Foreign tourists now flock to rural TN

V Ayyappan TNN
April 19, 2009
Chennai: Foreign tourists have begun exploring rural Tamil Nadu. The number of foreign tourists who visit lesser known tourist destinations like Panchalankurichi, Palani, Poompuhar, Pitchavaram, Courtrallam, Nagore, Hogenekkal and Tiruchendur have increased. The inflow of tourists from abroad started in 2006. Since then, the numbers have gone up substantially, propelled by aggressive promotions and infrastructure development. Foreigners are keen to experience the rural ambience and the culture that is peculiar to the state, said an official of the tourism department. “They are no more satisfied in visiting popular spots like Kodaikanal, Ooty, Kannyakumari and Chennai,” he added. The small and historic village of Panchalamkurichi, for instance, is known for the heroic deeds of Veerapandiya Kattabomman . The area was not on the tourist radar in 2006. However, things changed in subsequent years following promotions kicked off by the tourism department. The village received 131 foreign tourists in 2007, and 208 in 2008. Pitchavaram became popular among foreigners after it was included in the eco-tourism circuit. Tourist arrivals went up - from 820 in 2006 to 2,171 in 2008. Hogenekkal, which welcomed about 1,000 tourists three years ago, saw 3,000 visitors last year. Mamallapuram and Coonoor also saw a rise in foreign tourist arrivals. Mamallapuram received 1,18,885 foreign tourists in 2006; the number touched 2,05,552 after its annual dance festival became popular. Tourists arrivals increased from 4,038 in 2006 to 11,952 in Coonoor. A tourism department official said that foreigners began to show interest in rural TN after the department promoted experience tourism, eco-tourism and lesser known tourist destinations as well as promotional activities abroad.