Tmail Nadu: The Land Of Temples

Tamil Nadu, A South Indian state, is famed for its Dravidian-style Hindu temples. In Madurai, Meenakshi Amman Temple has high ‘gopuram’ towers ornamented with colourful figures. On Pamban Island, Ramanathaswamy Temple is a pilgrimage site. The town of Kanyakumari, at India’s southernmost tip, is the site of ritual sunrises. Tamil Nadu is a perfect place for a pilgrimage tour where the vibrant Hindu temples are not only the haven to seek spirituality but to be in awe of the imposing architecture and rich culture as well. Tamil Nadu is the homeland of one of humanity’s living classical civilisations, stretching back uninterrupted for two millennia and very much alive today in the Tamils' language, dance, poetry and forms of Hinduism.

Tamil Nadu has five UNESCO declared world heritage monuments viz. Mamallapuram monuments, Brihadeeswarar Temple – Thanjavur, Brihadeeswarar Temple – Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Airavatheeswarar Temple – Darasuram and Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Tamil Nadu has four international airports at Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli and Coimbatore. It has well connected railway and roads.

MAJOR ATTRACTION

Tamil Nadu state known for its heritage architecture, brilliant sculptures of its ancient temples, For many others, the long coastline and the fabulous hill stations make Tamil Nadu famous. Apart from the beautiful beach here, what you can see is the Indian blackbuck roaming freely in the sanctuary which you can see by foot. And also the greater flamingos coming from Rann of Kutch in the winter.

BEST TIME TO VISIT TAMIL NADU

The months between November and February are ideal for visiting Tamil Nadu. Popular Places like Madurai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari & Thanjavur attract large crowds in winter season.Tamil Nadu is sparsely dotted with some of the most beautiful hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal that make an ideal escape during the peak summer season.

CUISINE OF TAMIL NADU

Tamil Nadu cuisine is quite versatile and is an amalgam of different cultures and cooking styles. A typical vegetarian meal consists of rice, sambar, kara kuzhambu, rasam, curd, poriyal, varuval, kootu, keerai masiyal, aviyal, pachadi, appalam, oorukai and payasam. However, different parts of the state have developed their own unique regional cuisines. While the Chettinad region is known for chicken Chettinad, idiyappam, uthappam, and paniyaram, the Madurai region is popular for muttaiparotta, paruthipal, and Karidosai. While in Tamil Nadu, you must also try idli, dosa, vadai, pongal, appam, upma, puttu, Ambur Dum Biriyani, Dindigul Biriyani and filter coffee.

HOW TO REACH

Air : The nearest airport is Salem Airport (100 Km) and International Airport is Bangalore airport (90 KM).

Rail : Chennai being the headquarters of Southern Railway, Tamil Nadu is accessible by rail as well. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO world heritage site, connects the hill station of Ooty to Mettupalayam. Chennai also has a vast suburban and metro railway network that provide interstate connectivity.

Road : Tamil Nadu is well- connected by road. National Highways 47, 49, 208, and 220 connect Tamil Nadu and Kerala while NH 67, 207, and 209 connect the state to Karnataka. Tamil Nadu is also connected to Andhra Pradesh via NH 205, 219, and 234.

PLACES TO VISIT

It is difficult to cover all top places in Tamilnadu in a single trip. The Magical State of Tamil Nadu is the second most frequented tourist spot in India. With its abundance in natural and man-made wonders the city has more than 4000 years of cultural history. Apart from the places mentioned above, the hill stations of Coonoor and Yelagiri are also popular amongst the tourists. Also, Rameswaram and Tiruchirappalli are also popular tourist destinations of Tamil Nadu.

OOTY

Ooty is one of the best hill stations in India and among the top places to visit in Tamilnadu. Ooty is situated at a distance of 265 km from Bangalore. Ooty is a popular hill station located in Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, officially known as Udhagamandalam. The landscape is marked by rolling hills covered with dense vegetation, smaller hills and plateaus covered with tea gardens, and eucalyptus trees. Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Wenlock Downs, and Rose Garden are among the must include places in Ooty tour packages. The toy train, known as Nilgiri Mountain Railway that runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must be experienced. The establishment of numerous tea estates made Ooty famous. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands, and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the visitors on most routes.

