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Tamilnadu Temple Tour India.
Chennai, the gracious capital city of Tamil Nadu is
the fourth largest metropolis in India. Located on a
17km stretch of the Coramandel coast, the city is trisected
by the waterways of Cooum and Adyar and the Buckingham
Canal. With a population of 6 million people, Chennai
is a vibrant city ever growing, expanding and changing
every year.
Popularly regarded as the "Gateway to the South",
Chennai presents culture that is distinctly different
from that of northern India. Music, dance and all other
art forms of the South are cherished and nurtured in
this city which, though industrialized, continues to
be traditional and conventional in many ways.
Chennai is a city where the traditional and the modern
blend in life everywhere. From traditional vegetarian
fair to fast foods, from nine-yard sarees to the latest
in fashion, from ancient temple architecture to modern
high-rise - with Indo-Saracenic and Victorian as stops
along the way - from classical music and dance to discos
throbbing to heady beats, Chennai has them all and many
more vivid contrasts that are a pleasant surprise. And
perhaps the most striking of them all is that here is
a modern metropolis with beaches, parks and even sanctuaries
in the heart of the City. Chennai offers a wealth of
nature and a rich historic past to visitors in the ambience
of a city with every modern facility.
Places of Interest
Kalakshetra - The High Court - Fort St. George - Anna
Square - Gandhi Mandapam -MGR Memorial
Rajaji Memorial - Valluvar Kottam - Victory War Memorial
Museums
Periyar Science And Technology Centre - Birla Planetarium
–The Government Museum
Fort Museum - Development Centre For Musical Instruments.
Kancheepuram
Ancient Kanchipuram, the city of thousand temples,
is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for
the Hindus. There now remain about 126 temples in Kanchi
and a few more in its outskirts. The city was the capital
of the Early Cholas as far back as the 2nd century BC
and a Pallava capital between the 6th and 8th centuries.
Places of Interest
Ekambareswarar Temple – Vaikunta Perumal TempleAnna
Memorial – Varadraja Temple – Kailasanathar
Temple – Handloom Industry – Tiruttani –
Sriperumpudur.
Excursion
Vedantangal (Bird Sanctuary) – Elagiri Hills.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Though it is no longer a port ,Mamallapuram has retained
its fame,thanks to the great Pallava artisans. It is
among the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art
and architecture and the jewel in the crown of the Pallava
contribution to Tamil Nadu. In a land that is liberally
strewn with some of the best in temple art, Mamallapuram
holds its own, and stands as a silent yet eloquent witness
to the glory of its creators and sculptors. Unfortunately
most of the work was left incomplete, and time and naturel
have also eroded the remains of this once great port.
Places of Interest
Arjuna’s Penance – The Mahishasuramardhini
Cave – Krishna Mandapam – Five Rathas –
The Shore Temple – Tiger’s Cave.
Excursion
Kanchipuram – Vedanthangal – Covelong –
Crocodile Bank – Muttukadu.
Pondicherry
Situated on the Coromandel coast in an enclave in Tamil
Nadu's South Arcot district, Pondicherry is 162 kms.
south of Madras. It is the capital of the Union Territory
of the same name and has three other enclaves including
Karaikal in Tamil Nadu, Yanam in Andra Pradesh and Mahe
in Kerala.
Pondicherry has a long history dating back 2000 years
when it was an important Roman trading post. The region
was at various periods ruled by the Pallavas and Cholas.
In the early 16th century, when it was known as Pulichery
or Poocheri and under the rule of the Nayaks of Gingee,
the Danes set up a European trading post at his invitation.
The Nayak was at times unhappy with the Portuguese who
were the first Europeans in Pondy. But it is the French
connection that made Pondicherry famous. Francois Martin,
a Frenchman, established the modern city of Pondicherry
between 1673 and 1680 when most of the trade with France
was through this port. The French established their
supremacy in this area by waging several battles against
Dutch, the English and the Caranatic Nawabs. Some of
the famous Frenchmen who ruled from Pondicherry were
Dupleix, De Sufferin, De Lally and Dumas. Pondicherry
still remains something of its French flavour in its
street names, policemen's kepis, spellings of names,
the French accent which shows through in the pronunciation
of English and Tamil words, a mixture of French words
in ordinary conversation, and research institutions
and monuments which are named after and dedicated to
French heroes.
