Tamil Nadu India

Chennai formerly known as Madras is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Originally Chennai was a cluster of fishing villages along the Coromandel Coast. Under British rule during the 17th Century it developed into a major urban centre and naval base. Today it is South India’s commercial and cultural capital and the fourth largest metropolis in India.

 

Fort St George was Britain’s first trading post in India and from here the Empire grew. The first factory was completed within a fortified enclosure in a Banana Grove owned by a farmer called Madrasan on St George’s day 23 April 1640.From this time on it was named Fort St George. It was the East India Company’s first settlement in India. The Fort was reconstructed in 1750 after it was destroyed by the French. It was redesigned with sloping ramparts, walls and a moat surrounding the entire complex. Today the seat of government of Tamil Nadu is located in the Secretariat building inside the fort. Also located here is St Mary’s Church built in 1678 and known as the oldest Anglican Church in Asia. The Fort Museum is a must visit h with its treasure trove of colonial memorabilia.

 

George town was originally an area where the manufacturing of woven materials took place. The areas inhabitants called it Chennapathnam from where Chennai got its name. It is an interesting area to explore. Places of interest are the Lighthouse, The High Court Building, and General Post Office dating from 1892.Thomas Parry started a Mercantile Company at Parry’s Corner in 1799 and this still operates in Chennai today. Mint Street is where an authorized mint was set up in 1841 to produce gold coins for the British as well as for local rulers. Today the old mint buildings are still in use and house a government printing press. In George Town a visitor can see many 17th Century houses which were originally the homes of Portuguese, Armenian and other foreign traders. Merchant Street was the location of a small Jewish community that traded in corals.

 

St Andrews Kirk is a great example of neo-classical architecture and is well worth a visit. Its construction in 1821 was problematic due to the sandy soil which was prone to flooding. A solution to this problem was the construction of 150 wells which were dug to provide a sound foundation for the church. This technique was also used in many of the other buildings in this area. Curved bricks were dug into the soil in a cylindrical shape which would allow water to rise in the middle.

 

The Pantheon Complex contains a number of interesting cultural institutions including The Government Museum, The Bronze Gallery, Connemara Public Library, The National Art Gallery, and the Contempory Art GalleryChennai hosts a large cultural event, the annual Madras Music Season, which includes performances by hundreds of artists. The city has a vibrant theatre scene and is an important centre for the Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form. The Tamil film industry, known as Kollywood, is based in the city; the soundtracks of the movies dominate its music scene.MGR Film City is the location of Tamil Nadu’s flourishing film industry. It is a fantasy world of extravagant film sets which are open to the public and can be visited.                        .  

Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram is a town in Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It has an average elevation of 12 metres (39 feet). Mahabalipuram was a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60 km south from the city of Chennai. It is believed to have been named after the Pallava king Mamalla.

 

It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th century, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The Shore Temple is famous for its incredible ancient sculptures. They are fascinating because they show ancient scenes of day to day life. For example the sculptures show women milking buffaloes and Lords moving about their kingdom and unlike other temples here you see ordinary people represented not only the Gods.

 

Being located so close to the beach the waves lap against its walls.The Mahabalipuram Dance Festival starts in early January and lasts for four weeks.dance forms from all over India are staged here usually in the open air with the temple as a background.

Spiritual seekers from all over world comes to Tiruvannamalai, a Pilgrimage city filled with living enlightened gurus . This sacred city is Located 200 kilometer from Chennai. This ancient town has been built around Arunachala hill (Annamalai hill), a mountain with an elevation of 4000 metres.

 

Tiruvannamalai is famous for the sprawling Arunachala Temple temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Every full moon day people walk around the Annamalai hill and offer special prayers to the Arunachala temple called Girivalam. Spiritual gurus Yogi Ramsuratkumar , Ramana Maharshi, Arabindo, Shesathiri Swamigal , Muniyandi swamigal and many more saints and sadhus that were living and are still living here continue to bring the divine close to people.

 

Thiruvannamalai is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalangal representing the fire element along with Chidambaram, Sri Kalahasti, Thiruvanaikoil and Kanchipuram representing sky, air, water, earth and space respectively. Four Brahmotsavams are celebrated every year, the most famous of which is the one celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthikai (November/December). The ten day event culminates on the day of Karthigai Deepam. On that evening, a huge lamp is lit in a cauldron with three tons of ghee at the top of the Annamalai hill.

 

Every full moon night, tens of thousands of pilgrims worship Shiva by circumambulating the Arunachala hill barefoot. The circumambulation covers a distance of about 14 km.. On the yearly Chitra Powrnami (full moon) night in the Tamil calendar year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from across the world visit the town. Advaita Vedanta guru Ramana Maharshi lived in Thiruvannamalai for fifty three years until his death in 1950. His ashram, Ramanasramam, is located at the foot of the Arunachala hill, to the west of the town. It is a renowned spiritual centre that attracts devotees from all walks of life.

