Tourism department to expand 'Onam at villages' project

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state tourism department is planning to expand the project 'Naattinpurangalil Onam Unnam, Onasammanam Vangam' under Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission this Onam.

Piloted at tourist hotspots like Wayanad, Kovalam, Kumarakom, Vaikom and Bakel last year, the project aims to welcome tourists to village households to take part in the Onam festivities and savour Onasadya. The package deals, in turn, help the rural families generate good income in return for the good experience they provide to their guests.

"This time, we expect a significant increase in the number of guests who would visit our villages to enjoy Onasadya," said tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran in a statement issued here on Friday.

Last year, the villages welcomed a total of 563 guests, including 151 foreigners. The total income generated comes around Rs 7.27 lakh. Village tours are the highlight of the programme, which can be enjoyed by a family of four (including two children below 12 years). The package (starting rate Rs 3,000) includes Onasadya, Onakkodi and special delicacies.

The tours will be facilitated at Balaramapuram and Madavoorpara in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kunhimangalam (Kannur), Maravanthuruthu and Chembu (Vaikom taluk), Manchira, Varambinakam, Aymanam and Thiruvarpu (all near Kumarakom), Bakel (Kasaragod), Olavanna and Kadalundi (Kozhikode), Chekadi, Cheruvayal and Nellarachal (Wayanad) villages.

Interested homestays can also register for the programme till August 10 by sending a mail to rt@keralatourism.org.