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Tamilnadu

Tamil Nadu, formerly known as Madras State, is located in the south eastern side of Indian peninsula with Kanyakumari as the southernmost tip of the land. Welcome to the Southern Part of India. The delightful south; almost untouched by invasions throughout its history, the Indian heritage is more intact here than in other regions of the country. This is a land of temples, a land of the devout where new wonders await – the profusion of orange flowers, the shade of the banyan tree, and the soft beat of distant drums as yet another festival starts.

Climate:The climate is essentially tropical. The temperature in summer seldom 43º C and in winter seldom falls below 18º C. The lowest temperatures are recorded during December and January, and the highest in April to June. The average annual rainfall, falling mainly between October and December, ranges between 25 and 75 inches. The most precipitation falls in the Nilgiris and other hill areas.

The places of tourist interest in the state are Chennai, the beautiful capital city; Mamallapuram, the beach resort; Kanchipuram, the land of 1000 temples; Madurai, famous for the Meenakshi temple; Rameswaram, Tiruchirapalli and Thanjavur, the temple trio; the charming hill resorts of Yercaud, Ootacamund and Kodaikanal and Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India, renowned for its sunrise and sunset.

Tamil Nadu, The Hub of Art and Culture

Tamil Nadu tourism has lot in its stores for its visitors, majestic wildlife, alive in its densely populated jungles, rich culture, sculpted temples and golden beaches, that make.. Tamil Nadu one of the most sought after destinations. The people of Tamil have great respect for culture and interest in music, dance and literature. Classical dancing in the form of Bharatnatyam is still alive in the temples of the South East, and is followed with a lot of fervor and dedication in Tamil Nadu. Carnatic music is another art form which is deeply rooted in the culture of Tamil Nadu, producing artists of great repute. Tamilians learn to appreciate culture, from a very young age, and have a deep interest in music, dance and literature. Classical dancing in the form of Bharatnatyam, has its origin in the temples of the South East, and continues to be followed with a lot of fervour and dedication in Tamil Nadu.

It was a place for social gathering, for education, for celebration – not just of the king’s victories in battles but also of local functions and ceremonies such as marriages. The temple was also used as a store house of sorts for emergencies and, many a temple also maintained hospitals. The temple was a place where art, in all its forms i.e. music, dance, drama and handicrafts received encouragement and flourished.

Tamilnadu is a tourist paradise. A glorious culture. A rich tapestry of history . A nature’s paradise of blue beaches and clear skies…a modern state. To get a full view of this enchanting state, you are most welcome to Tamilnadu any time.

You can revel on the Marina beach or go cruising in the theme parks or let your mind rest in peace in the midst of magnificent-temples.You may walk through the living traditions and relive the timeless past. Holidaying in Tamilnadu will cool your feelings and carry home happy memories. Come to this land to enjoy the splendor.

Hill stations in Tamilnadu

Nilgiri (meaning ‘blue mountain’) hills at the concurrence of the Eastern and Western Ghats are enveloped by the blue haze of the clouds, making their name justified. Udhagamandalam, famously known as Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri hill stations, are all part of the lofty Nilgiri’s. For its beauty, holiday options and reachability, Ootyis called the ‘Queen of hill stations’.

PLEACES TO VISIT

Ooty

Ooty in the south of India is a famous tourist attraction, mainly for its natural beauty. It has grown to be one of the most famous hill stations in India. Ooty or Udhagamandalam is the capital of the Nilgiri district. The climate of this place is generally pleasant and thus suitable for leisure tours. The major attractions of this hill station are the green valleys, beautiful mountains and the vast tea estates. One of the nice season to visit Ooty is during the annual Tea and Tourism Festivals when the hill station bustles with many tea lovers of the country. The summer festival also attract many visitors to Ooty in Tamil Nadu. The gorgeous greenery of the Nilgiris are at their best during this season. The surrounding landscape is also adorned with multiple colors at this time of the year.

Ooty Handicrafts

Ooty handicrafts are popular all over the world. One of the popular handicrafts of the region is Toda embroidery, which is well known all over the world. The Todu community of the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu have a distinct style of embroidery locally called Pugur, which means flower. This fine and intricate embroidery is done by tribal women on shawls. The shawl adorned with the Toda embroidery is calledPoothkuli. The various items that are beautified with this embroidery are traditional drapes, puthukulis, dupattas, luncheon sets and table cloths.

