Workshop Series 13 / EE (2014)

PotentialPotential andand ProspectsProspects inin TourismTourism ssececTToror inin TamilTamil nnaduadu

state Planning commission Government of - 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 ” 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

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 Departments Tmt. Santha Sheela Nair, IAS., Thiru Hemant Kumar Sinha, I.A.S., (Retd.)Vice-Chairperson. Principal Secretary & Commissioner of Tourism, Chennai Thiru M. Balaji, IAS., Dr. T. Sekar, IFS, Member - Secretary, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest State Planning Commission, Chennai. (APCCF) (A), Department of Forest, Chennai Thiru K. Kumaresan, Dr. S. Vasanthi, Head of Division,Education and Commissioner(i/c), Employment Division. Department of Archaeology, Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai Thiru A.Ramaiah, The Commissioner, Planning Officer. Hindu Religious and Endowment Department Education and Employment Division. Chennai

Thiru S. Boopathy Mohan, Tmt. Jayshree Venkatesan, System Analyst Care Earth Trust, Chennai.

Dr. S.S. Ravichander, Thiru. P.Venkatesan, Technical Assistant, Assistant Director, Education and Employment Division. South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur. (Ministry Of Culture, Govt. Of India) Shri S. Rajamohan. Principal. Institute of Hotel Management Chennai Prof. Bhanumathi Dharmajan. Tmt. Dharmasamvardhani, University of Madras, Chennai Private Secretary,

Education and Employment Division. Dr. Shanti Pappu (Founder /Secretary) & Professor of Prehistory, Deccan College Pune Dr. Kumar Akhilesh, Director –Research Sharma Centre for Heritage Education, Chennai

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

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 an important medical tourist destination. This sector are : Identifying and developing lesser segment called “Health and Wellness Tourism” known tourist centres to decongest the popular which will be given emphasis considering destinations, creating employment opportu- that the in-patient, out-patient treatment in nities through tourism growth, Participating Allopathy, Siddha and Ayurveda. Publicity in Fairs, Festivals and Travel Marts, capacity blitzkrieg for tourism promotion in India and development programs for service providers abroad to realize the potential and to make including the Staff of the Tourism Department, extensive use of advancements in information tourist friendly Web Site of Tamil Nadu Tourism technology for cost effective reach to potential Development Corporation, accrediting tourist tourists. guides and training them in collaboration with other departments like Museums, Archaeology Rs.1758.12 lakh and Rs.317.31 lakh and Hindu Religious and Charitable was sanctioned for provision of Infrastructure Endowments Department etc., improving the facilities at tourist places under State schemes tourist infrastructure facilities at the existing and Government of India assisted scheme for tourist centres, through Government and private the year 2012-13 respectively. Approach Roads sector investments. The other activities includes leading to important tourist attractions will be to provide ramp facilities wherever possible developed at the cost of Rs.10.00 cr during 2013- for differently-abled and elders at the tourist 2014. centres, to discourage the use of disposable plastics at tourist destinations and to encourage Department of Tourism is the major the use of eco-friendly materials, to promote catalyst for tourism promotion in Tamil Nadu. high end tourism by encouraging adventure To make them aware of the latest developments tourism, cruise tourism, chartered flights and in the tourism sector, best practices adopted caravan services, to enhance the quality of to attract the tourists, latest statistics and experience by ensuring cleanliness through technologies, etc. The Department of Tourism waste management and awareness campaigns will organize refresher courses at regular at the tourist destinations, provision of well- intervals to develop necessary skills and maintained toilets of acceptable standards, competency levels for the staff and officers provision of waiting shelters and infrastructure of Department of Tourism. Further, visit to at temples, tourist places, developing Tamil various tourist destinations which adopt the Nadu as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, best practices of responsible tourism will be Conventions and Exhibitions) destination to organized to understand the ground realities attract group tourists. Tamil Nadu is already and replicate such practices in Tamil Nadu.

