Tamil Nadu Travel Guide
The Dravidain culture of tamil nadu is a anciet and complex as any the world
has known. Among the great dynasties of south India that held sway here the
Chola Kings are synonymous with power and compassion, magnificent temples and
delicate bronze images of their deities.
Tamil Nadu is rich in mineral resources like limestone, bauxite, lignite,
magnesite and iron ore. Cotton spinning and weaving are the major industries
besides fertilizers, cement, paper, chemicals and electric motors. It ranks
second (first being Kerala) in the production of fish. The most important
river is the Cauvery which is an important source of water and power.
PLACE TO VISIT
Chennai : The capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of the four major metropolitan
cities in India and main centre of this region. In the early 17th century, Madraspatnam
was the small fishing village along the cooum and Adyur rivers flowed towards
the coromandel coast and into the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is a city that never
hurries. compared with India's other major cities, Chennai is quiet backwater,
conservative in its way, with consierable importance placed on old fashioned
values and traditions.
The thirteen kilometers long marvelous Marina beach that wears a festive
look on weekend evenings adds more beauty to the Chennai city are the finest
and longest beaches in the world. Theaquarium is on the sea front. The state
secretariat of the St. George Forte in Chennai is a splendid building. The
variety of British and French antiques and other commemorations in the museum
are popular amongst tourists. The first English church in Chennai, St Mary's
Church gives peace to mind and soul. A tour to Chennai would introduce us
to some of the important places like, the 8th century Parthasarthi temple
of the Pallavas dedicated to Lord Krishna and the Kapaleeswarar Temple of
Lord Shiva
Other tourist attraction of Chennai : High Court: is one of the largest
judicial complexes in the world.
The Art and Bronze Gallery: where one can find few examples of the Tanjore school
of painting.
Snake Park : A tour of this fascinating park will reveal that more than
40 species of common snakes besides crocodiles, chameleons, monitor lizards
and tortoises can be seen here.
Fort Museum : It is at Fort St George, the first British fort build around
1653 by the British East India Company. The padlocks, old uniforms, old prints,
palanquins, paintings of the governors are displayed here.
Kanchipuram : Kanchipuram is lieas towards 76 kms Southwest of the Chennai.
This golden city of thousand temple is one of the seven most scared cities of
India. Kanchi is also called Varanasi of the south" and is held in great
reverence. Kanchipuram was the capital of succesive south India dynasties beginning
with pallavas, the Cholas, and the Rayas of Vijayanagar. During the 6th and
7th centuries, the Pallavas built some of the best temples in the city.
The city was also a great seat of learning. Sri Sankaracharya, Appar, Siruthonder,
and the great Budddhist Bhikku lived, and worked here. Kancipuram is also
famous for its finest hand woven silk fabrics and silk kanchipuram saris.
The main attraction and famous temples of the city are Kailasnath Temple,
built by Rajasimha and his son Mahendra the 3rd, in the 8th centuryAD. Ekambareswarar
Temple, another ancient temple, renovated by the Pallavas, the Cholas, and
the Vijayanagar kings. The 57 metre high Rajagopuram, is one of the tallest
towers in South India. The festivals of the city are celebrated with great
pomp and show; some of the main festivals are the Brahmothsavam, Garudothsavam,
and the Chariot festival. Sakkiswarar Temple; built by the Cholas.This temple
is located near the Kamakshi Amman Temple.Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, an important
Vishnu temple built by the Pallava King Nandivarman Pallavamalla, in the 7th
century AD. Numerous inscriptions are found in the temple, relating to the
wars between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas.
Mahabalipuram : Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram, this coastal
town was a famous sea port founded by Pallavan king in the 17 th century. This
city is famous for its seven pagodas - a group of ancient rock temples, which
are examples of the Dravidian style of architecture. At the mouth of the river
palar on a large granite hall about 1km in length from north to south, is the
site of many monuments.