Chidambaram is one of the most ancient and most celebrated of shrines in India. It is of great religious as well as historic and cultural significance. Chidambaram is associated with Nataraja, or Shiva in his Ananda Tandava pose (the Cosmic Dance of bliss) in the cosmic golden hall and the hall of consciousness (Chit Sabha). The word "Koyil" or temple in the Tamil Saivaite tradition refers to none other than the Chidambaram Nataraja temple.

Chidambaram is one of the Panchabhoota Stalams signifying the five elements of wind (Kalahasti), water (Tiruvanaikka), fire (Tiruvannamalai), earth (Kanchipuram) and space (Chidambaram).The Nataraja Temple is set within a walled rectangular frame, and has four gopurams surrounding it. The ones in the north and south are 49 metres tall and made up of 7 tiers. The long impressive corridors surrounding the sanctum lead to sculptured pillared halls and numerous shrines.

Darasuram is located 3 kilometres from Kumbakonam in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. The town is known for the Airavateswara temple constructed by the Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century AD. The temple is a recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage monument. The earliest records of the temple mention the name of the town as Rajarajapuram. It is believed that this name might have been corrupted to Darasuram with the passage of time.
 

The Temples at Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram were built by the Cholas between the 10th and 12th centuries and have a lot of similarities. The grandeur of chola architecture is most evident at the Darasuram temple. It is a well presented temple and although slightly of the tourist trail well worth a visit. Here you can see the musical stone stairs that produce metallic notes when struck. The Temple has recently been restored and is being maintained by the archeological survey of India.

 

The legend is that Airavata, the white elephant of Indra, worshipped Lord Siva in this temple and so did  the King of Death, Yama. Tradition has it that the presiding deity Airavateswarar cured Yama himself .Yama was suffering under a Rishi's curse from and had  a burning sensation all over his body. Yama took a bath in the sacred tank and was cured of the burning sensation. Since then the tank is known as Yamateertham. It gets its supply of fresh water from the river Kaveri and is 228 feet in width. Pilgrims make a point to bathe in the tank. In the recent past Raja Raja Chola and Karikala Chola worshipped the Siva Lingam in this temple. On the temple walls these inscriptions are given, from which it is seen that the temple was known in those days as Raja Rajeswararn and Raja Rajapuram.

Kumbakonam is a city and a municipality in the Thanjavur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Kumbakonam is called a temple town because of the large number of temples within the town and the nearby areas. It is a very peaceful city and the festival of Mahamaham is celebrated every 12 years at the Mahamaham tank in Kumbakonam.
 

The town is known for its temples, intricately carved panchaloha idols, exquisite brass wares, particularly lamps, silk and betel leaves. It is located 40km from Thanjavur and 293Km from Chennai. Though rituals and archanas are done daily for the god in the numerous temples of Kumbakonam, some special festivals are celebrated annually. At this time people will gather in large numbers to purify their minds. Among the various festivals Mahamaham that is celebrated once in twelve years is of very great importance. During this time of the it is believed that taking a bath in the Mahamagam tank containing water that originates from all the sacred rivers such as the Ganges, Yamuna, Saraswathi, Sarayu, Godavari, Mahanadi, Narmatha, Pavoshnl and Cauvery in combination, can get rid of sins according to the Hindu religion.

 

Today Kumbakonam is the nerve - centre of all the commercial activities in the Tanjore District. Plenty of diverse small scale industries thrive in this town producing goods such as Silk, Scented and Shredded Supari, Chewing Tobacco, Brass and Stainless Steel Wares, Icon and Pith ware, and Cosmetics. The town is also well known for its prestigious educational institutions which have turned out eminent stalwarts in diverse spheres. It is perhaps because of this fact that the premier college of this ancient town namely the Government Arts College is proudly acclaimed as the "Cambridge of South India". The famous Mathematician Ramanujam studied at this Institution. The town has gained importance especially for the silk and metal manufacturing activities.            

Thanjavur (also popularly known as tanjore) has a rich historical heritage and is a prism of ancient as well as the modern south Indian civilizations. Thanjavur is well-connected by roads and railways with other cities and towns in Tamil Nadu. The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli located at a distance of 56 kilometres and the nearest seaport in Nagapattinam which is 84 kilometres from Thanjavur.The city was once the stronghold of the historic Cholas and at one time was also the capital of the Cholas, Mutharayars and Marathas when they were at the peak of their power.
 