10 State Planning Commission 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. 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

World Tourism – at a Glance January to December 2012 came in at USD 23 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 shares

India is ranked 12th among 184 countries Despite the increase in foreign tourists, India’s in terms of travel & tourism‘s total contribution share of international tourist arrivals continues to GDP in 2012 as per Indian Brand Equity to be about 0.64% in the world with smaller Foundation. Tourism generated 6.7% of India’s countries in Southeast Asia attracting far more GDP in 2013. visitors Higher share in international tourism receipts when compared to tourist arrivals is Travel & Tourism GDP is larger than that because of longer stay in India. At an average of the automotive manufacturing, chemicals a foreign tourist stays for 28 days in India as manufacturing, education and mining sectors. compared to one week in other countries. This sector provided a total of 394 Lakhs direct, indirect, and induced jobs in India in 2013 and Tamil Nadu’s tourism industry is the also it generated either directly or indirectly 7.6% Second largest in India, with an annual growth of employment in India in 2013. According to rate of 16%. It has coastline of more than Government of India estimate, every one crore 1,000 km dotted with varied tourist attractions rupees invested in Tourism creates 475 jobs as besides beaches. Tamil Nadu was ranked against 126 jobs from Manufacturing Sector. Second in India in the domestic tourist arrivals next to Andhra Pradesh and Second in foreign Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, tourist arrivals next to Maharashtra in 2012-13. Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Rajasthan are top five Tamil Nadu is broadly covered with variety of destinations attracting maximum number of tourist destinations, Pilgrimage destinations, foreign tourists and collectively account for 70% heritage locations and historical monuments, of the total number of foreign tourists visiting places of scenic beauty, beautiful hill stations, India. The arrival of foreign tourists in India beaches, forests, bird sanctuaries, adventure is likely to cross 80 Lakhs mark by 2015 from and leisure destinations. Tamil Nadu is also one the current level of about 70 Lakhs, according of the leading destinations for medical tourism to an analysis of international tourist receipts and wellness tourism. The length of stay of an and foreign tourist arrival in India conducted average tourist in Tamil Nadu is 5 days for a by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and domestic tourist, and 7 days for a foreign tourist Industry of India (Assocham). as per FICCI Report.

