Heading to Kerala for camping, backwaters? Think Tiruvallur

CHENNAI: You don't have to travel to Kerala to camp by the backwaters, or travel into its rural districts to learn about agriculture. All this is available within an hour's drive fronm the city in neighboring Tiruvallur district.
The district administration is trying to ramp up its tourism potential by tapping into its resources. The tourism department recently issued three licences - one for a camping operator in Pulicat and two others to operate bed and breakfast facilities in Uthukottai and Kolapakkam respectively.
The camping facility is a first-of-its-kind that's been established in Karungali village a few kilometres off Pulicat.The facility 21 Miles campsite is located at the confluence of Buckingham Canal and the Kosasthalayar.
Richard Harris, proprietor of the facility, said, "I have got this licence under the eco-tourism category. This is a no-smoking, no alcohol zone. It has space for setting up six tents and people can enjoy bird watching, hiking or just spend time near the backwaters."
There are options for those who prefer to learn the ropes of farming too. The tourism department has granted a licence to operate a bread-and-breakfast facility near a farm in Uthukottai.
Known as Inspace Farm, it has six rooms and is available on a daily rent of 1,000. It has been set up under the concept of agri-tourism. "We have one day and two day programmes where people can come and try their hand in farming. We are growing all kinds of vegetables and some fruits here. Its no-smoking and no-alcohol facility. Our primary targets are schools, colleges and families," said K Prabhakaran its owner. Another bed-and-breakfast facility licence has been provided to an operator in Kolapakkam near Porur. Known as FriendlyStay, the homestay provides rooms for guests from 1,000 to 2,000.
"Foreigners interested in sight-seeing can stay here till their flights are scheduled. We have a licence from Tamil Nadu tourism department," said Devalatha and Sam, who run the facility.
Alby John, Tiruvallur collector, said, "We are developing Tiruvallur's tourism potential. Locals will not have to go to Chennai to spend quality time with families. Everything is available here."