Minister announces plans to explore possibilities of developing Kovai Courtallam into adventure tourism spot
The Hindu
Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister plans to develop Kovai Courtallam waterfalls into adventure tourism destination, addressing visitor demands and safety measures.
Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister R. Rajendran announced plans to explore the potential of developing Kovai Courtallam waterfalls in Coimbatore into an adventure tourism destination. The announcement was made during his visit to the district on Monday.
Kovai Courtallam, a major tourist attraction, is set to receive upgrades to basic amenities, including toilets, changing rooms, drinking water, and parking facilities. “These improvements will address long-standing demands from visitors,” the Minister said. Inspections were conducted from the Chadivayal forest check post to the bathing area to identify the required developments.
The Minister also inspected Vellingiri Hills in Poondi to evaluate safety measures and essential arrangements for tourists and devotees during the pilgrimage season from February to May.
The Minister visited eco-tourism centres at Baralikadu and Poochamarathur Karamadai forest range, gathering details about existing boat rides and eco-tourism activities. He said the Tourism Department would review proposals and estimates for future development projects in these areas. A key focus of the Minister’s visit was assessing the needs of tribal communities in these regions and exploring ways to enhance their livelihoods through tourism initiatives.
Earlier in the day, the Minister inspected the Tamil Nadu Hotel in Coimbatore city. He directed officials to ensure proper maintenance of the facility and inspected the quality of food prepared.

Andhra Pradesh HRD Minister promises an alternative to G.O. 117 and steps to boost admissions in government schools. A total of 10,49,596 students from Classes 1 to 10 moved away from the government schools due to the G.O. issued by the YSRCP dispensation, he informs the Legislative Council. Objecting to a member’s remark on ‘saffronisation in education’, he says the coalition government wants the students to excel, irrespective of caste, religion or region.

The Puducherry government has decided to launch a scheme on April 14, 2025, to distribute free 20-litre water cans to households in places in the Union Territory (UT) where the quality of drinking water has deteriorated, Minister for Public Works K. Lakshminarayanan informed the Assembly on Wednesday (March 19, 2025).