TOURISM OF TAMIL NADU
Introduction
Tourism plays a pivotal role in the global economy stimulating growth and prosperity across various sectors. Beyond its economic benefits, tourism plays a crucial role in fostering cultural exchange by connecting people from different parts of the world. Tourism Exhibitions conferences and festivals play important roles in connecting cultures and creating mutual understanding in the tourism industry.
In 2023, the Travel & Tourism sector contributed 9.1% to the global GDP, marking a 23.2% increase from 2022. Additionally, the tourism sector generated 27 million new jobs in 2023, a 9.1% rise compared to the previous year. Responsible tourism, an emerging trend, emphasizes minimizing the negative impact of travel on the environment and local communities. Through initiatives like reducing carbon emissions, conserving water and protecting biodiversity, sustainable travel plays a crucial role in preserving delicate ecosystems.
Tourism in Tamil Nadu:
Tamil Nadu, a captivating land steeped in rich history and culture, proudly declares itself as "The Land where Stories Begin... and the Stories Never End”, where every corner is infused with enchanting narratives that weave together the tapestry of its heritage, from ancient legends to modern-day tales. Tamil Nadu's culture exudes a gracious warmth, exemplifying the art of genuine hospitality, leaving unforgettable memories that imprint deeply in the hearts of visitors.
The State has a delightful blend of tourist attractions, inviting travellers to explore its rich history and natural splendour. The diverse topography, vividly depicted in Tamil literaturethrough the five types of land—Kurinji (mountainous region), Mullai (forest region), Marutham (agricultural region), Neithal (coastal region) and Palai (desert region) - positions Tamil Nadu as a prominent destination for both inbound and outbound tourism. With its unmatched natural beauty and rich cultural legacy, the State emerges as a guiding star for travellers seeking a fulfilling and memorable journey.
The Tourism offerings in the State comprise of:
- With a coastal length of 1,076 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea, Tamil Nadu possesses the second longest coastline in India.
- Among the 43,635 temples in Tamil Nadu, Meenakshi Amman Temple - Madurai, Natarajar Temple Chidambaram, Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, Ramanathaswamy Temple - Rameswaram, Arunachaleswarar Temple -Thiruvannamalai etc. are famous temples.
- Tamil Nadu has one of the highest numbers of Geographical Indication tagged products. More than 58 GI tagged products from Agriculture to food and Khadi.
- The State's cultural kaleidoscope includes traditional folk arts like Mayilattam, Karagam, Kavadi, Therukoothu, Thappattam, and Oyilattam, alongside the classical Bharatanatyam, creating a vibrant canvas of expressive art.
- The Point Calimere region at Nagappattinam district, is recognised as a significant area for bird conservation. The site regularly attracts over 1,00,000 migratory water birds.
- Heaven for wildlife with 5 National parks, 18 Wildlife sanctuaries, 17 Bird sanctuaries and 3 onservation reserves besides 5 Tiger reserves.
- Pichavaram Mangrove Forest stands as an attractive tourist place and heaven for migratory birds. Additionally, the Muthupettai Mangrove Forest in Tiruvarur District is an evergreen area with extensive mangrove trees, spanning 120 square kilometres. The Mangrove Forest witnesses a significant influx of migratory birds from around the world during the months of November to January.
Tamil Nadu also has the distinction of having three Biosphere Reserves viz. The Nilgiris, Gulf of Mannar Marine and Agasthiarmalai, which are internationally acclaimed for their rich and unique biodiversity.
Tamil Nadu features 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Ø Group of Monuments at Mamallapuram
Ø Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur
Ø Gangaikonda Cholapuram at Ariyalur
Ø Temple at Darasuram
Ø Nilgiris Mountain Railway
Ø Western Ghats (Nature category)
World Heritage Sites
Tamil Nadu Tourism Department With a network of 38 Tourist Offices and 19 Tourist Information Centers spread across different districts of Tamil Nadu and key metropolitan cities nationwide, the State Tourism Department undertakes various activities. These include the dissemination of tourism-related information, implementation of schemes, organizing events, participation in travel exhibitions, collaboration with other state tourism organisations and supervision of overall tourism development efforts.
