Thattathikkanam pine forest is now an ecotourism destination

Explore the newly converted Thattathikkanam Pine Garden Ecotourism project, a waste-free zone attracting tourists to Idukki's pine forest.

Thenine hectares of Pine Valley at Thattathikkanam, a reserve forest area, near Kuttikkanam, on the Kottarakara-Dindigul National Highway (NH) in Idukki has now been converted into anecotourism destination.

The Forest department has launched the Thattathikkanam Pine Garden Ecotourism project with an aim to attract tourists to the pine forest and also to ensure thatthe reserve forest area is maintained as a waste-free zone.Many people, while visiting the pine forest, tend to litter the place, say officials.

According to the department officials, the project is a joint initiative of the Kottayam Forest Division and the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) West Division. PTR West Division has set up a rest area, cafeteria, tourist information centre, and an eco-shop near the pine forest. PTR West Division deputy director S. Sandeep said that tourists will get different kinds of forest productsfrom the eco-shop.

Kottayam DFO N. Rajesh said that the nine-hectare pine forest is one of the major attractions on the NH. “Tourists on the way to Thekkady and Wagamon can easily visit this destination,” said Mr. Rajesh.

“The Forest department will soon begin jungle trails, tent camping, and selfie point facilities in the pine garden,” said the official. “Watchers are now deputed to ensure that the place is not littered,” he added.

The research wing of the Forest department in Peerumade had planted various types of pine trees at Thattathikkanam during the 1975-85 period. Officials said that Pinus oocarpa, Pinus kesiya, and Pinus radiata varieties were planted here.

Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran, on Tuesday, had inaugurated online the Thattathikkanam ecotourism project.