Latest news with #DTPC
The Hindu
20-05-2025
- The Hindu
Amid tourist influx, Munnar hill station witnesses hours-long traffic chaos
With the summer vacations coming to a close, Munnar hill station has been witnessing a last-minute rush of tourists and resultant hours-long traffic jam. According to tourists, the traffic blocks in the hill station badly affect their travel plans. The hill station has been witnessing an influx of tourists after the Pahalgam terrorist attack prompted tourists to look for alternative spots, such as Kerala, and the implementation of e-pass regulations by Tamil Nadu for entry to Ooty and Kodaikanal. Munnar-Devikulam, Old Munnar Road, Ekka Nagar, and Munnar-Mattuppetty routes witnessed hours-long traffic blocks for the past several days, said various stakeholders in the tourism sector. 'A small traffic block in Munnar was expected considering the vacation time. But the problem was finding parking slots by the roadside, especially at scenic spots where tourists often get down to take pictures. I believe this issue was primarily due to the presence of many heavy vehicles, particularly buses,' said Arun Gorge, a recent visitor to the hill station. G. Sojan, coordinator of My Munnar Movement, an initiative to encourage tourism activities in Munnar, said that in April and May, there was heavy tourist footfall on all days. 'However, tourists were complaining that the traffic surge was causing mental and physical stress. Also, the authorities failed to take steps to address the serious issue,' said Mr. Sojan. District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) secretary Jitheeh Jose said that all tourism destinations in the district witnessed a heavy flow of tourists in May. 'Traffic block is a major concern in Munnar hill station. The district administration is taking the issue seriously,' said the official. According to Tourism department officials, the traffic issue was also raised before Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who recently conducted a meeting at Nedumkandam as part of the fourth anniversary of the State government. Mr. Vijayan said that the government will intervene on the issue. ' District Collector V. Vigneshwari is exploring the possibility of parallel roads in Munnar to connect major tourism destinations,' said a tourism department official.
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- The Hindu
Tourist arrivals at all-time high in Idukki: Riyas
The tourist inflow to Idukki was on the rise with the hill district witnessing an all-time high of tourist arrivals in the past three months, Minister for Tourism P.A. Mohamed Riyas said on Saturday. Virtually inaugurating the Kudiyetta Smarakam (settlement memorial) museum at Idukki Park near the Idukki dam and the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC)'s photo frames project, Mr. Riyas said the State tourism sector was on the path of growth. 'In the first three months of the year, 9,84,645 domestic tourists visited Idukki, which was 25% more than the previous year,' the Minister said. 'There was also a rise in the number of foreign tourists visiting the district. In the past three months, 55,033 foreign tourists visited the district, an increase of 4%,' he said. 'The settlement memorial portrays the settlement history of farmers in Idukki through installations and sculptures. The project will be an eye-opener for tourists and history enthusiasts,' said Mr. Riyas. The museum has been set up by the Tourism department at a cost of ₹3 crore in six acres. The sculptures cover settlement history under six topics. Agitations by settler farmers have also been portrayed in the museum, including the protests led by Communist leader A.K. Gopalan and Fr. Joseph Vadakkan. The sculptures depicting AKG and Fr. Vadakkan portray their interaction with farmers against the backdrop of a settlement village. Human-animal conflict in the district has also been portrayed in the museum. Farmers chasing away wild animals from farmlands is depicted. Portraits of early farming practices are also featured here. The DTPC's photo frames project is another innovative project to attract tourists. The DTPC has set up photo frames in seven major tourism destinations in Idukki to give tourists a chance to click photos and selfies. Photo frames have been set up in Wagamon Meadows, Wagamon Adventure Park, Idukki Hill View Park, Panchalimedu, Ramakkalmedu, Aruvikuzhi and Sreenarayanapuram Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine presided over the meeting. District Collector V. Vigneshwari, district panchayat president Rarichen Neeranakunnel, and DTPC secretary Jithesh Jose, among others, were present.
