Kancheepuram pushes Chennai in attracting tourists in TN

Kancheepuram, home to the world heritage site of Mamallapuram, is on the top position in Tamil Nadu in attracting foreign tourists and posted 12.03 per cent increase in visitors from abroad in 2013 when compared to the previous year. Kancheepuram district, home to many heritage temples with stunning architecture, attracted 8,05,983 Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in 2013.

In 2012, the figure was 7,19,386 and in the year before it was 6,79,139. As the numbers suggest, there is a year-on-year growth according to Tamil Nadu Tourism Department statistics.

Besides the renowned Shore Temple in Mamallapuram, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the coastal district is also home to many protected sites and monuments, including megalithic cists and cairns under the control of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). In fact, the district has been on the top in the state for the past several years in attracting FTAs, even pushing Chennai district to the second spot. Chennai had 7,94,098 foreign visitors in 2013 and 7,08,778 in 2012.