State Planning Commission 13 Trend Setting Initiatives Table -2 Tamil Nadu Tourism - Growth Statistics Tourism was declared as an “Industry” Domestic Foreign Total in Tamil Nadu during 1986. A State Tourism Growth Year Tourists Tourists (in Rate % Policy was announced for the first time by (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 mangrove forests, backwaters and rich heritage. The Tamil Nadu State is an important terminus The SWOT Analysis is stated as in the Golden Quadrilateral road link of the Strength : The strength of the Tamil National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). Nadu forms are Political Stability; Good Law and The roads leading to tourist destinations are Order situation; Excellent transport network; improved for the convenience of tourists for all Excellent communication network; Locations season destinations for all budgets. on offer are unlimited; Largely educated and English speaking population Growth in Industry and business sectors Weaknesses : Only known for religious generates a large number of business tourists to tourism (lack of promotion of other segments our State. Peaceful environment and tourist care like adventure, cruise tourism, golf tourism, enable tourists to travel in our State with ease water sports, etc., though there is a potential), and see places. Inadequate marketing budget, High end tourists not targeted Excellent Tourist information and facilitation are provided through 24 Tourist Opportunities : Highly urbanized state, highly developed economy & scope for Offices and 22 Tourist Information Centres. investment, Potential to develop variety of Connected with Business Tourism like tourist destinations. automobiles, engineering goods, pharma, garments & textiles, leather products, etc., Threats : Threats are developed tourism sector in neighbouring states/ countries, Important Tourist Destinations Competing cheap international destinations, are The important tourist destinations in High real estate prices. Tamil Nadu are Chennai, Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu - Positive Factors for Growth Kancheepuram, Pichavaram, Thiruvannamalai, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Multifarious Tourist attractions are Tiruchirappalli, Ooty, Srirangam, Madurai, found in Tamil Nadu in the form of historical Chettinadu, Rameswaram, Kodaikanal, monuments, forts, wildlife and bird sanctuaries, Yercaud, Elagiri, Megamalai, Kanniyakumari, temple towns, numerous places of worship, Hogenakkal, Courtallam, Velankanni, Nagore, hill resorts, heritage, culture, music, dance Tiruchendur, Palani, Vellore, Srivilliputhur, waterfalls, beaches, scenic valley views, 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 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 Buck sanctuary, Vedantangal – Bird Sanctuary. 21. Vaigai Dam 22. Sirumalai Dindigul Hill Stations of Tamilnadu 23. 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 season in the state. Pongal is the first festival and it is celebrated with much enthusiasm. It Good medical services are available in is the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu. “Pongal” the state along with good tourist attractions. is actually the name of a rice and lentil dish This has recently spurred a new wave of cooked in Tamil Nadu, and on this festive day medical tourism. Costs and waiting periods Pongal is cooked. It is celebrated on January 14, in developed world are very high for some of each year. In fact, four festivals are celebrated the major medical and dental procedures. As in Tamil Nadu for four consecutive days in that consumers are becoming aware of the high week. Bhogi is celebrated on January 13, Pongal quality of these procedures available in India, on Jan 14, Maattu Pongal on Jan 15, and Kannum Insurance Companies have started covering Pongal and Thiruvalluvar Day on Jan 16. them and hence the flow of these medical tourists has increased in Tamil Nadu. They are Cardiac Cuisines of Tamil Nadu Care, Dental & Cosmetic, Eye Care, Fertility Treatment, General Surgery, Neuro Surgery, Tamil Nadu has got rich cultural and Orthopedic Treatment, Transplant Surgery. historical background. It has got various regions which are having unique cuisines, keeping MICE Tourism in Tamil Nadu (Meetings in mind the geographical locations of these Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions: areas viz. coastal, plateau, terrains, hills and Tamil Nadu will soon be on the global impact of foundering States. The cuisines of MICE (meetings, incentives, conference and Tamil Nadu are unique in its own region. They exhibitions) map. The department has plans are Chettinadu Cuisine, Kongunadu Cuisine to tie up with various agencies to showcase Virudhunagar Cuisine, Nanjil Tamil Cuisine, the potential. As per industry estimates, about Nadar Tamil Cuisine, Brahmin Cuisine. 25 per cent of the inbound tourism (to India) pertains to MICE and business tourism. Tamil Unique Dishes of Tamil Nadu Nadu has excellent convention centres with It is well known that there are unique capacity ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 persons. dishes available. it is also known as the places famous Panchamirtham, Madras Filter Coffee, Festivals of Tamil Nadu Elaneer Payasam, Kanchipuram Idli, Vathal Tamil Nadu is a land of many festivals. Kolambhu, Karuvattu Kolambhu, Ambur January marks the beginning of the festival Biryani, Vadai Kari, Karuppati Coffee, Madurai

State Planning Commission 17 Jil Jil jigarthanda, Madras Veechu Paratha, Kozhi are promoted by holding Food Festivals and Varutha Kolambu, Kola Urundai Kolambhu, ensuring sales at Tourism Fairs and through Kuzhi Paniyaram, Mutton Curry, restaurants. Fairs and festivals like Pongal Sundal, Rava Kesari, Dosai, Adai, Vadai, Tourist Festival, Chithirai Vishu Festival, Ven Pongal, Sweet Pongal, Semiya Payasam, Tea & Tourism Festival, Chithirai Festival, Kozhukattai. Mango Festival, Summer Festival, Kandhoori Festival, Saral Thiruvizha, Thirparappu Vizha, The State Institute of Hotel Management Aadiperukku Vizha, Velankanni Festival, World and Catering Technology, Thuvakkudi, Tourism Day, Dasara Festival, Sathaya Vizha, Tiruchirapalli offers a three year Diploma Deepam Festival and Indian Dance Festival are Course in Hotel Management and Catering used for promoting the tourist destinations to Technology and a one year Certificate Course attract tourists. in Food Production, Food and Beverage Service, Housekeeping, Bakery and Confectionery. The All India Trade & Industrial Fair The Institute of Hotel Management, Catering conducted by the TTDC is an annual event for Technology and Applied Nutrition, Taramani, 70 days showcases the development activities Chennai is one of the premier institutes in and welfare activities done by the Government India imparting training Courses in Hotel through various departments. The Fair provides Management, Catering Technology, food cultural events every evening, amusements and crafts and culinary arts. It has been providing entertainments which attract lakhs of visitors high quality courses in Hospitality, Hotel including tourists. The Mamallapuram Dance Administration and Catering Technology. Festival showcases various forms of classical and folk dances giving unique opportunity Fairs and Festivals for the tourists to witness the performances

Tamil Nadu is a State known for of renowned artistes and upcoming talented several fairs and festivals, which attracts large youngsters. Due to the overwhelming success number of people who want to relax and and continued patronage of tourists, the dance rejoice. Cultural programs, musical events and festival is now conducted as “Indian Dance dance performances suit the festive mood and Festival for 30 days during this period, Classical provide entertainment to the crowd. The unique and Folk performances were presented which cuisine of Tamil Nadu like Chettinadu delicacies enchanted the tourists.

