Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) has invited bids to prepare development plans for more than 20 sites that remain outside the mainstream travel circuit in spite of their cultural, ecological and historical significance. The move follows announcements made in the 2025-26 state budget to strengthen tourism infrastructure and diversify travel routes.A consultant will prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) for sites including Poompuhar, Keeladi, Kanadukathan in Chettinad, Velankanni Church streetscape, Old Nagapattinam beach, Dutch Cemetery, Gopalapuram Church, St Thomas Mount, Thovalai and the Penny Cuick Manimandapam, among others. “The list includes lakes, ooranis, heritage streets and ecologically-sensitive zones that the govt aims to develop as sustainable tourism destinations,” a senior official from the tourism dept said.
The consultant’s work will begin with baseline assessments and site surveys covering topography, land use, ecology, heritage assets, existing infrastructure, tourist facilities, local economy and community demographics. This will be supported by on-ground data verification and stakeholder consultations involving govt depts, tourism authorities, local bodies, communities and private players.A detailed assessment of road, rail and air connectivity, water supply, sewerage and drainage systems, power supply, solid waste management facilities, parks, public spaces, disaster management infrastructure and tourist amenities, including toilets, signage, parking, information centres, accommodation and safety systems, will also be carried out. Consultants will identify pristine zones needing protection, while assessing the potential of built and intangible cultural heritage.To avoid duplication, existing plans and ongoing or proposed projects prepared by local bodies and development authorities will be reviewed. Baseline surveys will assess visitor perception, community readiness and service delivery gaps, along with tourist demographics, integration with existing circuits and origin-destination travel patterns.“International tourists are keen to explore historical sites, and TN has many. Until now, tourism revolved around hill stations, beach and temple towns. This initiative will help unlock TN’s heritage, culinary and adventure tourism potential and allow more destinations to be added to itineraries,” said Basheer Ahmed, chairman of Chennai Metro Travels and a committee member of the outbound tour operators association of India.
