In an effort to lure more foreign tourists to Tamil Nadu with traditional rural cuisine and rural attractions, the Tamil Nadu government has taken up infrastructure works in the seven rural tourism clusters in the state.
Already, 18 rural tourism projects including Chettinad, Thadiyankudisai, Kurangani, Kazhugumalai, Theerthamalai, Thirukurungudi have been funded with a total outlay of Rs 6.21 crore.
Foreign tourists evince special interest to understand rural life and rural tourism facilitates adequate exposure or the rural life besides ensures rural livelihood.
Rural tourism clusters comprising five to seven villages specialising in art, handicrafts, culture have been identified in the districts.
The Chettinad area in Sivagangai district has been prioritised for implementation during 2012 –13 fiscal by the union tourism ministry.
According to a study, foreign tourists included places like Karaikudi as a rural tourism destination in their itinerary due to its architectural monument, culture and traditional food.
They had however sought the provision of more rest room facilities and also to train tourist guides to conduct foreigners.
During the 12th Plan, the Union tourism ministry aims at sanctioning at least two rural tourism clusters for each state / UT and accordingly earmarked Rs 770 crore for the scheme.
Funds for infrastructure creation like sewerage, roads and drainage, solid waste management, solar / street light besides conducting haat/ bazaar, among other things are envisaged to be developed.
“The state government is providing the required impetus to showcase the cultural wealth while promoting rural tourism,” an official said.
The rural tourism clusters, he said would not only improve the economy of the areas but also create a lasting image of the state’s wealth.