The Hindu Business Line : Eco-tourism project for Chadayamangalam

Called the `Jadayu Para Development Project', the venture takes its name from a huge rock formation — Jadayu Para or Jadayu's rock — located within the project area. According to a local legend, the rock formation derives its name from its association with Jadayu, the giant bird that is a character in the Ramayana.

In keeping with the rock-strewn nature of the project zone, the plan is to develop it with `rock' as the main theme, said a senior tourism official. At the same time, Jadayu Para will also be an eco-friendly tourist destination, he added. The total investment in the project is expected to be Rs 2.5 crore.

The eco-tourism department will design a series of activities that highlight the natural features of the rock formation. Walkways that take visitors to the top of the rock and overnight stays in tents will be a part of this experience, said the official. Simultaneously, the eco-tourism department will develop Jadayu Para as a picnic spot. Jadayu Para is ideal for a day trip given that it is just 60 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the official added.

The eco-tourism department also plans to generate pilgrim interest in the project. Also on the cards is a proposal to develop a traditional rural marketplace within the Jadayu Para project area, said the official. The market will sell local produce such as organic food products, handicrafts and traditional kitchenware. The market, while attracting visitors, will also create opportunities for the local community to earn more money, he added.

As part of the Jadayu Para project, the department also proposes to develop the nearby Kottukal rock temple and Vattathil Thangal as satellite tourist destinations.

Meanwhile, the department is in the final stages of preparing a project to turn Konni in the State's Pathanamthitta district into an eco-tourism destination. This venture will focus on elephants and will be developed around the existing elephant training centre at Konni.

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