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Tamil Nadu, formerly known as the Coromandel Coast , is the 11 th largest state in India occupying 4% of the country's total area. It is bounded on the east by the Bay of Bengal , in the south by the Indian Ocean ' in the west by the Arabian Sea and the states of Kerala and Karnataka and in the north by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
The state represents the heart of the Dravidian culture in India , which precedes the Aryan culture by over a thousand years. It is generally believed that the architects of the Indus Valley Civilizations of the 4th millennium B.C. were the Dravidians, who were once spread over the whole of India , till the Aryans arrived in North India and seemed to have pushed them south. Tamil Nadu has a rich tradition of art, literature and poetry dating back centuries before the birth of Christ. Splendid temples and historic sites that dot the region bear witness to the architectural skills of the Tamils since time immemorial. |
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Tamil Nadu is renowned for its classical dance forms the Bharathanatyam; rich jewel coloured silks of Kancheepuram, elegant bronzes, brass temple lamps and intricately carved wood and stone pillars. With over 30,000 temples spread across the state, each with its unique rituals and festivals, they are literally living museums of an ancient culture and have earned Tamil Nadu the sobriquet" Land of Temples .” The capital city Madras was renamed Chennai in 1996.
From Chennai, the capital and gateway to Tamil Nadu, no place is too far. Good road, rail and air services take the traveller to any point in the state with ease. Spread around are the former capitals of powerful kingdoms - the Cholas, Cheras, Pallavas, and Pandyas. Very close to Chennai are two major centres of this heritage: the Pallava towns of Kancheepuram and Mamallapuram. The former is a temple town that has also lent its name to fabulous hand-woven silk; the latter, with its magnificent rock-cut temples, is a fine beach resort. Further south, in the midst of the Cauvery River delta, are to be found the impressive remains of the Chola kings' penchant for the monumental: witness the Brahadeeswarar temple in Thanjavur, listed as a World Heritage Site, and a temple of the same name in Gangaikondacholapuram. The Nataraja temple in Chidambaram draws both the devout Hindu and the historically-minded. Pilgrims are ancient visitors to the state. For Hindus, Rameswaram needs no introduction. Catholics flock faithfully to the shrine of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni. And scores of Muslims make the journey to the nearby Nagore dargah.
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There's plenty to delight the nature lover. Crowning the cluster of hills in the north-west part of the state are the Nilgiris – or ‘Blue Hills'. Udhagamandalam (Ooty) is the state's best-known hill station, with a wealth of eucalyptus trees that give the air a distinct fragrance. This 'Queen of the Hills' has a botanical garden, annual flower shows, select hotels, clubs, golf course, race course, tennis, horse-racing and shopping centres. Close by are Kotagiri, Coonoor, Doddabetta, Snowdown, Elk-Hill, Cairn Hills and Mukurti Peak. Further south is Kodaikanal, a quiet hill station, set around a lake that exudes colonial charm and showcases the coffee plantations of the south.
Those who prefer the company of birds and beasts can venture into the wildlife sanctuaries of MudumaIai or Anaimalai. Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, elephants, bison, sambar, chital, and barking deer wander on these lands in wild abandonment. The Vedanthangal bird sanctuary,
not far from Chennai, hosts egrets. Cormorants,herons and even rare bird specieslike grey
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pelicans and painted storks. With such a wide range of destinations, activities and cultures, Tamil Nadu, offers something for everyone.
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| General Information |
Area : 1,30,058 Sq.Km; Capital : Chennai (Madras) ; Population : 60 million ; Language : Tamil ; Literacy : Male 75%,Female 52% ; Best time to visit : November to February ; Airports :Chennai,Tiruchirappalli,Coimbatore and Madurai.
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Name |
Altitude |
Nearest Railhead |
Coonoor |
1858 M |
Coonoor |
Kodaikanal |
2133 M |
Kodaikanal Road 80 Km |
Kotagiri |
1983 M |
Coonoor 21 Km |
Ooty |
2286 M |
Udhagamandalam |
Yercud |
1515 M |
Salem 35 Km |
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| The Geography |
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The state of Tamil Nadu can be divided into two natural divisions -the eastern coastal plain and the hilly region along the north and the west. The plains are hot dry and dusty, the coast flat and alluvial with deltas at the mouths of major rivers. Along the west, rises the Western Ghats , a steep and rugged landmass averaging 1220 meters above sea level and rising to 2440 meters at its highest point.
The Palghat Gap, about 25 Kms wide, is the only break in the great mountain wall. To the south of this gap, the range is known as Anamalai or Elephant Hills and to the north, it is known as the Nilgiris where the popular southern hill station of Ootacamund or Ooty as it is better known nestles, and the second highest peak in South India - Doddabetta - rises 2640 meters above sea level. In the East are the Palani Hills where the famous hill station of Kodaikanal is situated.
