தமிழ்நாடு சுற்றுலா - Tamilnadu Tourism Updates

[Arul Murugan]

Dear Members,

This thread is dedicated to Tamilnadu tourism related developments, projects, news, discussions, suggestions etc.,

More about Tamilnadu tourism:

http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/

http://www.ttdconline.com/

And for posting pictures please use the following thread in images gallery

Enchanting Tamilnadu Pictures

[Arul Murugan]

Virtual tour



http://tm.dinakaran.com/showxml.aspx...053&code=17858

9lakhs visitor uses ttdc website every year, no. is bound to increase because of this launch of virtual tour

[satishanu]

Tourism and Culture Secretary V. Irai Anbu reviewed the progress of various tourism development works being carried out in the Kolli Hills here on Tuesday.

The Central and State governments had allotted Rs. 5 crore for the development of various tourism facilities in the hills.
Botanical garden

A botanical garden, a rose garden and artificial fountains were being established at a cost over Rs. 1 crore in the hills.

The district administration was establishing a number of facilities including green house in the botanical garden.

The government was also improving the Ettukai Amman temple at a cost of Rs. 10.54 lakh.

In Arapaleeshwarar Temple, a park was being established at cost of Rs. 51.83 lakh.

Inspecting the development works, Mr. Irai Anbu asked the officials to educate the tourists visiting the Kolli Hills on the importance of environmental conservation.

Boards carrying information on the need to avoid the use of plastic and polythene bags should be placed in all the tourist attractions, he said. The Tourism Secretary instructed the officials to speed up the works and complete them quickly.

He asked the officials to prepare a proposal to improve the roads in the hills. Mr. Irai Anbu also inspected the auditorium and horticulture farm.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/01/stor...0151570300.htm

[Arul Murugan]

The 10most visited Tourist places in TN: (Domestic)

1. Chennai
2. Palani
3. Madurai
4. Ooty
5. Kodaikanal
6. Rameshwaram
7. Trichy
8. Tirchendur
9. Tiruvanamalai
10. Kanyakumari

The 10most visited tourist places in TN by foreigners:

1. Chennai
2. Madurai
3. Mamallapuram
4. Ooty
5. Trichy
6. Kodaikanal
7. Kanchipuram
8. Kanyakumari
9. Thanjavur
10. Coimbatore

More statistical info.

http://www.tn.gov.in/deptst/42_TOURISM.pdf

[Arul Murugan]

Artificial developments in nature tourist place

- A write up in Dinamani

http://epaper.dinamani.com/epaperima...-06/452562.JPG

--------------------------------------------------------------------

All the hills stations needs a major lift without affecting the nature. I think plastics, polythene are banned in Ooty. It should be extended to Kodai, Yercaud, Yelagiri, Valparai and Kolli hills too. But as usual until the government follow strict rules, it will be another rule in the paper.

[Makesh Kumar]

http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/02/stor...0261030900.htm

Safety procedures should be made mandatory by the officials to be followed by tourists.

[satishanu]

After traversing acres of farmland, grassland and dry woodland, I reach Mayuram Eco Lodge. A charming little cottage built in the architectural styles of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, it is tucked inside the sleepy Govindapperi village.

This 350-acre farm was once over-grazed and denuded. It took a decade of hard work to restore it to its pristine form.

The farmstead today is a healthy grassland and open woodland eco-system that supports birdlife. Right in the middle of this mosaic of open fields and wooded groves, punctuated by big and small water-retention basins, the lodge props up as a perfect countryside retreat. And, the soaring hills of the Western Ghats form a magnificent backdrop.

The cottage has two bedrooms, a separate dining and sitting area, a mini-library and an outhouse. Since the area receives plenty of rainfall, the weather is pleasant throughout the year, though the best months are from October to March.

The interiors and rooms are spartan, but comfortable. The property is rustic, airy and spacious. The estate is surrounded by lakes, savannah parkland and forests that are a sight to feast on while sitting in the verandah.

There is no television or refrigerator in the rooms. "The emphasis is on the richness of experience, rather than on luxury," says the caretaker. The food offered here is tailor-made, specific to the tastes and preferences of the guests. Most products are grown in-house and organically.

For birding and trekking, Mayuram is the right place. The rooms are designed in such a way that it is open to Nature. However, this attracts insects at dusk. So, carry some insect repellent, in addition to good walking or hiking shoes, binoculars, protective sun-glasses and sunscreen lotion, a small knapsack and a bag of toiletries.

The unadventurous can take a tour of the farm, even as peacocks chase them. Birds with brilliantly-coloured plumage catch the eye at every step. Once discovered, Mayuram can never fall off an adventure traveller's map.

THINGS TO DO

Go for village walks, or simply walk into the savannah.

Take short treks to the hills or go bird watching.

Check out the bankura pottery and terracotta workshops, khadi and village bamboo industries at Tenkasi, bell metal foundries at Ambasamudram, bamboo and cane works at Sengottai, korai mat weaving industry at Patthamadai and Kayathar.

