Malamel: What are the tourism options?

Malamel: Despite infinite possibilities for tourism development, no attempt has been made to exploit them. If adventure tourism – eco tourism - pilgrimage tourism projects are devised linking these rocks, tourists are bound to flow towards here. Even now tourists arrive here in the hundreds. The hillocks at Malamel are a treasure trove of medicinal herbs. Apart from sandal and lemon grass, other plants medicinal plants and herbs grow here. These are not documented or preserved. The idea of building a ropeway connecting the rocks was proposed earlier. However, that proposal still remains on paper. Many projects like look out points in Ambalapara and Nadukanipara and a park and auditorium in the ground at Ambalapara were announced those do not get mention now. [A trek to Malamel](http://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/getting-around-kerala/malamel-hills-kollam-destination-nadukanipara-ayiravallippara-arakkal-village.html "Malamel")  The only consolation is that Malamel has earned a place in DTPC’s conducted tour package. Since 2008 DTPC had devised a special project to set up basic amenities for tourists there. DTPC had prepared projects worth Rs 15 lakhs for installing handrails in the rocks, opening information – facilitation centers, constructing pay and use toilets, opening a restaurant and building a pathway from Malamel temple to Nadukanipara. No one seems to be exploring the tourism potential of this hills which could be a trekkers paradise if developed properly.