Tamil Nadu: Adventure tourism gets a leg up in 7 new places
Poondi reservoir in Tiruvallur, Kolli Hills in Namakkal and Yelagiri in Tirupattur, Ponnaniyaru Dam in Karur, Vathalmalai in Dharmapuri, Jawadhu Hills in Tiruvannamalai and Gundar in Tenkasi have been identified by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation to promote tourism
Trekking in Yelagiri and the places around Poondi reservoir are all set for a makeover to boost tourism in the State
CHENNAI: In a bid to attract young tourists into the state, the Tamil Nadu government has identified seven locations including Poondi reservoir in Tiruvallur district, Kolli Hills in Namakkal and Yelagiri in Tirupattur to set up adventure activities as a part of tourism promotion.
Other locations include Ponnaniyaru Dam in Karur, Vathalmalai in Dharmapuri, Jawadhu Hills in Tiruvannamalai and Gundar in Tenkasi.
The project aims to promote a new era of adventure and eco-camping tourism by offering high-quality facilities and experiences tailored to both domestic and international tourists. Adventure tourism would also focus on promoting eco-friendly tourism that aligns with sustainable practices while boosting the local economy and creating employment opportunities. The size of each location will be around 3-8 acres depending on the adventure activities.
A senior official from the Tourism department told DT Next: “This initiative is diversification of tourism activities and destinations, which focuses a lot on heritage, religious and cultural tourism through the years. Each location will be developed to promote adventure activities that attract adrenaline enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and nature enthusiasts, thereby contributing to the expansion of niche tourism markets. It will strengthen local economies by boosting tourist footfalls to these lesser-known regions, creating employment opportunities, and promoting local entrepreneurship in sectors such as hospitality, food services, and tour operations.”
Each location will have standard, premium and luxury tents, frame cottages, glamping huts, tree houses and timber shelters. Tourists can also choose from a range of yurts, eco pods and bam houses.
“The sites will also be well- equipped with hanging bridge, zipline, trampoline, low-rope courses, trekking, rock climbing, cycling, kite surfing, geocaching and riding bikes. Water sports activities include fishing, boating, jet-ski rides, water skiing, tubing and kayaking,” explained the official.
The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) has already called for an expression of interest to join hands and develop adventure activities and eco-camping tourism in these locations. “All the locations will have multi-cuisine restaurants, toilet facilities, parking area, boating jetty on revenue sharing model as agreed between tourism and the selected tour operators,” he pointed out.
Work to establish adventure and eco-camping tourism will begin after a ‘no objection certificate’ is received from the concerned authorities by the selected tour operators. “Site planning and zonation for various activities will be done as per the rules laid by the government,” he emphasised.