Places of Interest
Cenotaph – Aurobindo Ahsram – Beach –
French Institute – Jipmer – Botanical Gardens
– Museum
Varadraja Temple – Manakula Vinayaka Temple –
Thirukameshwarar.
Excursion
Tiruvannamalai – Sathanur - Gingee
Yercaud
This quite little hill station on the Shevaroy hills
of the Eastern ghats is the only one of its kind in
northern Tamil Nadu. While the rest of this region is
generally dry, including the predominantly short and
rocky hills of the Eastern ghats, Yercaud presents a
welcome contrast with its cool climate. Coffee and citrus
fruits, most notably oranges, are grown in abundance
apart from bananas, pears and jack. Scenically, Yercaud
is as enchanting and picturesque as the hill stations
on the Western ghats and trekking here can be one of
the most pleasurable ways to pass time.
Places of Interest
Lady’s Seat – Killiyur Falls – Pagoda
Point – Arthur’s Seat – Kaveri Peak
– Shevaroyan Temple – Yercaud Lake The Anna
Park – Athe Montfort School – The Retreat.
Excursion
Namakkal – Tiruchengodu – Sankagiri –
Salem – Mettur.
Udhagamandalam (Ooty)
Called the 'Queen of Hill Stations' picturesque, green
Udhagamandalam better known as Ooty is the most popular
hill station in the South. Located in the Western Ghats
at a height of 2240m, Udhagamandalam is the headquarters
of the Nilgiris district where the two ghats meet. Nature
has been generous with this region which is by far the
most beautiful in the state. Apart from coffee and tea
plantations, trees like conifers, eucalyptus, pine and
wattle dot the hillside in Udhagamandalam and its environs.
Places of Interest
Mini garden – Art Gallery (Lalith Kala Academy)
– Rose Garden – Kotagiri – St. Stephen’s
Church –
Botanical Garden – Dodabetta Peak.
Excursion
Coonoor – Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary –
Ketti vally view point – Glenmorgan – Upper
Bhavani – Kalahatty Falls – Wenlock Downs
– Cairn Hill – Mukurthi Peak & National
Park – Pykara.
Poompuhar
Poompuhar in Sirkali Taluk of Nagai district is also
known as Kaveripoompattinam. Tourists have to alight
at Mayiladuthurai railway junction, to proceed to Poompuhar
by road, Visitors from Chennai by train have to get
down at Sirkali. Poompuhar is connected to Mayiladuthurai
as well as Sirkali. by road. The distance from Poompuhar
to Mayiladuthurai is 24 Kms. and to Sirkali, 21 Kms.
Tourists from Chennai to Poompuhar by private carriers
can take the route via Tindivanam
Pondicherry, Cuddalore and Sirkali. Those who come from
Madurai, Ramanathapuram and Tirunelveli may proceed
via Melur, Tiruppathur, Karaikudi, Tharangampadi and
Akkur. They can also come via Pudukkottai, Thanjavur,
and Mayiladuthurai.
Places of Interest
Sillappa thikara Art Gallery – Thirusaikkadu
Temple (Sayavanam) – Thiruppallavaneeswaram (Poompuhar)
Melapperumpallam and Keezhapperumpallam – Thiruvengadu
– Thiruvakkur – Sempanarkoil – Punjai.
Coimbatore
The third largest city of the state, Coimbatore, the
headquarters of a district of the same name, is one
of the most industrialised cities in Tamil Nadu. Known
as the textile capital of South India or the Manchester
of the South, the city is situated on the banks of the
river Noyyal. Coimbatore existed even prior to the 2nd
century AD as a small tribal village capital called
Kongunad until it was brought under Chola control in
the 2nd or 3rd century AD by Karikalan, the first of
the early Cholas. Among its other great rulers were
the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Pandyas, Hoysalas and the
Vijayanagara kings. When Kongunad fell to the British
along with the rest of the state, its name was changed
to Coimbatore and it is by this name that it is known
today, except in Tamil, in which it is called Kovai.
Places of Interest
Perur Temple – Marudhamalai Temple – Agricultural
University – V O C Park – Forest College
– G. D. Naidu Industrial Exhibition - Bhavani
– Vaideki Water Falls – Black Thunder (Water
Theme Park).
