| Kanyakumari |
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| The rich history and the cultural heritage of Kanyakumari is one of mixed culture and profound heritage. The city of Kanyakumari have been around for thousands of years as it has been the city of culture, history, arts, economy and the hub of civilization for centuries. Mathur Hanging Trough / Bridge, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Sitharal Jain Monuments, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Udayagiri Fort, Vattakottai Fort and Vivekananda Rock Memorial are some of the must visit places at Kanyakumari. One can view both sunrise and sunset throughout the year from atop a hill called Murugan Kundram which offers a panoramic view of Kanyakumari. The sunset and moonrise can be seen almost simultaneously on full moon days from the same spot. It is a unique spectacle. |
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| Madurai |
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| 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. Synonymous with Madurai is the Meenakshi Sundareswarar twin Temple, the pivot around which the city has evolved. The Meenakshi Temple complex is literally a city - one of the largest of its kind in India and undoubtedly one of the oldest too. The temple grew with the contribution of each dynasty and victorious monarchs, into an enormous complex extending over an area of 65000 Sq m. Other places of importance are : Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Thirupparankundram Temple, Alagar koil, Gandhi Museum and Mariamman Teppakulam. |
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| Kodaikanal |
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| Kodaikanal is one of the most popular hill resorts in India. It is a charming hill station, stands amidst sylvan beauty on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. With its rocks, woods, lovely lake and bracing air, Kodaikanal is an ideal hill resort for the tourists. The unique flowering plant 'Kurunji'(Strobilanthus Kunthanus) that last bloomed in 2004, is nature's gift to Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which mesmerises any visitor and is frequented all through the year. Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high. The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste. Berijam lake, one among the beautiful lakes of South India, spreads over an area of 24 hectares. |
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| Rameshwaram |
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| Rameshwaram is an island - Lord Rama' s temple is situated at this place. It is a major pilgrim centre for the Hindus. The religious island is spread in an area of 61.8 square kilometers and happens to be in the shape of a conch. The Ramanatha Swamy Temple occupies major area of Rameshwaram. The masterpiece of Dravidian architecture boasts of the largest temple corridor in India. Different rulers built the Ramanatha Swamy Temple over a period of time starting from the 12th century. The temple comprises of twenty-two wells where the taste of the water of each well is different from one another. The water of the wells are believed to possess medicinal properties. Ramanatha Swamy temple, Gandhamathana Parvatham, Dhanushkodi, AgnitheerthamAnnai Indra Gandhi Bridge and Devipattinam are some of the major attractions. |
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| Chettinad |
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| Chettinad is a region of the Sivaganga district of southern Tamil Nadu state. Karaikudi is known as the capital of Chettinad. Chettinad is the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars a prosperous banking and business community. Chettinad is well known for its Chettinad cuisine, mansions, and temples. "Chettinad" also means a social caste that specializes in the preparation of food. Chettinads are considered master chefs. Chettinad is rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture. It is well known for its houses, embellished with marble and Burma teak, wide courtyards, spacious rooms, and for its 18th century mansions. Local legend has it that their walls used to be polished with a paste made out of eggwhites to give a smooth texture. |
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| Yercaud |
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| This quiet little hill station on the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern ghats is the only one of its kind in northern Tamil Nadu. While the rest of this region is generally dry, including the predominantly short and rocky hills of the Eastern ghats, Yercaud presents a welcome contrast with its cool climate. where temperature never rises above 30ºC and dip below 13ºC . It is also a less expensive place than either Udhagamandalam or Kodaikkanal. Coffee and citrus fruits, most notably oranges, are grown in abundance. Scenically, Yercaud is as enchanting and picturesque as the hill stations on the Western ghats and trekking here can be one of the most pleasurable ways to pass time. Places for sight-seeing include the Lake, Lady's Seat, Killiyur Falls, Pagoda Point, Arthur's Seat, Kaveri Peak and the Shevaroyan temple |
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| Ooty |
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| Ooty also known as Udhagamandalam is the "Queen of hill stations" and the capital of Nilgiris district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiris means "Blue Mountains". It is a land of picturesque picnic spots. Used to be popular summer and weekend getaway for the British during the colonial days. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. An added attraction for the tourists to Udagamandalam is the mountain train journey on a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam and wends its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway runs from Metupalaiyam to Udagamandalam (Ooty), via Coonoor, in the Nilgiri Hills. |
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| kumbakonam |
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| Kumbakonam town is a famous of Hindu temples. There are around 188 Hindu temples within the municipal limits of Kumbakonam. The house of Srinivasa Ramanujan, the famous mathematician, is on the Sarangapani street in Kumbakonam. Kumbakonam receives a huge influx of Hindu pilgrims from across the country, particularly South India. A lot of visitors come here only for the Mahamaham festival celebrated with great pomp every 12 years in the month of Masi (February-March) at the Mahamaham tank in the city. |
