India Travel

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a state at the southern tip of India. Tamil Nadu is bordered by Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Tamil Nadu has had continuous human habitation since pre-historic times The state is known for its cultural heritage and temple architecture. Its long history and cultural traditions are among the oldest in the world. Similarily, art and culture, literature, music, dance and architecture are not only the most ancient but have evolved from Tamil Nadu over the past two millennia. Bharatha Natyam is its twin dance form, always accompanied by this music and the rich tradition of folk music continues to inspire people.Tamil literature is amongst the oldest in India. Much of the ancient culture of Tamil Nadu is still alive.

Weather

Tamil Nadu has a very hot and humid climate. Winters and summers are both quite alike with the little difference in temperature as it rains frequently through the year.

Tourism

Famous for its cutworks in the temples, coconut fringes, and silk sari, Tamil Nadu is bestowed with exquisite beauty and natural charisma. It is considered as the gateway to South India. Tamil civilization is one of the oldest in the world. Unique cultural features, like Tanjore paintings, Bharatanatyam and Tamil architecture, give Tamil Nadu a heritage to be proud of. One can find beaches, temples, wildlife sancturies and more.The Brihadeeswarar temple in Thanjavur, built by Rajaraja Chola - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Places of Tourist Interest

Chennai : The major places of tourist attraction are Fort St. George, San Thome Cathedral Basilica, Theosophical Society, Along Elliot's Beach, Kalakshetra, Birla Planetarium, Valluvar Kottam, Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur), The Government Museum, Marina Beach, Kapaleswarar Temple and Sri Parthasarathy Temple.

Chidambaram : Also, known as Thillai, (since the place was originally a forest of Thillai shrubs), Chidambaram is an important pilgrimage centre and a holy place for Saivaites as the famous Nataraja Temple is located here. Dedicated to Lord Nataraja, this ancient temple of the Cholas is unique not only due to the fact that it is devoted solely to the art of Bharatanatyam, but also it is one of the rare temples where Shiva is represented by an idol rather than the customary Lingam. Spread over an area of 40 acres with a gopuram on each side, the temple is distinguished by five sabhas or courts

Coimbatore : Located in the shadow of the Western ghats, Coimbatore enjoys a very pleasant climate the year round, aided by the fresh breeze that flows in through the 25 kms long Palakkad gap. The third largest city of the state, Coimbatore, the headquarters of a district of the same name, is one of the most industrialised cities in Tamil Nadu. the places of tourists interest in Coimbatore are Perur Temple, Marudhamalai Temple, Agricultural University, V O C Park, Forest College, G.D. Naidu Industrial Exhibition, Bhavani, Vaideki Water Falls and Black Thunder.

Kanchipuram : Ancient Kanchipuram, the city of thousand temples, is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. The city was the capital of the earstwhile Cholas as far back as the 2nd century BC and a Pallava capital between the 6th and 8th centuries. About 126 temples remains in Kanchi today. Kanchi was a major seat of Tamil learning as well as an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Jains and Hindus.

Kanyakumari : Situated at the land end of India or the point where the three seas meet, enchanting Kanniyakumari or Cape Comorin is one of the most popular tourist spots in the state and indeed, in the country. Kanniyakumari have several spectular beaches. Kanniyakumari is at its best during full moon day in April when the sun and moon are face to face at the same horizon but other full moon days are also special when you can see the sun set and the moon rise almost simultaneously, as if by prior arrangement. The other places of interest in Kanyakumari are Kumariamman Temple, Gandhi Memorial, Vivekananda Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue and Kamaraj Memorial at Kanniyakumari.

Madurai : Known as the Athens of the East, Madurai, the second largest city in Tamil Nadu is situated on the banks of the river Vaigai. An ancient city, more than 2,500 years old, Madurai is believed to having been built by the Pandyan King Kulasekara in the 6th century BC. Meenakshi- Sundareswarar Temple, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, The Gandhi Museum, Thirupparankunram Azhagar Koil and Solaimalai Mandapam are some of the major attraction of the place.

Mahabalipuram - World famous for its shore temples.

Ootacamund - Queen of southern hill resorts of India.

Rameswaram - Well-known pilgrimage in India.

Thanjavur - The rice bowl of Tamil Nadu.

Tiruchirapalli - City on the banks of river Cauvery.

Auroville - International Utopian city being built, Aurobindo Ashram Associations.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary - Wildlife sanctuary.

Kodaikanal- Princess of hill stations in southern India.

Kolli Hills - Herbal Hills/Quiet Hills/Medium budget

Festivals & Events

The major fairs and festivals of Tamil nadu includes Pongal, Tourist Fair ( Fairlands or Island Garounds - Chennai ), Chithirai Festival - Madurai, Dance Festivals - Mamallapuram, Natyanjail Dance Festivals, Mahamagam Festival, Aurbathimoovar Festival, Summer Festivals, Saral Vizha ( Kuttalm or Courtallm ), Kanthuri Festival, Kavadi Festival, Velankanni Festival, Navarathri, Karthigai Deepam and Music Festival.

When to Go

The best time to visit Tamil Nadu is November to February.

Interesting Fact

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