Cruise tourism focus in Tamil Nadu
Cruise Tourism Growth in Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu is actively working to expand its cruise tourism sector. Feasibility studies are being conducted to identify new destinations. Rameswaram and Kanniyakumari have emerged as major potential hubs.
Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu has the longest coastline in mainland India at 1,076 km, making it suitable for maritime tourism.
Proposed cruise circuit
A special circuit is being designed to connect important religious and heritage sites. The route includes Devipattinam, Kurusadai Island, Kunthukal, Villoondi Theertham, Agni Theertham, Kothandaramar Temple, and Arichal Munai. Floating jetties are under construction at Agni Theertham and Villoondi Theertham to ensure safe embarkation and disembarkation for tourists.
Static GK Tip: The Kothandaramar Temple at Rameswaram is linked to the Ramayana and is a prominent pilgrimage site.
Regional and international link plans
Efforts are underway to strengthen connectivity between the mainland and the Andaman and Nicobar islands through cruise services. On the international front, discussions have been initiated with Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand for regional cruise tourism.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed between India and Malaysia to explore this potential. Similar agreements are being considered with Indonesia and Thailand.
Role of Cordelia Cruise
Cordelia Cruise, a leading private operator, currently runs services between India’s west and east coasts. The company plans to expand operations on the east coast, with a new vessel expected to be permanently stationed. Chennai is likely to become the home port for this cruise.
Static GK fact: The Chennai Port Trust was established in 1881 and is one of India’s oldest ports.
Future prospects
Cruise tourism in Tamil Nadu is being developed as part of a larger plan to boost both religious and leisure tourism. The combination of heritage circuits, island connectivity, and international linkages is expected to transform Tamil Nadu into a significant cruise hub in South Asia.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Cruise Tourism Growth in Tamil Nadu:
| Topic | Detail |
| Key cruise hubs | Rameswaram and Kanniyakumari |
| Proposed circuit | Devipattinam, Kurusadai Island, Kunthukal, Villoondi Theertham, Agni Theertham, Kothandaramar Temple, Arichal Munai |
| Floating jetties | Agni Theertham and Villoondi Theertham |
| Island connectivity | Mainland to Andaman and Nicobar |
| International partners | Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand |
| MoU signed with | Malaysia |
| Major operator | Cordelia Cruise |
| New cruise vessel | To be stationed on East Coast |
| Likely home port | Chennai |
| Tamil Nadu coastline | 1,076 km (longest in mainland India) |
