Workshop Series 13 / EE (2014)

Potential and Prospects in

Tourism secTor
in Tamil nadu

state Planning commission

Government of Tamil nadu
chennai - 600 005
 Workshop Series 13 / EE (2014)

Potential and Prospects in

Tourism Sector in Tamil Nadu

State Planning Commission,

27.01.2014

State Planning Commission 1

2 State Planning Commission
 Contents

Details Page No.

Workshop Team 4

Workshop Sessions 5

Executive Summary 7

Introduction 9

Session I – “Potential and Prospects in Tourism Sector in Tamil Nadu” by the

12
Chairman and Managing Director, Department of Tourism.
Session II - “Potential and Prospects of of Eco Tourism in Forest areas of Tamil
Nadu Forest Department with special reference to Community Based Eco 25
Tourism” by APCCF (A), Department of Forest, Chennai.
Session-III - “Potential and Prospects in Tourism Sector in Tamil Nadu”-with
special reference to “Heritage Tourism” by The Commissioner (i/c), Department 29
of Archaeology, Chennai
Session - IV-“Linkage Heritage and Religious Places to promote tourism in
Tamil Nadu” by the Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment 32
Department.

Session - V-“EcoTourism” by Director, Care Earth Trust, Chennai 36

Session – VI - “Potential and Prospects in Tourism Sector inTamil Nadu” by

Assistant Director,South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur Ministry Of Culture, 38
Govt. of India

Session - VII “Potential and Prospects in Tourism Sector in Tamil Nadu” Guest
40
Faculty, Depertment of Indian History University of Madras, Chepauk, Chennai

Session – VIII “Tourism & Culture Resource Management In Tamil Nadu

Perspectives For Future Planning” by Sharma Centre for Heritage Education, 49
Chennai

Recommendations 53

List of Participants 55

State Planning Commission 3

 Workshop Team
State Planning Commission
Tmt. Santha Sheela Nair, IAS.,
(Retd.)Vice-Chairperson.
Thiru M. Balaji, IAS.,
Member - Secretary,
State Planning Commission, Chennai.
Thiru K. Kumaresan,
Head of Division,Education and
Employment Division.
Thiru A.Ramaiah,
Planning Officer.
Education and Employment Division.
Thiru S. Boopathy Mohan,
System Analyst
Dr. S.S. Ravichander,
Technical Assistant,
Education and Employment Division.
Tmt. Dharmasamvardhani,
Private Secretary,
Education and Employment Division.
4 State Planning Commission
Departments
Thiru Hemant Kumar Sinha, I.A.S.,
Principal Secretary & Commissioner of Tourism,
Chennai
Dr. T. Sekar, IFS,
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest
(APCCF) (A),
Department of Forest, Chennai
Dr. S. Vasanthi,
Commissioner(i/c),
Department of Archaeology,
Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai
The Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Endowment Department
Chennai
Tmt. Jayshree Venkatesan,
Care Earth Trust, Chennai.
Thiru. P.Venkatesan,
Assistant Director,
South Zone Cultural Centre,
Thanjavur. (Ministry Of Culture, Govt. Of India)
Shri S. Rajamohan.
Principal.
Institute of Hotel Management Chennai
Prof. Bhanumathi Dharmajan.
University of Madras, Chennai
Dr. Shanti Pappu
(Founder /Secretary) &
Professor of Prehistory, Deccan College Pune
Dr. Kumar Akhilesh,
Director –Research
Sharma Centre for Heritage Education, Chennai
 Workshop Sessions

Welcome Address Thiru M. Balaji, I.A.S.,

Member-Secretary,
State Planning Commission,
Chennai – 600 005.

Presidential Address Tmt. Santha Sheela Nair, IAS., (Rted.,),

Vice-Chairman,
State Planning Commission,
Chennai – 600 005.
Session I – “Potential and Prospects Thiru Hemant Kumar Sinha, I.A.S.,
in Tourism Sector in Tamil The Chairman and Managing Director,
Nadu” Department of Tourism.
Session II- “Potential and Prospects Dr. T. Sekar, IFS,
of of Eco Tourism in Forest APCCF (A),
areas of Tamil Nadu Forest Department of Forest, Chennai
Department with special
reference to Community
Based Eco Tourism”
Session-III - “Potential and Prospects The Commissioner (i/c),
in Tourism Sector in Tamil Department of Archaeology,
Nadu”-with special reference Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai – 600 008
to “Heritage Tourism”

Session-IV- “Linkage Heritage and The Commissioner,

Religious Places to promote
tourism in Tamil Nadu”
Session-V- “EcoTourism”
Session –VI - “Potential and Prospects
in Tourism Sector inTamil
Nadu”
Hindu Religious and Endowment Department
Chennai
Tmt. Jayshree Venkatesan
Care Earth Trust, Chennai
The Director,
South Zone Cultural Centre,
Thanjavur

Session-VII - “Potential and Prospects Tmt. Bhanumathi Dharmarajan

in Tourism Sector in Tamil Guest Faculty, Dept of Indian History
Nadu” University of Madras, Chepauk, Chennai

Session –VIII - “Tourism & Culture Dr. Shanti Pappu (Founder /Secretary)
Resource Management In Dr. Kumar Akhilesh Director –Research
Tamil Nadu Perspectives For Sharma Centre for Heritage Education, Chennai
Future Planning”

State Planning Commission 5

6 State Planning Commission
 Executive Summary
Tourism in recent times has transformed
from a service sector in to a major export -
industry. Tourism is declared as an “Industry”.
Tamil Nadu stands second, next only to
Maharashtra, in Foreign tourist arrivals and also
it stands second, next only to Andhra Pradesh
in domestic tourist arrivals. Recognizing the
importance of Tourism, Government is giving
a major fillip to the Tourism Sector. Tourism
department’s aim is to achieve the Numero
Uno position in the tourist arrivals in India.
It is rightly enunciated in the “Vision Tamil
Nadu - 2023” document as the target for fast
growth in all the sectors including Tourism.
This document also envisages an investment of
Rs.10,000 cr in Tourism and Hospitality sectors
through Government and Private investments
by 2023. A tourist is defined as ‘a person leaving
his usual place of residence for the purposes of
business or pleasure and staying more than one
day and less than a year’. The foreign tourist
arrivals targeted for 2023 is 15 million tourists
from the 40 present 3.60 million tourists. The
infrastructure development schemes and
marketing plans of this Department is aimed at
achieving the long term goals set by the Vision
Tamil Nadu - 2023.
The Development Strategies of tourism
sector are : 1). Identifying and developing lesser
known tourist centres to decongest the popular
destinations, 2). Creating employment opportu-
nities through tourism growth, 3). Participating
in Fairs, Festivals and Travel Marts, 4). Capacity
Development Programs for service providers
including the Staff of the Tourism Department,
5). Accrediting tourist guides, 6). Displaying
schedule of rates on the Web Site of Tamil
Nadu Tourism Development Corporation,
7). Training them in collaboration with other
departments like Museums, Archaeology and
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments
Department.
The Investment Program consists of
five components viz.1) Quality Enhancement
of Natural and Cultural Attractions, 2) Urban
Infrastructure and Service Improvement, 3)
Connectivity Improvement and Signage, 4)
Community-based activities and 5) Capacity
Development, Community Participation and
Project Management. Continuous research and
planning will be undertaken to evolve new
tourism products / circuits / destinations. TTDC
has executed an MOU with IRCTC for jointly
promoting Tourism in Tamil Nadu and for
marketing the Tours and Hotels of TTDC.
Tourism has a high potential for
generation of employment and promotes
exchange of ideas, views & facilitates interaction
of people with their culture. Tourism acts as an
instrument for achieving national integration,
better international understanding and gives a
direct stimulus to socio-economic development.
With this back ground, State Planning
Commission has conducted a seminar /
Workshop on “Potential and Prospects in
Tourism Sector in Tamil Nadu” on 27.01.2014
at 11.00 AM in the State Planning Commission
Conference Hall.
State Planning Commission 7
8 State Planning Commission
 Introduction

Tourism is a major growth engine for Table-1

economic development in terms of providing Tourism arrivals (Foreign & Domestic)
employment and eradication of poverty. The Domestic Foreign
Year Total
economic significance of tourism are is found Tourists Tourists
in terms of employment, income, foreign
2009 78037607 2369050 80406657
exchange earnings. The regional development
is a major driving force to place tourism 2010 103010435 2804504 105814939
appropriately in development. The economic
liberalization, open-sky aviation policy, luxury 2011 136750750 3308438 140059188
cruises, improved surface transport, tourist
2012 184136840 3561740 187698580
trains, increased business travel and e-booking
facilities have created a paradigm change in the 2013 244232487 3990490 248222977
tourism sector. Thus tourism has transformed
Source – Tourism Department, Chennai
into a major revenue generating industry.

The “Vision Tamil Nadu - 2023”

Tourism promotes exchange of ideas
document targets fast growth in all the sectors
and views and facilitates interaction of people
including Tourism. It envisages an investment of
and their culture. Tourism acts as an instrument
Rs.10,000 cr in Tourism and Hospitality sectors
for achieving national integration, better
through Government and Private investments
international understanding and gives a direct
by 2023. The foreign tourist arrivals targeted for
stimulus to socio - economic development.
2023 is 15 million tourists from the present 3.60
Recognizing the importance of Tourism,
million tourists. The infrastructure development
Government is giving a major thrust to the
schemes and marketing plans of this Department
Tourism Sector.
is aimed at achieving the long term goals set by
the Vision Tamil Nadu - 2023. To achieve this, a
Tamil Nadu stands Second next to
new Tourism Policy is being formulated. It aims
Maharashtra in Foreign tourist arrivals, and
to attract more high spending tourists and also
also it Second next to Andhra Pradesh relating
investments in tourism and hospitality related
to domestic tourist arrivals. Aim is to achieve
infrastructure. The Policy will also ensure
the No.1 position in tourist arrivals in India
employment for skilled and unskilled persons,
in various activities are being under taken.
besides inclusive development for the local
The following table shows the tourist arrivals
people.
position of Tamil Nadu.