Excursion
Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary – Topslip –
Thirumoorthy Temple – The Siruvani Waterfalls
& Dam – Thiruppur – Palani – Bannari
– Kodumudi – Sengupathi Water Falls –
Monkey Falls.
Tiruchirappalli
Tiruchirappalli now called Trichy is situated on the
banks of the Cauvery river. Trichy, the fourth largest
city in the state was a citadel of the early Cholas
which later fell to the Pallavas. But the Pallavas never
really managed to retain control of this strategic city
and lost it to the Pandyas several times. The struggle
for power between the Pallavas and Pandyas continued
till 10th centuryas the Cholas asserted and assumed
the reigns until the deadline of the century. When this
empire collapsed in 1565, Trichy came to be under the
rule of the Nayaks of Madurai, the Marathas, the Nawabs
of Carnatic, the French and finally the British. But
it was under the Nayaks of Madurai that Trichy prospered
in its own right and grew to be the city that it is
today. The city is a fine blend of the traditions and
modern and is built around the Rock Fort. Apart from
the fort there are several churches, colleges and missions
dating back to the 1760s. With excellent infrastructure
facilities Trichy is a good base to see east-central
TamilNadu
Places of Interest
Rock Fort – Vinayaka Temple – Sri Thayumanaswamy
Temple – Tiruvanaikkaval/Jambukeswara Temple -
Srirangam – Gangaikondancholapuram.
Excursion
Grand Anicut (Kallani) – Mukkombu – Vayaloor
– Samayapuram – Viralimalai – Sittanavasal
– Puliancholai
Kodumbalur.
Thanjavur
Scenically one of the most enchanting districts in
the state, green, airy, Thanjavur lies to the east of
Trichy and has the reputation as the Rice Bowl of Tamil
Nadu. It is not surprising that the great Cholas chose
Thanjavur as the location of some of their most magnificent
creations, since this now small city once occupied the
proud position as their capital and most treasured territory.
Though the history of Thanjavur is far older than the
Chola period itself, it is during their reign between
the 10th and 14th centuries that the city rose to dizzying
heights, becoming the centre of Tamil learning and culture.
The Tamil University, set up recently is situated here
and is devoted to the growth of Tamil literature and
language. Today, what remainds of its glorious legacy
are the temples of the Cholas, not less than 74 of which
are around Thanjavur itself.
Places of Interest
Sri Bragadeeswarar Temple – The Palace –
Art Gallery – Saraswathi Mahal Library –
Hall of Music –
Royal Museum – Schwartz Church – Sivaganga
Tank – Tamil University.
Excursion
Thirukandiyur – Kumbakonam – Tharagambadi
(Tranquebar) – Swamimalai – Thirubuvanam
– Thiruvaiyaru
Manora – Grant Anicut – Darasuram –
Velankanni – Nagore – Kodikarai (Point Calimere).
Nagapattinam
Nagappattinam is a unique District with all its historical
and cultural significance. Nagappattinam one of the
constituents of Chola mandalam, acclaimed as the most
prominent among the ancient Tamil Kingdom. Its salient
features more than anything else have contributed to
the glory of the cholamandalam. Town Nagappattinam was
the Headquarters of a region during Chola period.Nagappattinam
was also known as 'Cholkula Vallippattinam'. The heritage
of the town is found in the Burmese historical text
of 3rd century B.C. The same text gives evidences of
a Buddha Vihar built by the great Ashoka. The Chinese
Traveller Huang Tsuang also mentioned the same Buddha
Vihar in his book. Nagappattinam is mentioned as 'Padarithitha'
in ancient Buddhist literature. According to scholars
Avurithidal (the name of part of Nagappattinam might
have been derived from the word "Padarithitha"),
Padarithitha is the name of a fruit tree, very common
in this region.
Places of Interest
Nagor – Velanganni – Sikkal – Kodiyakkarai
– Vedaranyam (Thirumaraikkadu) – Ettukkudi
– Thirukkuvalai – Koothanur – Mannarkudi.
Kodaikkanal
In a state where scenery and terrain is perhaps more
varied than in any other part of the country, where
the forested slopes of the majestic hills of the western
ghats vie with the magnificent beaches of the Coromandel
coast, it is indeed difficult to decide which is the
best feature of multi-faceted Tamil Nadu. Located 120
kms away from Madurai, Kodaikkanal is a beautiful hill
station and is at an altitude of 2133m on the southern
tip of the upper Palani hills in the Western ghats.