18 State Planning Commission Tourism and Marketing and Brand The campaign will work towards making multi- Promotion – “Discover Tamil Nadu lingual brochures and all required information Campaign available to the tourists the world over. All the

As an opening gambit, a special tourism offices will be upgraded to give an campaign Discover Tamil Nadu 2012-2016 is international look which will act as the projection being rolled out. The Department will arrange of the improved image. Measures to promote for Fairs & Festivals and special events during local products at international and interstate this period in India. Art & craft will be given levels would be taken. It will also be projected fillip by organizing sale-cum-demonstration to the target group for a better image perception events making it interesting for the tourists so that he/she is unable to resist visiting Tamil to participate. To promote the cuisine of the Nadu. State, like Chettinadu, Kongunadu, Madurai and Tirunelveli varieties, to name a few, food Market Research festivals will be organized. All these events Continuous research and planning will will be held in the backdrop of important be undertaken to evolve new tourism products / tourist destinations and adequate multi-lingual circuits / destinations. This will be done in-house publicity will be given to attract international as or will be outsourced by hiring experts. The new well as domestic tourists. products will be given adequate publicity. To keep the interest of the tourist alive, products Long Term Brand Building and Promotion will be remodeled at least once every three

The long term time frame for the policy years. is taken to be from 2012 to 2023 and beyond. In order to consolidate the position attained by Asian Development Bank Assisted Infrastructure Development Investment Tamil Nadu by the short term measures, a follow Programme for Tourism (IDIPT) up long term brand building exercise will be undertaken. The campaign will project that Tamil The Infrastructure Development Nadu is not only the land of temples but also Investment Programme for Tourism was a state endowed with many tourist attractions approved by ADB as a Multi-tranche Financing to enhance quality and comprehensive visitor Facility (MFF) for Tamil Nadu. The Investment experience and an all season destination. It will Programme targets enhanced economic growth bring the art and cuisine of the State into focus. and provision of livelihood opportunities

State Planning Commission 19 for local communities through tourism finalized for taking up in Tranche-I of the ADB infrastructure development. The Investment project. The Project Loan Agreement has been Program consists of five components viz.1) signed by the State Government with the Asian Quality Enhancement of Natural and Cultural Development Bank. For the implementation of Attractions, 2) Urban Infrastructure and Service the ADB Tourism Projects, a Project Management Improvement, 3) Connectivity Improvement Unit (PMU) has been established. and Signage, 4) Community-based activities and 5) Capacity Development, Community UNESCO approved World Heritage Participation and Project Management. Total Attractions outlay of ADB assisted Project is Rs.500 Cr for the Out of 30 UNESCO approved World period of five years. The Project will be funded Heritage tourist attractions in India, Tamil Nadu through the assistance of ADB to an extent of has 5 tourist attractions which is highest in a 70% (Rs.350 Cr) and balance 30% (Rs.150 Cr) State. Tamil Nadu Tourism has made a proposal through State funds. to the Heritage Committee from Ministry of Culture, Government of India on during this The following two priority Circuits month of August 2012 at Chennai for including have been selected for strengthening the following places in the UNESCO approved tourist infrastructure, 1. East Coast Circuit - heritage attractions. (Pilgrimage and Heritage Circuit) covering 1. Srirangam Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, Villupuram, 2. Fort St. George, Chennai Tiruvannamalai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, 3. Chettinadu in Sivagangai district Thanjavur, and Tiruchirappalli 4. Pulicat (Pazhaverkadu) in Thiruvallur Districts. 2. Southern Circuit - (Pilgrimage and district Eco Circuit) covering Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, 5. Kazhugumalai (Jain centre) in Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi district Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanniyakumari Districts and Western Ghats area. Ooty has been Promoting Festivals added. Tourism department is promoting festivals. This festival gives an unique The East-Coast Circuit will be taken up opportunity to tourists to witness major dance first along with Western Ghats, followed by forms of India on one stage over a month Tourist the Southern Circuit. 15 sub-projects have been arrivals in Mamallapuram. Dance Festival at

