In a strategic move to decongest its famed but overburdened hill stations, the Tamil Nadu government is actively redrawing its tourism blueprint. The focus is shifting from the well-trodden paths of Ooty and Kodaikanal to developing quieter, nature-immersive alternatives. Spearheaded by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC), this initiative involves rolling out organized camping and glamping facilities across several emerging hill destinations.
New Destinations on the Horizon
The state has identified four key locations for this experiential tourism push: Jawadhu Hills, Vathalmalai, Kolli hills, and Yelagiri. The plan marks a conscious pivot from large hotel-based infrastructure to low-impact, experience-driven accommodations. Tourism officials emphasize that the goal is not to replicate the bustle of established spots but to offer serene, nature-based getaways.
An official from the Tiruvannamalai district provided details on the Jawadhu Hills project. Known more to trekkers and local communities, Jawadhu is set to receive its first organized glamping facility spread over approximately 7.65 acres. The TTDC has already laid the basic infrastructure and is now seeking a private operator to introduce luxury and safari tents, domes, and prefabricated cottages. The site, which already sees around 1,000 visitors monthly, will feature about 10 accommodation units along with a restaurant and reception area.
Developing Vathalmalai's Scenic Plateau
A similar model is being adopted for the scenic plateau of Vathalmalai in Dharmapuri district, an area that has largely remained off the mainstream tourism radar. Here, a camping site spanning about 6.1 acres is planned. It will host tents and eco-cottages supported by essential amenities. A district official from Dharmapuri confirmed that a restaurant has already been constructed and highlighted the area's attractions, including waterfalls and tribal settlements. Trekking routes have been proposed, pending coordination with the forest department.
Challenges and Calls for Coordination
While the projects signal a positive shift, private operators and stakeholders point to a significant hurdle: inter-departmental coordination. They argue that without seamless collaboration, especially with the forest department, these initiatives risk stalling or failing to take off.
N Ravi, a former tourism department official, welcomed the move away from "age-old destinations" but cautioned that the projects must be seen through to completion and not be dropped midway. This sentiment is echoed on the ground by entrepreneurs like Richard Harris, who has been trying to start a campsite in Tiruvallur for five years. Harris stated that starting a tourism venture is nearly impossible without functional coordination between various departments, urging the district tourism promotion committees to become more active.
The success of Tamil Nadu's redesigned tourism map hinges on this crucial synergy. If executed as envisioned, these projects in Jawadhu Hills, Vathalmalai, Kolli hills, and Yelagiri could effectively disperse tourist traffic, reduce pressure on popular hills, and unlock the economic potential of the state's hidden scenic gems.
