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ANAIMALAI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
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| The Sanctuary situated in Coimbatore district is home to rich and varied fauna common to this part of India . The key fauna are elephants, gaur, tigers, panthers, wild boar, deer, bear, wild dogs, porcupines, blacknapped hare, flying squirrels, jackals, common langurs and Nilgiri langurs etc. |
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| The international utopian city near pondicherry was built by Aurobindo ashram association. It was conceived as an experiment in international living where men and women could live in peace and progressive harmony with each other above all creeds, politics and nationalities. It is probably only one of its kind in the world. |
| CHIDAMBARAM |
Major pilgrim centre of the state. It is known for the famous Nataraja Temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja (Siva as a cosmic dancer) and is noted for its golden roof over the sanctum sanctorum. It was built during the region of Vir Chola Raja ( 927 - 997 A.D). The temple complex is one of the best examples of Tamil Nadu's great Dravidian architectural Legacies. Other important temple of the city is Thillai Kaliamman Temple dedicated to the goddness Parvathi. It is believed that a trip to chidambaram is incomplete if both temples are not visited.
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| CHENNAI |
| The cultural capital of India and capital of Tamil Nadu State , is one of the oldest cities in the country. It still preserves the very best of Indian culture and traditions and provides a deep insight into the Dravidian traditions and society. The city was founded in 1639 by Sir Francis Day who arrived with East India Company. It was also a major centre and Cholas and Pallavas, the glorious remains of the Cholas and Pallavan culture can be seen in the temples and tanks which still survive. Chennai was the first major settlement of British in India and it was here that many who went on to build the empire first learnt their trade. The city is replete with much that is of significance in British Indian history. But the most alluring feature of the city is its allegiance to ancient traditions as well as keeping with the modern developments. The city still retains the charm, culture and courtesies of the ages. The gracious, spacious city is a major tourist and industrial centre. The city is also a shapper's paradise and the best purchase include exquisite silk sarees, intricate jewellery, sandalwood, leather, ivory, bronze and silver handicrafts. The shopping experience at Rangannathan Street in T. Nagar. and Anna Salai or Mount Road is unforgettable. The fine government sponsored Handicraft Emporiums at Anna Salai display fantastic collection of handicrafts and handloom fabrics For lovely cotton and woven fabrics one can also bargain good buys at shops on the pavements. Chennai - the Gateway to the Southern India , is the ideal starting point of your voyage of discovery in Tamil Nadu, and other parts of the south. The city has excellent travel and communication facilities road rail and air services take travellers to any point in the state, none of which is much more than 24 hours away from the state capital. |
| COIMBATORE |
The third largest city in the state, it is also known as The Manchester of the South' as there are more than 30,000 tiny, small, medium, and large textile mills and industries in the city. It also has textile and agricultural research centres, and is a leading centre of engineering and textile machinery manufacture. The Coimbatore district is known for its scenic splendour and agriculture wealth, important crops cultivated here are millet, paddy, cotton, tea, oilseeds, betel nuts, turmeric, coffee and tobacco.
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| COONOOR |
| The alluring hill resort rich in plantations and English type houses is located 19 kms. from Udagamandalam. It stands in a lower ridge of a plateau at an altitude of 1858 m location of Pasteur Institute and Sims Park . Every year fruits, flowers and vegetables show is held in May. Places of interest around Coonoor are dolphins nose, Lamb's and Law's Falls etc |
| CUDDALORE |
Important port and commercial town under the British, noted for the Fort St. David. |
| DINDIGAL |
| Fort associated with Tipu Sultan, Christian Mission town |
| ERODE |
| Important handloom centre and the birth of place of the rationalist movement |
| GINGEE |
| The historic stronghold of Chola, Vijayanagar, Maratha, Mughals. French empires and the local chieftain Daisinghu, the army chief of Nawab of Arcot. The mighty fortifications of the old city spreads over three hills. The 700 years old Gingee fort has two temples, a mosque, a court hall known as Kalyana Mandapam and rooms which were used as granaries |
| HOSUR |
| This attractive holiday resort was earlier known as the “Little England”. It is also a growing industrial centre. |
| KANCHIPURAM |
The ancient city of thousand temples, is the major Hindu pilgrim centre and one of the seven most sacred cities in India . The important temples are Kamakshi Amman Temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi (Parvathi). Ekambareshwarar Temple , Varadaraja Temple Vaikunta Perumal Temples Etc.