20 State Planning Commission 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, Eco tourism Policy of TN – 2010 Objective Trekking, Bird watching, Boat, Coracle rides, is to secure involvement of local communities Cycling and mountain biking, Adventure without adversely affecting their cultural ethos. activities like rock climbing, hang gliding, river Activities and facilities of tourism policy are crossing etc, Bathing, Water sports like river developed in consultation with the communities rafting and angling, any other activity that may without transgression into community’s be specific all. 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 Eco tourism guidelines-MoT strategies and Eco tourism plans, Roles and

The guide lines are detailed in Eco responsibilities for different stakeholders-State tourism Policy (1998) and guidelines, (2002) Governments, PA management, tourist facilities/ National Tourism Policy : At the institutional tour operators, local communities, temple level, a framework would have to be evolved, boards and general public. Dos and Don’ts. 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 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 , 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, , Taj Mahal – Agra, are Preserved by both State and Central The Sun Temple, Konark, Mamallapuram, Goa Government. They are monuments - 3632 – Churches, Khajuraho, Humpi, , 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 Tourism Potential Monuments and

The magnificent forts and attractive Archaeological Site Museums places of GOI and Tamil Nadu Centre are: Jaipur The tourism potential monuments and Palace – Jaipur, Palace – archeological site museums are Kanchipuram Kerala ,State, Tirumalai Nayak Palace – Madurai, District - Alambarai, Vittal Temple, Ramalingavilasam, Ramanathapuram, Maratta Trilokyanathar Jeenaswamy and Chandraprabha Palace, Thanjavur, Tarangambadi Fort. Temple, Chokkiswarar Temple, Tiruvallur – Pre History Museum, Poondi, Vellore District – Site Museums and Museums Tombs of Ceylon kings & Arcot Site Museum, The attractive site museums are, Site Villupuram District -Rock Paintings – Kilvalai, Museums at the excavation site Sarnath, Settavarai, Alambadi, Kabilar Rock, Trichy Ajantha, Nagarjunakonda, Site Museums of the District - Swastic Well, Ariyalur – Ulkottai State Department of Archaeology, Museums, – Gangaikondacholapuram, Nagapattinam - National Museums, New Delhi, Government Danish Fort, - Poompuhar Museum, Thanjavur Museum, Chennai, Salarjung Museum, - Thanjavur Palace Complex, Rajarajan Hyderabad. Museum, Manora, Granary, Madurai – TN Mahal, Brahmi Inscriptions Circuit & Jain Beds, Archaeology and Tourism Ladan Temple Snamalai, Kongarpuliyankulam, The share of archeology tourism is high Ovamalai, Thiruvathavur, Karungalakkudi, such as it play vital role in Tourism development, Ramanathapuram District - Ramalingavilasam Authentic history of the place and monument, Palace, Tuticorin District - Kattabomman Fort, Preserving the monuments for posterity, Sound Vettuvankoil, Tirunelveli District – Seevalaperi and light show at palaces, forts, Heritage & Courtallam Site Museum, Kanyakumari – tourism, Festivals – Dance, Music, Drama, Udayagiri Fort. Elocution contest, Publicity, infrastructure, good and clean maintenance.

State Planning Commission 31 Session-IV : “Linkage Heritage and Religious Places to promote tourism in Tamil Nadu”

There are several places of tourist interest The State has many Temples dedicated to Lord in the State and in Chennai. The state’s capital Muruga (Son of Lord Shiva ). It is also called city. The places are Mamallapuram, the beach the Aruppadai Veedu or the six houses of Lord resort; Kanchipuram, the land of 1000 temples; Muruga which are Thiruthani, Swamimalai, Madurai famous for the Meenakshi temple; Thiruchendur, Palani, Pazhamudhir Cholai, Rameswaram, Thiruchirapalli and Thanjavur, Thiripparankundram. form the temple trio. The charming hill resorts are at Yercaud, Ootacamund and Kodaikanal. Navagraha Tour Kanniyakumari at the tip of the Indian peninsula Believers in astrology and the influence is where the seas meet. The waters of the Bay of planets over individual destiny will find Tamil of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and of the Arabian Nadu is a great destination. Indian astrology Sea join together at this point. This small town believes that the planetary positions of the nine is renowned for the spellbinding views of a planets in a geocentric orbit determine the way fantastic sunrise and sunset. 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.