FAMOUS FOR: Hill station, sightseeing

Ooty is most famous for its tea plantations. Connoisseurs will find plenty to choose from: dust and leaf; black, green, black and white varieties; and flavours such as masala, jasmine, cardamom and even chocolate.Tourism festival on Feb, Ooty Mariamman temple festival on April, Makar Pongal on January, Festival of Boat race on May, Summer festival on May.

BEST TIME TO VISIT Ooty has good climate all year round, the best time to visit Ooty is in the summer months between March and June.

HOW TO REACH

By Air:The nearest airport is at Coimbatore which is located around 100 km from the hill station. There are taxi services available from the airport.

By Train:Mettupalayam is the nearest railway station, about 47 km away from Ooty. There are regular trains running from Coimbatore and Chennai to Mettupalayam. Mettupalayam and Conoor are also connected to Ooty by the toy train.

By Road:Ooty is well connected with many south Indian cities by road. There are regular bus services from Mysore, Bengaluru, Madurai, and Kanyakumari and many cities in Kerala to Ooty.

PLACES TO VISIT IN OOTY

· Toy Train

· Ooty Lake

· Thread Garden

· Doddabetta Peak

· Kalhatti Falls

· Droog Fort

· Emerald Lake

· Catherine Falls

· Stephen’s Church

· Annamalai Temple

· Tiger Hill

· Dolphin’s Nose

· Kamraj Sagar Lake

· Bison Valley

Madurai

Situated on the banks of the River Vaigai, Madurai is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India. Madurai is the city which is famous for its temples. Known as the Athens of the East, Madurai's temples are one of the major destinations for religious tour of South India. Madurai is the third-largest city in Tamilnadu and one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in India. The city is situated about 209 km from Coimbatore and 464 km from Chennai.

Madurai is an energetic, ancient city on the Vaigai River in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Its skyline is dominated by the 14 colorful gopurams (gateway towers) of Meenakshi Amman Temple. Covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods, the Dravidian-style temple is a major pilgrimage site. Millions attend the processions and ceremonies of April's Chithirai Festival celebrating Meenakshi and Lord Vishnu.

Also referred to as Athens of the East, Madhurai is the oldest continually inhabited city in the Indian peninsula, with a history dating back to the Sangam period of the pre-Christian era. Madurai was the seat of power of the Pandyan Empire. Often considered the cultural capital of Tamilnadu, Madurai is one of the top places to visit in tamilnadu.

Meenakshi Temple, also known as Madurai Meenakshi, is the biggest landmark of Madurai and is one of the largest temples in India. The temple has stunning architecture and a significant testimony for Vishwakarma Brahmins for their master architecture in sculpting this temple. Along with Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal & Koodal Alagar Temple are other important places to visit as part of Madurai tour.

FAMOUS FOR: Historical & Heritage, Pilgrimage

Festivals of Madurai are popular and attract a lot of visitors. Meenakshi Tirukalyanam, the 10-day annual festival celebrated during April-May, attracts over a million visitors. The Jallikattu, the game of taming angry bulls, is similar to the Pampalona Bull Run held in Spain.

BEST TIME TO VISIT October to march is th best time to visit Madurai. the climate condition remains pleasant and comfortable.

HOW TO REACH

BY Air :Madurai Airport was established in 1957 and is located at Avaniyapuram, about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from the city. It offers domestic flights to cities in India.

BY Rail :Madurai Junction is the major railway station serving the District. Being the headquarters of the Madurai division of the Southern Railway, there are direct trains connecting Madurai with other major cities and towns across India including New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai.

BY Road:Madurai District is well connected with the National Highways NH 7, NH 45B, NH 208 and NH 49 passing through Madurai. The state highways passing through the city are SH-33, SH-72, SH-72A, SH-73 and SH-73A which connect various parts of Madurai district.

PLACES TO VISIT IN MADURAI

· Meenakshi Amman Temple

· Koodal Azhagar Temple

· Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple

· Alagar Kovil

· Pudhu Mandapam

· Gandhi Memorial Museum

· St. Mary’s Cathedral

· Yanaimalai

· Thirumalai Nayak Mahal

· Vaigai Dam

· Samanar Hills

· Athisayam

· Mariamman Teppakulam

· ISKCON Madurai

· Goripalayam Dargah

· Meghamalai

· Banana Market

· Murugan Idli Shop

· Vilachery Pottery Village

COIMBATORE

Coimbatore district is one of the biggest districts in Tamil Nadu with lot of tourist attractions, shopping centres as well as religious places. It is situated at the Nilgiri foothills of the Western Ghats in western Tamil Nadu of Southern India and ranks among the top Indian tourist destinations to visit.