Kodaikkanal has a bracing climate where temperature
do not vary much from summer to winter. Fruits like
plums and plantains grow abundantly on the wooded slopes
apart from a wide variety of flowers, among which is
the famous Kurinji flower which blooms once in twelve
years.
Places of Interest
Star Shaped Lake – solar Observatories –
Orchidorium – Coaker’s Walk and Priest’s
Walk – Pillar Rocks Green Valley View –
Bear Shola Falls – Silver Cascade – Fairy
Falls – Glen Falls – Perumal Peak –
Kurinji Andavar.
Excursion
Palani.
Pudukkottai
Pudukkottai town is the headquarters of the district
. Once a princely State, the area, which comprises the
district, is of absorbing interest to historians, anthropologists,
archaeologists and lovers of art. The numerous dolmens,
stone circles and other forms of megalithic burials
in the district indicate the antiquity of this region
dating back to pre-historic and protohistorical times.This
tract is mentioned in the Sangam classics.The archaeological
and cultural remains at Kodumbalur, Narthamalai, Kudumianmalai,
Kunnandarkoil, Sittannavasal, Thirumayam and Avudaiyarkoil
are proof of its rich cultural heritage. The origin
of Pudukkottai as a Princely state in the 17th Century
A.D. is only one colourful aspect of the past of the
region. Pudukkottai town lies on the Chennai - Rameswaram
Railway line. It is 390 kms from Chennai. 53 kms from
Tiruchirappalli and 57 kms. from Thanjavur. The rulers
of Pudukkottai have built several beautiful places and
Folk dieties, Pudukkottai district also constructed
tanks canals and palaces.
Places of Interest
Sri Kokarneswarar Temple – Government Museum
– Brahadambal Temple – Thirukokarnam –
Buvaneswari Temple – Church of St. Antony –
Zion Jubilee Church – Sacred Hear Church.
Theni
Resounding cascades, silver-lined clouds resting atop
billiard green hill tops, sheer rock faces and temples
of antiquity are the stuff that distinguish the tourism
destinations of the Theni District.
These unique places warm the soul and provide the much-needed
balm to the mind. Rustic ambience, hospitality of the
local populace and their pastoral way of life make the
destinations in Theni district a tourists’ dream.
Theni district in the Southern part of Tamil Nadu is
one among the choicest tourist delights and destinations
with a delightful mixture of tourist attractions such
as captivating dams, waterfalls and countless pilgrim
centres.
This district is surrounded by the Western ghats, with
it ubiquitous green stretches of cultivated lands and
tea gardens. Silk cotton, soft towels, coffee seeds,
cardamom, mango, are the main produce of the district.
Theni district is the main route for the tourist bound
from Madurai to Kochi via Bodinayakanur and Munnar and
Madurai to Thekkadi wildlife sanctuary.
Place of Interest
Vaigai Dam – Mavoothu – Curative Powers
– Devadanapatti - Kamatchi Amman Temple –
Periakulam – Balasubramanya Temple – Sothupparai
Dam – Kumbakkarai Falls – Veerapandi –
Kuchanur – Chinnamanur – Theertha Thotti
– Suruli Falls – Kailasanathar Temple Cave
– Tiger Falls.
Excursion
Kodaikkanal – Palani – Madurai.
Madurai
Known as the Athens of the East, Madurai, the second
largest city in Tamil Nadu is situated on the banks
of the river Vaigai. An ancient city, more than 2,500
years old, Madurai is believed to have been built by
the Pandyan King Kulasekara in the 6th century BC. The
city is said to have got its name from the drops of
nectar (Mathuram) that fell from Shiva's locks when
he came to bless its people for constructing a temple
for him. Originally named Madhurapuri or the 'land of
nectar', the name later got modified as Madurai. From
such legendary beginnings, the actual history of Madurai
emerges sometime during the 3rd century BC when it was
the prosperous Pandya's then capital which had trading
contacts with Greece and Rome
Places of Interest
Meenakshi Temple – Sundareswarar Temple –
Temple Museum – Thirumalai Nayak Mahal –
Koodal Azhagar Temple – Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
– The Gandhi Museum – Thirupparankuram –
Azhagar Koil
Excursion
Vaigai Dam – Kodaikanal – Periyar wildlife
Sanctuary.
