Need for adventure tourism to boost footfall in this coffee town

Normally tourists make a beeline to Ooty, Kodaikanal and Yercaud hills in Tamil Nadu to spend vacations, while Valparai unfortunately remains a sole exception. It has been a long time demand of people in Valparai for a botanical garden and boat house in line with those in Ooty. Setting up of such tourist spots is expected to provide alternative livelihood options for people, who were now dependent, solely on the ailing tea industry for survival.

 Hopes bloomed when the foundation stone for both these projects were laid a few months ago by Minister for Local Administration Minister SP Velumani. “However, the projects remain a non-starter for reasons unknown. These new attractions, if materialised may bring more tourists, generate employment opportunities and eventually lead to a sustained economy in Valparai,” said A Sudhakar, a former DMK councillor from Valparai.

Though similarity underlies in their landscape and tea estates, Ooty in The Nilgiris and Valparai in Coimbatore presents contrasting pictures.  The charm of Ooty has gone for a loss seemingly due to unregulated tourism, while Valparai continues to hold its pristine glory as vehicle pollution is less and vacationing can be cost effective. “The need of the hour is to promote eco-tourism, and introduce adventure sports to attract and keep tourists visiting Valparai engaged. 

The forest department could even organize canopy walks and trekking. Also the tourists should be given more awareness on do’s and don’ts, instead of harassing them with fines and also allow private estates to carry out tourism activities,” said MG Shaji, secretary of Valparai Merchants Association and director of Green Hill Hotel.

Lack of basic amenities, battered roads and poor infrastructure has also resulted in tourists shying away from visiting Valparai. “Even the access road to ‘Chinna Kallar’ remains un-motorable. Also escalating man animal conflict is keeping tourists away from the hills. Tourism sector remains untapped in Valparai,” he added.

There are around 300 home stays and cottages in Valparai. “For most part of the year, these cottages remain empty without visitors, except during the peak season in April and May,” said R Manikandan, a cottage owner in Valparai.