Responsible tourism project at Dharmadom

KANNUR: Environment-friendly and community-centric Responsible Tourism (RT) project was launched at Dharmadam in the district on Saturday, setting the stage to lure more tourists to the unspoilt rural stretches of the district.

Inaugurating the project and one-day workshop at Pinarayi Service Co-operative Bank Hall, District Panchayat president K. V. Sumesh urged the local bodies to take the initiative to implement projects to attract more tourists, which will bring benefits to the local community at the grassroots.

Pinarayi Village Panchayat president C. K. Geethamma presided over the function.

Geographically an island, surrounded by Anjarakandy River on three sides and the Arabian Sea towards the west, Dharmadam has a history stretching back to thousands of years.

Once known as Dharmapattanam, the area is believed to be a Buddhist centre in the past.

The islet has references in Jewish and Arab maritime trade records as well as the Portuguese, French and British documents of the colonial era.

Dharmadam and its surroundings are also famous for folk arts like Theyyam and a variety of crafts and traditional occupations, which offer a traditional flavour to the enjoyment of visitors.

State RT Mission coordinator K. Rupesh Kumar made a presentation on "Activities under Responsible Tourism in Kerala" at the workshop. Mission coordinator Biji Xavier led a class on 'online platforms' and Sibin P. Paul, district coordinator, briefed the participants on the activities in Kannur district.