UNESCO to showcase Chettinad heritage

Karaikudi (Tamil Nadu), Nov 30 (PTI) Chettinad -- a rich
cultural heritage region -- in the southern Indian state of
Tamil Nadu is in for a major transformation with UNESCO
pledging to preserve and promote it as a heritage zone.

"We will sign an agreement with UNESCO for promoting
heritage tourism in Chettinad as it has agreed to extend its
expertise in developing the region as heritage zone in Tamil
Nadu," M Rajaram, Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Tourism
Development Corporation told PTI.

Chettinad, 85-km from the temple town of Madurai, is a
cluster of about 75 odd villages, including Karaikudi,
Kanadukuathaan, Pallathur, Prithali and Kothamangalam.

Palatial houses in this region are known for their
architectural structure with wide courtyards, high ceiling,
spacious rooms embellished with marble, Burma teak and
intricate wood carvings at door frames.

There are about thousands of such palatial old houses
still in Chettinad.

"Some of these well-designed houses are more than 100
years old and UNESCO is keen to guide us in restoring these
structures," Rajaram said, adding that "we have drawn up a
plan to develop Chettinad as heritage zone."

According to the Chettinad heritage plan, UNESCO will
help in preparing a draft regional master plan including
guidelines for heritage areas for developing a heritage
circuit in the region.

UNESCO will also establish a heritage house, a model
Chettinad building, in the area for tourists to visit.

UNESCO has come forward to extend its expertise in
preserving and promoting Chettinad's cultural heritage and
make it useful for socio-economic development of the region.

The UN agency will also help in improving the old railway
station of Chettinad which will also serve as an
interpretation and information centre for visitors, Rajaram
said.

Besides the palatial houses, Chettinad is also known for
its wood carving, saree weaving, brass metal work, handmade
tiles and cuisine.

Local artisans involved in the Chettinad handicraft
will get benefit from the UNESCO project, he said.

Union Tourism Ministry has already undertaken several
steps to develop the region as a tourist spot.

Landscaping, development of parks, improvement of roads,
signages, construction of wayside amenities and other works
related to tourism are being carried out in the area, he said.

Though the region now receives foreign tourists, their
number is likely to increase with the UNESCO's plan to develop
it as a heritage zone. PTI ARU
PMR