Since then, Thanjavur has been one of the chief political, cultural and religious centres of South India. Thanjavur contains over 90 temples, as it was favored by the Chola rulers between the 1st - 12th centuries, the Nayakas in the 16th century, and the Marathas in the 17th and 18th centuries. The name Thanjavur is derived from "Tanjan", a legendary asura in Hindu mythology.

 

Thanjavur is one of the oldest cities in India and has a long and varied history dating back to Sangam period. The city rose into prominence during the rule of the Later Cholas when it served as the capital of the Chola empire. After the fall of the Cholas, the city was ruled by the Pandyas, Vijayanagar Empire, the Madurai Nayaks, the Thanjavur Nayaks, the Thanjavur Marathas and the British. It has been a part of independent India since 1947. Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian art and architecture.

 

Most of the Great Living Chola Temples, an UNESCO World Heritage Monument are located in an around Thanjavur. The foremost among the Great Living Chola temples, is the Brihadeeswara Temple and it is located in the center of the town. This temple is home to the world’s finest Chola Bronze collection. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and it is located in spacious grounds. It has several pillared halls and shrines. There is much to see here and the inner courtyard is guarded by a gigantic Nandi or bull. It has been created out of a single rock and weighs 25 tonnes.

 

Thanajavur is also the home of the Tanjore painting, a painting style unique to the region. The town is an important agricultural center located at the heart of the region, known as the "rice bowl of Tamil Nadu".     

Tiruchirappalli is also spelled Tiruchirapalli, commonly known as Tiruchi or Trichy formerly also pronounced as Trichinopoly under British rule). It is Tamil Nadu's fourth largest City. It is situated in the centre of the state, on the banks of the Cauvery River. The most famous landmark of Trichy is the Rockfort temple which is perched on a huge rocky out crop.
 

The smooth crop was first hewn by the Pallavas but it was the Nayaks of Madurai who later built the Rock fort temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. Trichy city encompasses Srirangam, a Vaishnavite temple and the biggest functioning Hindu temple in the world. Trichy also contains "ThiruAnaikka" (ThiruvAnaikkaval), House of Water, one of the five main abodes ("Panchaboodha Sthalam") of Lord Shiva. Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was born in Thiruvanaikaval and his house has been preserved as a museum.

 

The city has a multi-cultural society with a sizeable presence of Tamil, English, Marathi, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam-speaking population. The city projects a calm outlook and is considered to be friendly toward tourists. One may experience typical Anglo-Indian, Andhra and Kerala cuisines here. In addition to Pongal, the 'Thamizhar Thirunaal", Ugadi, Holi and Onam are festivals celebrated by their respective communities retaining their cultural roots. People living in Tiruchirapalli district have rich cultural heritage. The city served as the centre of fine arts since sangam literature. Uraiyur, the old name of Tiruchirapalli city, was the capital of early Cholas. Here lived a number of Tamil Scholars that have contributed to Tamil literature. People living here today speak mostly Tamil.

 

The main tourist attractions in Trichy are The Rock Fort and Srirangam. The Rock Fort or Ucchi Pillayar koil, is a combination of two famous 7th century Hindu temples. One is dedicated to Lord Ganesh and the other is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Temples sit on a rock that is 83m high and it is said to be one of the oldest rocks in the world. The rock is over 3 billion years old. In Hindu mythology this rock is the place where Lord Ganesh ran from KingVibishana, after establishing the Ranganathaswamy deity in Srirangam. The Rock Fort temple stands perched atop the rock.

 

The smooth rock was first cut by the Pallavas but it was the Nayaks of Madurai who completed both the temples under the Vijayanagara empire. The temple complex is composed of two parts: a Shiva temple (Thayumanaswamy) carved in the middle of the rock and a Pillayar (Ganesh)temple at the top portion of the rock. The Shiva temple is the bigger one, housing a massive stone statue of Shiva in the form of Linga along with a separate sanctum for goddess Parvati. The temple is mystic in its nature with an awe-inspiring rock architecture. The Ganesh temple is much smaller with an access through steep steps carved on the rock and provides a stunning view of Trichy, Srirangam and the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers. The temple is maintained by the Archaeological department of India. Srirangam, also known as Thiruvarangam, is on an island.

 

Srirangam is bounded by the Kaveri River (also known as Cauvery river) on one side, and the Kaveri distributary Kollidam (Coleroon) on the other side. Srirangam is home to a significant population of Vaishnavites (followers of Lord Vishnu, one of the triumvirate of Hindu Gods). Srirangam is famous for its Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus and one of the largest temple complexes in India. Srirangam is considered considered to be the biggest functioning Hindu temple in the world as it covers an area of about 6,31,000 m². (156 Acres) with a perimeter of 4 km (10,710 ft).Srirangam claims to be the biggest functioning temple.                   

