Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, also spelled as TamilNadu is also known as the "Temple State of India". This state has a lot to offer the travel buffs. Sun kissed sea-shores, beautiful temples, hill stations, architectural marvels make this state a preferred tourist destine for people from far corners of the globe. Over the years Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation has made all efforts to woo travelers to come and explore the exotic beauty of this southern state of India. Each and every part of Tamil Nadu is rich in historical and cultural bequest. The essence of Tamil culture can be felt in the festivals which are celebrated over here. Tamilnadu has also been the seat of learning Indian classical music, Indian classical dances specifically Bharat Natyam and host of other fine arts. The scenic beauty of Tamilnadu is sure to enchant your heart and memories once you have visited this state.
Location
The state of Tamil Nadu is located at latitude 10° 01'north and at longitude of 77° 28'east. Tamilnadu is the southernmost province of the Indian peninsular and the total area covered by this state is 130.048 square kilometers with a coastline of 910 kilometers. Tamilnadu shares its border in the west with Kerala in the north and northwest with Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and on the eastern side with the Bay of Bengal and Puducherry. Tamilnadu is the only state in India which touches both Bay of Bengal as well as the Arabian Sea at Kanyakumari. This strategic location of Tamil Nadu has also contributed a lot towards the growth of tourism in this state.
Places to see
Mother Nature has blessed Tamil Nadu with both hands. The state has innumerable places of tourist’s interest. Scenic beauty of certain destinations, architectural beauty of historical temples, natural beauty of hill stations, and the breath taking beauty and aura of the blue see is sure to mesmerize ones senses. Some of the major tourist attractions in Tamilnadu are:
Hill Stations
Ooty: This hill station of Tamilnadu is popularly known as “The Queen of Hill Stationsâ€. The original name of Ooty is Udhagamandalam. Ooty is located at 2240m above the sea level on the Nilgiri hills. The major attraction of Ooty is its climate and greenery coupled with scenic beauty. This hill station of Tamilnadu was discovered by the British in the year 1800 and in the nineteenth century this very place became the summer capital of the Chennai provincial Presidency. This is the place in Tamilnadu where the first railway tracks were laid. Steam engines still operates here for entertaining tourists. Some of the places of interest in Ooty are the Government Museum, St Stephen’s Church, the Mukurthi Peak & Mukurthi National Park, Pykara, Madhumalai wild life sanctuary, Dodabetta etc.
Kodaikanal: This is one of the famous hill stations in India. Situated at around 2100 meters above sea level, this place is famous for its tranquil environment and greenery all around. The places of tourist interest here are, flora and fauna museum, astrophysical observatory, Bryant park, khurinji andavar, waterfalls such as silver cascade and bear shoal falls, pillar rock etc
Coonor: This hill station of Tamil Nadu is located at a height of 1800 meters above the sea level. This serine hill station is located at the lap of Hulical ravine. Its scenic beauty is enhanced by lush green land, dense tea bushes and the sunflower plantations. Few places of tourist’s interest here are Slim’s park, the Pasteur institute of medical research, pomological plant etc.
Temples of Tamilnadu
Tamil Nadu is popularly known as "the land of temples" simply for the reason that, this state is an abode to about 30000 temples. These were constructed over a long period of time and were constructed by various dynasties which ruled over this province from time to time. Few of the most famous temples of Tamilnadu are:
Meenakshi Temple: This historical temple of Tamilnadu located at Madurai is famous for its architectural beauty. The age of this classic example of south Indian architecture is around two thousand year.
Rameshwaram: This temple is situated at Ramanathpuram of Tamil Nadu. This is one of the holy pilgrimages for the Hindus. This holy island of Rameshwaram was built in the year 1988and is a specimen of an engineering marvel. The most famous temple in the Rameshwaram temple island is Ramanathaswamy Temple
Kanyakumari Temple: This temple is also known as the “Alexandria of the east†because of its architectural beauty. This temple of Tamilnadu is belived to be built out of sicnificant contribution from the Cholas and the Pandyas.
The other temples of Tamilnadu which are worth a visit are Chidambaram Kalpeshwara, Madurai Murugan Temple, Chennai Krishnapuram temple, Kumbeswara temple, Swamimalai temple, Kalasamundariyar temple, Nageshwara temple etc.
Beaches of Tamil Nadu
Marina beach: Situated at the heart of the state capital Chennai, this beach of Tamilnadu is the longest beach of Indian and one of the largest in Asia as well. The shiver sand, blue sea and white sky combines to form an unforgettable image on the travelers mind. Spread over an area of around 13 kilometers this beach has been the centre of interest of tourists form Indian and abroad. The whole beach is circumscribed with palm trees and casuarinas and statues. Sun set and sun rise here is an enchanting experience one can behold. Marina beach is also world's second longest beach.