Kanchipuram is also known for its handloom industry Woven from pure mulberry silk the exquisite silk sarees with gold thread (Zari) work are regarded best in country
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| KANYAKUMARI |
| Captivating Kanyakumari is one of the most popular tourist spots. It is located at the southern tip of peninsular India . It offers a unique experience of sunrise and sunset from the same spot as well as the moon rising in the east while the sun sets in the west. |
| KARAIKKUDI |
Main town of Chettinad , stately homes decorated with exquisite woodwork and mirror - finished stone and mortar (Madras plaster). There is an education complex founded by the late Dr. Alagappa chettiar. |
| KODAIKANAL |
| The Princess among Hill Stations is located 120 kms from Madurai in picturesque Western Ghats . The beautiful hill resort is known for its solar physics observatory, museum, orchidarium, stat shaped lake, fishing, boating, Kurinji flower which blooms once in 12 years. |
| KODIKARAI (Point Calimere) |
The Coastal wildlife sanctuary is 90 kms. south of Thanjavur. Key fauna are black - buck and flamingo. Season: Nov To Jan. |
| KOTAGIRI |
Hill station, Waterfalls. Tea plantations Parks. |
| KUTTALAM |
165 kms from Madurai . Important tourist centre, also known as the “Spa of the South” Nine Water falls, the water is believed to have curative properties. Temple season: Jun to Sep.
Resorts( www.thekuttalamheritage.com) |
| MADURAI |
The Athens of East - Cradle of Tamil Culture, where creation of epics and edifices was encouraged. The last of the three Tamil Sangams (Academy) flourished here nearly two thousand years ago. meeting periodically to evaluate the literary works of great scholars. Besides spectacular sight seeing. Madurai offers delicious Tamil cuisine especially the steaming idli (steamed rice dumplings) round the clock.
Madurai also offers fine silk brocade sarees, tie & dye sarees and palm leaf products in a bewildering array. |
| MAMALLAPURAM |
| Internationally renowned Shore Temple and marvellous stone monuments dating back to 7th century AD. The world's largest has belief “Arjuna's Penance”- an awe inspiring tapestry in living stone. School of Sculpture beach resort and a Lighthouse |
| MUDUMALAI |
Situated in the Nilgiris. 60 km. from Udagamandalam, It is a major wildlife sanctuary and national park of the State.
Best Season : Jan to Sep |
| MUNDANTHURAI |
| Tiger reserve and wildlife sanctuary. |
| NAGORE |
Muslim dargah, pilgrim centre of all faiths. The remains of a descendant of prophet Mohammed are in the dargah. |
| NEYVELI |
| Lignite mines and one of the biggest industrial centre in India . |
| PALANI |
| Major Hindu Pilgrim Centre an ancient temple of Lord Muruga |
| POOMPUHAR |
| The ancient town was a major port during the Chola regime. The original town has submerged in the sea and is an important archaeological site. It is also the birth place of the great Tamil literary epic - Silapathikaram the scenes from the epic are well illustrated in the art gallery |
| RAMESHWARAM |
One of the four most sacred Hindu pilgrim centres. The Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple hasmagnificent Sculptures and Spectacular corridors. The world's longest corridor, over 1001 metres long and with intricately decorated pillars. Place associated with Sri Rama. Beach resort. |
| SALEM |
| Handloom centre and industrial town. The district is rich in bauxite magnesite, iron ore and limestone |
| SIVAKASI |
| World renowned for fireworks and match - boxes. Also known for its printing industry |
SRIVILLIPUTTHUR |
| Hindu pilgrim centre. The Vatapatrasayi Temple has one of the most impressive gopuram rising to a height of 192 ft. It is also the birth place of the Saint - Poetess Sri Andal |
| THANJAVUR |
| Once the capital of Chola's Shir Brihadeeswara temple - India 's grandest temple whose Vimanam soars 216 ft. high and the domerests on a single 80 ton granite block. The divine Nandi Bull is India 's second largest frescoes, palaces, Art Gallery . Churches, Museums, handicrafts. |
| TIRUCHENDUR |
| Hindu Pilgrim centre. One of the six sacred abodes of Lord Muruga. |
| TIRUCHIRAPPALLI |
| The great delta city around which the carnatic wars between English and French were fought. The Rock Fort houses splendid pallava sculptures in its cave temples. Muslim and Christian antiquities. Museum. |
| TIRUNELVELI |
| It grew in prominence during the pandya regime. Known for temples, reed - mats, palm handicrafts and palm sugar |
| TIRUTTANI |
| Hindu pilgrim centre. Famous hill - top shrine of Lory Muruga. |
| TIRUVAKKARAI |
| National Geological Park , with rich treasure of fossils |
| TIRUVANNAMALAI |
| The Arunachala Temple - one of the largest in the South. It is dominated by the 200 ft. 11 storey gopuram. There is also ashram of the mystic saint Sri Ramana Maharishi |
| TUTICORIN |
| Important port and pearl diving centre. Industrial and commercial centre. Salt - pans |
| UDAGAMANDALAM |
| “Queen of Hill Stations”. It offers spectacular scenic beauty and bracing climate. Other attractions fishing, boating, golf, horse riding, botanical gardens etc. |
| VEDANTHANGAL |
| 85 kms south of Chennai. one of the major water bird sanctuaries in India |
| VELANKANNI |
| The famous church of the Virgin Mother. Annual festival in the month of August ‘ September. |
| VELLORE |
The 13th century fort excels in military architecture. The Jalakanteswarar Temple houses exquisite sculptures. Famous Mission Hospital and Christian Medical College. |
| YERCAUD |
| Scenic hill resort amidst coffee plantations and orange groves. Lake, Park, Waterfalls, Temples and added attractions. |
