Pochampally looking to secure more tourists

The Indian village of Pochampally is looking to transform itself into a tourist hub.

Expansion will centre on the village's sari making industry and will see the construction of basic tourist facilities.

Commenting on the R2.5 crore (£28,882) project, tourism director Sabyasachi Ghosh told the newindpress website that it was geared towards creating "minimum [tourist] facilities" at Pochampally.

Some of the new additions to the village that can be enjoyed by people who fly to India include a restaurant, guesthouse and amphitheatre, where local arts and crafts will be displayed, along with demonstrations of local folklore.

A second phase of development will also see the local lake receive attention as new lighting will be installed to improve the area's night time appearance.

Last year saw Pochampally's unique Ikat tie-and-dye sari be awarded with Geography Identification status – a move that protects it from counterfeiting and unfair competition.

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