Kozhikode: The Kozhikode District Administration is planning to convert adventure tourism spots in the district into a permanent destination that can be operated for the entire monsoon period of six months. Apart from the major adventure tourism destinations like Chalippuzha and Iruvnjippuzha in Thusharagiri and Kodenchri, other high range tourist spots like Chakkittappara would also come under the proposed adventure tourism circuit. The marketing team of the Tourism department will visit the place during the upcoming Malabar River Festival (MRF) and make a detailed report and documentation. The plan will also be actively discussed in the upcoming tourism seminar conducted by the district administration on July 9 to discuss the tourism potential of Kozhikode.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Kozhikode District Collector V Jose, who also held the post of Tourism Director, said that the administration was planning to scale up tourism activities in the area after the scheduled river festival. “We lack a permanent destination for adventure tourism in Kerala. Experts are of the opinion that Thusharagiri and nearby areas have a huge potential for adventure tourism where tourists can actively engage in activities for at least six months. As Kerala tourism is presently giving priority to adventure tourism, we need to make use of it by converting it to a permanent centre,” he said. The Collector added that experts were of the opinion that other centres like Kakkayam, Peruvannamoozhi, Chakkittappara etc could also be clubbed together to form a circuit in the proposed plan.
“Adventure tourism should be beneficial to the public and society. A four-day event like the Malabar River Fest is fine as a marketing tool, but to sustain the facility, a permanent setup is a must,” he added. The Collector recently visited Thusharagiri and Kodancheri in order to understand the situation and also held talks with other stakeholders. This year’s Malabar River Festival is scheduled to commence on July 20. The Tourism Minister will inaugurate the fest on July 21. Nearly 80 participants from 15 countries across the globe are participating this time. The fest is being conducted by the District administration in association with the Tourism department. Madras Fun Tools is the logistic partner.
