Friends of Heritage Sites logo

More Than an Organization
A Community Bound by Curiosity

For nearly two decades, Friends of Heritage Sites has brought together explorers, historians, students and volunteers who believe that understanding the past begins by experiencing it together.

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Friends of Heritage Sites heritage photograph 1
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OUR STORY

A Community BuiltAround Curiosity

Friends of Heritage Sites event seminar

Friends of Heritage Sites began with a shared curiosity about the stories hidden within monuments, landscapes, and traditions. What started as informal explorations gradually grew into a community united by a passion for discovering and preserving cultural heritage.

Today, FoHS brings together historians, students, volunteers, and enthusiasts through heritage walks, lectures, workshops, and documentation projects. Every experience encourages people to see familiar places with fresh eyes and deeper understanding.

For us, heritage is more than history preserved in stone. It lives in the memories, traditions, and communities that continue to keep these stories alive for future generations.

We don't simply visit places—we build lasting connections with the stories they hold.

OUR JOURNEY

Descending Into Our Story

Like the stepwells we document, our journey reveals itself layer by layer each chapter shaped by curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to preserving cultural heritage.

FoHS members gathered at an early heritage meetup, 20142014

Rediscovering Local History

Formed with the primary purpose of rediscovering local history and preserving heritage sites for future generations.

Heritage tourism and Clean and Green campaign, 20152015

Heritage Tourism & Eco-Drive

Pioneer in curating immersive trips to lesser-known, historically significant regions across Tamil Nadu; launched the Clean and Green campaign.

Vichitrachitra workshop showcasing Pallava art sculptures, 20162016

Art Revival: Vichitrachitra

Pioneered art form restoration through Vichitrachitra, a specialised workshop and exhibition highlighting Pallava art sculptures.

Environmental drive at Mamallapuram or Kodaikanal, 20182018

Large-Scale Environmental Drives

Executed wide-scale environmental drives at high-footfall cultural and natural landmarks, including Mamallapuram and Kodaikanal.

FoHS online webinar during the 2020 pandemic lockdown2020

Learning Through Lockdown

Adapted to global pandemic challenges by pioneering educational webinars to sustain community engagement during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Chitrakoodal workshop training young artists in Pandya-style art, 20232023

Traditional Arts: Chitrakoodal

Hosted Chitrakoodal, an intensive workshop training young artists and painters in traditional Pandya-style art techniques.

Google Arts & Culture digital archiving partnership, 20242024

Global Digital Archiving

Partnered with Google Arts & Culture to digitise heritage documentation, expanding public accessibility beyond local communities.

Mangulam Inscriptions documentary series with Karu Palaniappan, 20252025

Documentary Series

Collaborated with director and actor Karu Palaniappan on a YouTube documentary series detailing the historical Mangulam Inscriptions.

Cover of the book Ayyanar, 20262026

Literary Publication

Published the NGO's first book, Ayyanar, detailing the origin, history, and cultural evolution of Tamil Nadu's iconic guardian deity.

Today

Still Walking, Still Learning

Every journey continues our mission to discover, document, and celebrate the stories that shape our cultural identity.

WHAT WE STAND FOR

Four Commitments That Guide Every Journey

01

Document

We record monuments, traditions, and stories before they disappear, creating a lasting archive for future generations.

02

Preserve

We work alongside the communities who care for these places, helping protect what already matters to them.

03

Educate

Through walks, lectures, and workshops, we inspire curiosity by bringing history beyond books and into lived experience.

04

Connect

Every journey creates meaningful connections between people, places, and the stories that continue to shape our cultural identity.

Start Your Journey Here

The rich heritage of Tamil Nadu thrives only when we protect it together. Whether you have time to volunteer, expertise to share, or a passion to support, there is a place for you in our community.

Join FoHS