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Time of India

Pachamalai gets ₹89 lakh facelift to boost tourism

Trichy: Pachamalai Hills, the only hill station in the central districts, has received a major infrastructure upgrade worth ₹89 lakh, with the Tamil Nadu forest department aiming to turn the once-overlooked destination into a key tourism draw to attract more tourists and benefit the local tribal community. District forest officer S Krithiga said the ₹89 lakh project under the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives (TANII) includes new facilities for accommodation, access, safety, and security. "We are expecting higher footfalls with the improvements made for visitors," she said. Two 'A-Frame Eco Huts' costing ₹51.11 lakh have been built at Top Sengattupatti, offering panoramic hill views. At Mangalam Falls, metal handrails and dressing rooms have been installed at a cost of ₹10 lakh, while Koraiyar Falls now has stone steps for 800 metres and a new bathing point for ₹16 lakh. The British Bungalow near Top Sengattupatti has been renovated for ₹11.9 lakh to provide luxury stays, and tree-top houses are set to be refurbished. Locals and frequent visitors have welcomed the upgrades. "Safety rails improve security, and dressing rooms give privacy to women," said Dr N Saravanan, principal of SMK Arts and Science College for Women, Thuraiyur. He also called for better drinking water, sanitation, and parking facilities to match standards in Ooty, Yercaud, and Kodaikanal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Pachamalai's villages, home to the indigenous 'Malayali' community, have so far seen little economic benefit from tourism. Trichy forest range officer R Saravanan said improved infrastructure could change that. "When footfalls rise, it will also help locals in their trades and small businesses," he said. 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. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !