Trek Tamil Nadu’s first year redefines eco-tourism
Trek Tamil Nadu’s anniversary marks a year of sustainable adventures, blending conservation with community growth.
Tamil Nadu’s Trek initiative, launched in 2024, has transformed eco-tourism in its first year, attracting over 15,000 trekkers to 2,917 curated routes and generating Rs 63 lakh in revenue. The program, which earned the “Most Exclusive Product Award” at TTF Chennai 2025, focuses on low-impact paths through the Eastern and Western Ghats, from Yelagiri-Swamimalai’s beginner-friendly trails to Kolli Hills’ challenging ascents. This success underscores Tamil Nadu’s pivot toward responsible tourism, prioritizing biodiversity preservation amid India’s growing adventure travel demand, projected to reach $2.5 billion by 2030.
Supriya Sahu, the IAS officer and former Additional Chief Secretary for Tourism, Culture, and Archaeology, played a pivotal role in shaping Trek Tamil Nadu. As a key architect, she championed the initiative’s integration of environmental safeguards with economic upliftment, drawing from her experience in sustainable development projects like the Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission. Sahu’s vision ensured local indigenous guides led treks, channeling revenue to villages and fostering eco-huts with zero-waste protocols. Her emphasis on community involvement, including training 500 locals as certified guides, not only boosted incomes but also embedded conservation in the program’s DNA, setting a benchmark for state-led tourism.
The routes themselves highlight Tamil Nadu’s diverse landscapes, offering trekkers immersion in UNESCO-recognized sites like the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve while educating on climate threats like deforestation. During its debut year, the program recorded a 40% repeat visitor rate, with feedback emphasizing its role in raising awareness about endangered species such as the Nilgiri tahr. This cultural-cultural exchange, where trekkers learn from villagers about traditional herbal remedies, has sparked spin-off initiatives like homestay networks, amplifying the economic multiplier effect beyond direct revenue.
Yet, challenges persist. Urban trekkers, often from Chennai or Coimbatore, demand better connectivity, while remote trails face funding shortfalls for maintenance. Sahu’s legacy includes advocating for public-private partnerships, securing Rs 5 crore from corporate sponsors for trail upkeep. Critics argue the program risks overtourism in fragile ecosystems, but data shows visitor caps and restoration funds have kept impact minimal, with 20% of fees reinvested in afforestation. Tamil Nadu’s model contrasts with Goa’s strained beaches, proving that regulated adventure can sustain, not strain, nature.
Looking ahead, Trek Tamil Nadu aims for 50 routes by 2026, with Sahu’s framework guiding digital integration like AR-guided hikes for virtual accessibility. This evolution could inspire neighboring states, from Kerala’s backwaters to Karnataka’s hills, creating a southern eco-circuit. Trek Tamil Nadu’s success reminds us that true progress measures not just visitors, but sustained harmony with nature.