Visit the bird sanctuaries at Koonthankulam, Ariyakulam and Kalakkad-Mundanthurai.

You can also visit the Courtallam falls, Manimuthar and Papanasam dams, the Upper Kodaiyar and Manjolai hills with verdant forests and tea, rubber and cardamom plantations.

HOW TO GET THERE

Govindapperi is 247 km from Ernakulam, 167 km from Madurai, 137 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 67 km from Tirunelveli junction.

Take the NH 208 to Tenkasi and turn off the highway on the road to Ambasamudram. Eighteen km later, you'll reach Kadaiyam. Turn right here and cross Mandiyur and Rajangapuram before reaching Govindapperi.
MAYURAM ECO LODGE, KALLARACKAL FARM, GOVINDAPPERI (TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT)

USP: Far from the madding crowd

Tariff

Two non-A/C twin bedrooms cost Rs. 5,000 each, inclusive of tax and three meals.

For details, call 04634-240294 or 0484-2304597/2307955.

Source: http://beta.thehindu.com/life-and-st...?homepage=true

[satishanu]

Slightly old news dated August 31st 2009.

The State Tourism department plans to introduce cruise tourism to cash in on the increasing trend of tourists opting for cruise travel.

The ambitious move is expected to get shape in the next few months and is expected to provide a major boost to the Tamil Nadu’s tourism and marine industries.

V. Irai Anbu, Secretary, Tourism, told The Hindu on Sunday, “There is a great demand for cruise tourism in the country. Since the State Tourism has the reputation of pioneering new tourism initiatives, we have planned to start cruise tourism. A detailed discussion has been conducted”.

Since it required a lot of expertise for the State tourism to operate vessels on its own, private parties could be roped in, he said. Chennai-Puducherry was among the proposed routes.

A.C. Mohandoss, Director of Tourism and Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (TTDC), said the idea was to operate cruise boats to cover 120 km from the shore. The boats could attain a speed of 60 nautical miles and could be operated from bigger ports. It was expected to get good patronage from the tourists.

He said that it was necessary to take approval from the Indian Navy, Port Trusts, Tamil Nadu Maritime Board and other agencies.

A series of procedures had to be followed for operating cruise boats. Necessary facilities to operate boats from ports were needed. Efforts were on to meet these requirements.

He added that importance was being given to promote eco-tourism. A separate wing had been started for this. Since it required the cooperation of Forest Department, an Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest level officer had been appointed to explore the possibility of promoting eco-tourism potential centres. Efforts were on to seek the cooperation and integration of other departments to start tourism initiatives.
Infrastructure

The Director said the State had a large number of facilities for adventure tourism and stood next only to Goa. Parasailing, bungee jumping, scuba diving, archery and others had been introduced in Beach Resort Complex in Mamallapuram and Island Ground. Though the tourism industry had been hit in various countries due to global recession, the TTDC-run hotels were not affected at all. The average occupancy rate was being maintained.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/08/31/s...3150120100.htm

[satishanu]

17 Days cruise starting on March 20, 2010.


Source: http://www.cruisecheap.com/custom_it...#hiddenPaxForm

[Fusionist]

the eco lodge and the cruising tour serems very interesting idea to me. Good find. Such a sad thing most of us dont even know of these places.

[kannan infratech]

The South West & West TN bordering Kerala (Western Ghats) have numerous places which have great tourist value. I have been visiting most of these places over the years.

Most of these places are known mainly to the locals, Forest Dept / PWD / EB / Water Board employees.

The facilities are very basic but the views are excellent. Trekking through these areas is fabulous experience.

I am in the process of collecting the details of these places and I posted a few requests in SSC forum also earlier.

Please collect the info and post them here.

TANTALIZING TAMILNADU may be the name of the project.

Thanks in advance.

[Fusionist]

thats an interesting thought indeed.

What could be a possible idea is to encourage eco-tourism, ie. trekking, rafting, wild life safari etc in the TN side of the Ghats in the regions in the Thirunelveli & Madurai district.

This way TN can possibly woe tourists who visit Trivandrum ( and then move on to Kochi & Goa ) , to visit TN instead. ie. Trivandrum to Ghats in TN from Nellai ( for trekking, waterfall, rafting etc ) to Madurai ( for the big temple ), then on to Thanjavur, then to Gangaikondacholapuram, to Ariyalur ( dino site ), Pondicherry, Mamallapuram to Chennai.

Or a Chennai to Chennai South India tour that includes :

Chennai ( arrive )
Hoganakkal
Mysore
Mudumalai
then to Kerala ( Kochi,Trivandrum etc )
Nellai district ( Kourtalam/Papanasam dam etc for trekking, boating, rafting )
Madurai
Trichi
Thanjavur
Gangaikondacholapuram
Pichavaram
Pondicherry
Mamallapuram
Chennai ( depart )

[Arul Murugan]

I guess you meant Theni district. Now Madurai district is not bordering to western ghats now.

