Customised circuits planned to boost tourism potential of Kozhikode

Kozhikode Corporation plans to develop tourism circuits, including waterways, recreational zones, and themed packages, to boost tourism potential.

The Kozhikode Corporation, with the support of the Department of Tourism, is planning to develop customised circuits to make better use of the tourism potential of the city.

Deputy Mayor C.P. Musafar Ahamed said in the recent Budget presentation that Conolly Canal would be part of the tourism circuits. Projects are being planned to improve water transportation and establish recreational zones along its banks.

A waterway will be constructed from Elathur to Kadalundi, connecting various rivers and canals. Circuit stations will be set up at Beypore, Kothi, Kallai, Sarovaram Biopark, Elathur, and Korapuzha, where water taxi services will be available.

A special sustainable tourism zone will be set up near Elathur, showcasing its backwaters. The development of the Kaippurathupalam area near Eranhikkal, which has a rich mangrove ecosystem, is a major project set to be implemented soon. A walkway with street lights will be constructed on the western side of Conolly Canal at Kaippurathupalam. Efforts will be made to promote pisciculture in the waterbody, while houseboats and floating restaurants are expected to attract more tourists to the area. The waterways will connect Puthiya Nirath jetty, Purakkattiri, and Korapuzha through Eranhikkal.

The plan is to set up circuits based on themes such as culture, environment, education, health (including Kalari and Marma treatments), business, and sports.

Special packages have been announced for tourism projects at Mananchira. The first step is the cleaning of the Chira (pond) and the beautification of the area. A special ‘protection group,’ modelled on the Haritha Karma Sena, will be set up for the daily maintenance of Mananchira. The Ansari Park at Mananchira Square will be renovated at a cost of ₹1 crore, while the music and light fountain there, which has been inactive for decades, will be refurbished. Besides, a new fountain will be installed at Kuttichira at a cost of ₹4.1 crore.

Walking streets will be established across the city as part of a joint project with the District Tourism Promotion Council to transform Kozhikode into a walkable city. ‘Green and blue networks’ will be created for the convenience of pedestrians and cyclists, respectively.