Botanical Gardens

Spread over a total area of 55 acre. Ever since then the Ooty Botanical garden has been well maintained and today it is the responsibility of the Horticulture Department of the Tamil Nadu Government. The Botanical garden in Ooty is located within the city limits of Ooty and is a piece of treasure in the lap of the mountains. The Botanical Garden of Ooty has plants from all over the world and has been decorated very aesthetically. The most attractive parts of the garden are the Lilly pond with color full flowers and the Italian garden. A home to several rare species, the Ooty Botanical garden is a museum of plants and animals. The paper bark tree, the monkey puzzle tree, ferns, orchids and various other plants are spread about in myriad hues. An unique element in the Ooty Botanical garden is a tree trunk which is now a fossil. This tree trunk is about 20 million years old and is displayed at the Ooty Botanical garden for the tourists. Every year in the month of May, a “Summer festival” is celebrated in the Ooty Botanical Garden. The main attraction of this festival is the flower show and the display of the items of the Toda, a native tribe.

Ooty Lake

The Ooty Lake is one of the many tourist attractions of the magical hill station of Ooty in Tamil Nadu. The Ooty Lake enhances the beauty of the land decorated with blue hills, long stretches of green meadows, picturesque tea gardens and pleasing climate. The Ooty Lake in the Nilgiri Hills has a length of more than two Kilometers and roughly forms a ‘L’ shape. The crystal clearOoty Lake is the venue for various leisure activities like angling and boating. The boat house is the main center of entertainment in Ooty. The artificial Ooty Lake is the master mind of the founder of the hill station – John Sullivan. He built the Ooty Lake in 1825. The streams coming down the hills were trapped by a temporary dam and the lake was formed with the accumulated water. Boating in the Ooty Lake is real fun with the availability of all types of boats like paddle boats, Shikaras, rowing boats, canoes etc. Watching the ‘sun go down’ from the banks of the lake is a never forgetting experience.

St Stephens Church

Ooty has many colonial architectural structures, St. Stevens Church is one of them. St. Stevens Church, Ootywas constructed on the site of an ancient Toda temple. It is a small church influenced by the Gothic style of architecture. The influence of British people and Christianity are quite evident on the culture and architecture of Ooty. The architectural building is one of the first colonial structures in Ooty that was built in 1820s. This oldest in the Nilgiris was sanctified in the year 1830. The wood that was used in the construction of St. Stevens Church at Ooty was obtained from the palace of Tipu Sultan located at Srirangapatnam. These wooden planks were transported on the back of elephants traveling a distance of 120 km. The church is located at a picturesque location overlooking the captivating views of Nilgiri hills and the vast stretches of greenery. The church is adorned with majestic Gothic arches, cane pews and attractive clerestory windows. St. Stevens Church in Ootyis situated in the hilly area on Club Road. There is a cemetery attached to the church, which has the grave of John Sullivan and other legendary figures of Ooty. The tiny tombs of the children are engraved with mournful verses like, “Suffer the children to come to me” or, “Thy will be done.”

Doddabetta Peak

There are a number of beautiful locations that one must visit while on a trip to the Hill town of Ooty and theDodabetta Peak is one of them. The highest point of the district of Ooty, the Dodabetta Peak is at a height of 2,623 meters. One of the most picturesque location. Although the Dodabetta Peak is mostly behind a veil of mist, on a rare clear day one can catch the sight of the landscape below which looks like a painted canvas. The most salient feature of Dodabetta Peak are the flattened curves at its peak. The hollows of these slopes are wrapped with Sholas, flowering sub-elphine shrubs, Rhododendron trees, and thick coarse grasses which gives a green color to the mountain. At the summit of the Dodabetta Peak is an observatory which is open to the tourists. The observatory has two telescopes which can provide a perfect view of the Mysore plateau and the plains of Coimbatore. The picturesque location and the scenic splendor of the place makes it one of the most magnificent sites in Ooty.

Lalith Kala Academy

Ooty The picturesque land of Ootyis bestowed with breathtaking natural beauty. One of the most popular holiday destinations and tourist centers of the country, Ootyis visited by thousand of visitors every year. With excitement and entertainment galore, it is indeed a magnificent tourist spot. However the Lalith Kala Academy Ooty shows another beautiful aspect of the much admired hill station. The Lalith Kala Academy Ooty reflects the art and cultural side of the magical land. The Lalith Kala Academy in Ooty takes pride in its rich collection of sculptures and valuable paintings. It has managed to collect art works from all corners of the country. It houses precious and ancient art pieces as well as some exclusive modern works. The outstanding art gallery holds frequent exhibitions. The place is a heaven for the art lovers and also a place of great interest for the visiting tourists in Ooty.