Coimbatore is the Manchester of South India. There are lot of things best in Coimbatore.Coimbatore is famous for the 112-feet Adiyogi Shiva Statue which is the largest bust sculpture in the world. This city is encircled by the mighty Western Ghats and so by the various beautiful locations. This is the best part of living here.The city is one of the largest exporters of jewellery, wet grinders, poultry and auto components; the "Coimbatore Wet Grinder" and the "Kovai Cora Cotton" are recognised as Geographical Indications by the Government of India. It is known as the Manchester of South India as it is a hub of textile industry in South India.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

It is best to visit Coimbatore during the winter season, i.e. between October and March when its neither too cold nor hot. Monsoon is also a good time to visit Coimbatore; however summers are best avoided as they can be quite hot and humid.

FAMOUS FOR: Coimbatore is mostly famous for its small, medium, and large scale textile industries. It’s also famous for its nearby tourist destinations, hill stations, waterfalls, cuisines, educational institutions, comfortable climate, Isha Yoga Center, Adiyogi Shiva Statue, native Kongu Tamil dialect, and many more.

HOW TO REACH

By air:Coimbatore International Airport, 11 km away from the city centre, is connected with prime Indian cities by an excellent network of flights. Regular flight services are offered by the major airlines. Travellers can take a prepaid taxi or avail local bus services to reach their destination.

By road:One of the most expedient and pocket-friendly ways of travelling to Coimbatore is by road, if you are travelling from cities like Trivandrum (380 km), Cochin (190 km) and Chennai (505 km). There are several Tamil Nadu and Kerala state and private run buses operating from these and other important cities and towns.

By rail: Coimbatore Junction railway station is the main railhead serving the city and connecting it to all the major Indian cities and towns. From outside the station, travellers can hire taxis or buses to reach anywhere in the city.

PLACES TO VISIT COIMBATORE

· Gass Forest Museum

· RS PuramVOC Park and Zoo

· Gopalapuram

· Ukkadam-Valankulam Lake

· Highways Colony

· TNAU Botanical Gardens

· GeDee Car Museum,Avinashi Road

· Perur Pateeswarar Temple, Perur

· Kasthuri Sreenivasan Art Gallery and Textile Museum,Avinashi Road

· Infant Jesus Church, Thirupathi Nagar

· Kovai Kondattam,Kalampalayam

· Eachanari Vinayagar Temple

· Marudhamalai Temple

KODAIKANAL

Known as the Princess of Hill stations, Kodaikanal or Kodai is one of the top tourist destinations in Tamilnadu tour and among the best hill stations in South India. It is located at a distance of about 469 km from Bangalore & 528 km from Chennai.

Set in the lush hills of Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul district, the city of Kodaikanal is a popular tourist destination yet there is something mysterious and untouched about the place that keeps pulling you back to its loving embrace. The city came to existence because the Kodaikanal Weather was the best retreat from the sultry summer for the British who needed cooler weather. With the Western Ghats’ Palani Hills forming the ideal cloud-capped peaks and the rolling green valley being a salve for sore eyes, no wonder Kodaikanal is often considered a gift from the gods.

FAMOUS FOR: hill station, sightseeing

Apart from being a famous hill station, Kodaikanal’s claim to fame also rests on the fact that it is home to the Kurinji flower which blooms once in 12 years in the December and envelops the entire valley in a beautiful sea of blue. The next blossom is due in 2018. It is not without reason that Kodaikanal is a huge draw card for the tourists.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Summer is the best time to visit Kodaikanal. The pleasant, refreshing breeze blowing on your face makes it perfect for sightseeing, trekking, cycling, boating, and other outdoor activities.

HOW TO REACH

BY AIR:Madurai serves as the nearest airport to Kodaikanal which is situated just at a distance of 134 km. The airports of major states and cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata are well-connected with Madurai Airport through daily flights. In order to reach Kodaikanal from Madurai airport, one can board a taxi/cab. Local train is another option to reach Kodaikanal.

BY TRAIN:Kodaikanal is also easily accessible through rail networks. Kodai Road Railway Station, which is 80 km from Kodaikanal is the nearest railways station. From Kodai Road, one can hire a cab/taxi or board a local bus to reach the main town of Kodaikanal.

