Beginning Wednesday the South Division of the Nilgiris Forest Department will operate special package tours to promote eco tourism in some of the scenic spots under its control.

Most of the hotels in the region reported good occupancy during the Pongal holidays this year

With thousands of tourists thronging this holiday destination, thanks to the Pongal holidays, was celebrated with considerable enthusiasm notwithstanding the abnormally warm weather (that is, by local standards) during the day and the bitter chill experienced after dusk. Tourists including a good number of foreigners flocked to scenic spots while the local people made a beeline to various temples.

‘No time-frame fixed for re-opening MTR’

A special tourism plan is in the process of being put in place for the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) near here, according to Field Director, MTR, Raguram Singh. He told The Hindu that it would be in tune with the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the conditions laid down by the Apex Court while lifting the ban on tourism in the core areas.