TN dense forest map: (more than 95% of dense ones are mountains)



Western ghats trekking: (possible ones)

1. Pothigai hills at Tirunelveli dt
2. Cumbum-Bodi-Bodi metu of Theni dt
3. Kodaikanal range of Dindigul dt
4. Top slip - Pollachi, Coimbatore dt
5. Valparai-Attaikatti, Coimbatore dt
6. Nilagiri district

Western ghats trekking:

1. Yelagiri hills - Vellore dt
2. Yercaud - Salem dt
3. Kolli Hills - Namakkal dt
4. Kalrayan hills - Salem & Thiruvanamalai dt
5. Thalavadi -Sathy, Erode dt
6. Puliyancholai/Pachaimalai-Trichy dt

But out of these Ooty, Kodai and Top slip in Pollachi are much active ones I guess.

[Arul Murugan]

Here is Nilgiri trekking route and maps:

If TTDC can do such things for all major trekking routes, then sure trekking tourism will improve a lot. Presently no much info. is available on many other possible ones.

[Fusionist]

Originally Posted by Arul Murugan

I guess you meant Theni district. Now Madurai district is not bordering to western ghats now.

TN dense forest map: (more than 95% of dense ones are mountains)

I meant trekking in Nellai district and then on to Madurai town for the temple ( not for trekking ). But yes Theni district is also a possibility for trekking routes. But I thought Nellai district is better location because of its proximity to Trivandrum where the tourists arrive.

Also the region is known for herbal tourism. It is easy to woe tourists here if only marketted properly.

[Cosmicbliss]

My personal feeling is that TTDC/GoTN need to create a comprehensive well-thought practical plan, along the lines of "Tamil Nadu Tourism Mission" which would look at tourism on multiple front like:

1. Medical tourism
2. Convention tourism
3. Religious tourism
4. Trekking/Adventure tourism
5. Natural tourism (focussing on areas of natural interest)

A well-thought plan would have to look at the state in its totality and in light of the above points, work out practical ways of upgrading the state's capacity in all. For example for medical tourism:

1. To expand and upgrade all govt hospitals and create a separate section for private patients which will charge at the normal rates.

2. To create world-class organ banks.

3. To have a certification program for private hospitals (i.e grade 1,2 etc) based on their meeting certain criterias as far as beds, facilities, cleanliness, space and so on.

4. To create health cities( minimum 2000-4000 beds) around well-established places of tourism interest, like Ooty,Kodaikanal,K'kumari,Maduari and so on.

This is just from the top of my head. What we need first is a clearly thought out plan, which looks at the state in totality, targets multiple kinds of tourists and is time-bound and practical.

[Fusionist]

some least explored regions with great tourism pottential in TN.

Starting from the south, from near Trivandrum, only about 140 km is the Potthigai Hills.

Pothigai Hills is one among the India's Heritage Hills and rich in herbal plants. Our main reason to trek in Pothigai Hills is pilgrimage the Saint Agathiyar Shrine.


Pothigai






local culture

The Kanis once practised shifting cultivation, but most of the 16,000-strong population was relocated when the area was designated a protected area in the 1970s. The Kanis are well known knowledge about the Pothigai Hills and the surrounding hills, also they are the best guides of the Tiger Reserve area.




Papanasam..



image hosted on flickr


Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve ( Pothigai Hills )





Mayuram

Mayuram is a working organic farm, right at the foothills of the western ghats. There is an ecolodge on the property, a great favourite with birders. More than 180 species have been identified by birders from just the property and its immediate vicinity. For more information of the ecolodge, you can visit their web-site at www.mayuramlodge.com

[think_different]

[Arul Murugan]

Originally Posted by Fusionist

some least explored regions with great tourism pottential in TN.

Starting from the south, from near Trivandrum, only about 140 km is the Potthigai Hills.

Pothigai Hills is one among the India's Heritage Hills and rich in herbal plants. Our main reason to trek in Pothigai Hills is pilgrimage the Saint Agathiyar Shrine.

Fusi,

That is really good info. about the Pothigai Hills. Though two DD Pothigai and Chennai-Sengottai Pothigai Express are popular, TTDC had not made the Pothigai Hills as much interesting tourist spot in the state.

That forms another idea of "Herbal Tourism" Another spots which I remember are Kolli Hills (Namakkal, Home to many plants), Pachamalai(Trichy), again ghats in Coimbatore dts, Palani and Sitharkovil (Salem). All these mountains are the nature/medicine/tourism/business assets in the way of Hill stations, Trekking and Herbal plantation.

------------------------------------------------------------------

One request to all, let us post very limited pictures in this thread as "Enchanting Tamilnadu" thread is there for posting the main stream pictures.

[chennaidesi]

Thanks for the info.