The Tamil Nadu Tourism Department has introduced cycling in Yelagiri, 233 km away from Tamil Nadu. In a bid to promote eco-friendly tourism practices 22 bicycles have been procured for tourists at the hill station (Yelagiri), at the cost of Rs 20 lakh. The objective is to enable tourists to hire them and sightsee on their own. According to a report in Times of India, M Rajaram, Tourism Commissioner, Tamil Nadu said, “Cycle Tourism is not new to Tamil Nadu. It is available at four tourist spots in the state - in Mamallapuram, Yercaud, Kodaikanal and Hogehakal.” The project in Yelagiri has been introduced in association with TI Cycles on a revenue-sharing basis.
Furthermore, plans are afoot to introduce cycles in Ooty in a couple of weeks. However, as bicycles are available there, the tourism department is planning to work out a different strategy and provide attractive packages to encourage tourists to use bicycles. “The Nature Club in Yelagiri has also supported the Cycle Tourism initiative, which is also aimed at minimising pollution at tourist centres |