The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : State draws up ambitious tourism plan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Nov 27, 2006
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

State draws up ambitious tourism plan

R. Ilangovan

Infrastructure development at Mamallapuram, Kanyakumari, Kancheepuram and Thanjavur

PHOTO: P. GOUTHAM

WOOING TOURISTS: Infrastructure at the Yercaud lake getting a boost.

YERCAUD: The State Government's Tourism department has drawn up ambitious plans to project `Enchanting Tamil Nadu' at the global level.

The department has been improving infrastructure facilities of various hill stations, including Yercaud in Salem district.

Tourists visiting Yercaud, Udhagamandalam, Kodaikanal and Kanyakumari will soon get to ride by rope cars, to be installed at a cost of Rs. 46 crore.

The department will identify 400 educated youths who have a flair for English and rope them as `tourist guides.' Eligible candidates can approach the tourism offices.

Under the catchy slogan, `Virunthinar Potru, Virunthinar Potru,' it will inculcate affection, decency, softness and responsibility in railway porters, canteen and hotel bearers, auto drivers and others with whom the tourists come into contact.

The department, according to its secretary V. Iraianbu, in coordination with Union Ministries, plans to undertake infrastructure development at Mamallapuram, Kanyakumari, Vellore, Madurai, Kancheepuram and Thanjavur, where heritage tourism is being promoted.

Chennai has a special package.

The Government had sanctioned Rs. 7 crore for infrastructure development works in the six abodes of Lord Muruga and Rs. 7 crore for `Nava Tirupathi sthalams' in the south.

It will improve tourism potential in the Yelagiri hills at a cost of Rs. 1 crore, while the Suruli Falls in Theni district will get a facelift.

The Poompuhar Corporation will acquire two modern boats at Kanyakumari.

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