Heritage walks could soon cover Chennai’s treasures – Times of India

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) is planning to launch regular heritage walks along four routes in George Town, Mylapore and on Kamarajar Salai. It plans to rope in private individuals who used to conduct such programmes in pre-Covid times and train archaeology, history and tourism students to be part of the initiative.
TTDC plans the heritage walks during weekends to facilitate maximum participation. The details would be uploaded on its official portal. The heritage trail in Mylapore will include a food trail. The walk on Kamarajar Salai will cover heritage structures between Vivekanandar House and the University of Madras Chepauk campus.
TTDC managing director Sandeep Nanduri said, “We will not only engage those already conducting heritage trails, but also train interested students for the purpose,” he said.
The tourism department on Sunday conducted a heritage walk at Fort St. George to commemorate World Tourism Day, which is celebrated on September 27. Tourism minister Dr M Mathiventhan and tourism secretary Dr B Chandra Mohan participated.
Heritage enthusiast R Venkatesh, who has been part of several walks in the city, said that around 15 heritage trails can be organised in Chennai. “Royapuram, Chintadripet-Pudupet, Egmore and Anna Salai can be conducted independently,” he added.
Former TTDC Manager N Ravi said the key to conducting heritage walks is continuity. “The heritage trails should be organised consistently. Moreover, the participation of other government agencies such as the Greater Chennai Corporation is essential to ensure that there is no hindrance in movement of the participants,” he added.