TamilNadu travel guide

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Enchanting Tamil Nadu is an attractive state huddled in the southern Indian peninsula, on the shores of the Bay of Bengal and the cavernous azure Indian Ocean. It is a thrilling grouping of tropical weather, cooler hill resorts, antique culture, and gracious people making it an ideal holiday destination.

The pride of many Tamils is the language Tamil itself. Intellectuals distinguish Tamil to be one of India’s two languages of olden times. One of the distinctive features of Tamil is that it has three different forms of the sound “l”. Today, there are considerable Tamil speaking populations in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius and other countries. Tamilians are passionate readers, and there is a pulsating magazine publishing industry here. Tamil literature is amongst the oldest in India and some of it is now available on the World-Wide Web! Much of the ancient customs of Tamil Nadu is still alive. We have Carnatic music, an Indian classical tradition. Bharatha Natyam is its twin dance form, always accompanied by this music. The rich folklore of folk music continues to motivate the more popular film music.

Trendy culture in Tamil Nadu is an altogether different bowl of Payasam. The inspired force of the people has led to one of the largest film industries being set up here, producing movies and film songs for several decades. Three major religions co-exist in present Tamil Nadu. The splendor of the Hindu temple architecture in Tamil Nadu should be seen to be believed. Food in Tamil Nadu does go beyond the famous idli, sambar, and dosai.

Tamil Nadu is one of the most industrialized and prominent state in India with a high Human Development index. Chennai (formerly known as Madras ), the capital city of Tamil Nadu , is a cosmopolitan city and the gateway of South India with an international airport, sea ports and good rail and road network connectivity. Tamil Nadu is a land of varied beauty. The temples are of a distinct style which is famous for its towering Gopuram. Popular temple towns include Madurai, Trichy, Tanjore, Kanchipuram, Palani, Tiruvallur and Mahabalipuram. The most famous temple is the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur that is about 1000 years old and is on the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list.

Temples in Tamil Nadu were the fulcrum of society and even today art forms that have their origin in religious worship continue to colour daily life. Notable among these are splendid bronzes of deities, painting on glass and Bharatnatyam. Kanchipuram, also called Kanjeevaram, is famous throughout the country as the center where lustrous silk sarees are woven. Likewise Thanjavur is an important center for bronze figure casting. Mahabalipuram has a vast wealth of sculptures. In contrast to the temple heritage Pondicherry is known for long a French colony. Kanyakumari, the southern most tip of peninsular India, is famous for its distinct and beautiful sunrise, Vivekananda Rock Memorial on the mid-sea,. Hill stations like Kodaikanal and Nilgiris boast some of the stunning landscapes in India.
All places provide delightful relaxation during an extended tour of the south, having a wide range of hotel accommodation. The cuisine of Tamil Nadu, more or less totally vegetarian, has become enormously popular all over the country.

Cuisines of TamilNadu
Tamil Nadu provides the visitor with a wide variety of delicious food both for the vegetarians as well as the non-vegetarians, though most food in Tamil Nadu consists of grains, lentils, rice and vegetables. Spices are added to give a distinctive taste. Dosa, Idli and sambhar form the most famous food diet.

Beaches in TamilNadu
The topography of Tamil Nadu is delightfully varied and diverse. Of the 1,30,058 sq-kms land area, 17.6% is covered with forest area. These spread over the plains and on mountain slopes. Dry lands are bestowed with dry-deciduous forests, thorn forests, scrubs and mangroves. Some of the famous beaches are marina beach, kushee beach and pamban beach.

Chennai, as the capital of Tamil Nadu, as well as the cultural capital of India is referred to as the ‘temple city’ due to is glorious temples and architecture.

The Marina beach which is in Chennai is one of the longest beaches in the world.

Kanyakumari : housing the far-famed Kanyakumari temple, this city is an important pilgrim center. The unique feature of this picturesque tip is its multihued sand found on its beach.

Ootacamund : is one of the most picturesque hill stations in India. It was instituted by the Britishers early in the 19th century.

Kanchipuram : well known as the city of a thousand temples, Kanchipuram is one of the seven most sanctified pilgrim centers for the Hindus. In all this city has approximately 126 temples exclusive of a couple of more temples in its outskirts.

Trekking in TamilNadu
Hills around Chennai, such as the Nagalapuram Hills, offer wonderful trekking opportunities. There are several planned excursions carried out by individuals and groups based in Chennai and Tamil Nadu.

Folk Music and Dances
The music and dance of Tamil Nadu had their beginnings in the temples. From early times, different groups of people were appointed to sing divine songs in the temple. Officers called Thevara Nayakams or leaders of the world of music, arranged the private worship of kings and group singing.

TamilNadu Wildlife Sanctuaries
The topography of Tamil Nadu is delightfully varied and diverse. Of the 1,30,058 sq-kms land area, 17.6% is covered with forest area. These spread over the plains and on mountain slopes.

Museums in TamilNadu
Government State Museum : This museum in Chennai is best known for two important collections: sculptures from Amarvati and its famed Bronze Gallery. The Amaravati collection has panels, pillars, carved railings and Buddha statues of milky white marble from a Buddhist stupa excavated at Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.