State Planning Commission 9

 The Development Strategies of tourism
sector are : Identifying and developing lesser
known tourist centres to decongest the popular
destinations, creating employment opportu-
nities through tourism growth, Participating
in Fairs, Festivals and Travel Marts, capacity
development programs for service providers
including the Staff of the Tourism Department,
tourist friendly Web Site of Tamil Nadu Tourism
Development Corporation, accrediting tourist
guides and training them in collaboration with
other departments like Museums, Archaeology
and Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Department etc., improving the
tourist infrastructure facilities at the existing
tourist centres, through Government and private
sector investments. The other activities includes
to provide ramp facilities wherever possible
for differently-abled and elders at the tourist
centres, to discourage the use of disposable
plastics at tourist destinations and to encourage
the use of eco-friendly materials, to promote
high end tourism by encouraging adventure
tourism, cruise tourism, chartered flights and
caravan services, to enhance the quality of
experience by ensuring cleanliness through
waste management and awareness campaigns
at the tourist destinations, provision of well-
maintained toilets of acceptable standards,
provision of waiting shelters and infrastructure
at temples, tourist places, developing Tamil
Nadu as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives,
Conventions and Exhibitions) destination to
attract group tourists. Tamil Nadu is already
10 State Planning Commission
an important medical tourist destination. This
segment called “Health and Wellness Tourism”
which will be given emphasis considering
that the in-patient, out-patient treatment in
Allopathy, Siddha and Ayurveda. Publicity
blitzkrieg for tourism promotion in India and
abroad to realize the potential and to make
extensive use of advancements in information
technology for cost effective reach to potential
tourists.
Rs.1758.12 lakh and Rs.317.31 lakh
was sanctioned for provision of Infrastructure
facilities at tourist places under State schemes
and Government of India assisted scheme for
the year 2012-13 respectively. Approach Roads
leading to important tourist attractions will be
developed at the cost of Rs.10.00 cr during 2013-
2014.
Department of Tourism is the major
catalyst for tourism promotion in Tamil Nadu.
To make them aware of the latest developments
in the tourism sector, best practices adopted
to attract the tourists, latest statistics and
technologies, etc. The Department of Tourism
will organize refresher courses at regular
intervals to develop necessary skills and
competency levels for the staff and officers
of Department of Tourism. Further, visit to
various tourist destinations which adopt the
best practices of responsible tourism will be
organized to understand the ground realities
and replicate such practices in Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu Tourism Development TTDC has executed an MOU with
Corporation (TTDC) IRCTC for jointly promoting Tourism in Tamil
Nadu and for marketing the Tours and Hotels
TTDC has made rapid strides over the
of TTDC. Tie-up arrangements have been made
years and has earned the proud distinction of
with Trip Advisor and Holiday IQ to facilitate
owning one of the longest chains of 55 hotels
booking of TTDC Hotels and Tours through
in South India. Being the owner of one of the
their popular Websites.
longest chain of hotels in South India, TTDC
would make appreciable efforts to place it as a
Oceanarium at Mamallapuram
strong brand in the next five years in the world
of Tourism. TTDC is at present operating 25 A world class oceanarium will be set
hotels. The House-keeping activities in TTDC up at Mamallapuram with technical guidance
Hotels have been outsourced to improve the from the Fisheries Department. Rs. 250 crores
maintenance standards. TTDC is having Boat has been provided for it. The oceanarium is
Houses at Muttukadu, Mudaliarkuppam, proposed on land belonging to TTDC.
Pitchavaram, Yercaud, Kodaikanal, Courtallam,
Uthagamandalam and Pykara. 100 Boats were Tamil Nadu History - Maritime
purchased during the year 2012-13 for these Heritage Museum and a Submarine Museum
Boat Houses to replace the old Boats. TTDC is
at present having a fleet of 18 Coaches. TTDC A Tamil Nadu History-Maritime
is operating Tours ranging from half-a-day to Heritage Museum and a Submarine museum
15 days. Apart from the regular Package Tours, is also proposed at Mamallapuram. The
TTDC is also organizing Special Package Tours submarine ex-INS Vagli was handed over to the
catering to the specific needs of the Tourists. Government of Tamil Nadu.
The following new Tours were launched by
TTDC on the World Tourism Day i.e. 27th
September 2012, 1. Nagarathar Temple Tour, 2.
Thirukkadaiyur Temple Tour, 3. Tiruchirapalli
Temple Tour, 4. Freedom Fighters Circuit Tour.

State Planning Commission 11

 Session - I : “Potential and Prospects in
Tourism Sector in Tamil Nadu”
UNWTO (United Nations World Travel & Tourism is one of the leading
Tourism Organization, Madrid, Spain) defines employers in Asia, surpassing the job creation
Tourist as ‘a person leaving his usual place of financial services, communication services,
of residence for the purposes of business or banking, mining, higher education, chemicals
pleasure and stays more than one day and manufacturing, and automotive manufacturing.
less than a year. Tourism in recent times has In South Asia, Sri Lanka and Bhutan boasted the
transformed from a service sector in to a major fastest growth in arrivals last year, both climbing
export - industry. Tourism is declared as an
17%.
“Industry” by almost all the States including
Tamil Nadu. It is arguably is the biggest global India, the largest destination in the sub
industry. Important factors influencing tourism region, recorded 5% growth only. Singapore
are: high disposal income, willingness of is the top-ranked economy in the region at
people to go and visit tourist destinations, better
10th positions overall, the same position it has
connectivity (Road, Rail, Air and Waterways)
held for the past three editions in The Travel &
low cost aviation, marketing in potential
Tourism Competitiveness Index Rankings 2013:
countries. Increasing business travel Tourism
South Asian Tourism-at glance
is recognised globally as a catalyst for quick
economic growth.
Singapore Tourism Receipts (TR) for
January to December 2012 came in at USD 23
World Tourism – at a Glance
billion, registering a 3% year-on-year growth,
Travel & Tourism industry GDP
while International Visitor Arrivals (IVA) stood
represents nearly 2.9% of global GDP.
at close to 14.4 million, representing a 9%
International tourist arrivals worldwide will
year-on-year growth in the same period. The
increase by 3.3% a year from 2010 to 2030 to
growth in TR and IVA have been steady over
reach 1.4 billion in 2020 and 1.8 billion by
the past five years, with the exception of a slight
2030 according to UNWTO long term forecast
decline in 2009 due to the global economic crisis.
Tourism Towards 2030. With a total impact
Malaysia is ranked 8th regionally and 34th
of 8.8% of world employment, it is one of the
overall, up one position in The Travel & Tourism
leading job creators in the world. Travel &
Competitiveness Index Rankings 2013.Similarly
Tourism sustained 266 million jobs in 2013.
Thailand has emerged as a most tourist friendly
country.

12 State Planning Commission

Indian Tourism - at a glance
India is ranked 12th among 184 countries
in terms of travel & tourism‘s total contribution
to GDP in 2012 as per Indian Brand Equity
Foundation. Tourism generated 6.7% of India’s
GDP in 2013.
Travel & Tourism GDP is larger than that
of the automotive manufacturing, chemicals
manufacturing, education and mining sectors.
This sector provided a total of 394 Lakhs direct,
indirect, and induced jobs in India in 2013 and
also it generated either directly or indirectly 7.6%
of employment in India in 2013. According to
Government of India estimate, every one crore
rupees invested in Tourism creates 475 jobs as
against 126 jobs from Manufacturing Sector.
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi,
Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Rajasthan are top five
destinations attracting maximum number of
foreign tourists and collectively account for 70%
of the total number of foreign tourists visiting
India. The arrival of foreign tourists in India
is likely to cross 80 Lakhs mark by 2015 from
the current level of about 70 Lakhs, according
to an analysis of international tourist receipts
and foreign tourist arrival in India conducted
by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and
Industry of India (Assocham).
India shares
Despite the increase in foreign tourists, India’s
share of international tourist arrivals continues
to be about 0.64% in the world with smaller
countries in Southeast Asia attracting far more
visitors Higher share in international tourism
receipts when compared to tourist arrivals is
because of longer stay in India. At an average
a foreign tourist stays for 28 days in India as
compared to one week in other countries.
Tamil Nadu’s tourism industry is the
Second largest in India, with an annual growth
rate of 16%. It has coastline of more than
1,000 km dotted with varied tourist attractions
besides beaches. Tamil Nadu was ranked
Second in India in the domestic tourist arrivals
next to Andhra Pradesh and Second in foreign
tourist arrivals next to Maharashtra in 2012-13.
Tamil Nadu is broadly covered with variety of
tourist destinations, Pilgrimage destinations,
heritage locations and historical monuments,
places of scenic beauty, beautiful hill stations,
beaches, forests, bird sanctuaries, adventure
and leisure destinations. Tamil Nadu is also one
of the leading destinations for medical tourism
and wellness tourism. The length of stay of an
average tourist in Tamil Nadu is 5 days for a
domestic tourist, and 7 days for a foreign tourist
as per FICCI Report.
State Planning Commission 13
 Trend Setting Initiatives Table -2
Tamil Nadu Tourism - Growth Statistics
Tourism was declared as an “Industry”
in Tamil Nadu during 1986. A State Tourism Domestic Foreign Total
Growth
Year Tourists Tourists (in
Policy was announced for the first time by Rate %
(in Lakhs) (in Lakhs) Lakhs)
Hon’ble Chief Minister during 1992. The
2008 626.18 20.40 646.58 31.60
main salient features of the policy are Area
development approach, keeping foreign tourists 2009 780.38 23.69 804.07 32.36

in mind encouraging private sector investments 2010 1030.10 28.05 1058.15 31.60
in tourism. Promotion of local and domestic 2011 1367.51 33.08 1400.59 32.36
tourism, Manpower development in the hotel
2012 1841.37 35.62 1876.99 34.01
and tourism policy, adequate publicity for
tourism promotions in India and abroad, 2013 2442.32 39.90 2482.22 32.02

promotion of culture tourism fairs and festivals,

Tamil Nadu has witnessed continuous growth of
developing countries for tented tourism,
Tourists (including both Domestic and Foreign)
adventure tourism and beach tourism, using a
resulting in demand for better infrastructure
growth centre approach and integrating tourism
and facility provision on the heritage sites and
development with the overall development of
sites of tourist importance.
the place and its people.

‘Vision Tamil Nadu - 2023’-Tourism.

After declaring tourism as industry, the
The Government has announced vision
Government identified certain tourism projects
for tourism sector. They are (a) To make Tamil
for promotion. They are 1 to 3 star hotels with
Nadu as number one state in Tourism sector, (b)
outlay less than Rs.1.00 crore in centres other
To attract 15 million foreign tourists by 2023, (c)
than Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai.
To attract Government and Private investments
Amusement Parks Air-conditioned coaches are
for Tourism infrastructure in the state to the
to be operated by approved tour operators, Golf
value of Rs 10,000 crores, (d) To promote
courses, in Government approved restaurants.
Tamil Nadu as an attractive tourist destination
The policy proposed that, all ancient towns are
at the International level, (e) To preserve the
to be recognised as “Heritage Towns”.
rich cultural heritage and monuments of
architectural splendor.