Madurai is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the Indian peninsula, with a history dating all the way back to the Sangam period of the pre-Christian era. It was the seat of power of the Pandyan empire. The Sangam period poet Nakkeerar is associated with some of the Tiruvilayaadal episodes of Sundareswarar - that are enacted as a part of temple festival traditions even today. As early as the 3rd century BC, Megasthanes visited Madurai. Later many people from Rome and Greece visited Madurai and established trade with the Pandya kings.

According to legend, the original town of Madurai was known as Kumari Kandam and was destroyed by a tsunami. Madurai flourished until the 10th century AD and then it was overthrown by the Cholas, the arch rivals of the Pandyas. The glory of Madurai returned in a diminished form in the earlier part of this millennium when it came under the rule of the Vijayanagar kingdom and it was ruled by the Nayak Emperors.

The most famous and the most visited places in Madurai are the Meenakshi-Sundareswar Temple and Thirumalai Nayak Palace. Today the Meenakshi-Sudareswar temple remains one of India’s greatest cultural and architectural landmarks. It was built by the early Pandya King Kulasekara. The labyrinthine Meenakshi Temple, celebrating the love of the Meenakshi goddess and her groom Sundareswarar (the Handsome God) is highly regarded for its architecture.The ancient city of Madurai was laid out in a lotus-like formation, with the temple at the center and the streets and main thoroughfares layered one after the other concentrically, outward from the center.

 

 One legend says that on the day the city was to be named, Lord Shiva blessed the land and its people while divine nectar showered on the city from his matted locks. The city hence came to be known as Madhurapuri meaning The City of Divine Nectar. The legend is likely a late tale attempting to Sanskritise the otherwise-Dravidian derivative of Madurai. This the place where Lord Natarajar performed the dance raising his right leg . (Kal maariya Aadiya natarajar). Lord shiva was very happy with the temple construction and performed a different dance. This is the temple which survived after Kannagi burnt the entire city.

The Thirumalai Nayak Palace complex was constructed in the Indo-Saracen style by Thirumalai Nayakar in 1636. It is a national monument and is now under the care of the Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department. The original palace complex was four times bigger than the present structure. It was divided into two parts, Swarga-vilasa and Ranga-vilasa. In each of these there are royal residences, theater, shrines, apartments, armory, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden. The ceilings are decorated with large paintings showing Shaivite and Vaishnavite themes.

                               

Coimbatore is one of the most industrialised cities in the state. Popularly known as "The Textile Capital of South India" the city is situated on the banks of the river Noyyal. Located in the shadow of the Western Ghats, Coimbatore enjoys a very pleasant climate the whole year round because of its geography which allows air flows through the 25-km long Palakkad gap.Coimbatore is a popular gateway city to the many attractions in this region.It is a popular overnight stop for those that wish to take the toy train from Mettupalayan to Ooty.  

 

Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is about 90-km from Coimbatore and is situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters in the Western Ghats near Pollachi. The area of the sanctuary is 958-sq-kms. An ecological paradise, this sanctuary encompasses a National Park. It has just recently been renamed Indira Gandhi wildlife sanctuary. The Sengupathi Water Falls are situated 35-km from Coimbatore on the Coimbatore - Siruvani main Road. The other waterfalls in the region are The Monkey Falls also located 65-km from Coimbatore and The Siruvani Waterfalls located at a distance of 37-km west of Coimbatore. The water of Siruvani is known for its minerals and taste. The panoramic view of the dam and the falls are of enchanting beauty.The Vaideki Water Falls are located 30-km from Coimbatore and these are a fine picnic spot for trekkers.

 

Coimbatore is a major railway junction on the Southern Railways and has trains to Chennai, Rameswaram, Madurai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kanyakumari, Kozhikode, Mettupalayam, Kochi and Delhi. Coimbatore is connected by road with all major places in South India.Coimbatore's Airport is located12km northeast of town and flights to other parts of India are available form here.

Mettupalayam is the railway junction for the Blue Mountain Train that ends at Ooty and provides the interchange for passengers of this subline to the broad gauge railway. The Nilgiri Express (Blue Mountain Express) connects Mettupalayam to the state Chennai via Coimbatore.For a magnificent view of the hillsides covered with forests, a train journey from Mettupalyam to Ooty is recommended. This narrow gauge mountain train winds through 46 km of forests, Tea plantations, 16 tunnels and more than 250 bridges, starting from Mettupalayam on the plains. Moving at a pace that is just a little faster than walking, the journey takes four and half to five hours, but the stunning views of the hills and the plains make this trip more than worthwhile.