Places to see in Tamil Nadu

Chennai
Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu. Fort st.George occupies pride of place and prominence in Chennai. The St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India built in 1680. The Marina Beach, the pride of Chennai is the second longest beach in the world. Memorials of Gandhi, Rajaji, Kamaraj & Bhaktavatsalam are situated east of Raj Bhavan, the Governor’s Residence.

Chidambaram
Also known as Thillai, The ancient temple of Nataraja Temple ia located here. The Thillai Kaliamman temple is also very famous. The country’s first National Fossil wood park is also seen here. Gangaikondacholapuram Temple has beautiful sculptures and also a big nandi bull at the enterance of the temple.

Coimbatore
Coimbatore is the an industrialised city of Tamil Nadu. The Siruvani Waterfalls and Dam is a beautiful place with the waters tasting sweet.

Puliakulam Temple has Asia’s largest idol of Ganesha. Dhyanalinga has the largest lingam in the world. There is also a crocodile Farm at Amaravathi Dam.

Coonoor
Situated 1,858 m above sea level is a hilstation 13 kms from OOty. At the lower altitude than Ooty it nevertheless commands its own brand of loyalists who prefer a mild climate and a charming place.

Cuddalore
Cuddlore has Devanampattinam which is know for its beautiful golden sandy beach. Samiar pettai is the name of a beach where there are water sports. Port Novo was a major seaport town earlier. The Vridhagiriswarar Temple has 72 dance postures of Bharathanatiyam carved on its walls.

Dharmapuri
Dharmagiri sees on the Cavury river flowing through. Hogenakkal has water falls, boating, a mini zoo and a crocodile park here. Theerthamalai is also a popular pilgrimage centre.

Erode
Siva, Vishnu and Brahma together ere seen here in the Magudeswarar temple. The Bannari Mariamman temple is one of the important Sakthi temples here.

Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is one of the seven holy temples in the country. Know as the city of thousand temples this place is famous for its pure mulberry silk and cotton Kanchipuram sarees. Ekambareswarar Temple has one of the tallest temple towers with an eleven storeyed structure and with beautiful sculptures.

Kanyakumari
Located on the southermost tip of India on the confluence of 3 rivers is Kanyakumari. The Kumariamman Temple is dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanniyakumari, who guards the place. The Guganathaswamy Temple s is a 1000-year-old temple.

Kodaikanal
If keen on adventure Kodaikanal is just the place for boating, trekking and long walks in tree covered glades. Pleasant in summer, it is slightly chilly in winter specially after sunset.

Ooty
Udhagamandalam or the Queen of hillstations has this short sweet name of Ooty is located on the Nilgiri mountains in Tamil Nadu. It is known for its salubrious climate and scenic beauty.

Madurai
Madhurai the headquarters of a district of the same name in the southern Tamil Nadu is on the banks of the Vaigai river. Over 2,500 years old it is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. It is an important commercial aand cultural centre.

Mammallapuram
The little seaside town of Mamallapuram is an hour’s drive from Chennai. It has a beautiful beach spanning 20 kms. The 7th century town is famous for its rock-hewn temples, sculptures and the world’s largest stone bas relief.

Pondicherry
During the middle of this century Europe seemed to have one obsesion and one destination in India. That is why power worth its gunpowder set its ights for a piece of cake. France was amongst the first to carve a foothold. The French arrived in India in 1670 AD. Pondicherry with Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam is part of the heritage.

Rameswaram
Rameswaram is an island hallowed by the Ramayana. A devotee who visits Varanasi is also expected to visit this place to gain full fruit of his prayers. Rameswaram is also one of the major marine food centres in the south.

Salem
Salem is best known for its steel plant and stainless steel. It is an important business centre on this circuit.

Thanjavur
Modern Thanjavur is a fertile plain which is reffered to as the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu. Located in the eastern coast of central Tamil Nadu it has the distinction of having been the capital of the Cholas – one of the great dynasties of the south.

Thiruchinapalli
Popularly called Trichy it is siyuated in Central tamil Nadu on the banks of the Cauvery river. Trichy is a blend of history a pilgrim centre and a thriving commercial city.

Thirunalveli
Tirunelveli is the home of the first largest Shiva Temple in Tamil Nadu, the Nellaiappar Temple. The city is considered to be one of the oldest in the Indian subcontinent, with a history that dates back to 1000 BC. It is located on the west bank of the perennial Thamirabarani river, whereas its twin city Palayamkottai, is located on the East bank. Tirunelveli is also often called the “Halwa City” for its reputed confectionery, the Halwa.

Thoothukudi (Tuticorin)
The Tuticorin is also known as “Pearl City”. It is a Seaport which serves Southern India including the inland cities of Coimbatore, Salem, Tirupur, Madurai and Tirunelveli. It is one of the major seaports in India with its history dating back to the 6th century A.D.

Velankanni
It is a small town located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal 350 km south of Chennai (Madras) and 12 km south of Nagapattinam on the Coromandel Coast, in Tamil Nadu, India. The site of an important Roman Catholic shrine dedicated to Our lady of Good Health.

Vellore
It is considered to be one of the oldest surviving cities in South India. The city lies on the banks of the Palar river on the site of Vellore Fort. Vellore is considered to be one of the best destinations for world class medical and technological education in India.

Yercaud
Yercaud is a quite hill resort in the Servaroyar hills. The mild climate combined with breath taking views makes Yercaud a must for tourists.

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