Rameswaram
Rameswaram, a small island in the Gulf of Mannar, is
a major pilgrim centre .It is connected to the mainland
by road and rail bridges. Rameswaram is holy, because
Sri Rama, on his return from Sri Lanka, offered his
thanks to Lord Shiva and performed pooja to wash away
his sins which he got by killing Demon King, Ravana.
Rameswaram is known for its theerthas (wells) in and
around the main temple. This place is equally sacred
to both Vaishnavites and Saivites. According to Hindu
Mithology, if one will visit Rameswaram and pray Lord
Shiva means, the whole sins will be relieved from the
body. The Ramanathaswamy temple is renowned for its
magnificent corridors and massive sculptured pillars.
The third corridor of Ramanathaswamy temple is the longest
one in the world.
Places of Interest
Sri. Ramanathaswamy temple - Agni Theertham - Gandamadana
Parvatham - Sukreevar Temple/ Theertham Satchi Hanuman
Temple - Badrakaliamman Temple - Five faced Hanuman
Temple - Jadayu Theertham Nambu Nayagi Amman temple
- Kodandaramar Temple - Dhanushkodi - Villoondi Theertham
- Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge.
Excursion
Kurusadai Island – Mandapam - Ramanathapuram
- Tirupullani - Sethukarai - Devipattinam - Uthirakosamangai
Erwadi - Uppoor Kanchirankulam – Valinokkam.
Tirunelveli
Situated on the banks of the river Tambraparni, the
small town of Tirunelveli which was once the capital
of the Pandyas, has a history that goes back 2000 years.
The main attraction of modern-day Tirunelveli, however,
is the twin temple of Kanthimathi-Nellaiappar dedicated
to Parvati and Siva respectively. Among the interesting
sights in the temple are the golden lily tank, the thousand-pillared
hall which has some exquisite sculptures and the musical
pillars which produce different musical notes when struck.
About 13kms from Tirunelveli is Krishnapuram temple
dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Here he is called Thiruvenkatanathar.
But what makes the temple worth stopping for are the
beautiful life-size sculptures carved with great intricacy
and dedication by their creators.
Excursion
Sankarankovil – Courtallam – Papanasam
– Tiruchendur – Manappad – Thuthukudi
– Panchalankurichi
Mundanthurai wildlife Sanctuary – Kalyanatheertham
– Panartheertham – Agasthiyar Temple &
Falls
Upper Kodaiyar & Manjolai – Kalakadu Wildlife
Sanctuary – Shengatheri – Pathamadai –
Thirukkurangudi
Kunthakulam Bird Sanctury – Ovari.
Kanniyakumari
Described as the southernmost end of Tamil Nadu, the
land end of India or the point where theland's three
seas meet, enchanting Kanniyakumari or Cape Comorin
is one of the most popular tourist spots in the state
and indeed, in the country. Part of the fascination
is of course due to the fact that it is the very tip
of the Indian peninsula and the confluence of the Bay
of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The
other part is that the nature is so spectacular at Kanniyakumari,
that several other Indian beaches pale by comparison.
Cape Comorin is at its best during Chitra Pournami(full
moon day in April) when the sun and moon are face to
face at the same horizon but other full moon days are
also special when you can see the sun set and the moon
rise almost simultaneously, as if by prior arrangement.
Places of Interest
Kumariamman Temple – Gandhi Memorial –
Vivekananda Memorial – Thiruvalluvar Statue –
Kamaraj Memorial
Excursion
Suchindram – Nagercoil – Olakcruvi Waterfalls
– Church of Manapadu – Kumarakovil –
Mondaikadu Bagavathy Amman Temple – Thengapattinam
Beach.
Hogenkal Fall
Situated on the Karnataka - Tamil Nadu border, Hogenakal
is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the
state. The broad stream of the River Cauvery gets forked
at this point, forming an island from where one stream
continues on while it plunges into a deep chasm to create
one of the loveliest waterfall gives these rocks the
name Hogenakal which means "smoking rock"
in Kannada. Since the waters of the kauvery flow through
a forest of herbs on their journey to Hogenakal, bathing
in these falls is considered to be good for health.
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