Kovai-Ooty chopper service, cable car in Nilgiris on cards

Kotagiri: The Tamil Nadu Tourism minister Mr Vellamandi N.Natarajan, said that government would explore the possibility of a helicopter service between Ooty and Coimbatore and a cable car facility in the Nilgiris to boost tourism. He said the focus will be on promoting heritage tourism and eco-tourism.

Mr. Natarajan, who inaugurated the 'Annual Vegetable Show' as well as the summer festival at Nehru Park here in Kotagiri on Saturday, told the media later that Tamil Nadu was now at the forefront in tourism development and was attracting tourists in large numbers.

When asked if there was any special tourism development schemes intended for the Nilgiris, he said that the tourism department has been allotting funds for infrastructure development at tourist spots to provide better facilities, including road, parking, water and toilets. If the Nilgiris district administration asks for any special schemes for tourism promotion, it would be considered, he added.

On the long pending demand for introduction of a commercial chopper service between Ooty and Coimbatore to provide an air-link for tourists and promote chopper-based tourism in the hills, he said this along with cable car facility would be discussed with the Chief Minister.

Annual show: A veggies marvel at Kotagiri

Vegetable art and structures made and carved out of vegetables and fascinating display of different varieties of vegetables turned out be a big draw as the two-day 'Annual Vegetable Show', 9th edition this summer, got underway at the Nehru park here in Kotagiri. The show set the tone for the horticulture related summer shows that would be weekend attractions in the month of May.