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| Trichy |
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| The historical city of Tiruchirappalli, popularly known as Trichi, is situated on the banks of the Kaveri River (also Cauvery) in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. This Chola Dynasty citadel, known for its profound wisdom of the Sangam Age, still carries the age-old aura about it. The present-day city, with a blend of glorious past and acclaimed divinity through the famous Dravidian temples, stands as a commercial and tourist hub of Tamil Nadu. The spectacular Rock Fort Temple, the landmark of the city, is on the shores of the Kaveri. It is perched on a massive rocky outcrop at an altitude of 83 m above sea level. Srirangam, Thiruvanaikkaval, Samayapuram, Museum, Sittannavasal, Narthamalai, Puliancholai, Pachamalai are some of the must visit locations. |
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| Thanjavur |
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| Thanjavur District is the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. Brihadishwara Temple is the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture. The temple was commissioned in 1010 by Rajaraja (whose name literally means 'king of kings'), a well-regarded monarch so organised he had the names and addresses of all his dancers, musicians, barbers and poets inscribed into the temple wall – better than many modern Indian institutions can manage. Thanjavur is also famous for its distinctive art style, which is usually a combination of raised and painted surfaces. Krishna is the most popular of the Gods depicted. It is also known for weaving silk sarees. |
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| Chidambaram |
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| known for its famous Nataraja temple which was erected in the reign of Vira Chola Raja (927-997 AD). This great temple complex (covering an area of 40 acres) is one of Tamil Nadu's Dravidian architectural highlights. The Sabhanayaka Nataraja Temple has 4 gopurams, the north and the south ones towering 49 metres high. Two of the gopurams are covered with the 108 classical postures of Nataraja - Shiva in his role as the cosmic dancer. Other notable features of the temple are the 1000 pillar hall, the Nritta Sabha court looks like a gigantic chariot. The image of Natraja himself is in the inner sanctorum. .Thillai KaliammanTemple was also built by the Cholas and is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. It is believed that a trip to Chidambaram is incomplete if both the temples are not visited. |
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| Mamallapuram |
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| 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 monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty even after sunset. The Mamallapuram dance festival is conducted every year during Dec-Jan. |
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| Kanchipuram |
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| A City of Thousand Temples, Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities and considered as the second holiest place in India. The great Buddhist Vhikku Bodhidharna lived and worked here. There are 126 temples in Kanchi and a few more on the outskirts. Ekambarnatha Temples, the largest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, was built originally by Pallavas and later improved by the Cholas and the king of Vijaynagar. The 57 meter high Rajagopuram is one of the tallest in south India. The centre of attraction of this massive temple has the 2500 years old Mango tree which still bears fruit with four different flavors on its four major branches. Kanchipuram is also known for its thriving handloom industry. The silk weavers settled here 400 years ago and today it is known to be the producer of best silk sarees. |
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| Chennai |
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| Chennai, the gateway to the south, represents a culture that's unique to the region. Music, Dance and Drama are an integral part of everyday life. In 1639 AD Francis Day, a merchant of the East India Company had selected a quaint fishing hamlet called Madraspatnam as a site for settlement. Some year's later weavers settled in the area around the fort which was called ' Black Town 'by the Britishers after the black skinned natives. Marina Beach, is the second longest beach in the world with a length of 11 km in a single stretch. Places of Interest : Fort St.George, KapiliswaraTemple, Santhome Cathedral, Kalakshetra, Theosophical Society, Guindy National Park, Valluvar Kotlam, Sittarangam, Kishinda Picnic Park, Cholamandal Artists Village. |
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| Pondicherry |
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| Recently renamed as Puducherry, is a town tucked away on the Eastern seaboard of India. Among its diverse attractions are a coastline of 32 kms, palm-fringed beaches, backwaters, fishing villages, beach resorts, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the international city of Auroville, the French boulevard town with its French heritage, and so on. Some great food, some fine wine, and a great adventure await you here. Pondicherry has a special ambience, not felt anywhere else in India. It is a blend of spiritual aura, French colonial heritage, Tamil culture and the cosmopolitan flair of many nationalities in a small but varied town. |
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| Valparai |
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| Valparai is surrounded by ever green forests, tea and coffee estates Often visited by elephants, Bisons, deers, monkeys, pythons and panthers. The area is abundant with pure natural streams sweetly running here and there. Almost what ever we see is very natural or close to Nature. There are 40 hairpin bends on the way to Valparai from Azhiyar. Chinnakallar in valparai records maximum rainfall next to chirapungi. Valparai is the only hill station in the world which has 12 dams and hydro electric power stations. Aanamalai wildlife sanctuary, Aaliyar dam, Birla Falls, Sidhi vinayagar temple, Congreve falls, Manompally forest, Grass Hills, Monkey falls, Loams view point, Tiger valley, Carver marsh view point, Balaji temple, Iraichal parai falls are few of the places of attraction. |
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