The heavy evergreen slopes of the Western Ghats are the sources of the rivers Kaveri, Vaigai, and Tamarapami flowing east and almost entirely fed by rain. The Kaveri, originating from Brahmagiri in the border district of Coorg [Karnataka State] in the Western Ghats, close to the Arabian Sea, is the largest river flowing through Tamil Nadu, traveling across the entire breadth of the Peninsula, forming a large delta at its mouth in the subsequently fertile Thanjavur district, before flowing into the Bay of Bengal at the ancient port of Poompuhar, 340 Kms south of Chennai. The Southern most point or ‘Lands End’ of the Indian Subcontinent is the district of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu,where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal merge.
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| Best time to Visit |
The ideal time to visit Tamil Nadu or South India is from October to March. However, there are important exceptions as detailed in the regional chapters. The hill stations in the Western Ghats are pleasant and beautiful in the hot weather months of April to June.The cooling monsoon rains arrive in June and last until end of September or early October. The ancient texts recommend the monsoon season as the best time for Ayurvedic therapy,for Ayurvedic therapy, |
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The ancient texts recommend the monsoon season as the best time for Ayurvedic therapy,for Ayurvedic therapy, as the air remains dust free and cool, opening up body pores making them most receptive to herbal oils and therapy. The accommodation tariffs and service charges for a variety of travel related needs are often reduced by almost 20 to 40% during the off-season in most of the popular holiday destinations. |
| Health |
Most travelers will have no problem apart from travellers' diarrhea, as health facilities are good especially in main cities and details of hospitals are given town by town. However, it is recommended that travellers always carry their own supply of bottled mineral water, as tap water is not potable. Bottled mineral water is available everywhere.
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| Documents |
All foreign visitors require a visa. Prices vary according to nationality. Tourist visas are issued for six months, are multiple entries, and are valid from the date of issue, and not the date of entry. Always carry photocopies of your important travel documents separately from the originals in the event that these are lost or stolen. Some politically sensitive border regions, and tribal areas are subject to restriction for visitors and special permits may be required to visit them.
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| What To Bring |
It is always advisable to keep your luggage to the bare minimum. Light cotton cloths are ideal for almost anywhere unless you intend to spend time in the hills, especially during the cool season, when you might need a jacket or pullover for chilly nights. However, if you are traveling to a single destination for instance Kerala or Goa , you can carry the entire luggage you want, as all you will have to do is travel by a taxi to and from your hotel. |
| Indian Currency |
The hundred paise worth rupee is the Indian currency. The denomination of coins comes in 5, 10,20,25,50 paise and 1, 2, 5 rupees. Currency notes are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5,10,20,50,100,500 and 1000 rupees. Foreign currency notes and traveller’s cheques brought by the tourists should be entered in the currency declaration form issued to tourists on arrival by airport officials. |
| Costs |
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Most food, accommodation and public transport especially trains and buses are exceptionally cheap. But if you are going to be staying in luxury resorts, use taxis' for getting around and fly from one place to another, you could end up spending a lot of money. However, if time is not a burning issue traveling by 2nd class trains, moving around by local buses and staying a little away from popular tourist centers could make your holiday extremely cheap. |
| Where To Stay |
South India has plenty of hotels ranging from top end luxury resorts charging Rs.5000 to 15000 /day to economy lodges where you can stay for as little as Rs.200/day. Most travelers would prefer to look for something between these extremes. |
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| Food |
The food except along the coasts is predominantly vegetarian. Rice, Sambar, Rassam, Iddlis, and Dosa are the gifts of the South Indian (Tamil Nadu) cusine. Pickles, Pappads and Curd make up the meal. Up market restaurants in cities and popular tourist centers do serve Continental, Chinese and North Indian dishes. Typical South Indian (Tamil Nadu) cuisine is wholesome, tasty and cheap. |
| Getting There & Around |
Air: South Indian States (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh) and Union Territories are well connected by air and have a busy network of services between major cities. Charter flights operate between the United Kingdom , Goa and Kerala in the south. It is essential to book as early as possible as all flights are heavily booked, especially in the peak season. In India , it is advisable to use the services of a reputed Travel Agent and Tour Operator. As bookings are all computerized, getting flight information and reservations are relatively simple. Check-in time for all domestic flights is one hour prior to departure. |
Train: Traveling by train is a thoroughly enjoyable experience, especially long distances. There are regular services between all major cities. Indian railways offer discounts and special passes for foreign tourists. For convenience, reservations should be made well in advance. It is advisable to pick up a timetable of the Indian railway network from any railway station [Trains at a Glance]. |
| Road: Road travel is often the only means of reaching many of the places of outstanding interest. Buses now reach virtually every place and offer the cheapest mode of travel on road. Taxis, although slightly more expensive will take you anywhere even interstate. |
| Local Transport |
The most convenient means of getting around are by three-wheeler taxis known as Auto-rickshaws or "autos", cycling is yet another way of getting around quietly and cheaply. Popular tourist destinations rent out two-wheelers, which are ideal for exploring short distances outside towns. Most places like Goa even have Bike Taxis. |
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