BY ROAD:Cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, and Madurai are well-connected with Kodaikanal through road networks.

PLACES TO VISIT KODAIKANAL

· Kodaikanal Lake

· Bryant Park

· Silver Cascade Falls

· Pillar Rocks

· Bear Shola Falls

· Coaker’s Walk

· Guna Cave

· Moir Point

· Dolphin’s Nose

· Thalaiyar Falls

· Kurinji Andavar Temple

· Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

CHENNAI

Chennai or Madras as it was called before, on the Coromandel Coast, is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, the city is famous for its beaches, museums, parks, temples, and several historical places. Fondly called the 'Cultural Capital of India', Chennai is the fourth largest metropolis in India and the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. It is also one of the famous tourist places in Tamilnadu. Chennai is well known to be an IT hub, but that’s not it. This well-established city has lots more in store for travellers and nature lovers. There are temples, beautiful beaches, waterfalls, parks and whatnot.

Famous for: Famous as the biggest cultural and economic centre down south, Chennai was earlier known as Madras. The city houses several Hindu temples, churches and museums. From its white-sand beaches to mouth-watering seafood, Chennai has everything for travellers.

Best Time to visit November to February considered as the best time to visit the city. Festive time in Chennai with Pongal celebrated in the month of January. A special Music & Dance festival is also held here in December.

HOW TO REACH

By Air:Chennai International Airport is located at a distance of 7 km from the main city.

By Train:Chennai is having two main railway terminals. Chennai Central station, the city’s largest, provides access to other major cities as well as many other smaller towns across India, whereas Chennai Egmore provides access to destinations primarily within Tamil Nadu.

By Road:Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal (CMBT) is one of Asia’s largest bus stations and is well connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu.

Places to Visit in Chennai

· Marina Beach

· Valluvar Kottam

· Thousand Lights Mosque

· Elliot’s Beach

· Dakshinachitra

· Ashtalakshmi Temple

· Government Museum

· Mylapore

· Guindy National Park

· Sri Parthasarathy Temple

· Kapaleeswarar Temple

· Connemara Public Library

· Royapuram Fishing Harbour

· Semmozhi Poonga

· Marundeeswarar Temple

Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu as well as in India. Situated at a distance of 562 km from Chennai, the town is home to the famous Rameshwaram Temple.

Located in Ramanathapuram district, the town is a part of Pamban Island also known as Rameshwaram Island being associated with the legendry temple built in marvelous Dravidian style of architecture. Situated at the very tip of the Indian peninsula, the island is connected with Indian mainland by Pamban Bridge on Pamban Channel in Gulf of Mannar.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Rameshwaram Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga temples in India, and is one of the top attractions you must visit as part of Rameshwaram tour packages. This is also the place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to cleanse away the sin of killing Ravana. Rameswaram along with Dwarka, Puri and Badrinath form the four Char Dhams. Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agnitheertham, Gandamadana Parvatham, Dhanushkodi, Kothandaraswamy Temple and Erwadi are some of the most visited attractions of Rameshwaram.

The bridge to Lanka named 'Rama Setu', also known as Adam's Bridge is of religious as well as ecological importance. Some 30 Km long, it was supposed to be passable on foot till 15th century after which a storm deepened the channel.

FAMOUS FOR: Pilgrimage, Beach, Nature & Scenic

Sri Ramanatha Swamy Temple is renowned for its magnificent corridors and massive sculptured pillars. The third corridor of Ramanathaswamy temple is the longest one in the world. Rameshwaram Temple is renowned for being a part of one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (lingam of light) of Lord Shiva in India. Rameshwaram is one of the four important pilgrimage centres know as Char Dham and attracts thousands of visitors in a year.

HOW TO REACH

By Air: Madurai, at 163 Km distance from the holy town, welcomes the domestic pilgrims where as Chennai the international ones. From where, hired taxis could take to the temple

By Train: Mandapam station is just 2 Km away from the temple and brings travelers from Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy and Thanjavur.

By Road: Regular Bus services make travelling to the temple town easier and for many, convenient. Places like Nagpur, Hyderabad, Madurai, etc are can act as 'via-points' for those coming from northern part of India- buses, cars or taxis.

