A trip to the enchanting state of Tamil Nadu will rejuvenate your mind and soul. Tamil Nadu is a place, which has got something for everyone. The land of Tamils has a glorious past that goes back to few thousand years. Whether you love the hills or the beaches, you would get plenty of both in Tamil Nadu. The long coastline of the state stretches for 1000 kilometers and the golden sandy beaches are ideal for sunbathing and surfing.
Before you go to Tamil Nadu, learn something about the culture of this state. It is the seat of the classical Bharatanatyam- a form of traditional dance in India. Do not miss the opportunity of watching a Bharatanatyam performance when you are here.
What to see in Tamil Nadu
There are various sightseeing attractions in Tamil Nadu. These include the beaches, hill stations and various monuments. The places, which you should visit, are:
Beaches: The state is home to many beautiful beaches, offering you with every opportunity from water sports to idyllic picnic spots.
Marina Beach: This beach covered with silvery sands is the longest beach of India and is a famous sightseeing attraction of Tamil Nadu.
Kanyakumari Beach
Rameshwaram: It is a sacred island and a major pilgrimage site.
Mahabalipuram: Watch some of the most marvelous monumental sites at the Mahabalipuram Beach, also known, as ‘Mamallapuram’.
Temples: The temples of Mahabalipuram are a must visit on your tour to Tamil Nadu. This temple town is situated along the shores of the Bay of Bengal and enjoys a sculptural extravaganza of the rock-cut temples.
The other temples that you should include in your itinerary are:
Chidambaram Temple: This temple also known by the name Akasthalam, is another temple worth visiting.
Meenakshi Temple: It is the temple of the presiding deity of Madurai- Meenakshi Devi.
Madurai Murugan Temple: Tirupporur is one of the major temples of Tamil Nadu.
Arjuna’s Penance: This large bas-relief is worth watching
Rock Fort Temple: It is a conglomeration of three temples-Manikka Vinayaka, Uchhi Pillayar Koyil, Taayumaanava Koyil.
Valluvar Kottam: This temple dedicated to Tiruvalluvar is shaped like a chariot.
Thanjavur Palace: It is the palace of the Chola dynasty that ruled Thanjavur for years.
Festivals: Tamil Nadu is known for its various festivals. When you are in Tamil Nadu, participate in the Pongal Festival in the month of January. Kavadi Festival, which features typical flower decoration, is another festival that you should attend to, while here. Other festivals are Karthigai Deepam, Jallikatu Bull Fight and Natyanjali Dance Festival.
Hill Stations: Tamil Nadu offers you a perfect holiday in its many beautiful hill stations, housed here. Visit Ooty, popularly known as the ‘Queen of hill stations’. It is home to tea estates, lofty mountains, dense forest and sprawling grasslands. Another most visited destination on this tour is Kodaikanal, the charming hill station located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills.
Wildlife: The state offers a variety of fauna, with its many wildlife reserves like the Anamalai wildlife sanctuary, situated at a distance of about 90-kms from Coimbatore. You can also visit the Anna zoological park, one of the latest and modern zoos of India and the biggest in South East Asia. Other wildlife reserves like the Guindy National Park is one of the prime visiting spots on this tour.
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