Radio Telescope

The Ooty Radio Telescope or ORT has been set up to contribute to the country’s research in radio astronomy. The TIFR astronomers took the initiative to build theOoty Radio Telescope within the Radio Astronomy Center Complex in the backdrop of paradisaical landscapes. Built in 1970, the ORT helps in collecting and tracking of data from different satellites. It is also used to observe interplanetary scintillations, radio recombination and for the the study of pulsars and neutron stars. The design of the Ooty Radio Telescope constructed on a hill is its uniqueness. The purpose of such design is to bring the telescope’s axis and the earth’s rotational axis in a parallel to establish an equatorial mount.

The current projects that are going on in the Radio Astronomy Center are timing observations of pulsars and interplanetary scintillations or IPS observations. The Ooty Radio Telescope is accessible from Ooty central bus station.

Lamb’s Rock

Ooty in the Nilgiri mountains in one of the most beautiful places in the whole of India. The blue mountains, as the British called it, has a number of beautiful locations in and around the place. The Lambs rock which is about 5 and half Kilometers from Connor is one of the most scenically beautiful spot in the region. The Lambs Rock is an ideal spot to appreciate the beautiful hilly landscape of the region, covered with Coffee and Tea plantations. With nature at its best, Lambs rock is an ideal spot for family picnics.

Hindustan Photo Films

Ooty is definitely one of the most beautiful hill towns of India but there is much more to this place. TheHindustan Photo Films in Ooty is one such location which is independent of the natural aura of the hill queen. Most of the tourists are attracted by the scenic panorama of Ooty and are often unaware of the an interesting site, the Hindustan photo films. The Hindustan photo films is an industrial unit which is located at a distance of about 5 Kilometers from the railway station of Ooty. Covering an area of about 300 acres, the Hindustan photo film produces a number of film products.

Rose Garden

The beautiful Rose Garden adds to the charm of the lovely land of Ooty. The Centenary Rose Park was declared as the `Garden of Excellence’ by the World Federation of Rose Societies at the World Convention of Rose Societies held at Osaka in Japan in the year 2006. The credit of this recognition goes to the Horticulture Department and the members of the Nilgiris Rose Society (NRS). The Garden was founded to celebrate the 100th Annual Flower Show (AFC) at the Government Botanical Garden in Ooty. When the garden was initially laid there were 1919 varieties of rose, including floribundas, miniatures, hybrid teas, polyanthas and creepers. New varieties are being included in the collection every year. Presently, the garden is said to have nearly 3000 varieties and very soon the 5000 mark will be crossed. The Centenary Rose Park in Ooty is spread over a huge area of more than four hectares of land in five terraces At present, the Rose Garden has the distinction of being the only garden in the country with the largest collection of roses. People who are passionate about flowers and roses can come here to enjoy the beauty of a huge variety of roses such as Hybrid Tea Roses, Ramblers, miniature roses, Floribundas and many more. Some of the main attractions of the garden are roses of strange colors like black and green.

Kodanadu’s View Point

Kodanadu’s View Point is one among the many important tourist attractions in and around the lovely Ooty. he panoramic view from the watch tower of the View Point will give the feeling of being on top of the world. One can watch the lush green tea gardens are decorated by the tea gardens. Tourists watch the sunset behind Rangaswamy Peak with pleasurable astonishment. A bird’s eye view from the Kodanadu View Point enchants the visitors. They can watch the majestic flow of the River Mayor sashaying through the hills. The Kodanadu View Point is a must inclusion in any packaged tour to Ooty. Whether a nature lover or a general tourist, an adult or a child – Kodanadu View Point enthralls one and all.

