me Rs 90 but took a wrong route. Many refuse bookings or demand at least Rs 50 extra before moving." With no respite from the rains in sight, commuters and drivers remain stuck in a monsoon tug-of-war, one over flooded streets, mounting repair costs, and spiralling fares. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
City in pole position for CWG with eye on 2036 Olympics
Ahmedabad: Eight years after earning the Unesco tag as India's first World Heritage City, Ahmedabad is chasing another global title — host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG). On Wednesday, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), at its Special General Meeting, placed the city among the top contenders — a move widely seen as a dress rehearsal for the bigger prize: the 2036 Olympics. Ahmedabad's bid is anchored by the Rs 6,000-crore Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave — a 236-acre, Olympic-grade complex being developed through a state–AUDA public-private partnership. Scheduled for completion in 2029, it will feature the Narendra Modi Stadium (the world's largest cricket venue), a 50,000-seat football stadium, an 18,000-seat indoor arena, a 12,000-seat aquatics centre, an athletes' village, plus hotels and commercial hubs. Supporting facilities include the Naranpura Sports Complex and a network of mini-sports centres across city zones, with Rs 125 crore earmarked for grassroots infrastructure in Naroda, Ghuma, and beyond. A senior sports department official said Gujarat had conveyed its CWG intent to Chris Jenkins OBE, then president of Commonwealth Sport, during his Jan 2025 visit — a proposal later backed by the union ministry of youth affairs and sports. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad | Gold Rates Today in Ahmedabad | Silver Rates Today in Ahmedabad Infrastructure upgrades are keeping pace with the bid. The Rs 3,130-crore integrated terminal at Sardar Vallabhbhai International (SVPI) Airport — set to double passenger capacity before 2030 — aligns with CWG and Olympic timelines. Metro extensions, BRTS upgrades, and a multi-modal transport hub are also planned. The hospitality sector is expanding rapidly. The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Ltd (SRFDCL) has cleared a 17-storey hotel and a Rs 792.5 crore Convention, Cultural and Business Centre near Paldi, while global hotel brands are increasing their presence along Sindhu Bhavan Road and in GIFT City. The city's confidence draws on its record of hosting marquee events — from the ICC World Cup final to Vibrant Gujarat Summits and the sold-out Coldplay concert in Jan 2025. Gujarat is also eyeing the 2027 Women's Volleyball World Championship and the World Military Games to further burnish its credentials. Officials said the plan is to stage a "full-fledged Games" featuring medal-rich sports like shooting, wrestling, and badminton, alongside indigenous disciplines such as kabaddi and kho kho. Ahmedabad's CWG blueprint takes cues from Birmingham 2022's cost-effective delivery and Euro 70-million local reinvestment, including a jobs and skills academy that trained over 20,000 people. The city's version will be guided by an Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) impact study to ensure transparency and sustainability. Commissioned by the Gujarat Sports Infrastructure Development Company (GSIDC Ltd), and to be conducted over the next six months, the studies aim to evaluate the potential impacts on Ahmedabad and Gujarat, ensuring alignment with global sustainability standards. The studies will focus on identifying and standardizing relevant environmental metrics, design of a stakeholder engagement framework for environmental assessment, and assessment of carbon emissions associated with the Games. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
The Hindu
6 hours ago
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival 2025 to be held from August 14-17
The skies over Thiruvidanthai Beach will display a dazzling splash of colours as the fourth edition of the Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival would be held from August 14 to 17. Set against the backdrop of the sparkling ECR shoreline, the four-day celebration will welcome kite flyers from across the globe. Adding to the excitement, this year's highlight will be a unique kite inspired by the Tamil alphabets. The event is being organised by Global Media Box, in association with Tamil Nadu Tourism. 'This year, visitors will be treated to a one-of-a-kind Tamil Alphabet kite,' said Benedict Savio, Founder of the Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival, and Event Director at Global Media Box. 'Another major attraction will be Vietnam's Traditional Flute Kite, which produces a melodious flute sound as it soars into the sky,' he added. 'Kite teams from France, Switzerland, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and India will showcase their skills and creativity,' Mr. Savio added. He also explained that these kites are specially designed and crafted after lot of research. 'Each of them are priced between Rs.1 lakh to Rs.3 lakh and some kites are even more expensive,' he said. The kite festival will be open to visitors from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival aims to evolve into a global extravaganza, with plans to host the World Kite Show Championship in the coming years, bringing together participants from over 40 countries.
