NE ENV & ADVENTURE SPORTS BUREAU
CHENNAI, NOV 1
Trek Tamil Nadu, the Government of Tamil Nadu’s pioneering eco-tourism initiative promoting nature appreciation through responsible adventure, has successfully completed one year of operations.
Launched in 2024 by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Trek Tamil Nadu has redefined eco-adventure in India by offering organized, eco-sensitive trekking experiences that unite adventure, conservation, and community empowerment.
- Eco-tourism initiative blends conservation, community empowerment, and responsible adventure across Tamil Nadu’s wild landscapes
- Udhayanidhi Stalin: “Every trekker who steps into our forests becomes an ambassador for nature — this is adventure with a purpose.”
- Over the past year, Trek Tamil Nadu has welcomed more than 15,500 trekkers, including 1,400 students and 150 international visitors, with one-third of all trekkers being women
Sharing his thoughts on social media, Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “Every trekker who steps into our forests becomes an ambassador for nature — this is adventure with a purpose. Trek Tamil Nadu shows how tourism can coexist with conservation and empower communities.”
A joint venture between the Tamil Nadu Forest Department (TNFD) and the Tamil Nadu Wilderness Experiences Corporation (TNWEC), the initiative has curated over 40 trekking routes across the state’s most scenic and ecologically rich regions — from Nilgiris to Thiruvallur. Each trek is led by trained guides, many from forest-fringe and tribal communities, ensuring both safety and livelihood generation.
Over the past year, Trek Tamil Nadu has welcomed more than 15,500 trekkers, including 1,400 students and 150 international visitors, with one-third of all trekkers being women — a milestone in inclusive eco-adventure. Popular routes include Yelagiri–Swamimalai, Gudiyam Caves, and Avalanche–Kolaribetta in the Nilgiris.
Local engagement remains central to the initiative. Guides — including women from forest communities — have undergone state-level training at the Tamil Nadu Forest Academy, Coimbatore, covering biodiversity storytelling, first aid, and environmental ethics. The initiative also integrates local cuisine along select trails, enriching the trekking experience and supporting rural economies.
Digital accessibility through the www.trektamilnadu.com portal — offering 3D trail visuals, e-booking, and e-certificates — has made the program widely popular. Trek Tamil Nadu has earned national recognition, winning the “Most Exclusive Product Award” at TTF Chennai 2025 and the “Best Niche Tourism Operator Award” at the Tamil Nadu Tourism Awards 2025.
Looking ahead, Trek Tamil Nadu plans to expand to 50+ curated routes, integrate eco-tour packages with TTDC, and introduce school-based trekking programs to promote experiential environmental education.
In just one year, Trek Tamil Nadu has emerged as a national benchmark for sustainable, community-led eco-tourism — proving that every trek can be a step toward a greener, more conscious future.
