Thrissur: Vilangan Kunnu, which is one of city's favourite hangout spot, has undergone an impressive facelift. Fun rides for the kids and other facilities that are differently-abled friendly are ready to be opened for public.
More than 13 exciting rides including pedal boat pool and wagon wheel are awaiting kids. A renovation package of Rs 2 crore was executed at Vilangan by the District Tourism Promotion Council.
The DTPC estimates that more than 1500 visitors would reach Vilangan on Sundays and other holidays. The trial run of the modern park was successfully held recently. The DTPC will conduct the official inauguration function as soon as tourism minister alots time.
16D theatre
The 16D theatre is one of the most interesting attractions in the renovated park. It has seats that revolve in 180 degrees. It would be a unique experience for the viewers as they can enjoy the waterfalls, snow, and even the fragrances, sitting on their seats.
A Horror House that hides some 'scary' and thrilling secrets, too, would be interesting. The rides in the park are suitable for kids up to 7 years. The tickets charges are Rs 30, Rs 50, and Rs 100.
Balloon park
A ferris wheel called the wagon wheel is the latest addition to the park. The pedal boat pool where kids up to 4 years can enjoy boating in safe conditions is sure to be a major attraction. Dancing cars that are commonly seen in amusement parks will also be introduced.
Ramp walkway
The 800-meters walkway that is lined with beautiful tress on both the sides is wheelchair friendly as well. The ramps that are built as part of the walkway enable wheelchairs users and people with disabilities to use it quite effortlessly. The bathrooms are built with international standards. These are equipped with wide doors and hand rails so that differently abled people can use them. The height of the wash basins, too, are arranged in a similar manner.
View point
Four view points from where the stunning beauty of Thrissur city can be enjoyed are arranged at various spots in Vilangan Kunnu. An eatery with all the facilities would be opened soon. Solar powered LED lamps illuminate Vilangan Kunnu at night.
Meanwhile, the authorities plan to transform Vilangan into a major cultural centre as well, where traditional art forms will be performed in the evening, on holidays. An amphi theatre that was in ruins has been renovated for this purpose. Rides on the miniature double-decker buses may be introduced in the future.
Ticket counter
The newly constructed ticket counter is arranged at the entrance to Kunnu. Meanwhile, the old counter would be handed over to the police department to open an aid post there. Permission has been sought to install CCTV cameras at the counter.
As there are lands of private ownership beyond the old ticket counter, there were often disputes whether these people should purchase ticket to enter their plots. The authorities hope to solve it by moving the ticket counter further up.
Plastic-free
The Vilangan Kunnu area is a plastic free zone. The visitors wouldn't be allowed to carry plastic water bottles inside the park. The plastic bottles that are tagged and kept at the counters would be returned to the owners. The shops and kiosks inside the park too cannot sell any food items that have plastic packaging. This is to stop dumping plastic covers and bottles in huge amount under the trees in the park.
