Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu – Tamil Nadu means the lend of the Tamil speaking, the thousands of year old highly developed Dravidian language that is stile alive here almost in its original purity.A rich tradition of literature and arts has flourished in Tamil Nadu For about 2000 years splendid temples that dot the country bear witness to the architectural achievements of the Tamils. The Pallavas. Cholas and Pandyas-early Dravidian calns-that rules this southern wedge of the Indian peninsula- all contributed to the development of this architectural style. Marvellous old temple towns all over Tamil Nadu with their ancient rituals and festivals are living museums. For the visitor, Tamil Nadu offers golden beaches on the Coromandel coast, cool scenic hill resorts in the depth of the western Ghats and exciting wildlife reserves and sanctuaries. Tamil Nadu is noted for its tradition of exquisite textile and handicrafts. Rich jewel- colored silks, elegant bronzes cast in the style of the ancient chola Craftsmen, brass temple lamps, intricately, carved wood and stone are part of the artistic wealth of Tamil Nadu. No visit to Tamil Nadu is complete without witnessing a performance of Bharatanatyam , where beautiful dancers decked in silk and flowers bring alive the statuesque poses of exquisite temple sculpture.

Tourist places of Tamil Nadu

Madras- Capital and gateway to the state, it is a major trade centre, well important cities besides being a sea port. It is also the Hollywood of south India. British architecture is very strong here. Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, St. George’s Cathedral, St. Andrew’s Kirk, Santhome Basilica, Kapaleeswarar temple, Ashtalakshmi temple, the big mosque, Fort Museum, Government Museum, National Art Gallery, Bronze Galley, Anna Square, Marina Beach, Elliots Beach, Velankanni Church, Valluvar Kottam, Snake Park, Children’s Park,deer sanctuary, Planetarium, Kalakshetra, theosophicalSociety, Cholamandalam- the aritist’s village, Arignar Anna Zoological Park,Vandalur. Airport; Madras.

Udhagamandalam ( Ooty), Kadaikanal, Yercaud – hill resorts.

Mamallapuram ( Mahabalipuram)- beach resort where there are pallava period monuments of world fame. Among them Arjuna’s penance, the world’s largest bas frlif is noteworthy.

Poompuhar- Monuments complex recapturing ancient glory, it was once a great sea port.

Kanniyakumari- Pilgrim town, beach resort (Vattakottai) and the southern most tip of India. Vivekananda rock Memorial just off the coast.

Courtallam, Hogenakal- health resorts famous for their waterfalls.

Covelong, Muthukadu – beach resorts, boating and windsurfing. Airport: Madras.

Mudumalai, Vedanthangal, Point Calimere, Mundanthurai, Kalakkadu, Anaimalai- Wildlife and bird sanctuaries.

Nagore- famous for its dargah.

Velankanni –church noted for the shrine of our lady of health