The Tamil Nadu Government plans to implement the tourism development project for the beautification of tourist centres and improvement of basic facilities along the east coast corridor and southern tourist circuit.

The proposed project is likely to come up with the estimated cost of Rs 450 crore. Of the total investment, a sum of Rs 315 crore is to come from the Asian Development Bank and Rs 135 crore from the state government. The project envisages the extension of east coast circuit from Chennai to Point Calimere, laterally extending up to Thanjavur for the inclusion of Navagraha temples,Thanjavur Palace and other sites and the part of the southern circuit, the quadrangle of Madurai-Rameswaram-Tirunelveli-Madurai will be covered. Also, there are plans for the improvement of Courtallam, Tranquebar, Mannargudi, Muthupet, Manalmelkudi, Avudaiyar koil and Chittanavasal and Chettinad Heritage Circuit. Also, a reception centre will be set up at Karaikudi. The project is likely to be launched by November 2011.