Boar ride in Big Temple moat likely from September 27

The State government will take steps to promote a tourism circuit covering Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, and Srirangam to attract tourists, especially those from North India, Tourism Commissioner Har Sahay Meena said here on Saturday.

He indicated that boat ride was likely to be introduced in the Periya Kottai Agazhi in Thanjavur. The service will probably be launched on September 27 as part of the World Tourism Day observation.

The district administration recently cleaned the moat and water has been released into it.

Mr. Meena, who inspected various tourism development works in the town, expressed happiness over the revival of the moat.

Accompanied by Collector N. Subbaiyan, Mr. Meena inspected the works at the Big Temple, the Palace and the Saraswathi Mahal Library.

A release issued here later said Mr. Meena had ordered that all tourist guides in the Big Temple should wear uniforms with name badges. He instructed the district officials to bring out a handbook comprising rare information about the Big Temple for distribution to the tourists and suggested installation of illuminated signboards in the temple campus to guide tourists.

He asked the officials to expedite the execution of work taken up with funds sanctioned by the Union Tourism Ministry at the Palace Complex. Small handicrafts outlets with space for artisans to conduct demonstrations and a canteen should be set up. Steps would be taken to launch a sound and light show at the palace complex soon, Mr. Meena added.