MADURAI: Tourism development in Madurai is expected to get a big push as specific proposals have been prepared and submitted to the Tourism Department by ‘Best of Tamil Nadu’ (BoT) which is a vibrant forum in Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry here that has been working to explore tourism development ideas.
The proposals for Madurai were explained by Mr.J.Vijaya Darshan, chairman, BoT, at a special conclave organized in the city on September 26th 2025 as a part of World Tourism Day celebrations held in chamber premises in association with Tamil Nadu Tourism Department.
VANDIYUR TANK IN THE EVENING TIME:
One of the important proposals mooted by BoT forum is to focus on 575 acres Vandiyur Tank (Sundaram Park area) by introducing Kayaking and canoeing with water and light shows in the evening amidst a monumental Meenakshi Amman statue.
“We can host water sports at Vandiyur Lake, have water and light shows for evening recreation, fishing clubs for livelihood and leisure, island development with a museum or zoo or a landmark Meenakshi statue, and also to think of Sundaram Park beautification with cycling tracks, landscaped gardens etc,” Mr.J.Vijaya Darshan has said while making a audio visual presentation that had shown some splendid drone shots of Madurai city.
TEPPAKULAM BOATING AND FLOATING:
Another proposal floated by BoT is to consider launching of diverse boating facilities (row, pedal and lite boats) at Teppakulam where the suggestion also includes laser lights and mist shows besides floating stage festivals for cultural events.
VAIGAI RIVERFRONT AS ‘MADURAI THAMES’:
For Vaigai riverfront, the BoT team had suggested to develop it as ‘Madurai Thames’ concept with boating and ferry rides, riverfront shopping arcades with crafts, food courts and night markets. It also moots illuminated bridges as Madurai city landmarks.
“Our proposals are low cost, simple and doable, but of high impact. They can be executed as PPP model and each hub can be developed in just a few months time. There has to be a branding exercise through ‘Experience Madurai’ campaign to promote these new tourist spots here. Ticketing and event-based revenue will ensure their sustainability. These ideas will increase inflow of tourists and also boost local economic growth for hospitality, transport, crafts, hob creation, heritage promotion etc,” the BoT chairman has explained in his detailed presentation.
Other proposals include 3D laser light shows at Tamil Sangam Complex in Madurai city, multilingual films on Madurai, its temples and Madurai civilization.