Mahablipuram beach: This province of Tamilnadu is also known as Mamallapuram. The beach in Mahabalipuram is famous for its scenic beauty. The sculptural Panels, caves, monolithic rathas (chariots) and temples around the beach add to its glamour. Arjunas penance site is a major attraction for tourists here. Places one can see in Mahabalipuram are crocodile bank, snake venom extraction centre, the institute of art and sculpture etc. The luxurious beach resorts of Mahabalipuram attract tourists round the year.
Golden Beach: Golden beach of Tamilnadu has been a major attraction for tourists for ages now. This is one of the most beautifully managed and decorated beaches in India. This beach of Tamilnadu has something to offer everyone. This place has been the favorite spot for shooting purposes. This place is full of food joints, rides, statues and replicas of major attractions of Tamilnadu. A part of this beach is private resorts where one can stay and enjoy the beauty of sun kissed beach and relax beside the sea shore.
Few other beaches of Tamilnadu which are famous are Kanyakumari beach, Covelong beach, Eloots beach, Rameshawaram beach etc.
How to reach
Tamil Nadu is very well connected by Rail, road and air internally as well as with the rest of India
By Air: Tamilnadu is one of the few states in India which has multiple airports. The Chennai international airport is the largest airport of the state. This airport connects the state to the whole country along with almost 19 international destinations and operates more than 169 direct flights in a week. Other airports are located in Salem, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli and Tutocorin.
By Rail: Almost all parts of the state of Tamilnadu are connected by railway. Both interstate and intrastate railway infrastructure is very well developed in the state of Tamilnadu. The rail way station at Chennai is the biggest railhead of the state and connects the state with the rest of the country through rail network.
By Road: Tamilnadu has very well connected interstate and intra-state roadway connectivity as well. Various private and public operators manage the transport needs of the state. A very fluent network of buses and luxury coaches are available to be accessed to connect you to the neighboring states of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and host of other states. Road transport is fairly economical as well in Tamilnadu.
What to do
There are a lot of things one can do while in Tamilnadu. The diverse demography and geography of the state provides scope for a lot of fun filled activities to be enjoyed. Some of them are:
Water Sports: One can take part in various water sports and beach sports on the numerous private and open for all beaches of a Tamilnadu. Golden beach is famous for water sports.
Long Drive: You can go for a long drive on the East Coast Road which connects Tamilnadu with Puducherry. The road is scenically amazing with sea on one side and backwaters and sand-dunes on the other. This drive with your loved ones will be memorable forever.
Walk beside the Sea: You can go for a walk beside the sea and witness the magical sunrise and sun set which will definitely be an experience which you will cherish once you are back home.
Enjoy Local Cuisines and Sea Food: Tamilnadu is a heaven for foodies. You can savor your taste buds with mouth watering south Indian dishes and sea foods once you are in Tamilnadu.
Mountain Rally: one can take part in mountain car rallies and bike rides on the hilly terrains of Ooty, Munnar and Kodaikanal. Adventure sport is something you can enjoy the best in these places.
Boating: Various botanical gardens in Tamilnadu's various provinces gives you the opportunity to go for boating on the beautiful botanical gardens and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Apart from the above mentioned activates one can also enjoy the beautiful festivals such as Pongal, Natyanjali dance festival, Kadavi, Jalikattu bull fight etc.
Best time to visit
The best time to plan a trip to Tamilnadu is in the winters. The most suitable months are October till March when the temperature usually remains within 32degrees and weather is normally bright and sunny. However if we speak about the Hill stations, one can plan a trip to places like Ooty, Munnar, Kodaikanal round the year. Each season caters something exquisite for the visitors.
History
The state of Tamilnadu is rich in its historical past and grandeur. Many rulers ruled over this land out of which the Cholas and the Pandiyas were prominent. Tamilian civilization is around 300000 years old and has seen many rulers rule over the state including the British. The essence of the historical past of Tamilnadu can be felt at the numerous historical monuments that one can witness while in Tamilnadu.
Climate
Tamilnadu enjoys a totally tropical climate. The state experiences extremely hot and humid summers and modest winters. It rains incessantly in Tamilnadu and this helps to keep the temperature controlled to some extent. Temperature in summer ranges between 25 degrees till 40 degrees with around 80 to 86 percent humidity. The state receives around 25 till 75 centimeters every year.
Therefore it can be said that Tamilnadu is a place which is worth a visit with your loved ones.
