Enchanting Tamil Nadu

Located on the Southern corner of India, Tamil Nadu is a top tourist destinations of the country. Bounded by Eastern Ghats in the North, Nilgiri, Annamalai Hills and Palakkad in the West and Bay of Bengal in the East, Tamil Nadu is truly a paradise for the travelers. Tamil Nadu is home to many natural resources, Hindu temples of Dravidian architecture, lush green valleys, hill stations, beach resorts, multi-religious pilgrimage sites and eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Tamil Nadu's history dates back to pre-historic times. Archaeological evidence points to this area being one of the longest continuous habitations in India. Archaeological Survey of India unearthed 169 clay urns containing human skulls, skeletons and bones, plus husks and grains of rice, charred rice and Neolithic celts, giving evidence confirming them to be of the Neolithic period, 3800 years ago.

Known as the Land of Temples. Nearly 33000 ancient temples - many at least 600 to 800 years old, scattered all over the land. Studded with complex architecture, variety of sculptures, & rich inscriptions - capture the very essence of the culture & heritage of Tamil land, historically more than 2000 years old. Temples from the Pandiyas, Pallavas and the Chola Dynasties.

To visit the major temples a preferred option will be to travel from North to South, along the East coast, on arrival at Chennai. Visit the Adyantha Kaamam - Dharmaraja Ratha, a rock cut monolith temple, the Raajasimmeswaran -Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram and the Kailasanatha Temple - Thiruppattur, build during the Pallava Dynasty. Major Chola Dynasty temples like the Rajarajeswaram -Brihadeeswarar Temple or Big Temple and the Valanchuzhi Complex - Thiruvalanchuzhi, in the Thanjavur and Kumbakonam districts.

The temples like the Kandan Kudaivarai - Muruga Temple and the Seevaramudaiyar Kudaivarai - Shiva Temple in Madurai and Pudukottai districts, build by the Pandiyas. Tamil Nadu is also home to beautiful hill stations. Popular among them are Ooty, Kodaikanal,Yercaud and Coonoor.The Nilgiri hills, Palani hills, Shevaroy hills, Kolli hills and Cardamom hills are all abodes of thick forests and wildlife.

Kanyakumari, the southern most tip of peninsular India, is famous for its beautiful sunrise, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar's statue built off the coastline. Marina Beach in Chennai is one of the longest beaches in the world. The stretch of beaches from Chennai to Mahabalipuram are home to many resorts, theme parks and eateries.