Chennai: Tamil Nadu abounds in fascinating hill stations, pilgrim spots, revitalising rural spots besides forts and palaces. But it is Chennai that seems to have attracted more visitors, including foreign nationals, than all other tourist spots in the state in 2013.
Though pilgrim destinations, like Rameswaram and Madurai, were among the spots preferred by Indians, it is Chennai that ranked first among the top spots last year. As on October end 2013, Chennai received 1,58,43,181 domestic tourists and 5,88,138 foreigners, thus totaling to 1,64,31,319 visitors.
Overall, Tamil Nadu received over 17.56 crore footfalls, including 30.81 lakh foreigners.
Chennai’s sprawling beaches, airport, seaport, good air connectivity, heritage and ancient temples are among the numerous attractions that are inviting to tourists.
Madurai received 1,27,95,639 footfalls, including 1,94,288 foreigners, followed by Rameswaram with 1,13,82,432, including 82,635 foreigners. Thiruvannamalai received 1,01,84,747, including 1,09,015 foreign nationals.
Interestingly, the popular haunts, like Ooty, received 83,11,263 domestic visitors in addition to 2,51,803 foreigners, Kodaikanal, 82,58,807 and 1,97,318 foreigners and the popular Mamallapuram got 40,77,481 domestic tourists and 3,90,642 foreigners.
Temple towns like Tiruchendur (totally 96,75,703), Kanyakumari (83,92,423), Palani (69,46,141) and Kumbakonam (63,27,260), as on October end 2013, have been attracting crowds steadily. Though the final tally is yet to come, as per the estimates of the Tourism Department, Tamil Nadu will surpass 18,76,98,580 visitors, including 35,61,740 foreigners, received in 2012.
“There is an increase in arrivals on a year-on-year basis and this is a healthy trend. In tune with the policies of the State government and also taking into account the needs of the increasing volume of tourists, we are aiming to develop several new locations that so far have not been exploited,” says Hemant Kumar Sinha, commissioner of tourism.
This apart, talks are on with the forest department to promote nature trails, treks and eco-tourism circuits, keeping in mind the areas notified by the Supreme Court.