This ancient Pallava port, is today the sight of several antique sculptural
marvels. In this ancient seaside town, shrines and huge sculptures cut-out
of rocks more than 1200 years back during the reign of Pallava Kings are The
Descent of Ganges also known as Arjuna's Penance, this open air sculpture
showing the descent of the holy river, Krishna Mandap (Lord krishna lifting
the Mount Goverdhan), The Rathas (dedicated the five Pandavas, showing fine
chariots) and the Shore temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. (This all are the
World heritage sites).
Chidambaram : If you travel 245 kms away from Chennai, you will reach
Chidambaram, also known as the 'City of the Cosmic Dancer' or called as Thillai.
Chidambaram is an important destination for followers of the Hindu god Shiva
and exponent of the fearsome, frenzied Tandav Nritya or the dance of destruction.
At the centre of the town is the large Natraj Temple (the dancing Shiva)' in
his cosmic dance pose is known through out the world. 'The Chitrakootam', another
shrine adjacent to the Nataraja temple is dedicated to Lord Govindraja. Spread
out over 40 acres this complex, dedicated to the god who is usually represented
by the phallic symbol, houses other temples, a tank, and the 'thousand pillared
hall’. Non-Hindus are allowed into the complex but not the gold plated
sanctum sanctorum that houses the idol. The Natyanjali Dance Festival is held
on the temple grounds in February with performances by eminent dancers. There
is a 13th century Kali Temple on the outskirts of the town.
Madurai : Madurai is also one of the ancient most citis of India. The
name "Madurai" is said to be corruption of mathuram,"nector",
a name given t the city after a drop of nector fell from Shiv's hair. Madurai
is great temple town and renowned for its Meenakashi temple situated on the
banks of river Vaigai. Madurai has a rich cultural heritage, which is more than
2500 years old. The city is believed to have been built by the Pandyan King,
Kulasekara in the 6th century BC. It is also known as the Athens of the East
and is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. The temple measuring 255 metres
by 217 metres and punctuated by four gateways within the heart of the city.
There are two main shrines, one dedicated to Meenakshi Amman and other to Shiva
Sundereswara, her lord. Temple gives a splendid example of Dravidian architecture
and to its left is Golden Lotus Pool, surrounded by colonnade wher pilgrimges
baths and do ablutions and also is famous for Jasmine Flowers.
The present temple was designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently
built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak. There are four entrances to the
temple with an area of six hectares. Each of its 12 towers has the height
of 45 to 50 meters. The temple museum has 985 richly carved pillars and each
one surpasses the other in beauty.
The Vishnu Temple is located at a distance of 21 kms northwest of Madurai.
It is said that in this temple, 'Vishnu' presides as Meenakshi's brother 'Azhgar'.
During the Chitrai festival a procession is carried out from Azhagar Kovil
to Madurai for wedding ritual.
Palamudhirsolai, one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya is on the same
hill. A natural spring called Nuburagangai is also located here.
Coimbatore : Coimbatore is the third largest city in Tamil Nadu after
Chennai and Madurai. It’s a lot like the rest of industrial India in essence
but without the grey smoke-urban sprawl flavour. Surprisingly, it’s a pleasant
mix of busy bustle and small town ease despite being the business hub of textile
and automobile industries in South India. it is also known as the 'Manchester
of South India'.
Kodaikanal : About 120 kms from Madurai, situated this scenic hill station
in Tamil Nadu, famous for 'The Kurinji flower', which blossoms once in 12 years.
Set 2100 metres above sea level, Kodaikanal is a popular hill station retreat
in South India. The cool climes of Kodai offer holiday makers respite from the
steamy plains of Tamil Nadu and other neighbouring states. Encompassed by verdant
slopes that are punctuated by waterfalls and cascades, Kodaikanal presents some
awesome scenic views of the plains below. the natural beauty of Kodai. There
are organized walks through the eucalyptus and blue gum forests that are great
for the heart, mind and lungs. One can go off on one’s own exploring the
surrounding hills. The surrounding forests provide great trekking trails for
the outdoor enthusiast and if you are not too adventurous, the Kodai Lake located
at the heart of the town is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll or
boat ride.
