Hogenakkal, literally the ‘smoking rock’ in the Kannada language, gets the name from the fine spray that rises as the water hits the rocks and gives the illusion of smoke. The famous falls at the Tamil Nadu – Karnataka border, amidst scenic surroundings are rated among the most beautiful sites of the South. The broad gushing stream of river Kaveri splits here forming an island, while the mainstream channelizes and plunges into a deep chasm, creating one of the most fascinating falls of the country. The waters before reaching here flow through the forests full of herbs and are believed to possess curative powers. Thus bathing at the falls is considered to be good for health. No visit to Hogenakkal is rendered complete without boating in the little partials. the Saucer-shaped country boats. The unique boats take you close to the main falls as well as around the gorge, providing an unforgettable experience. There are also several masseurs, who provide massage with special masseurs, who provide massage with specially formulated ponankanni oil, a mixture of herbs from Thiruvarur hills. The best time to visit the falls is during the monsoons. The rugged mountainous area around the falls is also considered to be a trekker’s paradise’.

Kodaikanal, the Princess of Hill Stations popularly referred to as ‘Kodai’, nestles at an altitude of 2133 meters, on the southern crest of the Palani Hills in the Western Ghats. The road to Kodai winds up through coffee plantations and thick forests giving a perfect introduction to this lovely hill resort. It is the only hill station founded in India by the Americans and is noted for plantains, plums, and eucalyptus oil.

Kodai Lake: The star-shaped deep blue lake sparkles like a jewel in the crown amidst the emerald green wooded slopes. It was created in 1863, by Sir Vere Hentry Levinge (1885), the Collector of Madurai.

Boat Club: T.T.D.C boats, Kodai boats, Carlton boats provide boating facilities here. The annual boat pageant is held in May during the Summer Festival.

Bear Shola Falls: The falls 1.6 kms. from the lake are popular among picnickers.

Bryant Park: The beautiful botanical park lies on the eastern side of the lake, near the Coaker’s Walk. The annual Flower Show is held here during the Summer Festival.

Coaker’s Walk: The scenic hill-edge pathway 1 km. from Kodai Lake. A telescope installed here provides fine views of the surrounding valley.

Kurinji Andavar Temple: The shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan was built in 1936, by a European lady and named after the unique ‘Kurinji” flower. The temple affords a fine view of Palani, the famous pilgrim center, and Vaigai Dam.

Chettiyar Park: The beautiful and well-maintained park lies towards the northeastern side of the town, on the way to Kurinji Andavar temple. The amazing purple bloom of the Kurinji Flowers can be seen here once in every twelve years.

Shenbaganur Museum: The archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills are displayed here. It also has one of the best orchidariums in the country with over 300 species of orchids. There are several stuffed birds and butterflies etc.

Solar Astrophysical Observatory: It was established in 1889, about 3 kms. uphill from Kodai Lake. Visitors can also see a small museum here.

Pillar Rock (7.4 kms.): The excellent viewpoint is one of the most popular attractions of Kodai. 3 granite formations are measuring 400 ft. in height. One can also see over 100 dolmens and other megalithic remains dating back to the 2nd century. A mini garden has been developed here.

Around Kodaikanal

Palani (64 kms.)

This major pilgrim center of the South is one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Subramanya. The road from Kodaikanal to Palani is endowed with breathtaking beauty. The sacred Malaikovil or hill temple dedicated to Lord Murugan or Subramanya is perched atop a 140 m. high hill and can be reached by a flight of 659 steps or an electrically operated winch. It enshrines a unique idol of the presiding deity, known here as Sri Dandayuthapani, as the idol is made of medicinal herbs.

Mamallapuram, a thriving seaport and trade center between the 7th and 10th centuries was the second capital of the Pallavas of Kanchipuram. It was earlier known as Mahabalipuram after the demon king Mahabali, who was killed by Lord Vishnu. Later on, the name changed to ‘Mamallapuram’ after its founder Narasimha Varman I (630 668 AD), who was bestowed with the title of ‘Mamalla’ or the ‘great wrestler’. Pallavas, the first important Tamil dynasty to emerge after the decline of the Guptas, held sway over southern India from the 3rd to the close of 9th century A.D. They patronized and developed new styles in art and architecture, sculpture, and painting. Today, the town is referred to as an ‘open-air museum’ and is a dream world of Tamil art, exhibiting an astonishing legacy of Pallava architecture. Mamallapuram is also known for its silvery sandy beach, delicious seafood, and exquisite handicrafts.

