Master plan to boost tourism in TN

Chennai, June 18 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu government will develop hitherto unknown and lesser-known tourist spots and circuits and modernise hotels as part of its Master Plan to promote and attract tourism in the state.

Talking to reporters at tourist destinations of Mahabalipuram and Muttukadu Boat club near here yesterday, Tourism Minister N Suresh Rajan said the Master plan, being prepared by the Tourism department, would also focus on the development of tourist destinations such as Thanjavur, Madurai, Kanniyakumari, at a cost of Rs five crore each with the Central assistance.

Besides, Yercaud, Rameswaram and Tiruvannamalai would also be developed as tourist destinations, he added.

To be prepared on the basis of inputs from district collectors, local bodies and locals, the Master Plan would also spell out the infrastructural reqirements in these areas.

The draft plan was likely to be ready in six months and the final plan in the next one year, he said.

Mr Rajan said ''Arupadaiveedu circuit'', covering six abodes of Lord Muruga -- Palani, Pazhamuthircholai, Thiruparankundram, Tiruchendur, Swamimalai and Tiruttani -- would be developed at a cost of about Rs eight crore.

Jain circuit, Adi Sankara circuit, Chozhanattu Thiruppathigal circuit and Chenna-Kancheepuram-Mahabalipuram circit would also be developed at a total cost of 18.37 crore.

The development of tourist circuits would also cover temples in and around these areas, he added.

Stating that the existing hotels of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TNTDC) would be modernised and upgraded, teh Minister said the government would also encourage putting up low budget hotels in popular areas.

Mr Rajan said ten new buses would be inducted into the TNTDC for the benefit of tourists. ''As per the norms, buses have to be changed once in five years. But the previous government did not do it. Now tenders have been called for ten new buses'', he added.

Tamil Nadu had recorded a 7.7 per cent growth in tourist arrivals in 2005, despite devastating tsunami that struck the state in 2004.

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