It is a joint venture programme between Government of India and Government of Tamil Nadu. The Youth Hostels provide inexpensive accommodation facilities to youth while undergoing educational and adventure tours, visits to historical places and cultural interest, etc. The State Government provides land for the construction of Youth Hostel whereas the Central Government bears the construction and maintenance cost. There are five Youth Hostels functioning in Chennai, Madurai, Thanjavur, Ooty and Tiruchirappalli.