The Tamil Nadu government has announced a Rs 100 crore investment to develop infrastructure in Mamallapuram, a UNESCO-tagged heritage site, to promote tourism in the region.

This initiative is part of the state’s broader tourism policy for 2023, aimed at driving tourism-led economic growth. Chief Minister M K Stalin unveiled the project during the Tamil Nadu Global Tourism Summit 2026, highlighting the creation of a Special Area Development Authority for Mamallapuram. This authority will focus on enhancing basic amenities and developing modern tourism infrastructure to improve the visitor experience. The investment is expected to boost Mamallapuram’s tourism potential, making it a key attraction for both domestic and international tourists.

Over the past five years, the state has invested Rs 612 crore to develop tourism infrastructure, attracting over 128.9 crore domestic and 45 lakh foreign tourists. The government also plans to host Tamil Nadu's first-ever ‘Tamil Biennale’ in January 2027 to position the state as a global hub for art and cultural tourism.