Kerala to promote eco-tourism in Arippa forests

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala government plans to introduce more facilities for tourists at the scenic Arippa forests in the Western Ghats where travellers get a glimpse of wildlife and a unique ecosystem.

A Rs 42 lakh development programme had been chalked out for the tourist destination along the Senkottah highway for the benefit of travellers, a Kerala Forests Development Corporation (KFDC) release here said.

The development plan aims at providing better accommodation facilities at the spot, which would also be useful for travellers to nearby Thenmala and Mankayam waterfalls.

The existing guest house of the corporation at Arippa would be renovated by constructing more rooms. Night camping tents would also be set up, the release stated.

Members of the local Kani tribe would be selected as guides to help tourists explore the woods in specific locations. Besides Arippa, KFDC hoped to attract more tourists to Thenmala and Mankayam with the introduction of new facilities, which would be launched by this year-end, the release said.