Hogenakkal Falls reopens for tourists on World Tourism Day

The district administration lifted the ban on World Tourism Day after a sharp dip in COVID-19 infections. Tourists enjoyed coracle rides by following safety precautions. However, the public will be allowed to take bath in the falls massage services only from October 1. 

On the first day, there were just a minimal number of tourists and mostly the local public visited the falls. Tourists from across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states are expected to come in the coming days. 

Pennagaram PMK MLA GK Mani visited Hogenakkal and heard the grievances of oarsmen, cooks and other workers dependent on the tourist spot for their livelihood. Speaking to reporters, Mani said that he will urge the government to set up artificial falls so that tourists do not return disappointed when the water flow is low in the natural falls. 

Meanwhile, in Kodaikanal, the World Tourism Day was celebrated amid pleasant weather with tourists getting access to all recreation spots after months. 

Kodaikanal Assistant Tourism Officer M Anandan said owing to COVID restrictions, the Tourism Department has kept the celebration low key this time. A programme on tourism for inclusive growth was organised in association with the Department of Management Studies at Mother Teresa Women’s University in Kodaikanal with the participation of students and stakeholders of the tourism industry. Normally, foreign tourists would have a considerable role in the celebration, but owing to COVID restrictions in 2020 and 2021, they could not make it. With a few smart strategies, the Department is promoting domestic tourism for the economy to prosper, Anandan told DT Next.