Wildlife In Tamil Nadu

The topography of Tamil Nadu is delightfully varied and diverse. Of the 1,30,058sq km land area, 17.6 is covered with forest area. These spreads over the plain and on mountain slopes. Dry lands are bestowed with dry-deciduous forests, thorn forests, scrubs and mangroves. The Western Ghats and a few cooler regions are endowed with moist deciduous, wet evergreen forests, sholas and grasslands. Tamilnadu is rich in flora and fauna and some of its major wildlife sanctuaries like Madumalai and Annamalai (or Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary), are situated in the Western Ghats. These hills are ideal havens for elephants, tigers, bisons, monkeys and deer. Of the 3,000 and more plant species found in Tamilnadu, a majority is found in the mixed deciduous forests of this region. One of the most noteworthy flowers is the Kurinji of Kodaikanal, which blooms once in 12 years. Forests of other medicinal herbs are found in Palani hills and Courtallam. Palmyra trees grow profusely in Tirunelveli and its products are used as raw materials for several cottage industries. Rubber is the main plantation crop in Kanyakumari and sandalwood grows in the Javadhu hills of Vellore district.

Vedanthangal Water Birds Sanctuary

One of the most spectacular breeding grounds in India. Cormorants, herons, storks, pelicans, grebes and many others.TheVedanthangal Bird Sanctuary has been protected by the local people for well over 250 years. The sanctuary gets its name from a nearby village and is only 75 Km from Chennai. The bird life (resident & visitors) includes Cormorants, Darters, Herons, Egrets, Open billed Stork, Spoonbill and White Ibis, Little Grebe, Indian Moorhen, Black Winged Stilts, a few migratory ducks and occasionally Grey Pelicans. November to February is the ideal season to visit the sanctuary.

Vedanthangal is a home not only to migratory birds but also to many ornithologists who camp here for weeks observing the birds at close quarters. With a powerful pair of binoculars, you can spot a Cormorant or a Snake Bird dive under the water to gobble up a nervous fish which is its staple diet. Soon after the hunt, the Cormorant must come up to the shore to dry its feathers as nature has not endowed it with oil-glands to water-proof the feathers.

Point Calimere Bird Sanctuary

Sprawling on 17.26 sq km surrounded by sea and shore, comprising forests of tidal swamps, this sanctuary is situated in Nagapattinam district. It is bestowed with populations of varied wild life such as Chittal, Wild Boar Sprawling on 17.26 sq km surrounded by sea and shore, comprising forests of tidal swamps, dry evergreen forests of mangroves, this sanctuary is situated in the Nagapattinam district. It is bestowed with population of varied wild life such as Chital, Wild boar, Bonnet macaque, Black Buck, Flamingoes, Teals, Gulls, Terns, Plavers and Stilts. Special attractions are close encounters with Dolphins and Turtles which often come quite close to the shore. Variety Of Birds Visiting The Sanctuary Between November and January, the tidal mud flats and marshes are covered with Teals, Curlews, Gulls, Terns, Plovers, Sandpipers, Shanks, Herons and up to 3000 Flamingoes at one time. In the spring, a different set of birds – Koels, Mynas and Barbets are drawn here by the profusion of wild berries. From April to June there’s very little activity; the main rainy season is between October and December.

Fauna

Point Calimere sanctuary is bestowed with population of varied wild life such as Chital, Wild boar, Bonnet macaque, Black Buck, Flamingos, Teals, Gulls, Terns, Plavers and Stilts. Special attractions are close encounters with Dolphins and Turtles, which often come quite close to the shore.

Crocodile Bank

This Crocodile Bank has been established with an aim to protected and conserve the endangered reptiles such as crocodiles, Alligators etc. is a farm where several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators are bred in captivity. This crocodile bank is on the way to Mahabalipuram and is run by Romulve Whittaker. About 5,000 species are kept in their natural surroundings in open pools. They can be viewed from a safe distance. The Crocodile Bank occupies an area of 3.2 hectares and has been established with an aim to protect and conserve the endangered reptiles such as Crocodiles, Alligators, etc. Tourists in large numbers visit the crocodile bank to see a variety of reptiles, all in one place.

Mukkurthi National Park

It contains a viable population of NigiriTahr (Hamitrgus-hilocrius), Sambar, Nilgiri Marten, Barking deer Located on the high altitudes of the Nilgiris, comprising rolling downs interspersed with temperate sholas, this park is also a part of Nilgiri Bio-sphere reserve and situated 40 km from Udhagamandalam. It contains a viable population on Nilgiri Thar (Hamitragus-hilocrius), Sambhar, Barking deer, Nilgiri marten and otter, Jungle cat, Jackal etc. Avifauna consists of hill birds viz laughing and whistling thrushes, woodcock, wild pigeon and black eagle. Butter-flies with Himalayan affinity like the Blue Admiral, Indian Red Admiral, Indian Fritillary, Indian Cabbage white, Hedge blues and rainbow trouts can be also be seen.Trekking routes exist from Parsan valley, portimund, pykara etc. Trout fishing is recommended in the rivers and lakes of Mukurthi. Permission from Asst. Director, Fisheries Department, Udhagai, must be obtained in advance for fishing.

