The breathtaking temple town of Mahabalipuram, already a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is on its way to becoming South Asia’s first green tourism destination. The Ashram is collaborating with Green Destinations Industrial, a Netherlands-based organization that promotes sustainable tourism in over 80 countries. Fully funded by the Ashram, the Mata Amritanandamayi Mandir Trust formalized this initiative by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Green Destinations.
Also known as Mamallapuram, Mahabalipuram is a historic seaside town that became a thriving port city during the Pallava Dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries CE. It is famous for its ancient rock-cut monuments, temples, and sculptures that were created in synthesis with the magnificent beauty of their natural surroundings.
The MoU was signed in the presence of India’s Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, by Mahesh Gopalakrishnan, Project Director of the Mata Amritanandamayi Mandir Trust, and Albert Salman, President of Green Destinations.
The partnership will enable Mahabalipuram to adhere to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) guidelines to achieve the Green Destinations certification. This recognition is anticipated to set a significant benchmark in sustainable tourism for Tamil Nadu and India, further elevating the country’s standing on the global tourism map.
Today, Mahabalipuram draws people from around the world to take in its immense cultural, historical, and architectural significance. Its monuments have survived centuries of exposure to wind, rain, and ocean waves, symbolizing resilience and strength.
Even more powerfully, Mahabalipuram is known as a metaphor for human creativity enduring the test of time. The structures are not just art; they are imbued with spiritual energy that inspires visitors who seek a deeper connection to India’s cultural and religious roots.
Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this initiative aims to balance sustainable practices with the preservation of Mahabalipuram’s historical heritage. The Green Destinations certification will mark a major milestone in realizing this vision.
The signing ceremony was held at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Amritapuri campus and coincided with the inauguration of World Heritage Week celebrations. Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat officiated the ceremonies, alongside key dignitaries such as Brahmachari Achyutamrita Chaitanya, Principal of the Amrita School of Spiritual and Cultural Studies, Brahmachari Vishwanathamrita Chaitanya, Head of the CIR Division, Br. Binoj, Dr. M. Nidheesh, Balakrishnan Shankar, and Mahadevan Parasuraman.
The event concluded with Minister Shekhawat meeting Amma, further inspiring the significance of this initiative for sustainable tourism and heritage conservation.