PLACES TO VISIT

· Ramanathaswamy Temple

· Jada Tirtham

· Dhanushkodi

· Pamban Bridge

· Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge

· Gandhamadhana Parvatham

· Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple

· Adam’s Bridge

· Nambu Nayaki Amman Temple

· Water Bird Sanctuary

· Ariyaman Beach

· Kothandaramaswamy Temple

· Lakshmana Tirtham

· Villoondi Tirtham

· Jatayu Tirtham Temple

Tiruchirappalli

Tiruchirappalli is famous for its various monuments and temples. Also, due to the city being surrounded by various channels of the Kaveri River is rich in vegetation and natural resources. Tiruchirappalli or Trichy is the 4th largest city in Tamilnadu and among the must include places in Tamilnadu tour packages. It is located about 133 km from Madurai and 334 km from Chennai.

The scenic charm and picturesque attractions make Tiruchirapalli amongst the most travelled destinations in Tamil Nadu. Moreover, the city has a rich cultural heritage which can be easily seen through its various monuments and temples.

Tiruchirappalli is internationally known for a brand of cheroot known as the Trichinopoly cigar. The city is very popular for its cigars, handloom saris and stone-studded jewelry, Pith models, and cheroots. According to the National Urban Sanitation Policy (2010), Tiruchirappalli was one of the ten cleanest cities in India.

BEST TIME TO VISIT Rameswaram has a tropical climate, it is a year-round destination. Winter season starts from the month of November and continues till February. These months witness a pleasant and comfortable weather for tourism. This is a good time to indulge in various sightseeing and other tourist activities.

FAMOUS FOR Historical & Heritage

Dotted with numerous temples and monuments, Tiruchirapalli is a haven for Hindu pilgrims as well as history lovers. The city offers a tranquil and sacred environment which also perfect for relaxing along with observing the influence of rich culture. For nature lovers, Tiruchirapalli has a few attractions in the form of a gurgling waterfall and a dam.

HOW TO REACH

BY AIR:Tiruchirappalli International Airport is located in the city itself. Being an international airport, it connects the city to all the other major domestic cities and states and other countries as well. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mysore are well connected with the airport through daily flights.

BY RAIL:The city has its own railway station which is Tiruchirappalli Junction. This railway station connects is well-connected with other parts of the country like Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra through frequent trains.

BY ROAD: Road network makes it convenient for travellers to reach Trichy from other southern parts of the country through inter-state buses, both private and government. However, you can also prefer to drive yourself in order to reach here.

PLACES TO VISIT

· The Rockfort Temple

· Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

· Jambukeshwara Temple

· Erumbeeswarar Temple

· Vayalur Murugan Temple

· Kallanai Dam

· Puliancholai Falls

· Pachamalai hills

· vayalur murugan temple

· Rock fort temple

· Railway museum

Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of peninsular India and the meeting point of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Besides its importance as a Hindu pilgrim center, it is famous for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over the waters. It is about 242 km from Madurai and 707 km from Chennai.

Travel photographers and other leisure travellers also fancy a mini-vacation in Kanyakumari to enjoy and capture its raw and rustic beauty, witness the spectacular view of the various beaches and most importantly, enjoy the scintillating sunrise in Kanyakumari.This is the only place in India where one can enjoy the unique spectacle of Sunset and Moonrise simultaneously on full moon days. One of the main attractions in Kanyakumari is the Kumariamman Temple. Fort are some of the top places to visit as part of Kanyakumari tour packages. Kanyakumari is also known for its spectacular beaches.

BEST TIME TO VISIT The ideal time to visit Kanyakumari is between the months of October to March.

FAMOUS FOR: Pilgrimage, Beach, Nature & Scenic

PLACES TO VISIT

· Vivekananda Rock Memorial

· Thiruvalluvar Statue

· Bhagavathy Amman Temple

· Our Lady of Ransom Church

· Tsunami Monument

· Wax Museum

· Bharatmata Temple

· Kanyakumari Beach

· Sai Baba Temple

· Triveni Sangam

· Thanumalayan Temple

· Guganathaswamy Temple

· Sunset Point

· Padmanabhapuram Palace

· Vattakottai Fort

· Thirparappu Falls

· Kanyakumari View Tower

· Sanguthurai Beach

Chidambaram

Chidambaram is a pilgrimage town in Tamil Nadu. Well known for Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram temple is one of the most celebrated shrines in South India and also one of the famous Tamilnadu places to visit. It is about 66 km from Pondicherry, and 217 km from Chennai.