Madurai – The Glory of Pandyas

Madurai is Known as Athens of the East, Madurai is a place of great historical and cultural importance. It is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu and Madurai lies on the banks of the River Vaigai. Madurai is one of the liveliest cities in South India it was originally known as Kadambavanam or the “forest of Kadamba” or the Naucleakadamba.

Legend says that Lord Shiva appeared in the dream on the king, Kulasekhara Pandya. The king was amazed to see drops of nectar or madhu falling down of earth from Lord Shiva’s matted hair. The “madhu” was so sweet that the place where it fell came to be known as Madhurapuri, which in course of time became “Madurai.”..famous for its cultural and scholarly pursuits, the city had an academy consisting of critics, poets and savants highly esteemed both by kings and commoners. It was in Madurai that three successful conferences of Tamil scholars called sangams flourished under benevolent royal support.

Madurai is famous for housing one of the five traditional dance halls where Lord Siva, in his form as the Silver Hall or the VelliAmbalam. It is situated within the Meenakshi Temple. Madurai was known to be the centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Today, Madurai is a modern commercial and industrial city, with a vast University campus and is renowned for its weaving mills and dyeing industry. The chungadi cotton sarees are the specialty of this city with its colourful tie and dye motifs. Handicrafts, brassware, bronze items and the famous wooden toys of Madurai are some of the notable artefacts

CHENNAI – Gateway to the South

This metropolis is often called the cultural capital of India for its deep-rooted traditions and long heritage. Chennai is a city younger than its image. More than any other city in India, it is a true reflection of this country’s diversity. it is city that encourages all forms of development, both modern technology and the traditional arts and crafts. With a population of around six million, it is India’s fourth largest city. From before days of Independence to present, the people of Chennai have played an important role in shaping the country’s political destiny.

Chennai’s PrideChennai’s newest pride is the Tidel Park, the home for the Information Technology Industry. It is spread over 1.28 million sq.ft. of built up area. The Tidel Park is an architectural marvel and houses several large national and international software companies in its premises. The City of Grace And Peace. In a time span of just over 350 years, Chennai has blossomed into a charming city that has a large heart and is very welcoming. It is city that encourages all forms of development, both modern technology and the traditional arts and crafts

COIMBAORE – Manchester of South India

The third largest city of the state, Coimbatore the headquarters of a district of the same name, is one of the most industrialized cities in Tamil Nadu. The city is situated on the banks of the river Noyyal and is known as the textile capital of South India or the Manchester of the South. 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 rich black soil of the region has contributed to Coimbatore’s flourishing agriculture industry and, it is in fact that the successful growth of cotton that served as a foundation for the establishment of its famous textile industry. The first textile mills came up around 1888 and there are now over a hundred mills. The result has been a strong economy and a reputation as one of the greatest industrial cities in South India. Coimbatore serves as an entry and exit point to the neighbouring state of Kerala and the ever-popular hill station of Udagamandalam (Ooty) in Tamil Nadu.

CHETTINAD – THe Land of Heritage & Devotion

Chettinad- The Land of Heritage & Devotion It is a place that enchants and enhances the soul. Chettinad is the homeland of the NattukottaiChettiars called the Nagarathars, are a prosperous banking and business community. It is a tourist’s paradise with a difference, and one which certainly cannot be missed by the discerning tourist. A stray thundershower adds to the charm of the place, churning up the red soil, and filling up the temple tanks. The palatial mansions, makes Chettinad a place of rare charm, and a must visit destination.

Chettinad Houses Chettinad, rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture, is well known for its houses, that are embellished with marble and Burma teak. The houses have wide inner courtyards and spacious rooms. The grandly and wonderfully embellished houses were created reflect the prosperity of the Nagarathar community. The basic design comprises of a “thinnai” which is an enclosed courtyard and this is surrounded by family rooms. The walls are smooth and are made of special plaster. The plaster involves the application of the finely ground mixture of powdered shell, lime, jaggery and spices, including gallnut (myrobalan), to walls. This technique keeps the interior of the house cool during the hot and humid Indian summers and lasts a lifetime. The architectural structure of a typical Chettiar home is a study in how a human dwelling can be constructed in harmony with nature. High ceilings, airy and well ventilated, the house has one courtyard near the entrance leads to the imposing main door, usually made of wood with extraordinarily intricate carvings of mythological figures.