14 State Planning Commission

Tamil Nadu Tourism - at a Glance
The SWOT Analysis is stated as
Strength : The strength of the Tamil
Nadu forms are Political Stability; Good Law and
Order situation; Excellent transport network;
Excellent communication network; Locations
on offer are unlimited; Largely educated and
English speaking population
Weaknesses : Only known for religious
tourism (lack of promotion of other segments
like adventure, cruise tourism, golf tourism,
water sports, etc., though there is a potential),
Inadequate marketing budget, High end tourists
not targeted
Opportunities : Highly urbanized
state, highly developed economy & scope for
investment, Potential to develop variety of
tourist destinations.
Threats : Threats are developed tourism
sector in neighbouring states/ countries,
Competing cheap international destinations, are
High real estate prices.
Tamil Nadu - Positive Factors for Growth
Multifarious Tourist attractions
found in Tamil Nadu in the form of historical
monuments, forts, wildlife and bird sanctuaries,
temple towns, numerous places of worship,
hill resorts, heritage, culture, music, dance
waterfalls, beaches, scenic valley views,
mangrove forests, backwaters and rich heritage.
The Tamil Nadu State is an important terminus
in the Golden Quadrilateral road link of the
National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
The roads leading to tourist destinations are
improved for the convenience of tourists for all
season destinations for all budgets.
Growth in Industry and business sectors
generates a large number of business tourists to
our State. Peaceful environment and tourist care
enable tourists to travel in our State with ease
and see places.
Excellent Tourist information and
facilitation are provided through 24 Tourist
Offices and 22 Tourist Information Centres.
Connected with Business Tourism like
automobiles, engineering goods, pharma,
garments & textiles, leather products, etc.,
Important Tourist Destinations
The important tourist destinations in
Tamil Nadu are Chennai, Mamallapuram,
Kancheepuram, Pichavaram, Thiruvannamalai,
Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam,
are
Tiruchirappalli, Ooty, Srirangam, Madurai,
Chettinadu, Rameswaram, Kodaikanal,
Yercaud, Elagiri, Megamalai, Kanniyakumari,
Hogenakkal, Courtallam, Velankanni, Nagore,
Tiruchendur, Palani, Vellore, Srivilliputhur,
Tiruthani and Coimbatore.
State Planning Commission 15
 Responsible Tourist Centers 27. Pichavaram Cuddalore
The less known / responsible tourist 28. Thali Krishnagiri
centres in Tamil Nadu are identified by the 29. Pachamali Tiruchirapalli
department. 30. Koothanur Tiruvarur
31. Kattabomman Memorial Thoothukudi
Table - 3
Less known Tourist Centers Fort
32. Srivilliputhur Virudhunagar
Sl. Name of the
Name of Place
No. District
1. Periyapalayam Thiruvallur Beaches of Tamil Nadu
2. Pulicat Beautiful Beaches are also source of
3. Elagiri Vellore
Tourist attracting destinations. The major
4. Thirukkadaiyur
beaches of Tamil Nadu are the Marina beach,
5. Vedaranyam
6. Tranquebar Nagapattinam the Elliot Beach, the Kovalam Beach, the
7. Thirumanancheri Mamallapuram beach, the Kanyakumari Beach,
8. Sikkal and the Poomphar Beach.
9. Sithannavasal Pudukottai
10. Puliancholai Tiruchirapalli
Wildlife Tourism In Tamil Nadu
11. Tharamangalam Salem
12. Kolli Hills Namakkal The major destination for wildlife
13. Tiruchengodu tourism are Kalakkad Mudanthurai Tiger
14. Hogenakkal Dharmapuri Reserve, Mudumalai National Park (Elephant,
15. Bavanikooduthurai Erode Tiger, Gaur & Leopard), Point Calimere
16. Kodiveri (Kodaiakkarai) Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary,
17. Valparai Coimbatore
Pulicat lake Bird Sanctuary, Sathyamangalam
18. Pollachi
Wildlife Sanctuary, Shenbagathoppu Grizzled
19. Megamalai Theni
Squirrel Wild Life Sanctuary, Vallanadu –Black
20. Kurangani
21. Buck sanctuary, Vedantangal – Bird Sanctuary.
Vaigai Dam
22. Sirumalai Dindigul
23. Hill Stations of Tamilnadu
Parali
24. Thiruppudaimaruthur Tirunelveli The fascinating Hill Stations are Ooty,
25. Thirparappu Kanniyakumari Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Kolli Hills, Nanmalai
26. Kalvarayan Hills Villupurum
Hills .

16 State Planning Commission

Medical Tourism in Tamil Nadu
Good medical services are available in
the state along with good tourist attractions.
This has recently spurred a new wave of
medical tourism. Costs and waiting periods
in developed world are very high for some of
the major medical and dental procedures. As
consumers are becoming aware of the high
quality of these procedures available in India,
Insurance Companies have started covering
them and hence the flow of these medical tourists
has increased in Tamil Nadu. They are Cardiac
Care, Dental & Cosmetic, Eye Care, Fertility
Treatment, General Surgery, Neuro Surgery,
Orthopedic Treatment, Transplant Surgery.
MICE Tourism in Tamil Nadu (Meetings
Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions:
Tamil Nadu will soon be on the global
MICE (meetings, incentives, conference and
exhibitions) map. The department has plans
to tie up with various agencies to showcase
the potential. As per industry estimates, about
25 per cent of the inbound tourism (to India)
pertains to MICE and business tourism. Tamil
Nadu has excellent convention centres with
capacity ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 persons.
Festivals of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is a land of many festivals.
January marks the beginning of the festival
season in the state. Pongal is the first festival
and it is celebrated with much enthusiasm. It
is the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu. “Pongal”
is actually the name of a rice and lentil dish
cooked in Tamil Nadu, and on this festive day
Pongal is cooked. It is celebrated on January 14,
each year. In fact, four festivals are celebrated
in Tamil Nadu for four consecutive days in that
week. Bhogi is celebrated on January 13, Pongal
on Jan 14, Maattu Pongal on Jan 15, and Kannum
Pongal and Thiruvalluvar Day on Jan 16.
Cuisines of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has got rich cultural and
historical background. It has got various regions
which are having unique cuisines, keeping
in mind the geographical locations of these
areas viz. coastal, plateau, terrains, hills and
impact of foundering States. The cuisines of
Tamil Nadu are unique in its own region. They
are Chettinadu Cuisine, Kongunadu Cuisine
Virudhunagar Cuisine, Nanjil Tamil Cuisine,
Nadar Tamil Cuisine, Brahmin Cuisine.
Unique Dishes of Tamil Nadu
It is well known that there are unique
dishes available. it is also known as the places
famous Panchamirtham, Madras Filter Coffee,
Elaneer Payasam, Kanchipuram Idli, Vathal
Kolambhu, Karuvattu Kolambhu, Ambur
Biryani, Vadai Kari, Karuppati Coffee, Madurai
State Planning Commission 17
 Jil Jil jigarthanda, Madras Veechu Paratha, Kozhi
Varutha Kolambu, Kola Urundai Kolambhu,
Kuzhi Paniyaram, Karaikudi Mutton Curry,
Sundal, Rava Kesari, Dosai, Adai, Vadai,
Ven Pongal, Sweet Pongal, Semiya Payasam,
Kozhukattai.
The State Institute of Hotel Management
and Catering Technology, Thuvakkudi,
Tiruchirapalli offers a three year Diploma
Course in Hotel Management and Catering
Technology and a one year Certificate Course
in Food Production, Food and Beverage Service,
Housekeeping, Bakery and Confectionery.
The Institute of Hotel Management, Catering
Technology and Applied Nutrition, Taramani,
Chennai is one of the premier institutes in
India imparting training Courses in Hotel
Management, Catering Technology, food
crafts and culinary arts. It has been providing
high quality courses in Hospitality, Hotel
Administration and Catering Technology.
Fairs and Festivals
Tamil Nadu is a State known for
several fairs and festivals, which attracts large
number of people who want to relax and
rejoice. Cultural programs, musical events and
dance performances suit the festive mood and
provide entertainment to the crowd. The unique
cuisine of Tamil Nadu like Chettinadu delicacies
18 State Planning Commission
are promoted by holding Food Festivals and
ensuring sales at Tourism Fairs and through
restaurants. Fairs and festivals like Pongal
Tourist Festival, Chithirai Vishu Festival,
Tea & Tourism Festival, Chithirai Festival,
Mango Festival, Summer Festival, Kandhoori
Festival, Saral Thiruvizha, Thirparappu Vizha,
Aadiperukku Vizha, Velankanni Festival, World
Tourism Day, Dasara Festival, Sathaya Vizha,
Deepam Festival and Indian Dance Festival are
used for promoting the tourist destinations to
attract tourists.
The All India Trade & Industrial Fair
conducted by the TTDC is an annual event for
70 days showcases the development activities
and welfare activities done by the Government
through various departments. The Fair provides
cultural events every evening, amusements and
entertainments which attract lakhs of visitors
including tourists. The Mamallapuram Dance
Festival showcases various forms of classical
and folk dances giving unique opportunity
for the tourists to witness the performances
of renowned artistes and upcoming talented
youngsters. Due to the overwhelming success
and continued patronage of tourists, the dance
festival is now conducted as “Indian Dance
Festival for 30 days during this period, Classical
and Folk performances were presented which
enchanted the tourists.
Tourism and Marketing and Brand
Promotion – “Discover Tamil Nadu
Campaign
As an opening gambit, a special
campaign Discover Tamil Nadu 2012-2016 is
being rolled out. The Department will arrange
for Fairs & Festivals and special events during
this period in India. Art & craft will be given
fillip by organizing sale-cum-demonstration
events making it interesting for the tourists
to participate. To promote the cuisine of the
State, like Chettinadu, Kongunadu, Madurai
and Tirunelveli varieties, to name a few, food
festivals will be organized. All these events
will be held in the backdrop of important
tourist destinations and adequate multi-lingual
publicity will be given to attract international as
well as domestic tourists.
Long Term Brand Building and Promotion
The long term time frame for the policy
is taken to be from 2012 to 2023 and beyond.
In order to consolidate the position attained by
Tamil Nadu by the short term measures, a follow
up long term brand building exercise will be
undertaken. The campaign will project that Tamil
Nadu is not only the land of temples but also
a state endowed with many tourist attractions
to enhance quality and comprehensive visitor
experience and an all season destination. It will
bring the art and cuisine of the State into focus.
The campaign will work towards making multi-
lingual brochures and all required information
available to the tourists the world over. All the
tourism offices will be upgraded to give an
international look which will act as the projection
of the improved image. Measures to promote
local products at international and interstate
levels would be taken. It will also be projected
to the target group for a better image perception
so that he/she is unable to resist visiting Tamil
Nadu.
Market Research
Continuous research and planning will
be undertaken to evolve new tourism products /
circuits / destinations. This will be done in-house
or will be outsourced by hiring experts. The new
products will be given adequate publicity. To
keep the interest of the tourist alive, products
will be remodeled at least once every three
years.
Asian Development Bank Assisted
Infrastructure Development Investment
Programme for Tourism (IDIPT)
The Infrastructure Development
Investment Programme for Tourism was
approved by ADB as a Multi-tranche Financing
Facility (MFF) for Tamil Nadu. The Investment
Programme targets enhanced economic growth
and provision of livelihood opportunities
State Planning Commission 19
 for local communities through tourism
infrastructure development. The Investment
Program consists of five components viz.1)
Quality Enhancement of Natural and Cultural
Attractions, 2) Urban Infrastructure and Service
Improvement, 3) Connectivity Improvement
and Signage, 4) Community-based activities
and 5) Capacity Development, Community
Participation and Project Management. Total
outlay of ADB assisted Project is Rs.500 Cr for the
period of five years. The Project will be funded
through the assistance of ADB to an extent of
70% (Rs.350 Cr) and balance 30% (Rs.150 Cr)
through State funds.
The following two priority Circuits
have been selected for strengthening
tourist infrastructure, 1. East Coast Circuit -
(Pilgrimage and Heritage Circuit) covering
Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, Villupuram,
Tiruvannamalai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur,
Thanjavur, Pudukkottai and Tiruchirappalli
Districts. 2. Southern Circuit - (Pilgrimage and
Eco Circuit) covering Madurai, Theni, Dindigul,
Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, Virudhunagar,
Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanniyakumari
Districts and Western Ghats area. Ooty has been
added.
The East-Coast Circuit will be taken up
first along with Western Ghats, followed by
the Southern Circuit. 15 sub-projects have been
20 State Planning Commission
finalized for taking up in Tranche-I of the ADB
project. The Project Loan Agreement has been
signed by the State Government with the Asian
Development Bank. For the implementation of
the ADB Tourism Projects, a Project Management
Unit (PMU) has been established.
UNESCO approved World Heritage
Attractions
Out of 30 UNESCO approved World
Heritage tourist attractions in India, Tamil Nadu
has 5 tourist attractions which is highest in a
State. Tamil Nadu Tourism has made a proposal
to the Heritage Committee from Ministry of
Culture, Government of India on during this
month of August 2012 at Chennai for including
the following places in the UNESCO approved
heritage attractions.
1. Srirangam
2. Fort St. George, Chennai
3. Chettinadu in Sivagangai district
4. Pulicat (Pazhaverkadu) in Thiruvallur
district
5. Kazhugumalai (Jain centre) in
Thoothukudi district
Promoting Festivals
Tourism department is promoting
festivals. This festival gives an unique
opportunity to tourists to witness major dance
forms of India on one stage over a month Tourist
arrivals in Mamallapuram. Dance Festival at
Mamallapuram was started during 1992. This at identified trekking routes in Yercaud,
has become very popular. Thousands of foreign Kodaikanal, Yelagiri and Nilgiris.
tourists are patronizing the event. Many of
them are repeat visitors to the State during the 3. Medical Tourism
festival time and it is known as “Indian Dance
Tamil Nadu is a preferred Medical
Festival”. The festival makes the foreign tourists
Tourism Destination. The state boasts of
to stay for a month at Mamallapuram. The
numerous multi-speciality hospitals with
dances include Karagam, Kavadi, Thappattam,
Oyilattam, Kokkilikattai, Attam, Mayilattam, latest medical facilities and equipment’s at

