Tamil Nadu India

Tamil Nadu - The Land Of Tamils

Pongal Festival, Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu referred as the 'Land of Tamils' is an southern state of India. Located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean, the state has a long coastline of nearly 1,000 Kms, boasts of several picturesque beaches. Golden sands of the beach are dotted with coconut, palm and casuarina groves, which are ideal for sun bath and surfing. In addition the hill stations of the state provide the heavenly feel. The history of Tamil Nadu dates back to more than thousand of years. The ancient land of Dravidian Art and Culture houses many magnificent temples with their characteristic high towers (gopurams). The ancient monuments and temples narrates the religious, artistic and cultural tales of its glorious past. Apart there are many more breathtaking sights, that will please and hold one spell bound in Tamil Nadu.

People of Tamil Nadu

The people of Tamil Nadu spend a relaxed life. They have deep interest in music, dance and literature. Carnatic music of Tamil Nadu is famous, while various dance forms like Bharanatyam is highly popular here.

Festivals of Tamil Nadu

Tamil people are famous for perfect harmony during the festivals. The popular festivals celebrated in the state are Dussehra (Navaratri), Deepawali, Karthika and Pongal. Another important festival is the Thyagaraja festival, a festival of Carnatic music, celebrated in January at Thiruvariyar.

Dishes of Tamil Nadu

Rice is the main diet of the Tamil people, they eat rice with vegetable dishes, Sambar, Chutneys, Rasam and curd. Other delectable dishes are Idly, Dosa, Lentils crisp fried on a pan, Vada, Pongal Uppuma etc.

Handicrafts of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is known for handicrafts items such as the intricately carved designs in wood, stone and metal. In addition other popular items are exquisitely carved Bronze items and Tanjote plate.

Tourist Attractions in Tamil Nadu

Chennai The state capital is among the four metros of the country. This metropolis is often referred as India's cultural capital for its deep-rooted traditions and long heritage. Chennai houses many tourist attractions like Fort St. George, Marina Beach, High Court Complex, George Town, Corporation Complex, Government Museum, National Art Gallery and Kapaleeswarar Temple etc.

Madurai Shri Meenakshi Temple, MaduraiMadurai also known as 'Athens of the East' is a place of historical and cultural importance. The town located at the banks of river Vaigai, is popular for the Meenakshi Temple. The temple situated in the heart of the town is visited by thousands of devotees and tourists throughout the year. Apart from the Meenakshi Temple other attractions are Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal and The Gandhi Museum etc.

Mamallapuram ( Mahabalipuram) Located 58 Kms south of Chennai, Mamallapuram is renowned for the 7th century Shore Temple. The temple built by the Pallava King, Rajasimha is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Shiva. In addition other attractions in Mamallapuram are Arjuna's Penance, Caves Mahabalipuram, Rathas and Krishna Mandapam etc.

Kodaikanal Kodaikanal is a famous hill resort of Tamil Nadu, situated at a distance of 120 Kms from Madurai. Kodaikanal hills are best for trekking, the hill station offers small-time trekking. The must visit places in Kodaikanal are Kodaikanal Lake, Shenbaganur Museum, Coaker's Walk, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade Waterfall and Dolphin's Nose.

Tiruchirapalli Tiruchirapalli also called as Trichy is the fourth largest city of Tamil Nadu. The major attractions in Tiruchirappali include Rock Fort Temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Thiruvanikaval (Jambukeshwara) Temple, St. Lord's Church and Natharvali Dargah etc.

Ooty Ooty or Udhagamandalam is situated at a distance of 105 Kms from Coimbatore. Ooty, referred as the 'Queen of Hill Stations' is one of the most enchanting hill stations of the country. The main attractions in and around Ooty is Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, Dodabetta Peak, Lamb's Rock , Kodanadu's View Point and Kalhatty Waterfalls.

Kanyakumari The southernmost tip of India is located at the meeting point of three oceans the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Kanyakumari is a famous pilgrimage centre as well as a tourist destination. The popular tourist attractions in Kanyakumari include Kanyakumari Temple, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Gandhi Memorial etc.

Accessibility to Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is easily accessible by air, rail and road routes.

By Air :Bus on Road, ChennaiThe airports in the state is well connected to major cities in India. A number of airlines operate domestic and international flights from Tamil Nadu.

By Rail : The major railheads in the state is connected to all the major cities of India. The express trains connect Tamil Nadu with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Hyderabad etc.

By Road : A good network of roads connects Tamil Nadu with the cities within the state and rest of the country.

Accommodation in Tamil Nadu

The State is dotted with several hotels, which offer plenty of accommodation options. The hotel range from Deluxe, Star and budget hotels. offer comfortable stay to tourists.