CHIDAMBARAM – Seat of the cosmic Dance

Chidambaram is also known as Thillai, since the place was originally a forest of the thillai, botanically known as excecariaagallecha shrubs. It is an important pilgrim centre and a holy place for Saivites as the famous Nataraja Temple is located here.

Dedicated to Lord Nataraja, this ancient temple of the Cholas is unique not only 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. Though non-Hindus are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum, replicas of this idol are easily available in most handicraft emporia and shops selling art and curio objects.

A shrine to Govindaraja or Lord Vishnu lies adjacent to the main shrine and has a beautiful idol of the lord reclining on Adisesha, the serpent. There are two other shrines, one dedicated to Subramanya and the other to Ganesha. In the courtyard, a large Nandi looks on devotedly at its lord and master through an aperture on the wall.

In Dharmapuri district, one of the Major river Cauvery flows. Hogenakkal is the place for water falls, Boating, Bathing and it is also famous for popular pilgrim centre namely Theerthamalai. Hogenakkal – One of the major rivers of India and a perennial river of south India the Cauveri flows through and make the soil fertile. The river plays major role in making the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu prosper as it passes through. Kudagu in Karnataka is where the Cauveri originates as a small stream and gathers momentum and gets bigger on her way down. It is in Hogenakkal that the Cauveri enters Tamil Nadu as a big river with gushing waters presents a waterfall.

The setting of the descent of the Cauveri at Hogenakkal is panoramic. The name Hogenakkalis derived from Kannada. It means smoky rocks. The gushing force of the water when it falls on the rocks below looks like smoke emanating from the rocks. hoge in kannada means smoke and of kal means rock , the falls and the place were called Hogenakkal.

ERODE

The District headquarters Erode is a popular centre for Turmeric and Handloom textiles. The Railway junction connects the town to all parts of India. There is a Government Museum in the Municipal Office campus. Erode is well known for Powerloom Textile Industries and cultivation of turmeric in agriculture. Kangayam Bulls and Uthukuli butter are famous in Tamilnadu State. In textiles notable products such as Towels, Bed sheets and Lungisare exported worldwide. The city is located in a cotton growing region, and its industries include cotton ginning and the manufacture of transport equipment. The root for the name of the Town “ERODE” may be because of the existence of the two (Odais) water courses viz., Perumpalayam and Kalingarayan Channel. But there is also a legend which says that the place apparently derives, its name from the words “EaraOdu” which means “wet skulls”.

KANCHIPURAM – A city of thousand temples

Kanchipuram(75 kms from Chennai) is one of the seven holy cities in the country, and a visit is believed to bestow salvation. Kanchipuram once had over a thousand temples. Today, there are more than a hundred extant, and all are worth a visit. Kanchipuram also has some notable churches and mosques. Ancient Kanchipuram is the city of thousand temples and is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. This city is also known as Kanchi. There now remain about 126 temples in Kanchi and a few more in its outskirts. Kanchipuram is a major seat of Tamil learning as well as an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Jains and Saivite Hindus. Apart from its temples, this small town is also known for its thriving handloom industry. The weavers of Kanchi have settled in the temple town more than 400 years ago and have given it an enviable reputation as the producers of the best silk and cotton sarees in the country.

KANNIYAKUMARI – Where the three seas meet

Described as the southernmost end of Tamil Nadu, the land’s 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. Part of the fascination is of course due to the fact that it is the very tip of the Indian peninsula and the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Nature is so spectacular at Kanniyakumari that several other Indian beaches pale by comparison. Cape Comorin is at its best during ChitraPournami (the full moon day in April) when the sun and moon are face to face on the same horizon but other full moon days are also special and you can see the sun set and the moon rise almost simultaneously.