Temples of Tamil Nadu

The historically important temples of Tamil Nadu are Meenakshi Amman Temple at Madurai, Kamakshi Amman Temple at Tamil Nadu is the only State where the Kanchipuram, Brigadeshwarar Temple at temples dedicated to the nine celestial bodies Tanjavur, Natrajar Temple at Chidambaram. are located in such close proximity.

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

State Planning Commission 33 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 One hundred and twenty three steps into river Vaigai. It is a tradition for the Vaisnavite hymns describe the glory of the people of Madurai to welcome Alagar. 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. 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 itis 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.

34 State Planning Commission 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 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 The basic Eco Tourism Principles are , sensitivity towards & appreciation of local enunciated in the the International Ecotourism cultures and biodiversity, support for local Society web site (http://www.ecotourism. conservation efforts, sustainable benefits to local org) which aims to minimize impact, to communities local participation in decision- build environmental & cultural awareness making, educational components for both the and respect to the world at large. It provides traveler and local communities are helps to positive experiences for both visitors and hosts, consumer fee. These are observed from our direct financial benefits for conservation and experience in Tiruppadaimaruthu and Jawadi empowerment for local people, raise sensitivity Hills. to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climate.

State Planning Commission 37 Session - VI : “Potential and Prospects in Tourism Sector inTamil Nadu”

The South Zone Cultural Centre is an The Art Gallery measuring 3100 sq.ft is autonomous Organization under the Ministry of fully air-conditioned. Track lighting is provided Culture, Government of India. It was established to enhance the appeal of the paintings and in the year 1986 by the then Prime Minister of artifacts. The centre has a collection of 940 art India, Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi. This centre has works in various media, which are put on the following member States & Union Territories display in the art gallery. The air-conditioned under its jurisdiction. They are Andaman and Exhibition Hall is also provided with track Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, lighting to ideally suit the exhibition of the Kerala, Lakshadweep Islands. Pondicherry, and works of both eminent and up coming artistes. Tamil Nadu. Auditorium

Objectives The air-conditioned auditorium The objective of the South Zone Cultural measuring 2500 Sq.ft can accommodate Centre (SZCC) is to preserve and promote the comfortably 133 viewers. The stage has wooden arts and culture in the area under its jurisdiction flooring flanked on either side by comfortable by taking closure to the lives of the people and green rooms. unite them through the medium of culture. Infrastructure of SZCC Copper Garden

The South Zone Cultural Centre is The Copper garden at the entrance located in an area of 25 acres of land gifted was designed and created by Sirpi (sculptor) by the Government of Tamil Nadu adjacent Kanniappan. The Copper Garden has two to the Tamil University in Thanjavur. With grapevines with seven bunches of grapes. the financial assistance of Rs.2.00 Crores from To naturalise the situation, the sculptor has the Government of Tamil Nadu, the New designed a peacock, 19 sparrows, 6 butterflies, Cultural Complex was constructed housing an 3 beetles, 3 snails, 7 humbees along with 30 air-conditioned Art Gallery, air-conditioned copper flower buds. The supporting pipes are Exhibition Hall, air-conditioned Auditorium, given bamboo finish. The central mandapam and Central Mandapam with ample space for serves as the stage for performances of the accommodating the administrative office. invited artistes. At a time, 200 invitees can be Art Gallery accommodated along the corridors