Kodaikanal was established by American missionaries around 1845, a refuge
from inhospitable climes and the dreaded malaria. Besides being an escape
from the heat, the town is also filled with residential schools. Today it
has some of the best residential schools in the country, with the Kodaikanal
International School leading the pack.
The most important tourist attractions are coachker's Walk, Golf Links, Green
Valley view, Pillar's rocks, silver cascade falls and the Kodai Lake, various
water falls and the Solar Physical Observatory.
Visit Kodaikanal from April to June or August to September. This is when
the weather is at it's best - temperatures stay in the region of a comfortable
20°C to a bracing 10°C. The months between October and March are wet
and cold, so it is best to avoid being here at this time.
Ooty (Ootacmund) : Ootacamund most popularly known as Ooty. It is mostly
referred to as the Queen of the Southern Hills stations. located in the midst
of four high hills; Doddabetta, Snowdon, Elk hill and Club Hill. .It drives
its name from the Niligiri or the Blue Mountains - the name to the Hills by
the inhabitants for more than 850 years because of the blue haze of clouds which
envelope the hill slopes. Hill slopes veiled in a profusion of wild flowers,
plantations of cardamom and tea, and eucalyptus forests take over the landscape.
Ooty offers the most scenic walks, into dense forests, pretty mountain trails
and to fabulous viewpoints like Wenlock Downs, Snowdon, Ketty Valley and Dodabetta
Peak. From here you can sweep across the Blue Mountains, wander through the
misty forests, chance upon unexpected waterfalls and brilliant bird species.
Canter away on ponies or have a romantic little picnic in the woods.
Ooty is tranquil enough for a pair of lovebirds to get lost among the other
dreamers who are seeking quiet havens and parks. Look for secluded corners
in the Botanical Garden with its amazing collection of trees and shrubs, and
the beautiful Rose Garden. For times when you want to join in the action,
walk down to the lake and soak in the excitement from the safety of the banks
or venture onto the lake and tandem in pedal boats, rock together in rowboats
and motorboats. And finally, catch the picturesque little Blue Train, a beautiful
journey through tea plantations, eucalyptus forests and hills.
Rameshwaram : Rameshwaram is an island situated on the tip of the Indian
peninsula and the most sacred temple town of India is an island hallowed by
the epic Ramayana. It is the place from where Lord Rama had built a bridge across
the sea to rescue his consort Sita.This is the place where Rama worshipped Lord
Shiva and erected lingam to cleanse away the sin of Ravana. Both the Vaishnavites
and Shaivites visit this pilgrimage city.
Rameshwaram is significant for the Hindus. The presiding deity is the Linga
of Sri Ranganatha, which happens to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India.
Rameshwaram is popularly referred as the 'Benaras of the south'. In order
to attain Moksha it is believed that a visit to Rameshwaram is mandatory.
In fact the entire area of Rameshwaram is associated with various incidents
from the Ramayana. The city of Rameshwaram happens to be one of the most visited
pilgrim sites in India.
The Ramanathaswami Temple is about a hundred meters from the shore. It marks
the place where Rama is said to have earned Shiva’s forgiveness for killing
Ravana. The temple is huge with a 54meter high gopuram and a corridor that
is 1220meters long, lined with 1200 huge granite pillars. The Agni Teertham
is when devotees purify themselves in the seawater around. The temple complex
has 22 wells, each of which is supposed to have different tasting water. Gandamadham
Parvatham is the highest point in the island. The hall has a wheel (chakra)
which bears a footprint believed to be Rama’s. 8km from Rameswaram is
the southern tip of the island called Dhanushkodi after Rama’s bow. The
boulders around are believed to be from the bridge that Rama’s monkey
army built to get across to the errant Ravana’s Lanka. Devastated by
a cyclone in 1964, all that remains here is an ancient temple and its idols
of figures from the epic .Another shrine called Gandamadana Parvatham is worth
visiting. This shrine is found at 2kms away from Rameshwaram
Thanjavur(Tanjore) : Thanjavur, or Tanjore as the Britishs called it,
is a lush paddy district. Now a small city in the state of Tamil Nadu, it rose
to glory during the Chola period from the 10th century to the 14th, when it
came to be the centre of art and education. The Cholas built extensively during
this period and 74 of their temples are still standing. As the centre of cultural
development Thanjavur attracted master craftsmen, and it still continues to
produce attractive handcrafted ware. It is an important center for bronze figure
casting. Thanjavur is known for the beautiful Brihadeshwara temple. Other places
that can be seen are 'The Raja Museum and Art Gallery' and 'Saraswati Mahal
Library, 16 th century Shivganga Fort.
Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) : One of the most famous temple town situated
on the banks of the Cauvery river, 325 kms away from Chennai, this city is known
for its historic temple architecture,. blend of history and tradition as well
as pilgrim centre. Historically, trichys prosperty was linked to the fortunes
of South Inida's ruling dynasties. The city generally associated with the Chola's
, The Pallavas, Pandyans and Nayaks.
The most famous attractions to visit are Ranganath temple and Jambukeshwar
Temple at Srirangam and Rock fort and its temple at a height of over 23mts.
Kanyakumari : Kanyakumari is the land’s end of India where the water
of the Arabian Sea , the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet. It is noted
for its marvelous beaches and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. An important
pilgrim centre of India. Upon arrival check in at hotel.
Kanyakumari has been named after the Goddess Amman, who is the popular deity
of the area. It is said that the Goddess Parvati in one of her incarnations
did penance on one of the rocks of this land's end to obtain the hand of Lord
Shiva. The district was once known as "The Granary of Travancore".
It was in Travancore for a long time and then merged with Tamil Nadu in 1956
under the State Linguistic Reorganization Act and to its South – East
lies the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a blend of all the architectural
styles of India. Vattakottai, Suchindram and Courtallam Falls.
Kanyakumari is also known as Cape Comorin. The Cape festival is celebrated
on a large scale for three days at Kanyakumari. The festival is marked by
a series of cultural programs.
Pondicherry : Pondicherry is situated on the Coromandel Coast of South
India, about 160 kms south of Chennai.It is touched by the Bay of Bengal on
the east and on the other three sides by the South Arcot District of Tamil Nadu.
Pondicherry comprises the towns of Karaikal, on the east coast; Mahe, which
is situated on the Malabar Coast, and Yanam, situated further up the east coast.
Pondicherry a former french enclave and a provincial town. it carries a strong
whiff of the French presence in India. Legend says that Pondicherry is the place
where St.Agasthaya settled down.
Palaces of tourist attraction
Beaches : Pondicherry has a lovely beach, which is about 1.5 Kms long.
One can relax, sunbathe, swim, or take a stroll along the promenade. The beach
has historical connections too.
Boat House : Facilities for boating are available at the Boat House on
the River Chunnambar. The backwaters and the lush greenery on both sides of
the Chunnambar River provide an ideal setting for boating tours. Boats are available
for hire by tourists on all days of the week.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram : Sri Aurobindo Ashram, situated in the eastern
part of Pondicherry. A tour of this samadhi of Shri Aurobindo and his chief
disciple, the Mother is worth making. It is not only a quiet place of retreat
but also a vibrant center of life. It comprises of almost 1500 members who live
here and practice Sadhna for the evolution of another way of life, which seeks
a higher spiritual consciousness. Many tourists travel to Pondicherry to visit
this internationally renowned Ashram.
Some other places to see :
Auroville - a unique experiment in international living and in creating a
new environment where men and women of all nationalities live together in
harmony; Vardaraja Perumal Temple, Vedapureeswarar Temple & Manakula Vinayagar
Templewar memorial, Town hall
Tamil Nadu Travel Guide Reservation Form
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