Shore Temple: The stately shrine set elegantly on the edge of the sea is a lone survivor among the seven magnificent temples built over here. The construction originally started around the middle of the 7th century and was later rebuilt during the reign of Narsimha Varman II, also known as Rajasimha. It is one of the oldest temples in South India and represents the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. This icon of the soaring aesthetic aspiration of the Pallavas has been listed among the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO and is one of the most visited monuments in Tamil Nadu. The temple complex has three exquisitely carved shrines, which are approached through a paved forecourt. A temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is flanked by two Shiva temples, one facing the east and the other facing the west. Both the Shiva temples are crowned by soaring spires, while the Vishnu temple has none, as it may have crumbled with time. The Vishnu temple was built by Narasimha Varnman I or “Mamalla”, while the Shiva temples were later built by his son Narasimha Varman II.

Panch (Five) Rathas: This set of five magnificent monolithic rock temples located in a sandy compound are considered to be an architectural prototype in the evolution of Dravidian temple architecture. The mini shrines studded with gopurams and vimanas, multi pillared halls, and sculptured walls are chiseled out of big boulders in the form of temple chariot (Rathas). The Rathas are assigned to Pandavas, the heroes of Mahabharata, and their wife Draupadi.

Arjuna’s Penance: It was built during the reign of Narasimhavarman I and is one of the world’s largest and finest stone bas-reliefs. It is sculpted across a huge whale back shaped rock, measuring 27 meters in length and 9 meters in height with a fissure in the middle. On either side of the rock, the cleft is carvings depicting denizens of the triple world of gods and demi-gods, of men, birds, and beasts and nagas and nymphs, all blending harmoniously into the theme of the penance of Arjuna, the hero of the great epic Mahabharta. Some also believe that it depicts the penance of Bhagiratha, an ancestor of Lord Rama, who was sent on a mission of redeeming the souls of his ancestors.

Ganesha Ratha: The oblong monolithic structure is the only Rath which has been completed.

Krishna’s Butter Ball: This huge boulder perched precariously on a hill slope near the Ganesh Ratha is an amazing marvel of nature. It is believed that the Pallava kings tried their best with the help of elephants, to move this boulder, but were unsuccessful.

Mandapams: There are fourteen caves and mandapams in and around the historic town. The rock-cut cave temples are noted for unique architecture and exquisitely sculpted fine bas-reliefs, depicting mythological scenes. Some of the important ones are, Krishna Mandapam, Mahishasuramardhini Mandapam, and Varaha Mandapam, etc.

Mamallapuram Beach: The beautiful beach lined by the lush Casuarina groves is another attraction of Mamallapuram. One can enjoy swimming in the serene warm blue sea, laze around on the golden sands, and admire nature’s beauty.

This important port during the Chola period (10th 11th century) attracted traders from far off lands. The Portuguese had commercial links with Nagappattinam during the Tanjore Nayak rule. Later on, the Dutch became powerful and established their supremacy here.

Around Nagapattinam

Nagore (5 kms.)

It is famous for the sacred dargah (tomb) of a Muslim Saint, Hazrat Meeras Sultan Syed Shahabdul Hameed. The dargah has beautiful domes and minarets and attracts devotees from all religious faiths and beliefs. Kandhuri festival during Oct. – Nov. is very popular.

Sikkal (5 kms.)

The Sikkal Shri Singaravelan temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the important religious centers of the State. Lord Murugan, the son of Shiva is worshipped here in his popular form of Singaravelan.

Tarangambadi (Tranquebar) (35 kms.)

It was once the site of a Danish settlement and has relics of the Dansborg fort built-in 1620, by Ore Gedde, commander of the Royal Danish Navy. The places of interest include the Church of Zion, The Gate, Masilamaninathar Temple, Rehlings Gard, etc.

Karaikal (15 kms.)

The former French enclave is a part of Pondicherry Union Territory. It still retains a distinctly French flavor and is a popular Hindu pilgrim site.

Thirunallar (5 kms.): It is well known for the Shiva temple, which is regarded as one of the ‘Sapthvidanga’ Thalamus. The unique temple of Lord Saneeshwara (Saturn), here is only one of its kind in the country.

Kodikkarai (Point Calimere) (68 kms.)