 

Mettupalayam is the starting point for two of the Mountain roads into the Nilgiri Mountains. It has established itself for the trade of fresh fruits and vegetables coming down from the hills and also for produce that grows in the plains and is destined for the hills. Fresh produce from here is supplied to most parts of Coimbatore district.The Kotagiri road is a fabulous walking spot in Mettupalayam, where one can watch spotted deers and elephants.

 

The following temples in and around Mettupalayam can be visited Vana Bathrakali Amman Kovil, Idugampalayam Aanjineyar temple, Subramaniya swamy temple, South Thirupathi, Kurunthamalai Bala Thandayudapani Murugan Kovil, Kumaran Kundru Murugan Kovil, Karamadai Ranganadhar Kovil. The Matheswarar Temple Located at Kuttaiyur (on the way from Mettupalyam to Sathyamangalam), is a also a very famous Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The fishing village of Tranquebar is about 275 km from Chennai and easily accessible by road. It was originally known as Tarangambadi but the Danish colonists called it Tranquebar and made it one of their major trading posts in the early 17th century.In 1620 by means of a treaty signed with the local ruler, Raghunath Nayakas, the town was colonized and renamed Tranquebar. By mid-19th century, all Danish settlements were transferred to the British East India Company.

 

Today the Dansborg Fort, the New Jerusalem Church and the remaining Danish homes off King's are popular sightseeing spots. At the entrance of the town is an old gateway with wooden doors, built by the Danish in 1792. The main street of the town, is called King Street and here there is a memorial dedicated to the original Danish settlers. Near the beach the Danish Governor Bungalow built in 1784 is still the largest building in Tranquebar. Located opposite the bungalow is the Danish fort, built in 1620. It is a stunning piece of Viking architecture, with enclosing stonewalls and cannons facing the sea.

 

The fort has now been converted into an archaeological museum, and is a 'must visit' if you interested in history. Close to the sea front is the Masilamani Nathar temple, built in 1305 by Mahaverma Kulasekara Pandiyan. Some parts of the temple are still intact and in use but the temple is being eroded by the sea Other sightseeing includes the Lutheran churches and grand bungalows of the Danish Governors' and the British Collector's residence. Another church here is the pretty, whitewashed New Jerusalem Church, and the Old Danish bungalows in king street.

The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is located at an elevation of 1140 metres up in the Nilgiri Hills between Kerala and Karnataka states. It covers 322 square kilometers of deciduous forest. It is one of India's best sanctuaries and the sanctuary has with wooded hills, plateaus, deep valleys, waterfalls, rivers, marshes and streams. The varied flora and topography meets the ecological requirements of several species.

 

It has one of the largest populations of elephants in India that occupy the thickly wooded lower northern reaches of the hills. Wild dogs, Indian Bison, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaques, jackal, Hyena, Sloth bear, and even a few tigers and leopards can also be found in the sanctuary. The park can be explored by vehicle or on foot. The park entrance is the starting point of the Government safari tour. If you wish to see more it is possible to take a private jeep tour or guided trek here also.

 

An Elephant Camp is located by the park entrance at Theppakkadu and here you can get close to tame elephants and watch them being fed and bathed.

At the foothills of the western ghats, about three hours’ drive below Kodaikanal off the Palani-Dindigul road, lies the extraordinary Cardamom House. Kodaikanal, popularly known as " Kodai" and is a quiet hill resort nestled at an altitude of 2133m on the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats. Madurai is located a 120km away and the drive from there to Kodaikanal is very scenic as you travel through the lush coffee and forests climbing gradually to 2300 metres in altitude.
 

This area was first discovered by the Europeans in 1821 as the climate was deemed suitable for a sanatorium-cum-retreat They also established Kodai’s international school here in 1901.The town nestles around a man-made star shaped Kodai Lake created by a Dam built here in 1863. The 3km walk trail around the lake makes for a pleasant walk here.

 

On the shore of the lake is a boathouse and to the east of the lake is Bryant Park. Bryant Park is famous for its plant collection and annual flower show held in May.Just beyond the city centre there are some enchanting picnic spots called Pillar Rocks, Silver Cascade, and Green Valley View which offer good views of the valley.Kodaikanal has thickly wooded slopes, well laid out walking paths through picturesque scenery, waterfalls and steep rock outcrops. Boating on the lake is a popular pastime activity.

 

Kodaikanal is rich in flora and fauna. The Kurinji, which blossoms once in 12 years is the unique plant of Kodai, and it fills the hill slopes with the blaze of purple. A specialty in Kodaikanal is the delicious home-made chocolate which is available in many shops around the town. Tamil and English are the main languages which are spoken in Kodaikanal.

Karaikudi is the biggest City in Sivaganga district and is known as the capital of Chettinad.  The Chettinad region in the Sivaganga district of Southern Tamil Nadu encompasses Karaikudi, and 74 other neighbouring villages. The mansions in this region are quite ornate and different in their architecture.

