Tamil Nadu Tourism To Promote New Facets Of The State

Lakshmi Subramanian - Chennai

The department of tourism and the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) have made further efforts to boost tourism to the state from both the inbound and the domestic circuit. Tamil Nadu is popularly known as the ‘Temple State’ of South India and focuses on tradition, culture, heritage and temple architecture. The state tourism authorities have projects various facets of the state encompassing varieties such as the hill stations, waterfalls, beaches, temple architecture to name a few. Marketing the climate and the weather has also been part of the promotional campaign.

As of today, the tourism sector of the state is on an upswing in terms of business and tourism inflow. TTDC has been in operation since the year 1971 and with around 34 years in service the corporation along with the government of Tamil Nadu has been a vital tool in this steady growth of the tourism industry in Tamil Nadu. It has endeavoured to promote tourism in Tamil nadu by providing infrastructure facilities of transport and accommodation.

Recently, TTDC has also brought in a lot of changes to several tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu. The government of India have sanctioned funds to the tune of Rs 19 crore for the development of infrastructure at the various tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu.

A sum of five crore was allotted to the ancient port city Mahabalipuram which is about 60 km South of Chennai, out of which two crore was allotted for development of the shore which has been utilised for landscaping, construction of fifteen shops, a separate pathway and beautiful lighting. The remaining three crore was allotted for development of the five rathas (chariots), each of which is carved out of a single rock. Here again the funds have been utilised for landscaping, construction of about hundred shops and a big parking lot.

They are also promoting some hidden treasures such as Valparai, Pulicat, Chettinadu, Pichavaram, Kalakkad, Vattalottai, Mundanthurai etc. The state aims to build awareness of the hidden jewels of the region and to make them future potential tourist destinations.

They also have a variety of package tours catering to the varied needs of the tourists. The package tours cover pilgrim centres, beaches, hill stations, historical monuments, cultural shows and adventure sports centres both within Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states. The three day Navagraha Tour, eight day Tamil Nadu Tour, six day South India Tour, Mamallapuram Tour, Tirupathi Tour, Aurpadai Veedu Tour, 14 - Day Sunny South Tour are among the most popular package tours.

TTDC has also conceptualised and formulated several project proposals for the promotion and betterment of tourism in the state and are waiting for government approval for the sanctioning of these funds. Some of the major proposals that were sanctioned for the year 2003-2004 are:

TTDC have lined up several other project proposals for the future. They are confident that Tamil Nadu will be among the top of the line tourist destinations in India. The department of Tourism, government of Tamil Nadu and TTDC are doing a lot to make this a reality.

(Source: TTDC)