Puliattam, Folk dance of various states, Mohini international standards and practices.
Attam, Kathak, Kathakali, Bharathanatyam,
Kuchipudi, Odissi etc,. Draft Tourism Policy 2013
The Vision of the policy is “to make
New Segments promoted by Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu as one of the most preferred
Tourism Tourism Destination by creating a tourist
1. Cruise Tourism friendly environment and to have an

Cruise shipping is one of the most environmentally & socially sustainable and

dynamic and fastest growing components of the economically vibrant tourism”. The Principal
global leisure industry. Passenger berth with Secretary / Commissioner of Tourism held a
modern facilities is available at both Chennai and series of meetings with various stakeholders
Thoothukudi Port. Through our participation and senior representatives of Travel, Tourism
at leading international travel marts like, ITB and Hospitality sectors to gain valuable inputs
Berlin, London etc., we are inviting important for a comprehensive and development oriented
cruise operators like P&O, Star cruise, Royal tourism policy. The draft tourism policy has
Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. been submitted to Government for examination
and approval.
2. Adventure Tourism
Tamil Nadu offers enough adventure
sports to people visiting this wonderful place.
Trekking, Aqua Sports, Hang-Gliding, Angling,
Skiing, Surfing, Diving are some of the sports
that tourists like. In view of high tourism
potential. Trekking programmes are conducted

State Planning Commission 21

 Salient features of the policy (USD 100 Millions). Two Circuits are:- East
Coast Circuit (Pilgrimage and Heritage
The State will attract 1.5 crores Foreign
Circuit) covering Kancheepuram, Cuddalore,
Tourist Visits and 33 crores Domestic Tourist
Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and Thanjavur
Visits by 2023. The Policy aims to increase the
Districts (Development of Boat Houses,
length of stay of foreign as well as domestic
Heritage Sites and Navagraha Temples).
tourist in Tamil Nadu. It aims at increasing
Southern Circuit (Pilgrimage and Eco Circuit)
contribution of tourism in the GDP of the State
covering Pudukottai, Sivaganga, Madurai,
by providing facilities for tourists to spend. It
Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi
also aims to unveil the full potential of Tamil
and Kanniyakumari Districts.
Nadu as a tourist destination. It aims to use
the strength of tourism as the economic driver
2) Establishment of Maritime Heritage
and to establish it as the third pillar of the
Museum at Mamallapuram
State’s economic strength after Industry and
Information Technology. Ministry of Defence has provided the
decommissioned submarine INS-VAGLI to
New Projects Government of Tamil Nadu for establishment
of Submarine Museum. The decommissioned
The new projects are 1. Asian
submarine was berthed at Vishakhapatnam
Development Bank (ADB) supported Tourism
Port and it was towed to Chennai Port for free of
Projects, 2) Establishment of Maritime Heritage
Cost by Indian Navy, pursuant to the request by
Museum at Mamallapuram and 3) Setting up of
Principal Secretary/ Commissioner of Tourism
Oceanarium at Mamallapuram are discussed
and Managing Director, TTDC. This has
below,
saved nearly Rs 2 crores for Government. The
decommissioned submarine was handed over
1. Asian Development Bank (ADB)
supported Tourism Projects. to Government of Tamil Nadu. It is presently
berthed at Kattupalli Port near Ennore. For the
Tamil Nadu is one of the four States
establishment of the Maritime Heritage Museum
(Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and
at Mamallapuram, a site measuring 30 acres of
Tamil Nadu) and selected by the Government
land belonging to TTDC has been earmarked.
of India for Integrated Development of Tourist
The Maritime Heritage Museum will have the
Infrastructure through Asian Development
‘Naval Museum’ as the centre–piece and it will
Bank (ADB) Loan Assistance of Rs.500 crores
have Maritime Heritage halls, Food Plaza, etc.,

22 State Planning Commission

 Strategies for achieving the objectives of
‘Vision Tamil Nadu - 2023’
To highlight Tamil Nadu’s tourism
strength and to overcome the weakness/ threats,
the following strategies/ action plans are being
actively implemented during the last one year
to position ‘Enchanting Tamil Nadu’ as a global
brand through a publicity blitzkrieg.

3) Setting up of Oceanarium at
Mamallapuram
The Honourable Minister for Finance
announced that a World Class “Oceanarium”
will be set at Mamallapuram at a cost of Rs 250
crore through TTDC under PPP mode with the
technical support of Fisheries Department. The
• To declare ‘Zero Garbage Zones/ Clean
exhibits in the Oceanarium will be in the form
and Green Zones’ around tourist
of series of underwater, see through, acrylic
attractions by the local bodies
glass tunnels where sharks swim above the
visitors and through the recreation of a coral
reef environment. The Oceanarium will be a
high end, full family infotainment (Information
+ Entertainment) facility for varied profile
of visitors. It will focus on themes such as
ocean environment, marine ecology, man and
ocean, bio diversity of the ocean which will
be informative and educative to the public,
researchers and students and hobbyists and
tourists.

State Planning Commission 23

 • To create and develop integrated • To project the uniqueness and
tourism circuits based on our unique inimitable nature of our cultural
civilization, heritage and culture in heritage.
partnership with States, private sector
• To analyse the tourist behavior and
and other agencies.
their needs to evolve packages for each
of the target market.

• Special ‘Home Coming’ packages for

ethnic Indian population in Mauritius,
Malaysia and other countries.

• Adventure Tourism and Beach Tourism

to be promoted in a big way through
internationally accredited agencies.
Deep sea cruising, luxury cruises, sea
planes and water sports like skiing,
surfing will be introduced along the
coast. The air-charter operators, cruise
• To develop Tamil Nadu as an
operators will be invited to bring high
“All Seasons, All Budget Tourist
spending group tourists.
Destination”
• Art, Culture and Crafts are to be
• To showcase Wellness Tourism
promoted under Cultural Tourism.
potential.
• This has given very positive results.
• To make Tourism as everybody’s
Consequently, Tamil Nadu is ranked
business, so as to have people’s
second in Domestic and Foreign
participation.
Tourist arrivals
• To conduct ‘Tourist Friendliness’
training to stakeholders to enhance the
quality of tourists’ experience.

• Conducting marketing meets with tour

operators, travel agents at important
countries, which are contributing to
tourist arrivals to our state.

24 State Planning Commission

 Session - II : “Potential and Prospects of Eco Tourism in
Forest areas of Tamil Nadu Forest Department with
special reference to Community Based Eco Tourism”
The Eco tourism is a arena in Tourism. Requirements of Eco Tourism
The term Eco tourism is coined by Ceballos
The basic requirements of Eco tourism
Lascurian in 1983. Eco tourism is “responsible
an adequate, attractive and easy to operate
travel to natural areas that conserves the
physical facilities blending with nature Locating
environment and sustains the well being of the
roads, nature trails, signage, observation towers,
local people” - The Eco tourism Society (TES).
reception centres, interpretation centres to
Eco tourism is “purposeful travel to natural areas
enhance visitor experience. Eco techniques for
to understand the cultural and natural history of
supplementing facilities are Solar energy, Rain
environment, taking care not to alter the integrity
water harvesting, Grey water recycling, Garbage
of the ecosystem, while producing economic
recycling etc. Pumping tourism revenue back
opportunities that make conservation of natural
into area manage Strength of TN for initiating
resources beneficial to local people”. - Food
ET ventures.
and Agricultural Organization. World tourism
arrivals have grown by 23% and are forecasted
Eco tourism consists of diverse forest
to double by 2020 .Large proportion of tourism
types with rich biodiversity in Western and
in the country is domestic segment. Eco tourism
Eastern Ghats landscapes, large number of
constitutes about one fourth of the total tourism
national parks, animal and bird sanctuaries
arrivals. Travel (What),to relatively undisturbed
with abundant wildlife population. Long
natural areas, cultural areas (Where), Traveller
coast line (1076 km) with many unique coastal
who intends to enjoy the outdoor experience and
formations like mangroves, corals, coastal sand
is having the willingness and ability to pay (For
dunes, backwaters, well developed air and
whom), Dependent people and non-wealthy
rail connectivity and extensive road networks.
local community (With whom), All stakeholders
Beaches, backwaters, Hill stations, valleys,
(Along with who else),Enhanced recreation
meadows, forests, Water falls, water bodies,
experience, low/no impact, conservation
rivers, Wildlife sanctuaries, national parks,
awareness, Sustainable livelihood (With what
safaris, nature trails, Urban eco parks, Culture
result)

State Planning Commission 25

 including festivals. Rides-Vehicles, Elephants,
Trekking, Bird watching, Boat, Coracle rides,
Cycling and mountain biking, Adventure
activities like rock climbing, hang gliding, river
crossing etc, Bathing, Water sports like river
rafting and angling, any other activity that may
be specific all.
Eco tourism guidelines-MoT
The guide lines are detailed in Eco
tourism Policy (1998) and guidelines, (2002)
National Tourism Policy : At the institutional
level, a framework would have to be evolved,
which is Government-led, private sector driven
and community welfare-oriented, ET to act as
smokeless industry with soft ecological foot.
ET must help in removing poverty, in ending
unemployment, in creating new skills, in
enhancing the status of women, in preserving
cultural heritage, in encouraging tribal and local
grafts and in improving overall environment
and facilitating growth of a more just and fair
social order.
26 State Planning Commission
Eco tourism Policy of TN – 2010 Objective
is to secure involvement of local communities
without adversely affecting their cultural ethos.
Activities and facilities of tourism policy are
developed in consultation with the communities
without transgression into community’s
cultural sovereignty. Main strategy is to involve
the local communities by way of employment
in all tourism related activities. Priority will
be given for areas close to the existing popular
destinations and less known eco tourism spots.
Eco tourism guidelines for PAs
Announced in June 2011, Contains a
detailed set of framework guidelines on selection,
planning, development, implementation and
monitoring of eco tourism in and around Pas
States to develop State specific Eco tourism
strategies and Eco tourism plans, Roles and
responsibilities for different stakeholders-State
Governments, PA management, tourist facilities/
tour operators, local communities, temple
boards and general public. Dos and Don’ts.
Investments required
Development of necessary infrastructure
in selected sites, Publicity, Awareness creation,
Interpretation and documentation, Capacity
Building and skill development for Monitoring
and Evaluation of the Project outputs.

Administrative Costs-Output
Impacts of mass tourism visitation,
Tourist destinations and sites will be developed
with the required infrastructure to initiate and
Forest Department will develop the
sustain eco tourism ventures.
required integration and synergy between the
communities and various other stakeholders
to achieve long-term sustainability of the
programme. Enhanced visitor satisfaction,
which would go for developing positive
orientation for forests and wildlife, will accrue.

