Tamil Nadu tourist spots to be upgraded

The Tamil Nadu government Tuesday announced plans to develop tourism infrastructure in Tiruchirapalli and Tiruvarur districts at an outlay of around Rs.45 million.

In a statement, the government said it would set up facilities to attract tourists to Pachamalai in Tiruchirapalli district, around 350 km from here.

Pachamalai, an area measuring around 530 square km, is the habitat for 154 varieties of birds, 135 varieties of butterflies and around 50 species of deer besides grey squirrels, forest cats, peacocks and monkeys. It also has two waterfalls.

To attract tourists, the government plans to build tree houses, improve facilities at the two waterfalls, upgrade foot tracks for mountain climbers, build hotels and restaurants, children's parks at at estimated cost of around Rs.23 million.

In Tiruvarur district, around 320 km from the capital, the government will improve facilities at the Muthupettai mangrove, spread over 11,885 hectares at an outlay of around Rs.21.7 million.

The government plans to build tree houses, watch towers and have fibre-glass boats and other facilities for tourists.

The mangrove attracts birds like grey pelican, flamingo and pin tail duck, among others.