An example of this type of architecture can be observed at Chettinad palace in Karaikudi. The palace is embellished with marble and Burma teak; it has a wide courtyard, spacious rooms, and a pillared hall where the pillars are carved out of entire tree trunks. Other features are elaborate marble floors, carved wooden beams, and decorative features that highlight the skill of the Tamil craftsmen.

The Chettinad houses are built on a rectangular, traversal plot that stretches across two streets, with the front door opening into the first street and the back into the second. Looking in from the main threshold, your eye travels in a straight line across a series of inner courtyards, each a diminishing rectangle of light, leading out to the back door. Most of the houses consist of thousands of windows, hundreds of wooden pillars, and door frames intricately carved with representations of Gajalakshmi who symbolizes the Goddess of wealth. A Kumbam (brass pot) with sprouting leaves engraved on it near the door also symbolizes wealth. The houses are definitely worth a visit.

The Chettiar families that built these mansions were astute businessmen who migrated to South and Southeast Asia, particularly Ceylon and Burma in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They made their fortunes which enabled them to build mansions that reflected their social status. Today the houses are often unoccupied as families have moved to other places for work.

The Pillaiyarpati Temple in Karaikudi dates back to the 7th Century and can also be visited. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles who is a most auspicious and popular deity.Chettinad is famous for its hot and spicy non-vegetarian cuisine. One of the most popular dishes is pepper chicken. The food here is prepared in copper pots and served on plantain leaves .

Rameshwaram is one of the most significant pilgrimage centers in South India. Hindus tend to be followers of either Vishnu or Shiva. The Ramalingeshwara Temple is where the god Rama is worshipped and therefore it brings both branches of followers together. It was here that Rama (an incarnation of Vishnu and hero of the Ramayan) offered thanks to Shiva. At the towns core the Ramanathaswamy Temple and it  is one of the most important temples in India. Here you will see a representation of India in miniature, with pilgrims including everyone from urbane sophisticates to colorfully clad Rajasthan tribe’s people. It can be visited as a day excursion from Madurai 4 hours each way.

Kanchipuram is a small, rural town about 75-km south-west of Chennai. Kanchipuram is one of the most highly visited pilgrimage spots in India , and can rightfully be called the Religious Capital of South India.The term "nagareshu Kanchi" is attributed the famous Sanskrit poet Kalidasa, and it means that Kanchi was the best amongst the cities of medieval India. Kanchi was a major seat of Tamil learning as well as an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Jains and Hindus. Kanchipuram is one of the oldest cities in South India, and was a city of learning for both Tamil and Sanskrit.
 

The history of Kanchi can be traced back several centuries before the advent of the Christian era. Its name is mentioned in the ancient writings of Patamnjali’s Mahabhashya written in the second century, Manimekalai the famous Tamil classic, and Perumpanatru Padai, a great Tamil poetical work which vividly describes the city as it was at the beginning of the Christian era. It was during the reign of Pallava dynasty, from the 4th to the 9th centuries that Kanchipuram became important. The city served as the Pallava capital, and many of the known temples were built during their reign.The Palavas were a great maritime power and traded with far-off China,and Siam,through the chief Port Mahabalipuram.  

 

Xuanzang, the great Chinese traveler, visited Kanchipuram in the 7th century and said that this city was 6 miles in circumference and that its people were famous for bravery and piety as well as for their love of justice and veneration for learning. He further recorded that Buddha had visited the place and that with regards to learning; Kanchi was second only to Benares (Varanasi). The Kings of Vijayanagara dynasty ruled from the 14th century to 17th century and during this time it became an important religious and commercial centre.  

 

One of the important temples that can be visited here is the Kamakshi Temple dedicated to Parvati. The main sanctum has a gold-plated roof. The Kailasanatha Temple is the grandest structure in the town and was built in the eighth Century. It has some great carvings of various representations of Shiva.The Ekamabaranadhar temple and 100-pillar Mandabam (building) in Kanchipuram are famous for the architectural techniques of the Vijayanagara dynasty. Robert Clive, of the British East India Company, who played a major role in establishing British rule in India, is said to have presented an emerald necklace to this temple (the Clive Makarakandi, still used to decorate the Lord on ceremonial occasions).

 

Today the town is famous for Kanchipuram silk which is made in the city. Before it is sold the city’s weavers offer it to the gods. The silk saris are renowned for their beauty, borders and end-pieces. Classic Kanchipuram saris are woven from twisted yarn which makes them extremely durable. Lotus flowers and peacocks are often woven in with gold thread. Five thousand families are involved in this hand-loom industry.

