Classic Tamil Nadu, the land of Tamils and Temples, is situated on the southern tip of the Indian Peninsula. This gateway to the South offers everything that excites visitors: clean and quiet hill stations, beautiful beaches, majestic temples with towering gopurams, waterfalls, monuments, art, culture, heritage, and much more. This warm and hospitable land is …
Chidambaram, the famous Hindu pilgrim center gets the name from two words – chit (truth) and ambaram (space), as Lord Shiva is believed to manifest here in the form of akasha (sky) lingam. The temple town was the glorious capital of Cholas from 907 to 1310, who built the Nataraja Temple during the 9th century …
Coimbatore (Kovai), one of the fastest-growing cities in India lies on the banks of the river Noyyal in the foothills of Nilgiris. It has emerged as a major industrial center of the South with over 50,000 small, medium, and large industries and textile mills. The first textile mill of Coimbatore was set up way back …
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 …
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 …
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), …
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 …
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 …
The ancient town on the banks of river Tamarabarani was of considerable importance during the rule of the Pandyas. It is well known for temples, reed mats, palm handicrafts, and palm sugar. The main attraction is the Kanthimathi Nellaiyappar Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kanthimathi (Parvati) and Lord Nellaiyappar Shiva). The shrine is noted for its …
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 …