Kadalundi–Vallikunnu community reserve is now an ecotourism centre

Kadalundi–Vallikunnu community reserve
The ecotourism project was initiated as the community reserve, which includes a bird sanctuary and mangrove swamps, started receiving more visitors.

The Kerala Forest Department has declared the Kadalundi–Vallikunnu community reserve, the state’s first community reserve, as an ecotourism centre.

Tourism activities at the ecotourism centre have begun from April 1, 2018. The tourism project kicked off when basic amenities were arranged at the reserve which aims to safeguard the unique biodiversity in the area with public participation. By converting the reserve into an ecotourism centre, the authorities expects to see a significant increase in the income of the local people.

The ecotourism project was initiated as the community reserve, which includes a bird sanctuary and mangrove swamps, started receiving more visitors.

Fee and boat ride: The tourists are allowed in the community reserve from 7 am to 6 pm, with an entry fee of Rs 10. Visitors can also hire boats from near the reserve office to enjoy the mesmerising beauty of the Kadalundi-Vallikunnu estuary. The tourists can see nine different types of mangrove during the boat ride. The migratory birds would be a rare sight for the nature enthusiasts.

Watchers are appointed to assist the visitors at the community reserve. There are food stalls and home stays for the visitors to cherish. The Kozhikode Block Panchayat is building a watchtower at the reserve under the Jalayanam project. The District Tourism Promotion Councils (DTPC) and the panchayat are jointly planning few more tourism projects at the reserve as value additions.

Going truly green

The community reserve is a lofty ideal which emphasis on environmental protection with public participation. The reserve has 153.84 hectares of land which come under the Valikunnu and Kadalundi panchayats. At the community reserve, the natural resources within 200 meters from both the banks of the Kadalundi river, including various species of flora and fauna and also the traditional occupation and crafts of the local people too are protected. A vast scope for tourism development and environmental research has been opened at the Kadalundi community reserve with the new project. For booking and to know more about the centre ring up: 85476-02825.

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