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- The Hindu
Photo frames to attract tourists to Idukki
The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) has set up photo frames in seven major tourism destinations in Idukki to give tourists a chance to click photos and selfies. Photo frames have been set up in Wagamon Meadows, Wagamon Adventure Park, Idukki Hill View Park, Panchalimedu, Ramakkalmedu, Aruvikuzhi and Sreenarayanapuram. DTPC secretary Jithesh Jose said that most tourists arriving at the locations were clicking selfies and photos in front of the photo frames. 'The frames have been set up in the most suitable locations in each tourism destination. Some of the photo frames are moveable,' said Mr. Jose. 'The project has been set up at ₹38 lakh,' said Mr. Jose. 'We hope the photo frames will attract more tourists to the destinations in the district,' said the official. Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas will inaugurate the photo frames in Idukki on Saturday (May 17). History of migration The Minister will also inaugurate the Kudiyetta Smarakam (settlement memorial) at Idukki Park near the Idukki arch dam in the district on Saturday. According to officials, the museum exhibits depict the history of migration to Idukki from different parts of the State. The museum is being set up by the Tourism department at ₹3 crore. Agitations by migrant farmers have also been portrayed in the museum.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Call for reopening ‘Take a Break' centre near Ekm boat jetty
Kochi: Demand for reopening District Tourism Promotion Council 's (DTPC) 'Take a Break' refreshment centre near Ernakulam Boat Jetty is getting louder. The facility, which has not been functional for many months, served hundreds of commuters daily. Its prolonged closure caused significant inconvenience to regular travellers. 'Take a Break' outlets across the state are roadside refreshment centres launched by tourism department. Besides the refreshment area, unisex resting areas, toilets and ATM counters are its features. Tourism department planned the outlets as rest areas at every two-hour driving distance on all highways and major tourism there were complaints that the counter at Boat Jetty wasn't meeting the purpose of a comfort centre as it was modified into a roadside restaurant.T N Prathapan of Janakeeya Anweshana Samithi wrote to the tourism director complaining against the outlet's closure. "DTPC invested Rs 48 lakh to construct the 'Take a Break,' which includes a toilet, ATM, and cafeteria. Since its opening, the building was not used effectively for its intended purpose, except for a large restaurant operating there. Tourism department's objective for building this facility remains unfulfilled, as it hasn't served travellers for resting or using the toilet. The sewage tank designed for this building fills up every two weeks, and the responsibility for emptying it regularly was a herculean task. An investigation should be conducted against those who planned, estimated and constructed this building, and an inquiry should be conducted into how long it has been operational," wrote Prathapan in the DTPC secretary Lijo Joseph said that the process to lease out the outlet to a new entrepreneur is ongoing, and it would be reopened soon. "There are some issues with the outlet's sewage tank, and it will be resolved soon," he said.
New Indian Express
03-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Going beyond Malayattoor pilgrimage: Time to boost Ernakulam's spiritual, nature tourism
Kerala's hills, plains, and beaches have long attracted both domestic and international visitors. However, pilgrimage tourism is a segment that has seen a notable upswing in recent years. Many well-known heritage pilgrimage destinations have experienced a consistent increase in the number of visitors. What makes these pilgrimage destinations particularly attractive to tourists is their inclusivity and add-on nearby attractions. One such destination in Ernakulam district is Malayattoor. According to legend, St Thomas came to Malayattoor in AD 52, and started is believed that Virgin Mary appeared before him here, when he knelt on a rock and prayed. Notably, Malayattoor is reportedly the first Christian pilgrim centre in India to be accorded international status by the Holy See, the official seat of the Vatican. Considering the lakhs who visit this Christian pilgrimage centre — also a trekker's paradise — the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) has proposed several initiatives aimed at offering visitors a memorable experience blending spirituality, history, and leisure. 'Malayattoor has a lot of potential as a spiritual tourism destination,' says a tourism department official. 'Every year during the Holy Week, towards the fag end of Lent, there is a surge in the number of visitors, both on pilgrimage and otherwise. This year also saw thousands arriving at Kurisumala. This can be tapped to boost the tourism prospects of the nearby destinations as well.' One of the DTPC's projects has recently come to fruition — a children's park near Manapattu Chira, also known as 'Nakshathra Thadakam (Star Lake)'. 'The park, which was opened recently, has been drawing a sizeable crowd of visitors. This in itself shows the potential that the place has beyond the annual pilgrimage,' the official highlights. 'The park project was sanctioned in 2015. But it took a long 10 years to complete. The park, built at a cost of Rs 65 lakh from the tourism department, is located at a beautiful spot. On one side, it has the hills of Malayattoor standing majestically, while on the other, the emerald waters of Manapattu Chira present a soothing sight. Boating activities have also commenced, making it ideal for picnics.' Nakshathra Thadakam, the official adds, is an important place in the lives of the people here. 'Every New Year, the residents here decorate the entire circumference of the lake with colourful stars – over 1,000 of them – and have a gala. It's a beautiful sight. Hence, the name Nakshathra Thadakam,' he says. 'How many people in the city know about this? Everyone knows about the Cochin Carnival. But how many know about the Malayattoor Carnival?' If the location is spruced up with a walkway by the lake, along with lights and benches akin to Kochi's Marine Drive, it would become a vibrant tourism hub, the official says. 'A fountain and eco-friendly boating could also be added attractions,' he adds. 'Such a development would also be beneficial for the local residents and businesses. There is land available for more infrastructural development, such as the construction of toilets, expansion of parking lots, a food court, and a small convention centre near the park.'
