Tamil Nadu Travel Guide
In year 1969, Madras State was renamed to Tamil Nadu, meaning “Tamil country”. The word Nadu is generally used to refer the territory therefore Tamil Nadu means a territory that belongs to people who speak Tamil.
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Sightseeing in Tamil Nadu
Chennai
Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and home to Marina beach. The ancient architecture and the traditional vibrancy of the city make this place quite popular . Chennai has some of the oldest temples in the country, such as the Parthasarathy Temple, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and the Ashtalakshmi Temple.
Coimbatore
Coimbatore is called the “Manchester of South India” due to its extensive textile industry. Nestled on the banks of River Noyyal, Coimbatore was home to royalty in the days of yore. Coimbatore has a pleasant climate throughout the year. Coimbatore has the most spectacular ancient temples and waterfalls which make this place all the more enjoyable.
Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari is a jewel of the South. It harbours a confluence of three giant oceans namely, the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. One of the iconic monuments in Kanyakumari, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located 100 meters from the shore and is one of the major tourist attractions. Kanyakumari has been one of the major centre of art culture and religion form the ancient times.
Kodaikanal
Famously known as the Princess of Hill Stations, Kodaikanal offers the perfect mix of culture and nature known as the most quiescent and peaceful hill station in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most visited hill stations in the country. Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round. Kodaikanal means the gift of the forests. Kodaikanal is popular for its shopping outlets, Astrophysical Observatory and filter coffee.
Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is known for its intricately carved temples and rock-cut monuments .Two of the main attractions are the Five Rathas and Arjuna’s Penance is the most frequented hotspot of devotees. Mahabalipuram is home to the Shore templeThe rock monoliths are a spectacle and the Dravidian architecture is the crux of attention.
Madurai
Known as ‘Athens of the East’ Madurai has been charismatic for years. It is also called “ The city that never sleeps” Madurai is always busy regardless of the time of the day. An architectural mystery, this mystical state is a traveller’s delight. Madurai is home to several temples which are decked with intricate architecture. These marvels look divine and have an otherworldly appeal.
Rameswaram
Situated on the Gulf of Munar, Rameswaram is a scared island. Known as the ‘Benaras of the South’ Rameswaram is visited by thousands of devotees every year. It is a popular Hindu belief, that whoever visits Rameswaram attains Nirvana and peace. The Ramanatha Swamy Temple is the most renowned and brandishes the biggest corridor.
Ooty
The Quintessential town of Ooty is an idyllic vacation spot located at 85 km from Kovai.An abode of lush greenery and misty Nilgiri hills, Ooty is jubilation for travellers. The pleasant climatic conditions make ooty a hot spot duing summer. Coffee and Tea Plantations and trees like Conifers, Eucalyptus, Pine and Wattle dot the hill side in Udhagamandalam and its environs.Chocolates, rolled cigars and cheese available here add to charm of Ooty.
Coonoor
Situated in the Nilgiris, Coonoor is a pleasant and cool hill station of Tamil Nadu., this hill station encompasses picturesque valleys and milky waterfalls. The snake-like ravines channel through the hills and enhance the beauty of Coonoor. There are many interesting places to visit in Coonoor including the Lamb's Rock, Droog, Sim's Park, Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint, the Pasteur Institute and Law's Falls. Traipsing and trekking are popular activities in Coonoor.
Trichy
Tiruchirapalli also known as Trichy is located at banks of River Kaveri. Trichy architecture is confluence of modern and ancient architecture. Trichy literary means ‘the town of the respected monk’ and hence Trichy has devoted its architecture to Jain monks . Thiruanaikka, an abode of Lord Shiva is situated in Trichy and attracts devotees of Lord Shiva from across the world. The most prominent historical monuments in Tiruchirappalli include the Rockfort , the Ranganathaswamy templeat Srirangam and the Jambukeswarar temple at Thiruvanaikaval.
Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram or Kanchi is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu. It is a temple town and is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Chennai and one of the major Places to visit in Tamilnadu. The city's historical monuments include the Kailasanathar temple and the Vaikunta Peruma temple.