Tourism- related activities will be implemented

through LEMCs comprising of thousands
of forest dependent households, Women
empowerment will be catalyzed by promoting
Self Help Groups, to participate in the service
provisioning (catering, local crafts etc.) in the
tourist locations will boost the livelihoods of the
local communities.

State Planning Commission 27

28 State Planning Commission
 Session - III : “Potential and Prospects in Tourism Sector in
Tamil Nadu”-with special reference to “Heritage Tourism”
India is known for its rich, diversified, posterity. The archaeological monuments can
cultural properties, Monuments – World also serve as brand Ambassadors to attract the
heritage sites, National monuments, State tourist.
monuments. Archaeology studies the story
of man’s past through his material remains. Department of Archaeology
Helps to understand culture, know history and The department of Archeology was
preserve heritage. Hon’ble Chief Minister is Established in 1961 to showcase the rich culture
directed archaeology department to carry out & glorious heritage of TN with its classical
publicity measures to popularize the protected Tamil language, magnificent monuments,
monument of the State to promote Tourism. exquisite temples, art, sculpture & diversified
traditions, Epigraphically Study [Intensive
The important objectives of the Campaign],Excavation and Exploration,
Department are (1) To improve heritage and Conservation of Historical Monuments,
archaeological monuments, development Museums and Site Museums, Registration of
of places of tourist interest {sound and light Antiquities, Government Oriental Manuscripts
show}, (2) To attract the local, and international Library and Research Centre Research,
tourist, (3) To have awareness programme to the Recognised by University of Madras as Doctoral
student community, (4) To create archaeological Research Centre (Ph.D) – 2003 , and Publication.
monument circuits, Organizing Weekend
programmes to visit the archaeological sites
for the IT and corporate communities. The
development and promotion of tourism in the \
archaeological sites and monuments fulfill the
needs of the local population. By which the
cultural heritage of that area is carried to other
parts of the world. The local people also enrich
and feel proud of their culture and heritage. It
will definitely help to keep them tourist friendly.
By this they can be conserved, preserved for

State Planning Commission 29

 Historical Monuments Dharasuram temple Monuments are declared by
ICOMOS as World Heritage Monuments. The
The familiar historical monuments
other important Indian Monuments are Ajantha
Play vital role in tourism development which
caves, Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, Taj Mahal – Agra,
are Preserved by both State and Central
The Sun Temple, Konark, Mamallapuram, Goa
Government. They are monuments - 3632
– Churches, Khajuraho, Humpi, Fatehpur Sikri,
under ASI – No. Of, 3500 State Governments
Pattadakkal temple, Elephanta Cave.
Tamil Nadu, State Department of Archaeology -
86 monuments, Archaeological Survey of India,
Celebration of Heritage Week for Tourism
- Monuments and sites above 409.
The Archeology department celebrates
Monuments of State Archaeology Dept April 18th as World Heritage Day,November
19-25th – Heritage Week. During this period,
The Total number of Monuments is 86.
awareness programme are organized by
They are Categorized as Pre historic – Paintings
conducting Exhibitions and Heritage walks.
and Rock cut Caves, Religious sing Temples,
Tanks, Jaina beds and inscriptions, Tombs,
Archaeological sites of Tourist importance
Sculptures, Secular Palaces, Forts, Buildings,
Choultries, Pillars. The Archaeological sites of
Tourist importance are Excavated.Sarnath,
Monuments Act Nagarjunakonda, are Protected by Central
Archaeology and the places of Poompuhar and
The monuments act enacted to preserve
Gangaikondacholapuram (Chola Capital) are
monuments of Government of India – Ancient
Protected by State Department of Archaeology.
Monuments and Archaeological sites and
Remains, Act 1958 and Amendment and
Validation Act 2010.Tamil Nadu Ancient and
Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites
and Remains Act – 1966 & Rules 1971.

World Heritage Sites

The world heritage monuments are
declared by ICOMOS. In Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur
Big temple, Gangaikondacholapuram,

30 State Planning Commission

Palaces and Forts for Tourists
The magnificent forts and attractive
places of GOI and Tamil Nadu Centre are: Jaipur
Palace – Jaipur, Padmanabhapuram Palace –
Kerala ,State, Tirumalai Nayak Palace – Madurai,
Ramalingavilasam, Ramanathapuram, Maratta
Palace, Thanjavur, Tarangambadi Fort.
Site Museums and Museums
The attractive site museums are, Site
Museums at the excavation site Sarnath,
Ajantha, Nagarjunakonda, Site Museums of the
State Department of Archaeology, Museums,
National Museums, New Delhi, Government
Museum, Chennai, Salarjung Museum,
Hyderabad.
Archaeology and Tourism
The share of archeology tourism is high
such as it play vital role in Tourism development,
Authentic history of the place and monument,
Preserving the monuments for posterity, Sound
and light show at palaces, forts, Heritage
tourism, Festivals – Dance, Music, Drama,
Elocution contest, Publicity, infrastructure,
good and clean maintenance.
Tourism Potential Monuments and
Archaeological Site Museums
The tourism potential monuments and
archeological site museums are Kanchipuram
District - Alambarai, Vittal Temple,
Trilokyanathar Jeenaswamy and Chandraprabha
Temple, Chokkiswarar Temple, Tiruvallur – Pre
History Museum, Poondi, Vellore District –
Tombs of Ceylon kings & Arcot Site Museum,
Villupuram District -Rock Paintings – Kilvalai,
Settavarai, Alambadi, Kabilar Rock, Trichy
District - Swastic Well, Ariyalur – Ulkottai
– Gangaikondacholapuram, Nagapattinam -
Danish Fort, - Poompuhar Museum, Thanjavur
- Thanjavur Palace Complex, Rajarajan
Museum, Manora, Granary, Madurai – TN
Mahal, Brahmi Inscriptions Circuit & Jain Beds,
Ladan Temple Snamalai, Kongarpuliyankulam,
Ovamalai, Thiruvathavur, Karungalakkudi,
Ramanathapuram District - Ramalingavilasam
Palace, Tuticorin District - Kattabomman Fort,
Vettuvankoil, Tirunelveli District – Seevalaperi
& Courtallam Site Museum, Kanyakumari –
Udayagiri Fort.
State Planning Commission 31
 Session-IV : “Linkage Heritage and Religious Places
to promote tourism in Tamil Nadu”
There are several places of tourist interest
in the State and in Chennai. The state’s capital
city. The places are Mamallapuram, the beach
resort; Kanchipuram, the land of 1000 temples;
Madurai famous for the Meenakshi temple;
Rameswaram, Thiruchirapalli and Thanjavur,
form the temple trio. The charming hill resorts
are at Yercaud, Ootacamund and Kodaikanal.
Kanniyakumari at the tip of the Indian peninsula
is where the seas meet. The waters of the Bay
of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and of the Arabian
Sea join together at this point. This small town
is renowned for the spellbinding views of a
fantastic sunrise and sunset.
Temples of Tamil Nadu
The historically important temples of
Tamil Nadu are Meenakshi Amman Temple
at Madurai, Kamakshi Amman Temple at
Kanchipuram, Brigadeshwarar Temple at
Tanjavur, Natrajar Temple at Chidambaram.
32 State Planning Commission
The State has many Temples dedicated to Lord
Muruga (Son of Lord Shiva ). It is also called
the Aruppadai Veedu or the six houses of Lord
Muruga which are Thiruthani, Swamimalai,
Thiruchendur, Palani, Pazhamudhir Cholai,
Thiripparankundram.
Navagraha Tour
Believers in astrology and the influence
of planets over individual destiny will find Tamil
Nadu is a great destination. Indian astrology
believes that the planetary positions of the nine
planets in a geocentric orbit determine the way
a person will live, progress and exemplify one’s
life to others before death. Nava means nine
and graha means planet. There are nine temples
located in Tamil Nadu representing each
planet in the Navagraha. All nine of them are
located within a sixty-kilometer radius around
Kumbakonam of Thanjavur District.
Tamil Nadu is the only State where the
temples dedicated to the nine celestial bodies
are located in such close proximity.
 Table - 4 Sri Kallalagar temple
Temples for Planets
Sri Kallalagar temple is situated at the
Planet Temple
foot of Alagar Hills called Alagarmalai, which
Surya (Sun) Suryanar Koil
has many other names like, Solaimalai, Southern
Chandra (Moon) Tingaloor Koil
Chevaai (Mars) Vaitheswaran Koil Thiruppathi, Thirumalirum Solai about 21 kms,
Budhan (Mercury) Tiruvenkadu north of Madurai city.
Guru (Jupiter) Alangudi
Shukran (Venus) Kanchanoor
Shani (Saturn) Tirunallar
Rahu Tirunageswharan
Ketu Keezhperumpallam

Tamil Nadu State is house of various

living culture and performing art forms like
1. Bagavatha Nadanam, 2. Bommalattam or
Puppet Show, 3. Bharathanatyam 4. Chakkai
Attam,5. Devaraattam,6. Kamandi or Kaman
Pandigai, 7. Kai Silambu Attam, 8. Kali Attam
or Kolattam, 9. Karagattam,10. Kavadi Aattam,
11. Kazhai Kothu, 12. Kolattam, 13. Kol Kal
Attam, 14. Kummi, 15. Mayil Attam or Peacock
Dance, 16. Ottan Koothu, 17. Oyilattam, 18. Oyil
Kummi, 19. Paampu Attam or Snake Dance, 20.
Poikkal Kuthirai Aattam or False Horse Dance,
21. Puli Aattam or Puliyattam (Tiger Dance),
22. Sevai Attam, 23. Thappaattam, 24. Theru
Koothu, 25. Urummi Attam, 26. Villu Pattu.
Alagar Hills Lord `Thirumal” is located
in the name of “Alagar” and so it is called
Alagar Hills. This Vaishnavite Temple has the
unique reputation of the Lord’s revelation to
the Pandya King Malayathuaja Pandian and
Dharma Devashai.
The episodes of Alvars have added
to the honour of the temple. Not less than Six
Alvars, namely, Perialvar, Thirumangaiyalvar,
Boothathalvar, Andal, Peyalvar, Nammalvar,
have Sung the glory of the shrine.

