Palaruvi: The famed waterfall of Palaruvi has just become out of bounds for private vehicles. Don’t despair yet. The Palaruvi ecotourism management has hired two buses from the Thenmala ecotourism project to transport visitors right up to the waterfall in a bid to regulate traffic in the ecologically fragile area and to reduce pollution.
The changes will be effective when the waterfall is opened to the public on May 15. The waterfall, which was closed for the restoration of the ecosystem, is in full glory thanks to recent summer showers.
Private vehicles will be allowed to go only up to the ticket counter. Ticket rates are expected to go up. The authorities plan to charge Rs 40 from each visitor, including the bus ticket.
Two 35-seater buses have been hired to transport visitors. Buses will operate in accordance with the flow of visitors. The Palaruvi ecotourism project is required to pay the Thenmala ecotourism project Rs 50,000 per month by way of rent. The Palaruvi project also has to bear the drivers’ salary, fuel expense and pay for the maintenance of the buses.
The new system will do away with the ugly scene of congestion near the waterfall. A vast parking ground has been arranged near the entrance gate.