The other name of this town is Thillai because in the olden days, this was a forest of mangrove trees by the name of Thillai. The two renowned saints, Patanjali and Vyagrapada, lived here and as the legend goes, Lord Shiva was so pleased by the devotion and dedication of these two saints that on the day of Thaipoosam, Lord Shiva performed the Nataraja dance. Revolving around this legend, life in this town developed and so did contemporary history; the golden hall of dance was built by Sundra Pandya covering it in gold plates. With several other important temples dotting the landscape, beautiful beaches, rivers, canals, backwaters and widespread mangroves, Chidambaram is so much more than just a temple town.

BEST TIME TO VISIT The best time to visit Chidambaram is in the month of July and October to March. This is also the time for exploring some of the beautiful beaches around Chidambaram. Winter is the busiest season in Chidambaram and often hotels run full and tourist places are crowded.

FAMOUS FOR: Pilgrimage,Historical & Heritage

Chidambaram offers a mixture of nature and spirituality. There is Mangrove forest around this town and it also offers waterways, exotc birds, seafood and temples with outstanding architecture to be relished by the tourists. This amalgamation of religion and nature makes this town a major tourist attraction for visitors around India and also from the world.

HOW TO REACH

BY AIR:Chidambaram is connected to almost all the big cities in the country through its airways, Tiruchirappalli being the nearest airport to Chidambaram, which is located at a distance of 195 km. Hire a taxi from the airport and reach Chidambaram.

BY RAIL: This town lies on the Chennai Trichy line. It is also well connected through rail to the towns of Rameswaram, Thanjavur and Kumbakonam.

BY ROAD: When going by road, Chidambaram is well connected to almost all the major cities. You could take a private vehicle or public buses are available from Bengaluru which is connected via NH 44, Chennai via NH 32, Vellore via SH 4, Tiruchirapalli via NH 38, Salem via NH 79, Madurai via NH 38, and Coimbatore via NH 544. The roads of South India are brilliant, and it does not take much time to reach a destination when you are travelling on them

PLACES TO VISIT

· Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

· Thillai Nataraja Temple

· Thillai Kali Amman Temple

· Pichvaram Backwaters

· Tirunallurpperumanam Temple

· Tiruvetkalam Temple

· Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

· Tranquebar

· Gangaikonda Cholapuram

· Silappathikaram Art Gallery, Poompuhar

· Poompuhar Beach

· Mayiladuthurai

· Vaitheeswaran Temple

Mahabalipuram

Mamallapuram, or Mahabalipuram, is a town on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake, in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. About 57 km from Chennai, it is one of the UNESCO heritage site in Tamil Nadu and one of the best places to experience Tamilnadu Tourism.

Famous for its Shore Temple built in 7th century, Mahabalipuram was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. It is known for its historical monuments, sculptures, scenic beauty, culture and tradition. The famous Arjuna's Penance, the Krishna Mandapa, Thirukadalmallai temple, Cholamadal Artist's Village, Mahabalipuram Beach, Tiger Cave and Crocodile Bank are the must include places in Mahabalipuram tour.

Mahabalipuram is one of the oldest cities in India. Present day, it is known for its great monuments, cave sanctuaries and sculptures. A monument complex at Mahabalipuram, known as the Group of Monuments, with all its rock art and relief sculptures, is a UNESCO world site.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MAHABALIPURAM

Mahabalipuram is a small historic town in the state of Tamil Nadu and is home to a group of monuments that are classified as a UNESCO heritage site. There are a large number of tourists that visit the cave temples of the Pallava Kings and the famous beaches. Mahabalipuram is an ideal destination for rejuvination and fun time. It has a moderate and a humid climate throughout the year; however the best time to visit Mahabalipuram is from the month of October to March.

FAMOUS FOR: Beach, Historical & Heritage

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a town in Chengalpattu district in the southeastern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, best known for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of 7th- and 8th-century Hindu Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram. It is one of the famous tourist sites in India.

HOW TO REACH Mamallapuram

by Air: Chennai Airport serves as the closest airport to Mamallapuram. The airport is located around 58 km away from the temple town. Chennai is well connected with rest of India by all major domestic airlines. One can board a direct or stopover flight to Chennai from anywhere in India and then hire a cab to reach the town of Mamallapuram.

by Road: Mamallapuram is well connected by road with rest of Tamil Nadu. State and private buses ply at regular and frequent intervals from places like Chennai, Pondicherry, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, to name a few. Road condition is good and the drive along the coast is quite pleasant. Depending on budget, passengers can avail AC or non AC buses.

by Rail: Nearest train station to Mamallapuram is Chengalpattu Junction. It connects Chennai and various parts of Tamil Nadu by express and mail trains. On arrival at the station, one can hire a cab to travel a distance of around 29 km to reach Mamallapuram.