State Planning Commission 33


One hundred and twenty three
Vaisnavite hymns describe the glory of the
temple. Even in the epic Silappathikaram of the
classical epic age, the greatness of the temple
is beautifully described. The golden canopy
to the dome of temple was done in the 13th
Century A.D. by the devoted King Sundara
Pandian. Many such sacred dedicatory pieces
of artistic additions were added by the king
Thirumalai Naickar. A holy spring known as
Noopurangangai is perennially sprouting up at
the top of the hillock.
34 State Planning Commission
Festivals – Chithirai Festival
Chithirai festival of this temple celebrated
for ten days is one of the declared festivals of
Tamil Nadu Government. This festival day is
declared as Local Holiday. In Chithirai, Lord
Kallalagar starts from Alagar Kovil in the form
of Kallar and reaches Madurai on Pournami
(Full Moon day). Here he steps into river Vaigai
in his Horse Vaganam. Lakhs of devotees flock
to river Vaigai to see this event. “Ethir Sevai”
festival is celebrated on the day before Alagar
steps into river Vaigai. It is a tradition for the
people of Madurai to welcome Alagar.
Holy Water – Noopura Gangai
A holy spring known as Noopurangangai
is perennially sprouting up at the top of the
hillock.The water from this pool is supposed to
have descended from the heavens and fallen at
the top of this hill which in turn flows as Nupura
Ganga. Taking a holy bath in this water is said
to fulfill the desires of the people and so it is
also called as ‘Ishta Siddhi’. In ‘ Silappatikaram ‘
there is a mention of three springs found in this
hill namely, ‘Sravanam’. Bava Tarani’ and Ishra
Siddhi.
State Planning Commission 35
 Session-V : “Eco Tourism”

Ecotourism is not just about ‘green’ The key components of ecotourism are
destinations, it is much more about ‘green’ considered to be as follows (Wood, 2002):
behaviour in reaching and exploring such It Contributes to conservation of
destinations. The International Ecotourism biodiversity sustains the well being of local
Society (1991) and the world’s largest and oldest people includes an interpretation/learning
ecotourism organisation established in 1990, experience, involves responsible action on
defines ecotourism as: “Responsible travel to the part of tourists. The tourism industry is
natural areas that conserves the environment delivered primarily to small groups by small-
and improves the welfare of local people”. scale businesses requires lowest possible
The IUCN-World Conservation Union’s (1996) consumption of non-renewable resources.
definition of ecotourism, albeit less succinct, Stresses local participation, ownership and
makes specific reference to the appreciation of business opportunities, particularly for rural
cultural, as well as natural, heritage and to low people.
visitor impact. Environmentally responsible
travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and Unlike many other forms of sustainable
appreciate nature and accompanying cultural tourism, ecotourism must be rigorously
features, both past and present that promote planned and managed to successfully deliver
conservation, have a low visitor impact and its key ecological and social objectives. This
provide for beneficially active socio-economic requires: specialised marketing to attract
involvement of local peoples. travellers primarily interested in visiting
natural areas. Management skills, particularly
Typology of tourism, highlighting the related to handling visitors in protected areas.
importance conceptual differences between Guiding and interpretation services, preferably
ecotourism and some other types of tourism that provided and managed by local inhabitants,
do not necessarily accommodate environmental which focus on natural history and sustainable
or local community needs (adapted from development issues. Government policies
Chafe, 2005).Adventure tourism Nature-based that earmark fees from tourism to generate
tourism that incorporates an element of risk, funds for both conservation of wild lands and
higher levels of physical exertion and need for sustainable development of local communities
specialised skill. and indigenous people. Focused attention on

36 State Planning Commission

local peoples, who must be given the right of
prior informed consent, full participation and, if
they so decide, the opportunity and training to
engage in this sustainable development option.
Eco tourism principles
The basic Eco Tourism Principles are
enunciated in the the International Ecotourism
Society web site (http://www.ecotourism.
org) which aims to minimize impact, to
build environmental & cultural awareness
and respect to the world at large. It provides
positive experiences for both visitors and hosts,
direct financial benefits for conservation and
empowerment for local people, raise sensitivity
to host countries’ political, environmental, and
social climate.
The Nature Conservancy is hosted in
the web cite http://www.nature.org / aboutus /
travel / ecotourism / about / art 667.html. This
nature conservancy could be achieved through
conscientious, low-impact visitor behavior
, sensitivity towards & appreciation of local
cultures and biodiversity, support for local
conservation efforts, sustainable benefits to local
communities local participation in decision-
making, educational components for both the
traveler and local communities are helps to
consumer fee. These are observed from our
experience in Tiruppadaimaruthu and Jawadi
Hills.
State Planning Commission 37
 Session - VI : “Potential and Prospects in
Tourism Sector inTamil Nadu”
The South Zone Cultural Centre is an
autonomous Organization under the Ministry of
Culture, Government of India. It was established
in the year 1986 by the then Prime Minister of
India, Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi. This centre has
the following member States & Union Territories
under its jurisdiction. They are Andaman and
Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka,
Kerala, Lakshadweep Islands. Pondicherry, and
Tamil Nadu.
Objectives The
The objective of the South Zone Cultural
Centre (SZCC) is to preserve and promote the
arts and culture in the area under its jurisdiction
by taking closure to the lives of the people and
unite them through the medium of culture.
Infrastructure of SZCC
The South Zone Cultural Centre is
located in an area of 25 acres of land gifted
by the Government of Tamil Nadu adjacent
to the Tamil University in Thanjavur. With
the financial assistance of Rs.2.00 Crores from
the Government of Tamil Nadu, the New
Cultural Complex was constructed housing an
air-conditioned Art Gallery, air-conditioned
Exhibition Hall, air-conditioned Auditorium,
and Central Mandapam with ample space for
accommodating the administrative office.
Art Gallery
38 State Planning Commission
The Art Gallery measuring 3100 sq.ft is
fully air-conditioned. Track lighting is provided
to enhance the appeal of the paintings and
artifacts. The centre has a collection of 940 art
works in various media, which are put on
display in the art gallery. The air-conditioned
Exhibition Hall is also provided with track
lighting to ideally suit the exhibition of the
works of both eminent and up coming artistes.
Auditorium
air-conditioned auditorium
measuring 2500 Sq.ft can accommodate
comfortably 133 viewers. The stage has wooden
flooring flanked on either side by comfortable
green rooms.
Copper Garden
The Copper garden at the entrance
was designed and created by Sirpi (sculptor)
Kanniappan. The Copper Garden has two
grapevines with seven bunches of grapes.
To naturalise the situation, the sculptor has
designed a peacock, 19 sparrows, 6 butterflies,
3 beetles, 3 snails, 7 humbees along with 30
copper flower buds. The supporting pipes are
given bamboo finish. The central mandapam
serves as the stage for performances of the
invited artistes. At a time, 200 invitees can be
accommodated along the corridors
Chin Mudras Terracotta Garden
The Chin Mudras made out of brass Statues of animals, birds, dancers,
by Sirpi Rajan of Swamimalai, demonstrate village gods etc., adorn the terracotta garden.
the hand postures of the dance movement The retention of the finer features, despite the
of Bharathanatyam. The brass work is also size of the sculpture is indicative of the prowess
an example of the fine workmanship of the of the traditional craftsmen.
Thanjavur artisans, which has been carefully
preserved and nurtured over generations. Some photo clippings on the activities of
SZCC
Campus Activities & Schemes of SZCC
The new Cultural Complex has four Scheduled Programmes, Special Programmes,
entrances. Each entrance has a set of carved National Cultural Exchange Programmes,

teakwood door reflecting the cultural heritage Headquarters Programmes, Training Classes,
Theme based Programmes, Cultural Exchange
of the member states of South Zone Cultural
Programmes – Abroad, Documentations, Guru
Centre. Renowned wood craftsmen from Tamil
Shishya Parampara Scheme, Young Talented
Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala
Artists – Patronage, Theatre Rejuvenation
were invited to Thanjavur to get the doors
Scheme, Collaborative Programmes. Scheduled
carved. These decorated entrances make a
Programmes, Thirupavai Thiruvizha,
visitor feel proud of his native state.
Mayiladudurai Moovar Vizha, Special
Programmes & Collaborative Programmes,
Evolution Theory National Cultural Exchange Programme,
Sirpi Lakshmana Chitra from Papanadu, Theatre Performances and Folk/Classical
Thanjavur, translates the theory of evolution into Performances, Martial Arts Performances,
a modern day version in cement sculpture. The Arulmigu Kallalagarthirukkoil, Alagarkoil,
life like images of the ancestors of the modern Melurtaluk, Madurai District .

man brings Darwin’s theory before our eyes.

The sculpture garden is studded with sculptures
in various media created by eminent sculptors
covering an area of 5 acres of land. Five life-size
sculptures in copper, white cement, gray cement
and ceramic created by eminent sculptors adorn
the garden.

State Planning Commission 39

 Session - VII : “Potential and Prospects in
Tourism Sector in Pudukkottai District”

Tmt. Bhanumathi Dharmarajan, Guest
Faculty, Dept of Indian History University
of Madras, Chennai expained about the
importance of tourist potential in Pudukkottai
District. It has a rich past and is abundant
in historial and cultural monuments. Queen
Victoria Diamond Jubilee Arch, Pudukkottai
New Palace at present District Collectorate,
Pudukkottai Public Offices including Court,
H.H. The Rajah’s College, Robert Chisholm
Style of Architecture, Avudaiyarkoil Sculptures
inside the temple, ‘Kodungai’, a special feature
of sculptural excellence in Avudaiyarkoil.
Muvar Kovil, Under ground well (Muvar Kovil,
Kodumbalur), Sapthamathrikas Sculptures
found at Muvar Kovi excellence with minute
details like Nails of the animals, Vinayaka
Statue with decorative Thoranas, Kodumbalur,
The Structure of the Vimana which formed the
model for Brahadeeswarar Temple of Thanjavur
and Gangai Konda Cholapuram, Sculptures
found at Muvar Kovil. Rock-cut Temple with
images of Parsvanatha and a Jain Saint, the
back wall of the Sanctum has 2 images of Jain
Tirtankaras and a Jain Acharya. Sittanavasal,
’Eladipattam’ 17 Rock-beds with inscriptions,
Thirugokaranam - Front view, Mandapam -
Entrance. Amman kasu with Sri Brahadambal
image on the obverse side and Vijaya in Telugu
on the reverse side. Copper coin issued by the
state of Pudukkottai for the special purpose of
distribution during Dasara days. Thirumayam
- Rock–cut Vishnu Temple, Rock–cut Siva
Temple, Fort on the hillock in which cave
temples are scooped out Narthamalai Amman
Kovil Amman Kovil Before Conservation
After Conservation Vijayalaya Cholisvaram
located on the top of the hill - Melamalai,
Viajalayacholisvaram and Group of sub-shrines,
Rock cut Siva Temple, Samanarkudagu Rock
cut - Vishnu Temple, Sphinx – Egyptian type
of Sculpture – Samanarkudagu,Narthamalai
Kudumiyanmalai - Sikkannathaswamy temple,
Amman shrine , Musical Inscriptions Rock cut
shrine called Melakovil with Mandapam Cavern
on the western side of Kudumiyanmalai shown
in the background Jain Tirthankara Image,
Annavasal.

