TAMIL NADU
Useful Info & Guides
AREA
130,060 km2
POPULATION
7.2 crores approx
MAJOR FESTIVALS
Holi, Diwali, Eid, Makar Sankranti / Lohri, Navratri, Dussehra
Aadi Perukku, Ayya Vaikunda Avataram, Bhogi, Down Sterling, Erwadi Santhanakoodu Festival, Jangura Habba, Karthikai Deepam, Mahamaham, Mattu Pongal, National Science Film Festival and Competition, Panguni Uthiram, Pongal (festival), Pongala, Puthandu, Santhanakoodu festivals in Madurai, Satyanath, Sooranporu, Sri Narayana Jayanthi, Summer Festival in The Nilgiris, Sura Samhaaram, Thaipusam, The Hindu Metroplus Theater Fest, Theppotsavam, Thimithi, Thiruvathira, , Lit for Life (January), Chennai Literary Festival (January), ATRANG Literary Festival (April), Queer Lit Fest (July)
NATIONAL PARK
Guindy National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Indra Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Palani Hills National Park
UNESCO HERITAGE SITE
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Great Living Chola Temples, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Western Ghats
CITIES OF TAMIL NADU
OOTY
The queens of Nilgiri Hills, Ooty rejoices the lush green terrains, hilly terrains, misty environment, and fairytale beauty. The queens of hill stations in South India, Ooty also served as the summer capital of British India. Ooty is surrounded by amazing green gardens, Hindu temples which are known for their fascinating architectures, bungalows, etc. The ambiance of this place serves the best if one has to escape and rejuvenate in the middle of quiet, lush surroundings, immaculate lakes, spectacular landscapes, with pine, eucalyptus and conifer trees touching the sky. Not just for its natural wonders, but this city is also famous for its cultural festivals which invite nomads from all over the world.
PLACE TO VISIT
Pykara Lake, Pykara Falls, Botanical Gardens, Avalanche Lake, Upper Bhavani Lake, Doddabetta Peak, Rose Garden, Emerald Lake, Mudumalai National Park, Tea Estate View Point, Wax Museum, Echo Rock, St Stephens Church, Ketti Valley Viewpoint, Bison Valley, Nilgiri Mountain Railways
KANYAKUMARI
Welcome to the end of India, the last point of the country which rests at the V point of the country in the southernmost coast in Tamil Nadu. Cape Comorin, that’s what this city was known as in the past, is guarded by mountains of Western Ghats and lush fields which give it a surreal ambiance. The land of three seas (Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean), Kanyakumari welcomes globetrotters to dive into the tranquility of its pristine beach to sense the inner peace. The sound of heavy waves, the silhouette at the time of sunset and sunrise, islands, everything makes Kanyakumari an artist’s imagination which has been perfectly painted.
PLACE TO VISIT
Thirparappu Falls, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thanumalayan Temple, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kumari Amman Temple, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Kanyakumari Beach, Lord Subramanya Temple, Wax Museum, Vattakottai Fort, Courtallam Falls, Sanguthurai Beach, Chitharal Jain Monuments, Gandhi Mandapam, Our Lady of Ransom Church, Sothavilai Beach, Tsunami Monument, Sunset Point, St Xavier Church
TRICHY (TIRUCHIRAPPALLI)
Geographically located almost in the centre of the state, this city is known by several names including Trichy, Tiruchirappalli, etc. This busy-bustling city is stuffed with many ancient temples, bazaars which make it a wonderful tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. It was in 3rd century BC when the powerful Chola Kings established their capital in Trichy and then later on was ruled over by Pallava Kings, Pandyas, Delhi Sultanate, etc. The city was a major railway hub during British Raj. Based on the banks of Cauvery River, Trichy is the 4th largest city of the state. The city resonates with its ancient tradition with modern development.
PLACE TO VISIT
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Rock Fort Temple, Sri Jambukeshwara Temple, Rajagopuram, Art Museum, St Joseph’s College Museum, Railway Museum, Lourdes Church
KARAIKUDI
Located in Sivaganga district, this municipal town is famous for the styles of the houses which make it unique. Also known as Chettinad, Tamil Nadu Government has declared Karaikudi as a heritage town because of its iconic houses and mansions which are constructed using limestone which is called Karai Veedu in the local language. Named after Karai, a thorny plant, the town dates back its history to the 19th century. Located near the Thennar River, the town is surrounded by rocky terrain which is dominant in western area.
PLACE TO VISIT
Karpagavinayagar Temple, Kundrakudi Murugan Temple, Sri Muthumari Amman Temple, Koppudai Nayaki Amman Temple, Sivan Koil, Chettinad Palace
MADURAI
The city of Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai is home to several ancient temples built by Madurai Nayaks and Pandyans which are a remarkable example of Dravidian architecture style. The city is said to have trading connections with ancient Rome. The cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, this metropolis served as capital long back. Located on Vaigai River, Madurai is one of the oldest cities of the state. The city bustles with IT industries and no doubt is Tamil Nadu’s cultural capital. Luscious street food and colourful local bazaars make it a perfect destination to explore with family. The city is also famous as the City of Junctions
PLACE TO VISIT
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Pudhu Mandapa, Temple Art Museum, Mariamman Teppakulam Tank, St Mary’s Cathedral, Madurai Government Museum