38 State Planning Commission 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 ”

Tmt. Bhanumathi Dharmarajan, Guest state of Pudukkottai for the special purpose of Faculty, Dept of Indian History University distribution during Dasara days. of Madras, Chennai expained about the - Rock–cut Vishnu Temple, Rock–cut Siva importance of tourist potential in Pudukkottai Temple, Fort on the hillock in which cave District. It has a rich past and is abundant temples are scooped out Amman in historial and cultural monuments. Queen Kovil Amman Kovil Before Conservation Victoria Diamond Jubilee Arch, Pudukkottai After Conservation Vijayalaya Cholisvaram New Palace at present District Collectorate, located on the top of the hill - Melamalai, Pudukkottai Public Offices including Court, Viajalayacholisvaram and Group of sub-shrines, H.H. The Rajah’s College, Robert Chisholm Rock cut Siva Temple, Samanarkudagu Rock Style of Architecture, Sculptures cut - Vishnu Temple, Sphinx – Egyptian type inside the temple, ‘Kodungai’, a special feature of Sculpture – Samanarkudagu,Narthamalai of sculptural excellence in Avudaiyarkoil. Kudumiyanmalai - Sikkannathaswamy temple, Muvar Kovil, Under ground well (Muvar Kovil, Amman shrine , Musical Inscriptions Rock cut Kodumbalur), Sapthamathrikas Sculptures shrine called Melakovil with Mandapam Cavern found at Muvar Kovi excellence with minute on the western side of Kudumiyanmalai shown details like Nails of the animals, Vinayaka in the background Jain Tirthankara Image, Statue with decorative Thoranas, Kodumbalur, Annavasal. 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

40 State Planning Commission The following are the reconstructed Tourist Potential in Puduukottai district temples by Archaeological Department: in Tamil Nadu

Kailasanatha Temple - Before Conservation There are thousands of Temples and Irumbanadu - Before Conservation After archaeological monuments in Pudukkottai Conservation Suriyur Tiruvilangudi Siva district. “If the topography of the Tamil Nadu is Temple Some more temples are also protected visualized as a painting the Pudukkottai terrain by Archaeological department Siva Temple can be regarded as the palette on which colours - Pannangudi Vishnu Temple - Pannangudi were mixed for the canvas”. There are not less Rajendracholiswara temple - Ponnamaravathy than fifteen rock-cut caves, at Sittannavasal, Siva Temple - Thodaiyur Agasthesvara Temple, Tirugokarnam, Tirumayam, Kudimiyanmalai, Vellanur Siva Temple - Neerpalani Rock cut Siva Malayadipatti, Narthamalai, Malayakkovil and Temple, Kunnandarkoil Jain Tirthankara Image Kunnandarkovil. Apart from these temples and Inscribed stone, Chettipatti Rock cut Siva maintained by Hindu Religious Endowment temple, Malayadipatti Rock cut Vishnu Temple, Board, there are 248 monuments protected Malayadipatti Two Rock cut Siva shrines on under the Archaeological survey of India, the eastern and southern slopes of the hill, Chennai circle in Tamil Nadu. Out of these 248 Malaiyakoil. 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. 5. Chettipatti 26. Nirpalani 47. Ammankurichi 6. Chittur 27. Panangudi 48. Annavasal 7. Irumbanadu 28. 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 and restoration Treatment , Focus on travel to natural areas that conserves the Research activities and Public information environment and improves the welfare of ,Local communities are to be engaged in local people Geotourism that sustains or the identification of cultural heritage assets enhances the geographical character of a place: and Profitable Maintenance , More focus on its environment, heritage, aesthetics, culture, thrust areas to capture the economic benefits., and well-being of its residents. Mass tourism Strategic priority to be given to Tourism for Large-scale tourism, typically associated with its employment generation, Local Arts and ‘sea, sand, sun’ resorts and characteristics such Crafts are to be encouraged. Encouragement as transnational ownership, minimal direct to Palmira industry, Periodical fairs and benefit to destination communities, seasonality, exhibitions are to be conducted to encourage and package tours. Nature-based Tourism that folk dances, arts and crafts., Festival tours relies primarily on the natural environment for during March-April to attract people, Light its attractions and settings. Pro-poor tourism and sound programme in the monument Tourism that results in increased net benefit centres, Summer Package Tours, Attractive for the poor people. Responsible tourism that concessional package Tours for school children/ maximises the benefits to local communities, college students, to improve accessibility, Road minimises negative social or environmental connectivity , Rail ways, Air lines, Charted trips, impacts, and helps local people conserve fragile Travel Agents , Hotel Industry/ Restaurants/ cultures, habitats and species. Sustainable Resorts of acceptable standards, Trained Guide tourism that meets the needs of present tourist Services, Accommodation - arrangements to and host regions while protecting and enhancing cater to all sections of the society, Arrangements opportunities for the future. for pure drinking water, Tourist experience rather than sightseeing is important. The total Suggestions for the improvement of tourist product that a tourist carries is the target Tourism Potentials in Pudukkottai of our marketing, Organization of conferences, District: Road shows, Travel shows, National level Documentation of the Tourism Potentials with Events, modes of all publicity and promotion, all current details, Proper identification and In order to promote domestic tourism local publicity, Sustainable Tourism infrastructure- folk dances like Kaavadiattam, Poikkal Kudirai making permanent arrangement for all the Attam, Thappattam, Devarattam, Urumi Attam seasons, Implementing MICE Market (Meetings and Villupaattu to be protected and promoted. Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions), This will help to preserve local cultural tradition Preventive Conservation, Maintenance and and enrich the quality of the tourist product in Site management, Journalism in Tourism to be Pudukottai District. introduced in the curriculum , Conservation,

