Trichy: Tourist spots across the Trichy district are witnessing a surge in visitors this summer, with improved facilities and recent rainfall drawing residents to local destinations instead of travelling to hill stations in the Western Ghats.
"People are visiting tourist spots in the district to beat the heat, spend time with family, and enjoy local getaways. Most major spots have recorded good footfalls over the past week following recent improvements," said Trichy tourism officer S M Sribalamurugan.
Puliyancholai Falls in the Kollimalai Hills has been attracting large numbers of visitors after recent rains improved the water flow. The tourism department is nearing completion of a Rs73 lakh project there, which includes a sanitation complex, footpaths with paver blocks, a playground, drinking water facilities, signboards, and electrical infrastructure. "The works are on the verge of completion and will be accessible to visitors this summer," Sribalamurugan said.
In the Pachamalai Hills, Mangalam Falls and Koraiyar Falls have also started receiving visitors after recent rainfall improved water availability. The tourism department added bathing areas, paver block pathways, and safety features such as handrails at a cost of Rs26 lakh last year. According to the forest department, tourists are allowed to access the falls only when there is a steady flow of water. Pachamalai Hills received 5.1cm of rainfall on June 5.
Accommodation facilities in the hills, including A-Frame Eco Huts, the British Bungalow, Family Cottage, and Tree Tops, are also open to visitors. The facilities were renovated at a cost of around Rs63 lakh last year. "The climate is favourable for tourist visits, and the accommodations are available for check-in," said Thuraiyur range officer R Saravanan.
The Tropical Butterfly Conservatory in Srirangam, popularly known as the Butterfly Park, has also seen a sharp rise in footfall over the past two months. The park houses 131 butterfly species, 119 bird species, and 450 plant species. The forest department upgraded attractions such as the amphitheatre, caterpillar tunnels, artificial islands, and plantations at a cost of Rs1 crore last year. The park recorded 16,586 visitors in March and 17,894 in April. "Footfalls range between 500 and 600 on weekdays and around 1,000 on weekends. The renovated attractions have boosted visits," said range officer M Jananie.
With schools closed for summer holidays and visitor numbers increasing, district forest officer S Krithiga announced that the park would remain open on all days instead of six days a week. On Thursday, Krithiga flagged off cycle rides for children and adults at the park. "Cycling Ride has been introduced to improve accessibility, navigation, and sightseeing within the park," she said.
Tourist footfalls have also increased at the Birds Park near Kambarasampettai, inaugurated last year, and at the Mukkombu picnic spot, where a theme park is planned under a public-private partnership model.
