KSEBOA - KSEB Officers' Association

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With hydel reservoirs of Kerala proving to be a big draw for tourists, the KSEB has decided to upscale its Hydel Tourism Project by introducing accommodation facilities at more sites, said a UNI report. Started about eight years ago in Munnar and Wayanad,Hydel Tourism has been attracting almost one million visitors every year, said Anil Kumar S, Centre Director, Kerala Hydel Tourism at Kochi recently. The investment for the Wayanad project is likely to be about Rs 135 crore while the cost for the Munnar project may be about Rs 50 crore.

Starting with Wayanad and Munnar in 2000, the Kerala Hydel Tourism Project now covers eight sites including the 'Sun Moon Valley' at Mattupetty, 'Trout Lagoon,' Kundala, Echo-Point and Hydel Park, Munnar, Kakkayam, Banasurasagar and Lower Meenmutty. While financing agencies are ready to fund the projects, the government has to take a policy decision on the operational aspects, informed Kumar, adding that work on the two projects will start within a year from now.

Having received inquiries and demand for accommodation facilities near Hydel Tourism sites, it was decided construct new buildings and also to upgrade the existing properties of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), such as inspection bungalows, for the stay of tourists. These constructions will be undertaken in Munnar and Wayanad and the Hydel Tourism Centre has already prepared master plans for putting up accommodation facilities at these two popular tourist spots.

A range of boating facilities, from pontoon boats to speed boats had proved to be a big draw for tourists from Maharashtra and Gujarat at these Hydel Tourism sites. "Tourists were comparing the tranquil waters of Kundala with the famous Dal Lake of Kashmir, so we introduced Kashmiri ‘shikkaras' to add to the experience. Also as an added bonus for tourists during the Christmas holidays, it had been decided to open the Idukki arch dam to visitors till January 5, 2008. There are plans to develop some more Hydel Tourism sites during the next year, including Anayirankal," Kumar S told UNI.

Source -TravelBizMonitor