PLACES TO VISIT

· Shore Temples

· Tiger Caves

· India Seashell Museum

· Arjuna's Penance

· Crocodile Bank

· Five Rathas

· Mahabalipuram Beach

· Covelong Beach

· Ganesh Ratha Temple

· Mamallapuram Lighthouse

· Krishna's Butterball

· Alamparai Fort

· Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple

· Krishna Cave Temple

· Trimurti Cave

Kanchipuram

It is known as the City of Thousand Temples because of the vast number of temples located here. Kanchipuram temples have a special place in the hearts of Hindus, and that is why the city is often counted as a pilgrimage site amongst the followers of this religion. It is situated at a distance of 75 km from Chennai. It is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Chennai. Kanchipuram is home to famous and popular relics of architectural excellence laden with works of sculpture of Dravidian kingdoms. There are a lot of places to see in Kanchipuram. The architecture and decor of monuments in Kanchipuram are simply awe-inspiring. Patronization of kings and kingdoms for works of art becomes evident after a tour of the place and the temples. If architecture is not your forte, you can soothe your nerves by visiting the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary.

Kanchipuram is a traditional centre of silk weaving and handloom industries for producing Kanchipuram Sarees.

Best time to visit October to March is the Best time to visit Kanchipuram as the temperatures do not touch extremes. The festivals that are celebrated with much show and gaiety are Brahmothsavam (January), Garudothsavam (April) and the Chariot festival (May). Pongal during January is an important festival which is celebrated with pomp and delicious feast and religious prayers and processions.

Famous for: Pilgrimage, Historical & Heritage

How to reach

By Air:The nearest airport is Chennai located at a distance of 65 Km.Taxi services are available from airport to Kanchipuram.

By Rail:The Kanchipuram Railhead is connected to Chennai via Chinglepet. The city has its own train station and is well-linked with all major cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Further, Chennai, Pondicherry, and Madurai are the rail lines connected with it.

By Road:It is connected by good motorable roads to all important places in South India.there are sufficient number of bus services available from Kanchipuram to other major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur.

PLACES TO VISIT

· Kamakshi Amman Temple

· Varadharaja Perumal Temple

· Devarajaswami Temple

· Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam

· Kanchi Kudhil

· Ekambareswarar Temple

· Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple

· Ulagalantha Perumal Temple

· Trilokinath Temple

· Chitragupta Swamy Temple

· Sathyanatheswarar Temple

· Ashtabujakaram Temple

Hogenakkal

Hogenakkal is unique as it is the only natural, traditional river spa in our land. It also offers a thrilling experience, and perhaps that is why the name means the smoke that thunders. And, as an added bonus, one can visit the giant terra-cotta village guardians, the Aiyanars, on the way to Hogenakkal.

A sacred bathing place, Hogenakkal is well known for its power of healing. It is located at a distance of 114 km from Salem and 133 km from Bangalore.

Hogenakkal Falls is one of the best waterfalls in India, and among the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. It is about 146 km from Bangalore and 345 km from Chennai. Also, it is one of the major waterfalls near Bangalore.Often referred to as the 'Niagara of India', Hogenakkal is one of the wonderful places to visit near Bangalore & Chennai. When the River Kaveri enters the Tamil Nadu border after winding its way through.

Coracle riding is one of the main attractions here which is allowed during the monsoon and winter season. Boating is usually stopped in peak monsoons. Hogenakkal is also the good place to try out your swimming skills. Tourists can also go for trekking on the nearby surrounding hills. The water from the fall flows towards the Mettur Dam which is also known as the Stanley Reservoir. Yercaud, MM Hills, and Yelagiri Hills are some of the major tourist destinations near Hogenakkal Falls.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Hogenakkal is right after the monsoon season (October to March). During this time the river is in full spade and tourists can experience the beauty of the waterfalls. Also, the weather is quite pleasant during this time with moderate and comfortable temperatures.

Famous for: Experience Seekers, Adventure Seekers, Hogenakkal Waterfall

How To Reach

By Air: Bangalore, situated at a distance of 130 km from Hogenakkal is the nearest airport.

