Chennai, February 26 – In a move aimed at boosting eco-tourism and attracting modern travelers from within India and abroad, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) has proposed the development of camping and glamping facilities at Jawadhu Hills in the Tiruvannamalai district.
Spanning 7.65 acres, this lesser-known hill destination is set to receive a makeover as part of the state government’s efforts to promote experiential and sustainable tourism. The initiative aims to position Jawadhu Hills as an attractive getaway for visitors who want to spend more time in nature while minimizing environmental impact.
A senior TTDC official said that the state is focusing on tourism models that allow travelers to connect more closely with natural surroundings without causing ecological harm. “Experiential and sustainable tourism is the way forward. Camping and glamping-based accommodation are low-impact models that appeal to today’s travelers who seek authentic outdoor experiences,” the official said.
As part of this strategy, TTDC has identified scenic locations across Tamil Nadu for the development of camping infrastructure equipped with essential amenities.
Jawadhu Hills, with its serene landscape and tourism potential, has been selected as one of the key sites. Basic infrastructure has already been developed on the 7.65-acre site.
TTDC has floated a tender to appoint a concessionaire to prepare a detailed project report and execute the project.
The selected private partner will develop semi-permanent accommodation facilities such as luxury tents, safari tents, glamping domes, prefabricated wooden or bamboo cottages, modular cottages, and container-based units.
The project will be implemented under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The concessionaire will be responsible for financing, operations, management, and maintenance of the camping site.
Officials emphasized that all proposed infrastructure will be developed without disturbing the natural resources in and around Jawadhu Hills.
The focus will remain on eco-friendly construction practices and sustainable operations.
The project is likely to be completed within the current year, marking a significant step in Tamil Nadu’s efforts to diversify its tourism portfolio and promote environmentally responsible travel experiences, said officials.
