CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu has earmarked Rs 775 crore for tourism, art and culture development in the 2026-27 budget, unveiling a series of initiatives to promote river tourism, preserve heritage monuments, strengthen religious and cultural tourism, support rural folk arts and improve facilities for pilgrims and devotees.A key focus of the budget is the expansion of river tourism, with Rs 53 crore allocated to develop tourism along the Cauvery, Vaigai and Thamirabarani rivers. The project proposes tourism circuits connecting Hogenakkal and Srirangam on the Cauvery, Madurai on the Vaigai, and Papanasam and Tirunelveli on the Thamirabarani. The allocation will also fund boating facilities in rivers, lakes and reservoirs, besides promoting water sports, ecotourism, hill tourism and other green tourism initiatives.To preserve Tamil Nadu’s architectural heritage, the government has set aside Rs 5 crore to prepare a comprehensive master plan for the conservation and restoration of heritage monuments that are in a dilapidated condition. The initiative aims at protecting monuments that reflect the state’s architectural legacy and cultural history.The budget has allocated Rs 60 crore to improve amenities at places of worship across the state. Drinking water facilities, toilets and other basic infrastructure will be created or upgraded at temples, churches, mosques and the Velankanni Basilica, while infrastructure around these religious destinations will also be improved to enhance the experience of devotees.The govt has earmarked Rs 20 crore for promoting Tamil Nadu’s traditional cuisine and culinary heritage. The initiative will identify and promote food festivals, cultural festivals and cuisine-based tourism experiences across the state.Another Rs 20 crore has been allocated for a welfare package for senior citizens undertaking pilgrimages. Around 2.5 lakh elderly pilgrims are expected to benefit annually through free transport, nutritious food, accommodation and other essential facilities during their pilgrimage.The budget also provides Rs 23 crore for the protection of rural arts and culture. Financial assistance will be extended to 100 artistes representing 200 traditional folk art forms, while the govt will document and preserve rural art forms and the artistes who continue to practise them.