48 State Planning Commission Session - VIII : “Tourism & Culture Resource Management in Tamil Nadu Perspectives for Future Planning”

The Secretary and Director, Sharma functions of the centre are 1.Outreach programs Centre for Heritage Education, Chennai. for children & teachers 2. Collaborating with discussed about the 1. Need for a Structured various agencies for research activities like Culture Resource Management Policy for ISRO, Government of India, Indira Gandhi Tamil Nadu 2. Implementation of Legislation Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), for Cultural Impact Assessment Prior to any Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Infrastructure Development. Three-fold benefits: University of Pondicherry, Mangalore, Lyon, a)Heritage Conservation & Management; b) French Institute, Pondicherry, Indian Institute Generation of employment through CRM of Science, Bangalore, Agharkar Research companies/NGO’s working in collaboration Institute, Pune ,Physical Research Laboratory- with the Government, for trained and skilled Ahmedabad, IIT-Gandhinagar, CEREGE, Univ. staff to implement impact assessment; c) of Lyon-Lumiere-France ,University of New involvement of local communities/stakeholders York, Williams College, USA, 3. Consultancy to implement conservation measures and get activities for Department of Archaeology, involved in the projects.3.Implementation Government of Tamil Nadu for prehistory (2002- of Alternate Programs for Public/Tourist 2004). 4. Consultancy for submitting proposal on involvement: through workshops for children/ reorganization of syllabus content for Institute students/teachers, and publications. 4.Alternate of Archaeology, ASI (2011). 5. Documentation Approaches for Tourism & CRM in Tamil Resource Centre, NMMA, ASI. 6.Collaboration Nadu Generation of Employment through with schools for Children’s Workshops on implementation of a Culture Resource Human Evolution & Prehistory, Geology, Management Policy for Tamil Nadu Heritage. 5. Past environments, Sciences in archaeology.7. Focus on alternate approaches for Tourists Sustainable Culture Resource Management in terms of specialized short-term courses.6 (CRM) for Managing Tourism, Conservation & Focus on publications at key tourist sites for Employment Generation children Absence of key stages and steps in cultural Sharma Centre for Heritage Education heritage management system development (SCHE) and implementation of preservation leads to 1. Widespread destruction of sites 2. Sharma Centre for Heritage Education Unsustainable tourism & destruction of sites was established in 1999 and Research & Culture which one seeks to protect 3. Lack of jobs for Resource Management Planning for Prehistory skilled trained archaeologists, heritage experts in Tamil Nadu has been conducted (Research: S. & locals .Absence of the plan is explained in the Pappu since 1991 and SCHE since 1999). 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 conservation activities in the Temples. Authority for Archeological sites to Most of the Temple Tanks are fine examples safeguard from vulnerability. of Water Harvesting Structures. The Temple Tanks are to be restored with due • The literature and material of Archeological care and all the data may be documented importance has to be published and properly for the future reference. disseminated through both electronic and print media. • A manual on restoration and conservation of temple tanks has to be prepared and • The Hindu Religious and Charitable put up in Electronic Media. Endowment Department is undertaking renovation of Temple tanks and other

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 Workshop Series 13 / EE (2014)

PotentialPotential andand ProspectsProspects inin TourismTourism ssececTToror inin TamilTamil nnaduadu

state Planning commission Government of Tamil nadu chennai - 600 005