Following ‘Maragatha Poonga' and ‘Semmozhi Sirpa Poonga,' Mamallapuram might soon be dotted with more such parks and picturesque landscapes. The Tourism department would begin work to enhance the aesthetics of Mamallapuram. The work will be part of the proposed Rs.34.6 crore project, which receives funding from the Government of India, to develop the Madurai-Rameswaram-Kanyakumari circuit.
The department would also set up an adventure sports complex in Mamallapuram and introduce adventure sports in Rameswaram, Madurai and Kanyakumari. “We are taking up a host of such infrastructural projects across the State to improve the tourist inflow. A lot more schemes are on the anvil,” said Tourism Commissioner A.C.Mohan Das.
Tourism sources said that the government order to this effect would be issued this week. The infrastructural development initiatives include creating parks, development of tourist information centres and basic amenities for tourists. The department has obtained the Central government's sanction for similar projects at Tirupparankundram, Kodaikanal, Palani, Mettur Dam and the Sikkal-Velankanni-Nagore circuit.
Recently, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation has introduced an Ayurveda treatment facility at its ‘Hollow Bamboo Resort' Mamallapuram, to promote medical tourism. Work has also begun on setting up a tourist facilitation centre at Mamallapuram.
Rameswaram belt
“The department is viewing Rameswaram belt as a potential tourist destination to attract pilgrims and nature lovers alike,” an official of the department said.
The recently introduced rail-cum-road tour to Rameswaram from Chennai is a hit with the tourists, he said. “The itinerary of the weekly trips to Rameswaram would also include places such as Dhanushkodi. This has been a main attraction for the tourist.”
