Munnar-Bodimettu stretch emerging as a major road tourism destination in Idukki
The Hindu
Idukki's Munnar-Bodimettu NH stretch is a popular road tourism destination, with tea plantations, hairpin bends, misty climate, and Anayirankal dam catchment area. NHAI and DTPC are taking steps to arrange tourist amenities, including a toilet complex and parking facilities. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will inaugurate the stretch on Nov 6.
The 42-km-long Munnar-Bodimettu stretch of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway (NH) in Munnar has emerged as one of the major ‘road tourism’ destinations in Idukki. The stretch is officially scheduled to be inaugurated on November 6.
According to officials of the Tourism department, hundreds of tourists are taking the picturesque route to behold the sight of tea plantations dotting the landscape, relish the excitement of navigating numerous hairpin bends, and enjoy the misty weather. The catchment area of the Anayirankal dam serves as an additional attraction.
The Gap Road stretch of the Munnar-Bodimettu NH gained popularity after a wild tusker, locally known as Arikompan, was translocated from Chinnakkanal, near Munnar, to the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Thekkady. The images and videos of the vehicle carrying the tusker were widely shared on social media.
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) assistant executive engineer Rex Felix said that the NHAI can provide for tourist amenities, including a toilet complex and parking facilities, along the highway. “If tourism promoters, including the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), submit a written request, we can take steps to arrange the facilities. The State government too can arrange such facilities,” Mr. Felix said.
Dean Kuriakose, MP, said a letter will be submitted to the NHAI to arrange tourism facilities along the NH. “The proposal has already been discussed with NHAI officials. They will take further steps,” said Mr. Kuriakose.
Idukki DTPC secretary Jitheesh Jose said that the Periyakanal-Poopara stretch of the NH has emerged as one of the major road tourism destinations in the district.
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