Located on three hills this Fort is a remarkable example of military engineering. The site of the extensive Fort complex is set in a serene peaceful landscape. The scenery here is quite dramatic and the location has often been used in films. Constructed on three separate hills with a fortified wall extending for 5km the ruined structure has special charm. The wall is 15 metres thick in some places and inside the complex are a Shiva Temple, a Mosque, and the prominent Kalyana Mahal. The Kalyana Mahal contains a pagoda like structure which was used for wedding ceremonies.

 

A visitor could easily spend a day exploring this location in detail.Originally the site of a small fort built by the Chola dynasty in 9th century AD, it was later modified by the Vijayanagar empire in the 13th century to elevate it to the status of an impenetrable citadel to protect the small town of Gingee. It was also the head quarters of the Gingee Nayaks, during the Nayak domination in Tamil Nadu. The fort was built as a strategic place for fending off any invading army. The fort was further strengthened by the Marathas under the leadership of Shivaji in 1677 AD. He recaptured it from the Bijapur sultans who had originally overthrown the Marathas. During Aurangzeb's campaign in the Deccan, Shivaji's second son who had assumed the throne, Chhatrapati Rajaram escaped to Gingee in the distant South and continued the fight with Moghuls from Gingee. The Moghuls could not capture the fort for seven years in spite of laying siege. The fort was finally captured in 1698, but not before Chhatrapati Rajaram escaped. It was later passed on to the Carnatic Nawabs who lost it to the French in 1750 before the British finally took control in 1761 despite losing it to Hyder Ali for a brief period.

Officially known as Udhagamandalam,this Queen of the Hill stations was originally inhabited by the Todas. The Blue Mountain narrow gauge train terminates here.The Nilgiri Mountains are also known as the Blue Mountains because the hills turn blue every 12 years when the Shrub Kurunji flowers and transforms the landscape.Ooty is a hill station located where the Eastern and Western Ghats merge. This merger is marked by Dodabetta, the highest point in South India.  

 

In 1823 John Sullivan the then collector of Coimbatore built the first stone house in Ooty on land purchased from the Todas. Today Ooty sprawls over an area of 36sq km with tall buildings prominent on its hill slopes. Short Excursions around Ooty offer many opportunities to explore the Nigiri Mountains.  

 

There are scenic trails in the grassland around Mukurthi an extinct volcano known to the Todas as the “Gateway to the Dead “The Todas one of 18 tribal groups in the Nilgiris. They can be distinguished from other tribes as they are a fair-skinned, curly haired and are a unique pastoral community. They are strictly vegetarian.Their elders are treated with great respect as they are greeted by kneeling and lifting of their right foot and putting it on one’s head for their blessing. They have barrel shaped huts made from bamboo and grass. Entry into the hut is through a carved wooden door but the huts have no windows. Their dress is also distinctive as it is made up of homespun cotton shawls that are worn in a toga like fash

These days little remains of the capital city of the Chola Dynasty except a modest village. According to written records the Rajendra 1 was the first Tamil ruler to venture north and he built his capital city here. It is written that he ordered the defeated rulers of the North to carry sacred water from the Ganges in pots on their heads so he could fill the Chola Ganga Tank.

The Brihadisehvara temple of Gangaikondacholisvara is approached through the northern entrance from the road. The passage passes through the enclosure wall and leads on to the inner court. As one steps in, the great Vimana arrests the visitor's sight. The Vimana with its recessed corners and upward movement presents a striking contrast to the straight-sided pyramidal tower of Thanjavur. As it rises to a height of 49 metres it is shorter than the Thanjavur tower and is therefore often described as its feminine counterpart.The temple was built to be a replica of the Brihadishvara Temple in Thanjavur. The Vimana is flanked on either side by small temples; the one in the north housing the Goddess is fairly well preserved. The small shrine of Chandikesvara is near the steps in the north. In the north-east is a shrine housing Durga. There is also a well called lion-well (simhakeni) with a lion figure guarding its steps. Nandi is in the east facing main shrine. In the same direction is a ruined gopura or entrance tower. The main tower surrounded by little shrines truly presents the appearance of a great Chakravarti (emperor) surrounded by chieftains and vassals.

 

A small Archeological Museum near the temple exhibits Chola artifacts and is open Saturday to Thursday

Kanyakumari or the Cape Comorin was once known as the Alexandria of the east. A hub of art, culture, civilization, and pilgrimage, it is famous for commerce and trade. The architecture here is inspired by Islam, Christianity and Jainism. Kanyakumari was ruled by the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks, some of the great rulers of Southern India.
 

