Athirappilly, Peechi may get ropeway

THRISSUR: Athirappilly and Peechi, two major tourism hotspots in Thrissur district, hope to scale new heights by introducing ropeways. Ollur MLA, M.P.Vincent said, “We are confident that the cable car ropeway project will soon be operational”. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) had plans to set up pedal boating facility in Peechi dam reservoir and a suspension bridge across the Manali River, drownstream of the pillway and a tourist facilitation centre comprising a restaurant and conference hall. The ropeway would connect a distance of about 600 metres, he said.

Estimated at a cost of Rs 20 cr, the project took shape after the DTPC submitted a proposal to the State Government. The cable car ropeway and pedal boating will be established under BOT scheme. Peechi Udyan, the park and botanical garden below the dam, was developed in 1960s.
Located around 22 km away from Thrissur town, the watch tower near the reservoir and provides a bird’s eye view of the dam.

Meanwhile, another ropeway, with 10 cabins, to ferry about 160 tourists per hour across the Athirappilly waterfalls will be launched soon. According to Chalakkudy MLA B.D.Devassy, in an effort to boost tourism in Athirappilly, the DTPC is planning to construct the ropeway across the world famous waterfalls. The project, which will be the first of its kind across a waterfall in the country, will also boost tourism to other destinations in the State, he held.