Accordingly, massive projects have been evolved to develop the Kolli Hills, which promises a sequestered haven for nature lovers, at an outlay of Rs 6 crore.
The officials hope to develop the spot as a leisure destination and also as health resort.
“There is tremendous scope for promoting Kolli Hills as a health resort.
Unlike the recreational hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal, Kolli Hills is a rich repository of medicinal plants,” a senior tourism official said and added, “though it was still very nascent for the government to establish a health spa, the department is determined to promote this lesser known spot.” Pointing out that a catch phrase to market this scenic spot would soon be evolved, the official told this newspaper that initially Rs 1 crore has been earmarked to establish infrastructure facilities especially park, parking lot, lighting, drinking water facilities, etc.
Further, the Centre had in principle agreed to provide Rs 5 crore for creating additional infrastructure. Once this sum is obtained and the works completed, Kolli Hills would witness a surge of tourism activities.
Besides promoting it as an important tourist destination in the state, the officials anticipate to develop Kolli Hills as a destination for adventure sports.
Hills has numerous attractions including the shimmering Akash Ganga falls, trek routes, nature trails and the renowned Sri Arapaleeshwarar temple and over 70 hairpin bends.