40 State Planning Commission

 The following are the reconstructed
temples by Archaeological Department:
Kailasanatha Temple - Before Conservation
Irumbanadu - Before Conservation After
Conservation Suriyur Tiruvilangudi Siva
Temple Some more temples are also protected
by Archaeological department Siva Temple
- Pannangudi Vishnu Temple - Pannangudi
Rajendracholiswara temple - Ponnamaravathy
Siva Temple - Thodaiyur Agasthesvara Temple,
Vellanur Siva Temple - Neerpalani Rock cut Siva
Temple, Kunnandarkoil Jain Tirthankara Image
and Inscribed stone, Chettipatti Rock cut Siva
temple, Malayadipatti Rock cut Vishnu Temple,
Malayadipatti Two Rock cut Siva shrines on
the eastern and southern slopes of the hill,
Malaiyakoil.
Tourist Potential in Puduukottai district
in Tamil Nadu
There are thousands of Temples and
archaeological monuments in Pudukkottai
district. “If the topography of the Tamil Nadu is
visualized as a painting the Pudukkottai terrain
can be regarded as the palette on which colours
were mixed for the canvas”. There are not less
than fifteen rock-cut caves, at Sittannavasal,
Tirugokarnam, Tirumayam, Kudimiyanmalai,
Malayadipatti, Narthamalai, Malayakkovil and
Kunnandarkovil. Apart from these temples
maintained by Hindu Religious Endowment
Board, there are 248 monuments protected
under the Archaeological survey of India,
Chennai circle in Tamil Nadu. Out of these 248
monuments, 62 monuments are in Pudukkottai
district.
State Planning Commission 41
 Table - 5
Location of Monuments – ( Archaeological Survey of India)
1. Alangudi patti 22. Melur 43. Veerakudi
2. Alathur 23. Nanjur 44. Vellanur
3. Ammachatram 24. Narthamalai 45. Visalur
4. Ariyur 25. Nathampanai 46. Viralimalai
5. Chettipatti 26. Nirpalani 47. Ammankurichi
6. Chittur 27. Panangudi 48. Annavasal
7. Irumbanadu 28. Ponnamaravathi 49. Devarmalai
8. Kannankarakudi 29. Puthambur 50. Kulathur
9. Kannankudi 30. Rasipuram 51. Kunnandarkoil
10. Kannanur 31. Sembattur 52. Malaiyakoil
11. Keelaiyur 32. Sembuthi 53. Malayadippatti
12. Keelathanyam 33. Sengirai 54. Mylapatti
13. Kiranur 34. Sevalur 55. Nangupatti
14. Kodumbalur 35. Suriyur 56. Puliyur
15. Kudumianmalai 36. Tennangudi 57. Puvalakudi
16. Letchumanpatti 37. Tekkattur 58. Rajalipatti
17. Madarapati 38. Tiruppur 59. Sittannavasal
18. Mangadevanpatti 39. Todaiyur 60. Tirukalambur
19. Mangudi 40. Valavampatti 61. Tirukkattallai
20. Marudur 41. Varappur 62. Tirumayam
21. Melanilaivayal 42. Varpet

42 State Planning Commission

 Table - 6
List of tourism centres - All Categories

Sl.No Kulattur Taluk

1. Ammachatram Pre-historic Burial site, in S.No. 243/a/2.

2. Amburapatti Pre-historic burial site in S.No. 16&12/1-b.

3. Amburapatti Pre-historic burial site in S.No. 15-A, 5/; a-2b &12/2.

4. Mootampatti Pre-historic burial site in S.No. 10,11A&11B

5. Thayinipatti Pre-historic burial site in S.No. 91& 69/2

6. Sengalur Pre-historic burial site in S.No. 107, 108 & 158E

7. Kilaiyur Pre-historic burial site in S.No. 93a & 99/2

8. Malaiyadipatti Rock-cut Siva temple

9. Malaiyadipatti Rock-cut Vishnu Cave temple

10. Kilaiyur Kiliyapatti Sive Temple

11. Sittannavasal Pre-historic burial sites(1) In the field near road No.10at mile
8/5 stone and (2) in the north west corner of the Sengulam tank
water spread in Major Inam, in S.No. 1A.
12. Sittannavasal The Rock-cut Jain Cave temple

13. Sittannavasal The natural cavern with stone beds and Brahmi and old Tamil
inscriptions, called Eladipattam.
14. Vattanakkruichi Pre-historic burial sites (Pappankulam water spread) in S.No. 296

15. Poyyamani & Pre-historic burial site and Ayyanar image in S.No. 6-2, 22-2,173-
Virudapatti 1 etc.
16. Narangianpatti Pre-historic burial sites in Thumbakkulam Water-spread in
S.No.18.
17. Melur Pre-historic burial sites in S.No. 211

18. Melur Vishnu Idol (in S.No. 206-C).

19. Satyamangalam Melur Pre-historic burials and Jain Tirthankara Idol in S.No. 39-A
(near Kallumalai)
20. Satyamangalam Pre-historic Burial sites in S.No. 1-a.

21. Annavasal Pre-historic burial sites in S.No. 310,311, &315

22. Annavasal Two Jain Tirthankara images

State Planning Commission 43

 23. Vilapatti Pre-historic burial site in S. No. 4 & 48/4

24. Vadugapatti Pre-historic burial site in S. No. 41-B1.

25. Tiruppur (hamlet of Pre-historic burial site in S. No. 399/21.

Virakkudi)
26. Virakkudi Jain Tirthankara image (Samranarmedu) in S.No. 212-5.

27. Tiruppur Jain Tirthankara image in Waterspread Pudukulam in S.No. 309-

58
28. Tiruppur Cholisvara Udayar Temple

29. Kannangudi Jain image, stone lion and foundation of a temple

30. Chettipatti Jain Tirthankara image and inscribed stone in S.No. 393

31. Chettipatti The ruined Jain temple called OttaiKovil

32. Alangudipatti (Hamlet Two Jain Tirthankara images in S. No. 5/4(b) &534.
of Tennatiriyanpatti)
and Puliyur Village
33. Karupparmalai in Jain Tirthankara basement of Jain temple with inscriptions
Mylapatti
34. Karupparmalai in Ganesa and Nandi idols and basement of Siva Temple
Mylapatti
35. Mangattevanpatti Jain images and ruins of a Jain Temple.

36. Mangattevanpatti Jain temple site

37. Alathur Jain Tirthankara images

38. Ammachatram The natural cavern with beds and two Jain figures carved over
the facade.
39. Kulattur Eight natural caverns, Jain idols and inscriptions in Kudagumalai
Aladiperumalparai kadu
40. Kulattur Sundaracolisvaram Siva temple

41. Lechumanpatti Remains of Jain Temple in Samanarmedu, Tirthankara idol etc.

42. Nanjur Jain Tirthankara Idol, 2 Durga Idols, 1 Vishnu idol and inscribed
stone slab.
43. Marudur Jain Tirthankara Aiyanar and Devi Idol

44. Narthamalai Rock-Cut Siva cave temple called Paliyili Isvaram

(Melamalai)
45. Narthamalai Rock-cut Vishnu Shrine called Samanar Kudagu
(Melamalai)

44 State Planning Commission

46. Narthamalai Vijayalaya Colisvaram
(Melamalai)
47. Narthamalai Kadambur temple
(Kadamburmalai)
48. Narthamalai The Siva temple (near Kadambur temple)

49. Narthamalai Ammankovil to the west of Kadambur temple

50. Kodumbalur Muvaravarkovil with surrounding subshrines,

51. Kodumbalur Mucukundesvara temple

52. Kunnandarkovil The rock-cut Siva temple

53. Kunnandarkovil The hall of 100 pillars of car mandapam

54. Rajalipatti A stone slice with Nandipottarain inscription

55. Kudumiyamalai The Sikhanathaswami temple

56. Kudumiyamalai The Rock-cut shrine called Melakkovil

57. Kudumiyamalai The musical inscription

58. Kudumiyamalai The amman Shrine (near the musical inscription)

59. Kudumiyamalai Natural cavern with drip line (on the western side of the hill)

60. Viralimalai Two lion pillars in the Vahanamandapam of the Subramanya

temple
61. Mangudi Rock-cut Ganesa Temple

62. Mangudi Siva temple

63. Tennangudi The three lion pillars in the Siva temple

64. Kodumbalur Aivarkoil remains (Aintali)

65. Kodumbalur The remains of a structural temple and sculptures

66. Kiranur Uthamanathaswami Siva temple

67. Tiruvilangudi (hamlet The Tiruvilangudi Siva Temple

of Suriyur)
68. Madarapatti The three Siva idols seated on the southern bund of Teppakulam
Urani
69. Nirpalani Valarmadisvara temple

70. Visalur Siva temple

State Planning Commission 45

 71. Ariyur Siva temple

72. Panangudi Siva temple

73. Panangudi Vishnu temple

74. Vellanur Kailasanatha temple

75. Vellanur Agastisvara temple

76. Todaiyur The Todaiyur Siva temple

77. Nangupatti The Tirupperumanandar temple called Madattukkovil

78. Mullaiyur Images of Hunter and Jyesta Devi on the Mullaiyur kulam

79. Rasipuram Stone idols of Vishnu and Devi and the ruined Siva temple

Tirumayam Taluk
80. Thekkattur Pre-historic burial site in the Sivapuram Kanmai waterspread in
S.No 3-a.
81. Thekkattur Jain Tirthankara Image on the east bund of Periakanmai, west of
Siva temple
82. Kannangarukudi Jain idol and Mound in S.No. 101-A

83. Tirumayam The Rock-cut Siva temple (Satyagirisvara shrine)

84. Tirumayam The Rock-cut Vishnu temple (Satya murthi shrine)

85. Tirumayam The stone and brick fort

86. Puvalakkudi The rock-cut shrine of Pushpavaneswara

87. Malaiyakkovil The two rock-cut shrines on the eastern and southern slope of the
hill.
88. Devarmalai The rock-cut Sivashrine

89. Varpet The Siva temple on the western bund of Enadi Kanmai

90. Kannanur Balasubramaniya temple

91. Sittur Tiruvagnisvara temple

92. Kilathaniyam Uttamadanisvara temple

93. Ammankurichi The Siva temple

94. Tirukkalambur Siva Temple

95. Sengirai Vishnu, Sridevi and Bhudevi Idols

46 State Planning Commission

96. Melanilaivayal Menandar Pillaiyarkoil

97. Irumbanadu Kalambam Udaiyar temple

98. Irumbanadu Soundararajaperumal temple

99. Irumbanadu Stone idols of Ganesa and Anjaneya

100. Irumbanadu The Siva temple and the Lion pillar.

101. Sevalur Sri Bhumisvarasvami temple

102. Ponamaravathi Rejendracholisvaram temple

103. Sengirai The runed fort called Puram-Fort

104. Sengirai The mud fort called Kottaikkarai

105. Semboothi Natural cavern with drip line called Andaramadam situated in
Tenimalai
106. Sokkanathapatti Pre-historic dolmens

Alangudi Taluk
107. Perungalur Pre-historic burial sites in (a) S.No. 267-a and (b) 269-A and 302

108. Tirukkattalai Pre-historic burial sites (Kalasakkadu) in S. No.5.

109. Tirukkattalai Sundaresvara temple

110. Sendakkudi Pre-historic burial sites in S.No. 10a/1.

111. Puthambur Prehistoric burial sites in (1) S. No. 223/1, (2) 224 la and (3) 224/2c

112. Puthambur Jain Tirthankara image and temple site locally called
Mottaipillaiyar Koil
113. Nattampannai Jain Tirthankara Image on foundations of a brick temple and
Pandya inscription of the rock nearby
114. Varappur The remains of the old mud fort in S. No. 86-A

115. Varappur The remains of the old mud fort, in S. No. 116

116. Valavampatti Jain Tirthankara and inscribed stone

117. Sembattur Jain images (Tirthankara and Yakshi), Lion Pillars and the site of
Jain temple
118. Varappur Agastisvara temple

