Categorical Information Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The white, sandy seashore at Adimalathura, situated near Kovalam, is ready to be added to the record of journey hotspots in Kerala. The tourism division has already initiated measures to preserve the pristine seashore, which provides a captivating view of the Arabian Sea.

The plan, sources say, is to rework Adimalathura and its fishing hamlet into a world tourism vacation spot. The venture — to be applied collectively by the tourism division, Accountable Tourism Mission and native our bodies — is predicted to value about `50 crore. 

The principle goal is to supply the advantages of sustainable tourism to the fishermen group and enhance the regional financial system, says a senior tourism division official.“Conventional fishing villages have big potential and vacationers would like to expertise the genuine village lifetime of fishermen,” the official provides. “The venture can be applied on a warfooting and the vacation spot can be launched formally forward of the tourism season subsequent yr.”

The tourism division, the truth is, has already initiated steps to kind accountable tourism items at Adimalathura. As per plan, vacationers can be provided a slew of experiences starting from conventional fishing strategies, seafood specialities, fish public sale and sale of value-added fish merchandise.

Officers of the Accountable Tourism Mission and the District Tourism Promotion Council have already carried out a examine on the probabilities. “It’s a spot the place recent seafood could be skilled; vacationers can savour distinctive native seafood cuisines,” says the tourism division official. “We wish to introduce meals souvenirs within the village — seafood souvenirs with distinctive recipes of the fishermen group right here.”

Homestays within the hamlet
As soon as the venture is thru, vacationers can be provided an amazing combo — hip tourism at Kovalam and village life at Adimalathura. “Adimalathura can be the primary fishing hamlet to be themed and fully devoted to tourism,” says the official. “The native physique has been given the accountability to establish group members for the venture. The detailed venture report (DPR) preparation is beneath method. As soon as accepted, the venture can be applied utilizing Kerala Infrastructure Funding Fund Board (KIIFB) funding.”

There are 150 to 200 fishermen homes within the village. Homestays can be right here, in order that vacationers can keep and expertise the tradition and heritage of the area. “All these can be performed with out disrupting the standard setting of the hamlet,” the official provides. Situated near Azhimala Temple — which shot to worldwide fame due to the 58ft-tall statue of Lord Shiva — Adimalathura seashore has already been seeing growing footfall. “The temple is a part of the worldwide tourism circuit, and the seashore lies subsequent to it,” the official says.

Conservation is precedence
As a part of the venture, the tourism division would give attention to conserving the Adimalathura seashore. “The boundaries of the seashore can be marked, and no building actions can be allowed within the space. Zones can be demarcated for buying and selling and different actions,” says the official. “Rampant encroachments have ruined Kovalam, and we don’t need that to occur at Adimalathura.”

Secure, safe nightlife
If issues go based on plan, the vacation spot would have some after-dark actions, too. “Photo voltaic lighting can be offered to gentle up the vacation spot. Nightlife is one factor lacking at our vacationer spots. We’d be giving a secure and safe surroundings for the vacationers visiting the village and the seashore,” the official provides. “Cultural programmes by the fishermen group can be one other spotlight. An evening stroll alongside the seashore and prolonged hours of tourism actions are additionally being deliberate.”

Kovalam to get facelift
Kerala Tourism is planning to rebrand Kovalam by scaling up the amenities and providing a wider vary of experiences to vacationers. Extra journey sports activities and accountable tourism components involving the local people can be added, say officers.