Meghamalai hills, which form part of the vibrant Western Ghats in Theni district, will see more infrastructure development for the benefit of tourists and nature lovers.
About Rs 5 crore has been set apart for improving the facilities on a massive scale.
Apart from improving the surroundings through landscaping and illumination, it has been proposed to improve amenities for the visitors, provide walkways, plant saplings, provide street furniture, bus shelters, etc. Presently, the tourism authorities are in the process of formulating a detailed project report.
“The design and architecture would reflect the history and ethnicity of the destination and the infrastructure proposed will be of international standards,” an official said.
This centrally sponsored project has been taken up under the destination development scheme for the year 2012-13.
The cool climes of Meghamalai may lure tourists from far and near but the volume of tourists visiting is far less compared to the famous hill resorts like Ooty and Kodaikanal.
The present move to improve the infrastructure would go a long way in marketing this picturesque spot as ideal getaway and also as a honeymoon destination.
The cardamom plantations and teas estate dominate Meghamalai, which is rich in flora and fauna. Among the numerous attractions at Meghamalai are the waterfalls with a drop of 190 feet through twin falls almost all through the year.
If one is lucky, one could spot gaur, elephants and spotted deer. The hill also accounts for over 100 species of birds including the Great Indian Hornbill.