As shutdown rule got eased, Kodaikanal is finally seeing a ray of hope

Monday, July 5, 2021

On Sunday, A. Robin, a tourist guide in the hill station, have explained that Bryant Park, Chettiar Park, Coakers Walk and Kurunji Andavar temple under the Municipality limits have opened their gates for the visitors. He said that though the key attractions like Pillar Rock, Pine Forest, Moir Point, Berijam and Guna Caves, which is controlled by the Forest Department, would remain closed until further notice, noting that almost 80 per cent of the tourists came to enjoy forest-based excursions.

To quote A. Robin, “Now that the peak season has ended without any tourist footfall due to the lockdown, we are now looking forward to this second season. If schools and colleges continue to remain closed, the turnout will be high in coming days.”

There the operators have started welcoming enquiries about the status of Kodaikanal, it’s a positive sign, Robin said. He sounded quite upbeat that the weather was enjoyable and conducive for tours, thanks to the sporadic rains.

S Abdul Kani Raja, secretary, Kodaikanal Hotel and Resort Owners’ Association, stated that they would have to hang around and see when some of the hotspots reopen from Monday. Even though enquiries are pouring in from tourists, this did not resulted in rise in room bookings, he said.

Ramesh, a cab operator, said tourists started coming to Kodaikanal on their own vehicles and were staying at guesthouses. But boat clubs run by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation are yet to become operational. The turnout would improve only when all sightseeing points are opened, he said.

« Back to Page