The Nilgiris : Way back in 2011, the Tourism Department along with the Forest Department transformed Cairn Hill, the lesser known eco-sensitive tourist spot in the Nilgiris, into an eco-tourism centre, at a cost of Rs. 81.20 lakhs.
The Nilgiris : Way back in 2011, the Tourism Department along with the Forest Department transformed Cairn Hill, the lesser known eco-sensitive tourist spot in the Nilgiris, into an eco-tourism centre, at a cost of Rs. 81.20 lakhs.
Located just beyond Fern Hill on the Ooty-Avalanche Road, the Cairn Hill sprawls about 160 hectares. Nestled among dense cypress trees and other exotic trees, the place is less frequented by tourists. Sadly, the beautification done jointly by both the forest and tourism departments were not maintained from 2011. The serene landscape at Cairn Hill wears a deserted look with name boards and animal moulds in a dilapidated state. Even the educational facility and the Interpretation Centre at Cairn Hill have become obsolete. Even the bamboo “hanging bridge” that used to attract children earlier has been completely damaged due to lack of proper maintenance.
In a bid to rejuvenate the tourist spot back to its pristine charm and glory and draw more tourist attention, the Forest and Tourist Departments have again planned to rejuvenate Cairn Hill by placing animal and bird moulds that are indigenous to the Nilgiris and erecting appropriate name boards. “During the renovation process, the bamboo bridge is expected to be removed and a newer, stronger hanging bridge will be built there,” revealed a forest official.
With the summer season fast approaching, lakhs of tourists are as usual expected to congregate at Nilgiris to enjoy the salubrious climate. Hence, the Forest Department is all geared up to refurbish the lost charm of eco-tourism in Cairn Hills and restore its beauty. Plans are afoot to add posters of the Toda and Irula tribes, detailing their way of living and their history. Earlier, the place was maintained by the Toda self-help group, but Cairn hills is now under the umbrella of the southern division of the Nilgiris Forest Range.
Located just beyond Fern Hill on the Ooty-Avalanche Road, the Cairn Hill sprawls about 160 hectares. Nestled among dense cypress trees and other exotic trees, the place is less frequented by tourists. Sadly, the beautification done jointly by both the forest and tourism departments were not maintained from 2011. The serene landscape at Cairn Hill wears a deserted look with name boards and animal moulds in a dilapidated state. Even the educational facility and the Interpretation Centre at Cairn Hill have become obsolete. Even the bamboo “hanging bridge” that used to attract children earlier has been completely damaged due to lack of proper maintenance.
In a bid to rejuvenate the tourist spot back to its pristine charm and glory and draw more tourist attention, the Forest and Tourist Departments have again planned to rejuvenate Cairn Hill by placing animal and bird moulds that are indigenous to the Nilgiris and erecting appropriate name boards. “During the renovation process, the bamboo bridge is expected to be removed and a newer, stronger hanging bridge will be built there,” revealed a forest official.
With the summer season fast approaching, lakhs of tourists are as usual expected to congregate at Nilgiris to enjoy the salubrious climate. Hence, the Forest Department is all geared up to refurbish the lost charm of eco-tourism in Cairn Hills and restore its beauty. Plans are afoot to add posters of the Toda and Irula tribes, detailing their way of living and their history. Earlier, the place was maintained by the Toda self-help group, but Cairn hills is now under the umbrella of the southern division of the Nilgiris Forest Range.