The bird sanctuary here sprawls over an area of 17 sq. kms., comprising of wetland jutting into the Palk Strait. Migratory water birds like teals, shovellers, terns, plovers, sandpipers, and herons, etc. come here during the winters. One can reach Kodikkarai by bus from Vedaranyam, which is linked to Nagapattinam and Thanjavur.

Vedaranyam (Thirumaraikkadu) (55 kms.)

The sacred site is known for the Vedaranyewarar temple, which is one of the ‘Sapatha Vidanga Thallams’ It is also associated with ‘Salt Sathyagraha”‘.

Velanganni (14 kms.)

The famous Roman Catholic church here is dedicated to ‘Our Lady of Good Health’. Devotees from all religious faiths visit the church, many donating gold and silver models of cured body parts. A major festival is held in Aug. – Sept.

The historic town on the banks of river Kaveri was ruled by Chola, Pandya, and Pallava kings – changing hands from time to time. It was also under the reigns of Vijayanagar kings, the Nayaks of Madurai, Marathas, Nawabs of Carnatic, the French, and finally came under the rule of the British. The city is studded with temples, churches, mosques, and fine monuments.

Rock Fort Temple: This icon of Tiruchchirappalli is set on an abruptly rising 83 m. high rocky outcrop. It was originally built by the Nayaks and later on, by the Vijayanagar kings in the 14th century. The Rock Fort played an important role during the Carnatic wars. which laid the foundation of the British Empire in India. Today, most of the structure lies in ruins, except the Main Guard Gate of the rampart, The formed when Vibhishana hit Ganesha for his disobedience. A panoramic view of the city can be enjoyed from the temple. Halfway up is Sri Thayumanaswamy or Mathrubutheswarar Temple of Lord Shiva. It has a 100-pillar hall and a gold plated Vimana. On the southern face of the Rock are rock-cut cave temples built during the Pallava regime. Other attractions of Trichy are – Lourdes Church, Nadhirsha Dargah, Govt. Museum and Anna Science Centre/Planetarium.

Around Tiruchchirappalli

Srirangam (7 kms.)

Sacred Srirangam, one of the most important Vaishnavite pilgrim centers are located on an island surrounded by the waters of Kaveri and Kollidam. The entire town is enclosed within the seven walls of the gigantic Sri Ranganathaswami Temple, which covers an area of 600 acres and is the largest temple of India. The temple complex was built between the 11th and 17th century and several additions were made to it by the Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara rulers, and the Nayakas of Madurai. The 13 storeyed Rajagopuram at the first wall on the southern side was built in 1987. It rises to a height of 72 meters and is perhaps the tallest in India. Besides Rajagopuram, there are 20, beautifully decorated gopurams in the temple complex. The main sanctum crowned with a golden Ranga Vinana is set at the center of the innermost prakaram and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Ranganatha. A large number of devotees assemble here for the Vaikunta Ekadasi (Dec. – Jan.) or the Paradise Festival.

TiruvanaikkavalTemple (5 kms.)

The sacred shrine of Lord Shiva lies 2 kms. east of Srirangam and named Tiru- Aanaikka, as an elephant is believed to worship the Shivalingam. It is also called as Jambukeswarar, after the Jambu tree, under which the lingam is established. Lord Shiva is believed to manifest here in form of water linga, hence it is always half-submerged in water and fully submerged during the monsoon. TIRUNELVELI The ancient town on the banks of river Tamarabarani was of considerable importance

The Saivite pilgrim site at the foot of the holy Arunachala (Annamalai) hill is considered to be one of the most sacred towns of South India. The annual Karthikai Deepam festival held on full moon night in Nov. Dec. is a major event of the town. A huge Deepa (lamp). with 30 meters long wick and 2000 liters of ghee are lit on the Arunachala hill and pilgrims undertake 14 kms. a long journey on foot around the hill. The lamp burns for several days and its light can be seen for at least 10 kms.

Arunachaleshvara Temple: It is dedicated to Sri Arunachaleswara (the fire incarnation of Lord Siva) and is one of the largest and most revered temples of South India. The huge temple complex covering an area of about 10 hectares was built during the 11th century and several additions were made to it by the successive kings of South India. There “are four large gopurams, one at each cardinal point and several smaller gopurams. The 13 storeyed main Rajagopuram on the eastern side rises to a height of 66 meters. The main sanctum enshrines Tejo Lingam (fire lingam) encased in gold.

Around Tiruvannamalai

Gingee (Senji) (37 kms.)

