Adventure tourism centre coming up at Wayanad's Cheengeri Mala

Adventure tourism centre coming up at Wayanad's Cheengeri Mala
Construction works of a multi-purpose hall, cafeteria, kitchen, ticket counter, cabin for security personnel, and parking area are progressing at Cheengeri Mala.

Though Wayanad in Kerala is blessed with several touristic places, there are not enough spots to go trekking. However, that is all set to change.

A project to set up an adventure tourism centre at Cheengeri Mala (or mountain) near Ambalavayal is under way.

Several people already make a beeline to the mountain after getting to know about the place through hearsay.

Though it is not exactly an adventurous trek, Cheengeri Mala would attract anyone who loves to conquer heights. This mountain takes you on a steep climb that offers surprise turns and slopes. Once on top of the mountain, you can enjoy the scenic sights of Karapuzha reservoir and the nearby areas. An overhead rock, that would remind you of an umbrella, adds to the beauty of the place.

New possibilities

In the first phase, around Rs 1.04 crore has been shelled out to improve the facilities at the valley of the mountain. Construction works of a multi-purpose hall, cafeteria, kitchen, ticket counter, cabin for security personnel, and parking area are progressing.

Once these are completed, it would open up new possibilities for adventure tourism in the district. Around 50 per cent of the project has been completed.

"The works should be completed by October last. And we hope to open the place for tourists by then," said District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) secretary B Anand.

A long-cherished dream to turn into reality

Earlier too, projects were envisaged to develop Cheengeri Mala to a major tourism spot. A Rs 7.5-crore project was mooted for the same spot.

Though the works were started, the project did not make much headway.

It was a huge project that even included a ropeway. The concrete pillars installed then can be still seen.

Kaduvakuzhi is another spot close to the Cheengeri Mala which also is frequented by several tourists. However, that spot has also not seen much development projects. Barring a few sign boards, the DTPC has allegedly not done anything to improve the tourism prospects in the area.

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