KODAIKANAL – Princess of hill stations

Here is a story Lieutenant Ward, an Englishman, who climbed up from the Kunnavan village of Vellagavi to Kodaikanal in 1821 to survey the area on the hilly ranges of Palani. In 1834, the Madurai collector climbed the hill from Devadanapatti and built a small bungalow at the head of Adukkam pass near Shenbaganur. In 1836, Dr.Wite visited Kodaikanal and recorded his observations, and these were very useful to botanists later. In 1845, American Missionaries built the first two bungalows “Sunnyside” and “Shelton”. Later, six American families came up the hill and stayed for the first time in Kodaikanal. Following this, the British also built houses here. The hill station Kodaikanalwas created to serve the needs of the British and Europeans in India. The 20th century saw elite Indians enterKodaikanal to enjoy its charm and beauty and to harness its natural wealth for development. Today, the charm of Kodaikanal lies in its wooded slopes and gigantic trees. The mighty rocks, bowers, creeks and slopes captivate the visitors. The meadows, the long stretches of forests, beautiful spots and the flocks of sheep grazing on green pastures are a source of joy, delight and thrill to onlookers. The climb to the various jutting rocks at Kodai is rewarding. The arduous climb to the Pillar rocks, to a height of 400 ft, is a must for every visitor to this hill resort.

KRISHNAGIRI

Krishnarefers to black and giri refers to hill . This district is gifted with black granite hillocks and namedKrishnagiri. Krishna Deva Raya also once ruled this region and therefore it might have been named after this king. Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts in the East bind Krishnagiri, as the Karnataka State does in the west, the State of Andhra Pradesh does in the North and Dharmapuri district in the south. Its area is 5143 square kms. This district has an elevation that ranges from 300m to 1400m above the sea level.

The Krishnagiri district has hills and valleys with natural scenic beauty waterfalls ponds and lakes, reservoirs, historical forts, other monuments, memorials to people and museum add variety to tourist attractions. It was the birthplace of Dr. C. Raja- gopalachari, the first Governor General of free India, who was born at Thorapally near Hosur. This place attracts tourists.

MAMALLAPURAM – Poetry in Stone

Though it is no longer a port, Mamallapuram has retained its fame in stone, thanks to the great contribution of Pallava artisans. It is among the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture and a jewel in the crown of Tamil Nadu. In a land that is liberally strewn with some of the best in temple art, Mamallapuram holds its own, and stands as a silent yet eloquent witness to the glory of its creators. Unfortunately most of, Though it is no longer a port, Mamallapuram has retained its fame in stone, thanks to the great contribution of Pallava artisans. It is among the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture and a jewel in the crown of Tamil Nadu. In a land that is liberally strewn with some of the best in temple art, Mamallapuram holds its own, and stands as a silent yet eloquent witness to the glory of its creators.Unfortunately most of the work was left incomplete, and time and nature have also eroded the remains of this once great port. the work was left incomplete, and time and nature have also eroded the remains of this once great port.

NAMAKKAL

Namakkal is the headquarters of Namakkal District. Namakkal town lies at the foot of a small hillock. There is a fort on the hill. There are two rock–cut cave temples located on both sides of the hill dedicated to Narasimhaswamy and Ranganathasamy. There is also a 18 feet tall Hanuman statue carved out of a single stone at the Hanuman Temple. This town is famous for the automobile industry and poultry farms.

RAMESWARAM – The Corridor of Faith

Rameswaram(Chennai to Rameswaram 572 km) is a small island in the Gulf of Mannar, is a major pilgrim centre. It is connected to the mainland by road and railway bridges. Rameswaram is a holy place because Sri Rama, on his return from Sri Lanka, offered his thanks to Lord Shiva and performed pooja to wash away his sin in killing the Demon King, Ravana.

Rameswaramis known for its 22 theerthas or wells in and around the main temple. This place is equally sacred to both Vaishnavites and Shaivites. According to Hindu Mythology, if one visits Rameswaram and prays to Lord Shiva one will be relieved of one’s sins. It is 197 metres long. The Ramanathaswamy temple is renowned for its magnificent corridors and massive sculptured pillars. The third corridor of Ramanathaswamy temple is the longest one in the world.

Besides pilgrimage, Rameswaram Island has several places, which are ideal picnic spots. There are beautiful beaches at Olaikuda, Dhanushkodi and Pamban. The Olaikuda beach is 1 km from the main temple and s engulfed by coral reefs, which makes bathing in the sea safe and enjoyable. With diving glasses and respiration tubes, scuba diving is safe and possible. Flamingos, sea gulls and a variety of birds migrate to the Rameswaram Island during winter.

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