119. Varappur The remains of the old mud fort in S. No. 213

120. Veppangudi Porpanaikottai, in S.No. 132/1 and 131/9 and 135/1 and 137-8

State Planning Commission 47

 Apart from Ecotourism Responsible
travel to natural areas that conserves the
environment and improves the welfare of
local people Geotourism that sustains or
enhances the geographical character of a place:
its environment, heritage, aesthetics, culture,
and well-being of its residents. Mass tourism
Large-scale tourism, typically associated with
‘sea, sand, sun’ resorts and characteristics such
as transnational ownership, minimal direct
benefit to destination communities, seasonality,
and package tours. Nature-based Tourism that
relies primarily on the natural environment for
its attractions and settings. Pro-poor tourism
Tourism that results in increased net benefit
for the poor people. Responsible tourism that
maximises the benefits to local communities,
minimises negative social or environmental
impacts, and helps local people conserve fragile
cultures, habitats and species. Sustainable
tourism that meets the needs of present tourist
and host regions while protecting and enhancing
opportunities for the future.
Suggestions for the improvement of
Tourism Potentials in Pudukkottai
District:
Documentation of the Tourism Potentials with
all current details, Proper identification and
publicity, Sustainable Tourism infrastructure-
making permanent arrangement for all the
seasons, Implementing MICE Market (Meetings
Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions),
Preventive Conservation, Maintenance and
Site management, Journalism in Tourism to be
introduced in the curriculum , Conservation,
48 State Planning Commission
and restoration Treatment , Focus on
Research activities and Public information
,Local communities are to be engaged in
the identification of cultural heritage assets
and Profitable Maintenance , More focus on
thrust areas to capture the economic benefits.,
Strategic priority to be given to Tourism for
its employment generation, Local Arts and
Crafts are to be encouraged. Encouragement
to Palmira industry, Periodical fairs and
exhibitions are to be conducted to encourage
folk dances, arts and crafts., Festival tours
during March-April to attract people, Light
and sound programme in the monument
centres, Summer Package Tours, Attractive
concessional package Tours for school children/
college students, to improve accessibility, Road
connectivity , Rail ways, Air lines, Charted trips,
Travel Agents , Hotel Industry/ Restaurants/
Resorts of acceptable standards, Trained Guide
Services, Accommodation - arrangements to
cater to all sections of the society, Arrangements
for pure drinking water, Tourist experience
rather than sightseeing is important. The total
tourist product that a tourist carries is the target
of our marketing, Organization of conferences,
Road shows, Travel shows, National level
Events, modes of all publicity and promotion,
In order to promote domestic tourism local
folk dances like Kaavadiattam, Poikkal Kudirai
Attam, Thappattam, Devarattam, Urumi Attam
and Villupaattu to be protected and promoted.
This will help to preserve local cultural tradition
and enrich the quality of the tourist product in
Pudukottai District.
 Session - VIII : “Tourism & Culture Resource Management in
Tamil Nadu Perspectives for Future Planning”
The Secretary and Director, Sharma
Centre for Heritage Education, Chennai.
discussed about the 1. Need for a Structured
Culture Resource Management Policy for
Tamil Nadu 2. Implementation of Legislation
for Cultural Impact Assessment Prior to any
Infrastructure Development. Three-fold benefits:
a)Heritage Conservation & Management; b)
Generation of employment through CRM
companies/NGO’s working in collaboration
with the Government, for trained and skilled
staff to implement impact assessment; c)
involvement of local communities/stakeholders
to implement conservation measures and get
involved in the projects.3.Implementation
of Alternate Programs for Public/Tourist
involvement: through workshops for children/
students/teachers, and publications. 4.Alternate
Approaches for Tourism & CRM in Tamil
Nadu Generation of Employment through
implementation of a Culture Resource
Management Policy for Tamil Nadu Heritage. 5.
Focus on alternate approaches for Tourists
in terms of specialized short-term courses.6
Focus on publications at key tourist sites for
children
Sharma Centre for Heritage Education
(SCHE)
Sharma Centre for Heritage Education
was established in 1999 and Research & Culture
Resource Management Planning for Prehistory
in Tamil Nadu has been conducted (Research: S.
Pappu since 1991 and SCHE since 1999). The
functions of the centre are 1.Outreach programs
for children & teachers 2. Collaborating with
various agencies for research activities like
ISRO, Government of India, Indira Gandhi
Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS),
Ministry of Culture, Government of India,
University of Pondicherry, Mangalore, Lyon,
French Institute, Pondicherry, Indian Institute
of Science, Bangalore, Agharkar Research
Institute, Pune ,Physical Research Laboratory-
Ahmedabad, IIT-Gandhinagar, CEREGE, Univ.
of Lyon-Lumiere-France ,University of New
York, Williams College, USA, 3. Consultancy
activities for Department of Archaeology,
Government of Tamil Nadu for prehistory (2002-
2004). 4. Consultancy for submitting proposal on
reorganization of syllabus content for Institute
of Archaeology, ASI (2011). 5. Documentation
Resource Centre, NMMA, ASI. 6.Collaboration
with schools for Children’s Workshops on
Human Evolution & Prehistory, Geology,
Past environments, Sciences in archaeology.7.
Sustainable Culture Resource Management
(CRM) for Managing Tourism, Conservation &
Employment Generation
Absence of key stages and steps in cultural
heritage management system development
and implementation of preservation leads
to 1. Widespread destruction of sites 2.
Unsustainable tourism & destruction of sites
which one seeks to protect 3. Lack of jobs for
skilled trained archaeologists, heritage experts
& locals .Absence of the plan is explained in the
chart below .
State Planning Commission 49
 Corporate Involvement Employment Generation & Conservation
Company Law in India is being Establishment Of CRM Units:
amended to include a % of their profits for Employment generation by establishment
activities in Corporate Social Responsibility of CRM companies & NGO’s in India which
(CRM) could be included as an activity as work in close collaboration with Government
part of CSR. Multinational groups already agencies.
have by laws of their own countries to include
CRM as part of their policy in India. While Capacity Building: Training of
Archaeological Acts do not have a component employees of CRM companies in ways of impact
of impact assessment prior to infrastructure assessment of any new land where development
development, Environment Laws do have this is expected.
in India. This includes for reporting of antiquity
finds- this should be expanded to cover impact Local Development : of local
assessment under CRM policies. stakeholders, companies, agencies, etc. in

50 State Planning Commission

heritage management at ground
level. Simple Impact Assessment
Survey has potential to create jobs.
Off the cuff figures in our estimate:
employment potential for about
2-3,00,000 man-days would be
available for skilled/unskilled
workers.

State Planning Commission 51

 Impact Assessment of Sites/Monuments
1. Intensive infrastructure development

2. Changes in agricultural practises: use

of mechanised cultivation

3. Large scale water management

projects: dams, canals, etc.

4. Ignorance on the part of the public as

Conservation, Planning & Funding of
to what constitutes a prehistoric site Archaeological Sites (not monuments)
5. Paucity of public-private initiatives The archaeological sites are very fragile
and outsourcing of conservation and delicate and also very easily destroyed
efforts to NGO’s. by picking up tools and by even walking
over them or building roads, etc. even in
proximity to them. The international norms for
reconstruction within museums to protect these
delicate sites & to adopt scientific principles for
their conservation, which are also, conserve the
surrounding natural environment

Different Approach to Planning &

Conservation for Prehistory
Different Approach to Planning & Conservation
for Prehistory and requirement. They are
• SCHE is preparing a Plan for Site
Management in collaboration with
ISRO-RRSC.
• Need for balance between need for
Infrastructure Development
• Need for Impact Assessment before
and during development projects to
Salvage/Conserve Prehistoric Sites
through legislations/projects
• Conservation-Indeed Achievable
through proper communication
channels with local stakeholders.

52 State Planning Commission

 Outcomes / Recommendations
• For the development of Tourism, a applicable to East Coast and also
marketing study has to be conducted regulations followed in other countries.
and Marketing Vision Document has to This is necessary to attract private
be prepared with cost details through investment in a big way.
a highly experienced professional
• To attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
agency. The proposed study shall also
in tourism and hospitality sectors, a panel
study potential in domestic tourism and
may be constituted to suggest the ways
recommendations be incorporated in the
and guidelines.
Marketing approach.
• At present, there is no mechanism to
• A long term Site Management Plan has
assess the quality of services provided in
to be prepared for important tourist
the Tourism sector. Hence a mechanism
destinations including eco tourism spots.
has to be developed to assess the quality
This will help in avoiding haphazard
of services.
growth, encroachments and unplanned
• To attract tourists in large numbers,
constructions. To start with, the UNESCO
cleanliness plays a vital role. Hence priority
approved World Heritage attractions may
should be given to removal of garbage and
be taken up.
cleaning the water ways. The Local bodies
• To promote Adventure Tourism,
may be actively involved in the cleaning
five Centres may be set up initially,
campaign and a part of proceeds from the
with international standard, with the
income generated by the tourism may be
operational support of agencies having
devolved to Local Bodies.
the necessary experience and expertise.
• The subject ‘Tourism’ may be included
• There is an unlimited scope to attract
in the syllabus at the University level.
private investments in promoting water
This will attract talented personnel with
sports, beach tourism activities, beach
expertise in Tourism Industry.
resorts etc. However, the CRZ Regulations
• To promote Eco Tourism, Jungle Lodges
are a deterrent to development of Beach
may be set up, with good standard, with
Tourism. Hence a panel of experts may be
the operational support of agencies having
constituted to study the CRZ Regulations
the necessary experience and expertise.

State Planning Commission 53

 • There is a need to set up a Site Management
Authority for Archeological sites to
safeguard from vulnerability.
• The literature and material of Archeological
importance has to be published and
disseminated through both electronic and
print media.
• The Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowment Department is undertaking
renovation of Temple tanks and other
conservation activities in the Temples.
Most of the Temple Tanks are fine examples
of Water Harvesting Structures. The
Temple Tanks are to be restored with due
care and all the data may be documented
properly for the future reference.
• A manual on restoration and conservation
of temple tanks has to be prepared and
put up in Electronic Media.

54 State Planning Commission

 List of Participants

Sl. No. Name and Designation

Tmt. Santha Sheela Nair, IAS (Retd.,),
1 Vice-Chairman,
State Planning Commission, Chennai - 600 005.

Thiru S. Krishnan, I.A.S.,

Principal Secretary to Government,
2
Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Dept.,
Secretariat, Chennai – 9.

Thiru M. Balaji, I.A.S.,

3 Member-Secretary,
State Planning Commission, Chennai – 600 005.

Thiru Hemant Kumar Sinha, I.A.S.,

4 Principal Secretary & Commissioner of Tourism,
T.N. Tourism Complex, 2, Wallajh Road, Chennai – 600 002.

Dr. T. Sekar, I.F.S.,

5
Chief Conservator of Forests (A), Saidapet, Chennai 15.

Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam,
6 Additional Director of Tourism,
T.N. Tourism Complex, 2, Wallajh Road, Chennai – 600 002.

Ms. Karitha,
Additional Commissioner (Tiruppani),
7
Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Dept.,
119, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai – 600 034.

A. Venugopal,
Assistant Director,
8
Department of Tourism,
T.N. Tourism Complex, 2, Wallajh Road, Chennai – 600 002.

Thiru P. Venkatesan,
9 Assistant Director,
South Zone Cultural Academy, Thanjavur.

State Planning Commission 55

 List of Participants

Sl. No. Name and Designation

P. Pushparaj,
Assistant Director,
10
Department of Tourism,
T.N. Tourism Complex, 2, Wallajh Road, Chennai – 600 002.

Dr. S. Vasanthi,
11 Commissioner (i/c),
Archaeology Department.

Prof. R. Maria Saleth,

12
MIDS, Chennai – 20.

Dr. B. Zaberanisha,
13
Deputy Director of Medical Education, Chennai.

Dr. Kumar Akhilesh,

14 Director – Research,
Sharma Centre for Heritage Education, Chennai – 04.

Prof. Shanti Pappu,

15 Founder / Secretary (Hon.),
Sharma Centre for Heritage Education, Chennai – 04.

Prof. Bhanumathi Dharmarajan,

Guest Faculty,
16
Department of Indian History,
University of Madras, Chennai – 5.

Michael Santhosh,
Lecturer, Institute of Hotel Management,
17
(Ministry of Tourism, GOI)
CIT Campus, Taramani, Chennai – 113.

Ms. Jayashree Venkatesan,

18
Care Earth Foundation, Chennai.

56 State Planning Commission