The historical town is known for the 700-year-old fort, sprawling over three hillocks. It was built by the Kone Chiefs and remained the stronghold of the Vijayanagar Kings, Marathas, Mughals, Carnatic Nawabs, the French, and the British. It gained popularity under Raja Design, the chief of Nawab of Arcot. Within the fort are two temples and a mosque. Kalyan Mandapam, the court hall is the finest monument here.

The charming and peaceful hill resort perched at an altitude of 1500 meters amidst the Servaroyan hills is endowed with splendid scenic beauty and bracing climate throughout the year. Yercaud surrounded by coffee plantations and orange groves is often referred to as a Poor Man’s Ooty’, as it is one of the least expensive hill resorts of India.

Yercaud (Big) Lake: The lovely lake amidst lush surroundings is the main attraction of Yercaud. Visitors enjoy boating on the cool waters of the lake.

Anna Park: The well laid out park near the lake is worth visiting. A week-long annual summer festival is held here in May. Fancy flower shows, dog shows, boat racing, etc. are organized during this time.

Lady’s Seat: The scenic site overlooking the winding ghat road, affords a panoramic view of the surroundings, especially during the night when the twinkling lights of Salem town can be seen. A telescope is also mounted here for better viewing.

Shevaroy Temple & Bear’s Cave: The temple is set atop the highest point in Yercaud. The tribals of the region celebrate their annual festival here in May. On the way up near the Norton Bungalow is the Bear’s Cave.

Kiliyur Falls: A stream from the Big Lake plunges from a height of 300 ft. amidst scenic surroundings.

The Grange: This castle-like bungalow was built by M. D. Cockburn, the former British Collector of Salem. He is also credited with introducing coffee to the region from Arabia and apples, pears, and loquats from South Africa between 1820 and 1829. The building was also used as a summer retreat by Robert Clive, the commander of British armed forces in India.

Chennai, the Cultural Capital of India is the fourth largest metropolis in the country, The present town was founded in 1639, by Sir Francis Day, who arrived with East India Company. The British East India Company established a fort and a trading post at the small fishing village of Chennai. Today, it has emerged as a major industrial and educational center.

Fort St. George: The first bastion of British power in India was built in 1640 and is a fine example of 17th-century British military architecture. The fort now houses the State Legislative Assembly and Council as well as offices of the Secretariat.

Fort Museum: It is housed in an 18th-century building within the fort and showcases the history of British in India.

St. Mary’s Church: It is the oldest Anglican church in India, perhaps in entire Asia, and the oldest surviving construction of the British in India. The church was consecrated in 1680 and houses several outstanding examples of workmanship of considerable historic as well as of aesthetic value.

Marina Beach & Aquarium: The sandy beach is considered to be the second-longest in the world. It extends up to 13 kms. and is lined with majestic buildings built in Indo- Saracenic architecture. The memorials of Anne and MGR are also located here.

Sri Parthasarthy Temple: The ancient temple at Triplicane, near the Marina Beach, is one of the 108 sacred shrines of Lord Vishnu. Lord Krishna is worshipped here as Parthasarthy of the charioteer (sarthy) of Arjuna (Partha). The present structure is said to be about 1500 years old, which makes it the oldest temple structure in the city.

San Thome Cathedral Basilica: This landmark of Chennai is one of the three basilicas in the world to be built over the tombs of Christ’s Apostles. St. Thomas, an apostle of Christ was buried here in a chapel. The present structure was built in the neo-Gothic style by the first Bishop of Mylapore, Dom Henriques Reed de Silva in 1898. Its two spires rise to 55 meters, dominating the skyline.

Kapaliswarar Temple: The 8th-century shrine at Mylapore is dedicated to Arulmigu Kapaliswarar, an aspect of Lord Shiva. This biggest temple of Chennai was built by the Pallavas and further additions were made during the rule of the Cholas, Pandyas, and the Vijayanagara kings. Its fortifications were done by the French in 1672. against the Dutch forces. The splendid shrine displays a typical Dravidian style of architecture, with beautiful gopurams, mandapams, and tanks. Its imposing seven storeyed gopurams (tower) over the main entrance rises to a height of37 meters.

Wallajah Mosque: The magnificent mosque flanked by two minarets with golden domes was built in 1795, by Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah. the Nawab of Carnatic. Nearby. are the tombs of former Nawabs of Carnatic.