The credit for the architectural beauty of the temples found in Kanyakumari can be credited to these rulers. Kanyakumari was given the name Cape Comorin by the British as it was easier for them to pronounce.Kanyakumari is believed to be the home of Kumari the Virgin Goddess. Kumari an avatar of Goddess Parvati, was supposed to wed Lord Shiva. But he did not turn up at the auspicious time and the wedding never took place. It was deemed that she should remain a virgin in order to save the world. The rice and cereals, which were to be used for the marriage, remained uncooked. The stones found at Kanyakumari resemble rice and cereals and today one can buy these stones. The locals believe that they are the leftovers of the legendary marriage that did not happen.

 

The Temple of the Virgin Goddess is the Kumari Amman Temple and it is a popular pilgrimage centre that dates back to the 8th Century. An 18th Century Shrine within the Temple contains the footprints of the Goddess.The Gandhi Memorial near the Temple is where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were kept before immersion. Every year on Gandhi’s Birthday on the 2nd of October the rays of the sun at midday fall on the exact place where the ashes were placed.Another historical highlight is the Church of Our Lady of Joy founded by St Francis Xavier in the 1540’s.Other attractions are the beautiful sandy beaches and multi coloured granite rocks that can be found here.

Pondicherry is a Union Territory of India. It is a former French colony, consisting of four non-contiguous enclaves, or districts, and named after the largest, Pondicherry. In September 2006, the territory and the city changed its official name from Pondicherry to the vernacular original, Puducherry, which means "New village".

 

It is also known as The French Riviera of the East. It was the former capital of French territories in India. and it was established in 1674 by Francoise Martin, the first director of the French East India Company. The town is laid out in a grid pattern, with parallel streets cutting across each other at right angles. Its main promenade, the 3-km (2-mile) long goubert salai running along the Bay of Bengal, formed part of the French Quarter, with its elegant colonial mansions, tree-lined boulevards, parks, bars and cafes.

 

Pondicherry consists of four unconnected districts: Pondicherry, Karaikal, and Yanam on the Bay of Bengal and Mahé on the Arabian Sea. Puducherry (Pondicherry) and Karaikal are by far the larger ones, and are both enclaves of Tamil Nadu. Yanam and Mahé are enclaves of Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, respectively. The territoryis a total area of 492 km².Pondicherry's main tourist attractions areas follows.

 

The Pondicherry Museum that is located in the lovely old law building, near government park.It has an outstanding collection of artifacts from the French colonial period. The rooms in one section are furnished in French style, and are decorated with marble statues, paintings, mirrors and clocks. Prized exhibits include the bed that Dupleix slept in when he was the governor, and a pousse-pousse, an earlier version of the rickshaw. The museum also displays rare bronzes and stone sculptures from the Pallava and Chola periods. Among the artifacts excavated from nearby Arikamedu, an ancient port that had trade links with Imperial Rome, are beads, coins, ornamented oil lamps, funerary urns and fragments of pottery and china.

 

Aurobindo Ashram is Pondicherry’s best-known landmark. The Aurobindo Ashram dominates life in this town. Founded by Sri Aurobindo in 1926, the Ashram is a peaceful retreat with tree-shaded courtyards. The flower-festooned Samadhi (memorial) of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother lies under a frangipani tree in the main courtyard. This memorial, with two chambers, one above the other, is the focal point for all disciples and followers. The serene ashram organizes regular meditation sessions to which all are welcome. Sri Aurobindo Ghose was a Bengali poet-philosopher who was part of the struggle for freedom in the early 1900. Being known to the British for his extreme views he took refuge in the French territories where he was drawn into anew spiritual life. In Pondicherry he studied and wrote about the principles of Yoga. “The Mother “ was a French woman named Mirra Alfassa who was an able painter and musician and arrived in Pondicherry with her husband during World War I. The Sri Aurobindo philosophy inspired her to establish the Aurobindo Ashram.

 

The Botanical Garden was laid out in 1826 and was designed in the formal French style with clipped trees and flower beds. The French introduced many exotic trees and shrubs from all over India and the world many of which are still here today. It is the home of 1500 species of plants and one of the best botanical gardens in South India. It offers many quiet paths to wander along.

 

Auroville  “the City of Dawn”is located 8 kilometers northwest of Pondicherry and it was designed by French architect Roger Anger in 1968. Conceived as an utopian paradise by The Mother, Mirra Alfassa, it was planned as a futuristic international city, where people of goodwill would live together in peace. The International Commune, with 40 settlements with names like Grace, Serenity and Certitude has 550 permanent residents. The town was meant to bring people from different castes, religions and nations under one roof, so they could live in harmony. Two of the settlements Fraternite and Harmonie sell handicrafts made by local artisans. The Matri Mandir is a meditation centre that has a spherical marble chamber inside it containing a crystal that reflects the sun’s rays. The concentrated light acts as a focal point for meditation