IDUKKI: The state’s first Caravan Park has been opened for tourists at Vagamon.
The park named ‘Karavan Meadows’ was developed by Adrak Hotels and Resorts and managed by Citrine Hospitality Ventures. Tourism minister P A Muhammed Riyas inaugurated the park on Friday.
Riyas said that 353 caravans would be introduced and 120 caravan parks will be set up in the state. The newly-developed park is situated at Nallathanni near Vagamon.
“Many individuals have expressed their interests in setting up caravan parks and we have already received applications to introduce 353 caravans and to set up 120 caravan parks. The government has announced a subsidy for the project and it attracted more private investors,” said the minister.
Citrine Hospitality director Prasad Manjaly said that they have already set up two caravans at their park at Vagamon.
“The first caravan has already started functioning and the other one will be reached soon. In each caravan, four people can stay and the charge is fixed for Rs 25,000 per night,” he said.
“We will provide sightseeing and luxury food for tourists. Each caravan costs Rs 60 lakh and the tourism department will provide Rs 7 lakh as subsidy. We have already received many inquiries after announcing the project,” said Manjaly.
According to officials, a caravan, typically air-conditioned, has all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay such as sofa-cum-bed, TV, kitchenette with fridge and microwave oven, induction heater, cupboards, generator, dining table, toilet cubicle internet connectivity etc, said the official.
The tourism minister also said that the concept of caravan tourism was introduced after the successful launch of houseboat tourism in the state.
Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose said that measures should be taken to boost the tourism sector in the district as it was worst affected due to the pandemic.
Idukki district tourism promotion council (DTPC) secretary Jitheesh Jose said that that the first caravan park was set up in the district with a record time.
