Date:14/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/14/stories/2007121457920100.htm

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Rural tourism all set to get an impetus

S. Vijay Kumar

— PHOTO: S. JAMES (File photo)

Countryside: Foreigners enjoying Pongal festivities at a Madurai village.

MADURAI: A package to promote rural tourism in Madurai district, with special emphasis on promotion of folk arts and development of village infrastructure, is being worked out. Places with potential for tourism have been identified where the district administration and Tourism Department have proposed works worth crores.

According to Collector S.S. Jawahar, a package is planned for Pongal. It will include a visit to Thidiyan village. Temples would also be part of the package. Mr. Jawahar said that tourists would participate in village ceremonies, weekly shandy, cultural programmes and agricultural operations to have a feel of rural life. Exhibition-cum-sale of products manufactured by artisans and self-help groups would be organised.

Steps were taken to develop the path of ‘girivalam,’ the peripheral circuit of Tirupparankundram hill, at a cost of Rs. 3 crore. The peacock sanctuary in the vicinity of the Subramaniaswamy Temple would be developed along with an eco-park in the locality. Jain monuments in Keelakuyilkudi, Yanamalai and Tirupparankundram would be showcased.