By Rail: Salem 114 km and Bangalore 130 km are the nearest railway stations from this place.

By Road: Tourist taxis and buses are available on hire to move in and around Hogenakkal.

Places to visit

· Hogenakkal Falls

· Mettur Dam

· Melagiri Hills

· Theerthmalai temple

· Pennagram Village

· Parameswari temple

· Subramanya siva

· Krishagiri dam

· boating

Thanjavur

Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, is situated about 170 km from Madurai, and 326 km from Chennai. Situated on the banks of River Cauvery.

The term "Thanjavur" in Tamil means a 'city surrounded by cold-farms'. Sitting pretty in Tamil Nadu's rice bowl, the parrot green paddy fields of Thanjavur are found to be dotted with women draped in vibrant cotton sarees and men in white dhotis, as they plough the farmlands. Enough time for leisure has given rise to a culture in Thanjavur that's celebrated for its music, dance and architecture.

The city was once the stronghold of the historic Cholas. Since then, Thanjavur has been one of the chief political, cultural and religious centers of South India. Thanjavur is famous for the Brihadeeswarar Temple built by Rajaraja Chola in the year 1010 AD. Also known as the Big Temple, Brihadeeswarar Temple is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and among the most important heritage sites in India.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit during winters. The months from December to February makes for the best possible stay and travel in Thanjavur. Summers and monsoons do attract some tourists but are comparatively less in numbers as hot tropical climate characterises the region.

Famous for: Pilgrimage, Historical & Heritage

The temple town will make you feel more enriched and blessed. Be it the world-famous Brihadeshwara Temple or the Swami Malai Temple, Thanjavur with its many idiosyncrasies is bound to make your tour memorable. a trip to Thanjavur is a must in a lifetime. Whether its is the numerous temples and religious shrines or the UNESCO World Heritage Sites or admiring the multitude of collections at the art galleries of the city.

How to reach

BY AIR: Trichy happens to be the nearest airport to Thanjavur, lying roughly at a distance of 57 kilometres. The airport is very well-connected by a host of domestic and international airlines that ply on a daily basis. Once at the Trichy airport, travellers can easily avail taxis or buses that will directly take them to Thanjavur. The journey takes less than two hours to complete.

BY RAIL:Just like the airport, the nearest railhead to Thanjavur happens to be Trichy. A prominent rail junction, the station is very well-connected to the rest of Tamil Nadu and India through an extensive network of railways. Local and express trains from all over the country ply regularly to Trichy. Once at the Trichy station, travellers can easily avail taxis or buses to reach Thanjavur.

BY ROAD:Travelling to Thanjvur by road is also a good idea. Travellers can either take a car or a state-run bus from various cities in Tamil Nadu and the neighbouring states of Kerala and Karnataka. While NH 67 connects Trichy Thanjavur, one needs to take NH 45 and NH 45C while travelling to Thanjavur from Chennai. Apart from that, Thanjavur can be travelled by road from several other cities including Coimbatore, Puducherry and even Bengaluru.

Places to visit

· Brihadeshwara Temple

· Gangaikonda Cholapuram

· Swami Malai Temple

· Thirunallar Temple

· Alangudi Temple

· The Serfoji Sarasvati Mahal Library

· Punnainallur Mariamman Koil

· Thanjavur Royal Palace And Art Gallery

· Thiruvalanchuzhi

· Thirumananjeri Temple

· Kal Garuda Perumal Koil

· Ramaswamy Temple

KUMBAKONAM

Kumbakonam is an ancient temple town located amidst the two rivers Cauvery and Arasalar in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. About 235 km from Madurai, and 282 km from Chennai, it is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu, and among the popular places to visit near Chennai. Kumbakonam is famously called the temple town or The City of Temples, given the number of temples that have been built in and around the town. There are believed to be 188 temples within the municipality of Kumbakonam. Another 100 odd temples have been constructed in the areas surrounding the town.

The town is well - known for its prestigious educational institutions and carved Panchaloha idols, silk products, brass, and metal wares. The important festival of Kumbakonam is the Mahamaham festival. It takes place once in 12 years during the Tamil Month of Masi (February/March) and lakhs of pilgrims visit Kumbakonam and takes a holy bath in the sacred Mahamaham Tank.

Kumbakonam is also known to have a temple dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu god who is responsible for the creation of the universe and of life on earth. There are very few temples of Lord Brahma in the world and Kumbakonam has one of them.