Shopping in Tamil Nadu
- WOODCRAFT
Woodcraft in Tamil Nadu control a worldwide recognition as the art produced here is used in many parts of the world. Bamboo, palm, grass, reeds, and cane are used in this craft.
- MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
- TEXTILE
Tamil Nadu is one of the leading textile manufacturing states in India. Kanchipuram Saree of silk, Cotton Dhoti and more such fabrics are produced here.
- POTTERY
- JEWELLERY
By making use of gold, silver, and diamond, the state of Tamil Nadu has always been a chief producer of jewellery. The elegant designs, including filigree artwork, on jewellery are the talk of this craft.
- STONE CARVING
Stone carving is an invincible art of Tamilnadu that requires a high degree of excellence and is still kept alive in some part of the region. Mahabalinpuram is the place to get enticing stone artwork.
- TANJORE PAINTINGS
One of the most esteemed forms of ancient Greek Indian painting that detects its history from Thanjavur city is Tanjore Paintings, which is crafted on wood, mica, glass, ivory, and walls.
- METALWORK
Another ancient art, Metalwork in Tamilnadu is used for utility and religious purposes. Artworks like, lamps, trays, dishes, designs, birds, flowers, deities, toys and more are produced here.
Tamil Nadu Cuisine
- Milagu Pongal
This is the comfort food for majority of Tamlians a very light breakfast recipe, prepared with rice and moong dal. Also called “ven pongal”, predominantly eaten for breakfast, but is eaten for lunch and dinner too.
- Dosa
Dosas are usually crisp and paper-thin, where the batter is evenly spread over a pan during preparation. It is usually served with sambhar and chutney.
- Idli and Medhu Vada
Idli is made by steaming rice flour and gram. Vada, on the other hand, is dough-nut shaped and is prepared using fermented Bengal gram. Vada is deep fried and is server hot and crisp,and are a signature breakfast combo in Tamil Nadu.
- Thayir Sadham
Thayir Sadham, transalates to “curd rice” in Tamil. It is immensely nutritious and easily digestible. Lunch here is generally considered incomplete without this authentic dish.
- Rasam
This is a “soup” like dish and predominantly constitutes tamarind water. It is extremely useful for digestion and for curing a sore-throat.
- Filter Kaapi
“Filter Kaapi” or “Filter Coffee” is a beverage made by frothed milk with brewed coffee powder in an Indian filter. The beverage is very popular in cities like Chennai and Kumbakonam, where it is referred to as “Kumbakonam Degree Coffee”. The smell of filter kaapi is heavenly and will make you yearn for it.
- Rava Kesari
This is a dessert made of roasted semolina or “sooji”. This is an sweet-smelling and “melt in your mouth” dish.
- Chicken 65
It is one of the most popular non-vegetarian starters across Tamil Nadu and is absolutely delicious .Chicken 65 is a deep fried chicken snack, originating from Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Kuzhi Paniyaaram
A special mould called “paniyaarakkal” is used for making this dish. Paniyaarams can be made plain, spicy or sweet. Paniyaarams are crispy from outside and soft from inside and the plain paniyaaram is normally eaten with coconut chutney.
Interesting Facts of Tamil Nadu
Tamil language is one of the oldest and longest surviving classical languages of world which is still in use in its original form.
Tamil Nadu is famous for its Jallikattu festival. It is similar to famous European sport of Bull Fight. Although Supreme Court has banned this festival due to raising concerns of animal welfare.
Tamil Nadu hosts the most beautiful song culture in the world. The Carnatic music is a bliss to the state as well as the nation.
Tamil Nadu gave land to the first ever granite temple in the world. The temple has its own records. It is carved on a single granite piece and is built in 5 years.
Chennai’s Marina Beach is the second longest urban beach in the world. It stretches for about 6 km, going along the shoreline of the city between the deltas of Cooum and Adyar.
Tamil is an official language in Singapore and Sri Lanka. Apart from this, it is also recognised as a minority language in South Africa, Malaysia and Mauritius.
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