Special Features of Tamil Nadu Tourism
Iconic Projects
- Poompuhar, a traditional town in Mayiladuthurai district, is being developed with various facilities including Reception Centre, Parking, Sanitary complex, Cloak Room, Compound wall, Gazebos and tourist information. 60% of the works so far completed.
- Hogenakkal, in Dharmapuri district is being developed with various facilities including Entrance Plaza, Reception centre, Food court, Parisal boarding platform, Parisal arrival platform, visitors platform and Waiting room. 70% of the works so far completed.
- Pichavaram in Cuddalore district is being developed with various facilities including access road facilities, parking lot, landscaping and visitor centre. 22% of the works so far completed.
Important Schemes under implementation by State Government
- Coutralam in Thenkasi District is being developed with various facilities including restaurant, male and female changing room, entrance arch, sales shops, visitor's centre, children's park and landscaping at old falls, Five falls, Main falls, Small falls, Tiger falls.
- Jawwadhu hills in Thiruvannamalai district is being developed with various facilities including Entrance arch, Restaurant, Compound wall and Parking lot.
- Kollimalai in Namakkal District is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs.2.23 crore, with various facilities including Entrance arch, Seating benches, Parking and restaurant
- Udhagamandalam boat house in Nilgiris District is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs.3.20 crore, with various facilities including Reception centre and restaurant and staff rest room.
- Yelagiri Thirupattur district is being developed with various facilities including Entrance plaza, restaurant, reception centre and drinking water.
- Muthukuda in Pudukottai district is being developed with various facilities including administrative building, land scapping, construction of boat jetty and drinking water.
- Vathalmalai in Dharmapuri district is being developed with various facilities including entrance plaza, restaurant, reception centre, drinking water and access road.
- Muttam beach in Kanyakumari District is being developed with various facilities including sculptures, landscaping, construction of solar platform, Sanitary complex and visitor centre.
- Keezhakarai village in Madurai district “Kalaignar Centenary Aeruthazhuvuthal Arena” has been constructed at a cost of Rs.62.77 Crore, inaugurated by Hon'ble Chief Minister on 24.01.2024 and put in to use.
Tamil Nadu Tourism Destination Development Scheme
- The Department of Tourism has launched a new scheme called the “Tamil Nadu Tourism Destination Development Scheme” to identify and develop tourist destinations/ attractions in the State with a focus on enhancing tourist experiences at the destination.
- Various tourist spots are being developed under the scheme. During the year 2021-2022, a sum of Rs.10.22 Crore was sanctioned for Illumination of Ayyan Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanniyakumari with laser 3D Mapping technology under the scheme.
- During the year 2023-2024 Government sanctioned additional fund of Rs.176.16 lakhs vide G.O. (Ms) No.259, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments (T2) Department, dated 12.07.2023 for Illumination of Ayyan Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanniyakumari.
- Detailed Project Reports have been prepared for the development of Dhanushkodi and Yercaud, the establishment of new viewpoints and upgrading of existing ones, Sittannavasal, Mathoor Aqueduct, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Manimuthar dam under the Destination Development Scheme.
Government of India Assisted Scheme
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has revamped its flagship Scheme for holistic destination development. The Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme follows an integrated approach for the development of destinations, which will provide core tourism products and ancillary requirements such as connectivity, performing arts infrastructure, public health, hygiene and safety, and other such requirements that impact tourists.
PRASHAD Scheme
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has launched the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme to enhance tourism attractiveness of identified pilgrimage destinations by providing well-planned tourism infrastructure.
Under this scheme, the “Development of Navagraha Temple Circuit in Tamil Nadu” 8 places has been identified for comprehensive development as follows:
|
Sl. No.
|
Name of the Navagraha Temples
|
Name of the District
|
|
1.
|
A/m Guru Bhagavan Temple, Alangudi
|
Thiruvarur District
|
|
2.
|
A/m Agneeswarar Temple, Kanjanur
|
Thanjavur District
|
|
3.
|
A/m Kailasanathar Temple, Thingalur
|
Swachhata Pakhwada Campaign:
Swachhata Pakhwada Campaign is a significant initiative by the Government of India to promote cleanliness and sanitation in the Country. Under the Swachhtha Pakwada campaign of the Government of India, the Department has conducted a cleaning campaign in all Districts of Tamil Nadu with coordination of Local Administration.
Source
2. Policy Note 2024-2025