‘Kaiolam-2025’ fest to showcase tourism potential of Kaippurathupalam

Experience eco-tourism at Kaippurathupalam lake with boat races, vintage cars, and more at 'Kaiolam-2025' festival in Kozhikode.

Showcasing the eco-tourism potential of Kaippurathupalam lake and the surrounding mangrove forests, a 10-day tourism festival, ‘Kaiolam-2025’, will begin at Kaippurathupalam near Eranhikkal in Kozhikode city on Friday. Minister for Public Works and Tourism P.A. Mohamed Riyas will officially open the celebrations, organised with the support of about 50 residents’ associations, on January 12.

The highlights of this year’s event will be a country boat race, mud driving competition, vintage car expo, forest walk, village market and floating restaurant. Stage shows by professional artistes, pet shows and amusement rides for children will be other attractions of the mega event along the Canolly canal.

According to organisers, ‘Kaiolam-2025” is the efforts of about 50 residents’ associations to highlight the importance of the scenic location before the domestic tourists and make it an easily accessible and affordable water-tourism destination. The fest is also expected to draw the attention of the district administration and the tourism authorities for the development of basic tourism amenities at the spot, they add.

For several years, the residents’ forums in the area have been fighting against the thoughtless waste dumping and anti-social activities in the eco-tourism area. Many of them have been part of night patrol along the canal service road to the tourism spot to protect it from plastic waste dumping. With their support, several suspects had been caught red-handed and imposed fine.

The conservation of mangrove forests in the area, which is now a sanctuary for many rare migratory and water birds, is also one of the prime goals of the fest. Installation of closed-circuit television cameras in vulnerable locations to keep an eye on anti-social elements is a major demand.

V. Udyayakumar, general convener of the fest, says this eco-tourism spot is suitable for many nature-friendly and creative tourism initiatives like floating restaurants, pedal boating service through mangrove forests and village food counters. “This can be developed as a safe angling spot. The floating restaurant which we have set up this time in the middle of the pond is one of the creative ideas as people can access it using country boats,” he points out.

The organising committee has decided to submit their list of innovative ideas and demands to the Ministry of Tourism for the further development of the spot. The expected cost of this year’s fest is Rs.40 lakh, which will be mobilised through public contributions and sponsorship. Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran will open the valedictory celebrations on January 19, they said.