Thousand Lights Mosque: The majestic Shia Muslim mosque was originally built in the 17th century by the members of the Wallajah family. The shrine gets its name from the thousand lamps that used to be lit at twilight in the old mosque.

Govt. Museum, National Art Gallery & the Connemara Library: It is housed in the magnificent Pantheon Complex built before 1789, in Indo – Saracenic style. The museum has sections on geology, archaeology, anthropology, botany, zoology, numismatics, sculpture, and armory. The National Art Gallery nearby has an impressive collection of old paintings and modern art.

Valluvar Kottam: The beautiful memorial honors Thiruvalluvar, one of the most renowned Tamil poet and sage. It was built in 1976 and is a replica of a temple chariot in Thiruvarur. There are three levels the lower level has an Aranga Mandapam (auditorium), with a seating capacity of 4.000. The next level consists of the Thirukkural balcony, where 133 granite slabs bearing 1330 kurals (couplets) of the Thirukkural are mounted on 67 pillars around the big hall. At the third and highest level, a 1.5 meters high Kalamkari painted dome crowns the massive 2700 ton sculpted granite chariot.

Guindy National Park: It covers an area of 270 hectares near Raj Bhawan and is the smallest National Park in India. The park is home to the blackbuck, an endangered species. Other faunas seen here are spotted deer, civet cat, jackal, etc.

Snake Park: It is located next to the National Park and is first of its kind in the country. Snake demonstrations are also held every hour in a pit near the entrance.

Litle Mount: It is believed that St. Thomas, the Apostle prayed and preached on this hillock, along the south bank of Adyar, near Saidapet. The hillock has a natural rock cave where the Apostle is said to have lived for a while, two churches and a grotto enshrining Our Lady of Lourdes’.

St. Thomas Mount: The holy hill near the road to the Meenamabakkam airport center 13 kms. from the city centre. It was here on a fateful day in the year 72 A.D., the Apostle was pierced to death with a lance by his persecutors.

Kalakshetra: This Temple of Arn’ is one of the most important schools of classical Indian music and dance. It is situated near the Theosophical Society and was started in 1936, by Bharatnatyam danseuse Rukmini Devi Arundale. Weaving and Hand-Woven textiles are also the specialized subjects of study at this center.

Elliot Beach: The beautiful beach near Besant Nagar, Adyar is quieter, cleaner, and relaxing as compared to the famous Marina. Other attractions near the beach are – Annai Velankanni Church and Ashtalaxmi Temple.

Birla Planetarium: One of the most modern planetariums of India.

Around Chennai

V.GP.Golden Beach (20 kms.)

The beautiful beach resort offers plenty of entertainment to young and the old alike. It is also a favorite film shooting location as there are artificial waterfalls, larger than life stucco sculptures, and picture post-card settings.

Cholamandal Artist’s Village (20 kms.)

The Artist’s Village along the coastal road was established in 1965, to promote and develop contemporary art. Permanent exhibitions of paintings, sketches, terracotta sculptures, batiks, and other crafts are held here.

Dakshina Chitra (32kms.)

It lies 12 kms. south of Cholamandal, overlooking the Bay of Bengal. The center established in 1984, has sections for Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka and provides a complete insight into the rich cultural heritage of the South. The secluded backwaters at Muttukadu, just 500m north of Dakshina Chitra are an excellent site for picnics, boating, and other water sports.

Anná Zoological Park, Vandalur (35 kms.)

The zoo spreads over an area of 1,265 acres and is said to be the largest in South Asia. It attempts to provide a natural habitat to several species of animals and birds. A ropeway and mono-rail, a lion and bison safari park, nocturnal animal house, a natural museum, and an aquarium are other attractions of this impressive zoo.

Pulicat Lake & Sanctuary (60 kms.)

This ‘paradise’ for bird lovers covers an area of 500 sq. kms., on the Tamil Nadu – Andhra Pradesh border. It comprises of mostly a lagoon and stretches of marshy land on the Coromandel coast. The vast brackish water Pulicat Lake attracts a large number of migratory and resident birds like greater and lesser flamingoes, grey pelicans, open- billed storks, spoonbills, little cormorants, ducks, seals, terns, gulls, etc. Boating facilities are also available. The reserve forest area has animals like jackals, slender loris, spotted deer, monitor lizard, tortoise, cobra, Russel viper, etc. Pulicat is 10 kms. from Sullurpet railhead and lies on the Chennai- Kolkata road.