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| Kancheepuram |
A former capital of the Pallava rulers, this ' city of a thousand temples' is considered one of the seven sacred cities of India. Some of the heritage structures in this town include the Ekambareswarar temple, the Varadarajaperumal temple, the Vaikundaperumal temple, the Kamakoti Mutt, the Kailasanathar temple and the Kamakshi Amman temple. The home of a traditional community of silk fabric weavers, the town is just as famous for its exquisitely woven silk sarees. |
Getting there: Chennai (70km) is the nearest airport; regular bus and rail services are also available. Contact: Hotel Tamil Nadu; 04112222553/4,223428,223431).
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| Mamallapuram |
Once a flourishing port of the Pallavas, who ruled between the 5 th and 8 th centuries AD, this monument centre is today just as well known as a major beach resort centre in South India. Places to see include the rock cut Shore Temple, the Five Rathas and Arjuna’s Penance and the Tiger’s Cave. About 14 km north is the Crocodile Farm and 17 km west is Thirukazhukkundram, a pilgrim centre known for its holy kites. There are boating facilities at the Muttukkadu backwaters midway between Chennai and Mamallapuram.Providing a starting contrast to the heritage structures are the amusement parks that dot the road to Mamallapuram from Chennai-VGP Golden Beach. Little Folks. MGM Dizzy World et al. |
| Getting there: The nearest airport is at Chennai (5Okm): Mamallapuram is a breezy hour's drive down from Chennai on the superb East Coast Road, Contact: Tourist Office: 04144-242232. |
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| Thanjavur |
In the 'rice bowl of Tamil Nadu', Thanjavur is the home of Carnatic music, musical instruments, dance and handicrafts. It is most easily identified with the towering gopuram of the Brahadeeswarar temple, constructed over 1,000 years ago by Raja Raja Chola, The Thanjavur Palace, built partly by the area's Nayak rulers and partly by the Marathas in the 16th century, is also an important heritage structure. The Art Gallery in the Palace premises has outstanding Chola bronzes. The 18th-century Saraswathi Mahal Library, also on the premises, has over 30,000 palm leaf and paper manuscripts in Indian and European languages. Excursions from Thanjavur include Thiruvaiyaru, Thirukandiyur, Kumbakonam, Thirubuvanam and Duasuram, all within 40km. At Gangaikondacholapuram (71km) is a superlative Shiva temple in the Chola style. |
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Getting there: Tiruchirapalli (60km) is the nearest airport. Thanjavur is on the Chennai-Trichy-Thanjavur rail route. Contact: Tourist Office (04362-230984). |
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| Chidambaram |
This town is famous for the temple dedicated to Nataraja, sacred to the devout as the 'cosmic dancer'. The lord is also patron of the classical arts: every year, dancers and musicians from around the country congregate here to perform at the Natyanjali Festival. The Annamalai University here is a major residential University. Pichavaram (16km), with dense mangroves and unique avifauna, makes for an unusual side-trip, Boating facilities are available at Pichavaram (04144-289232).
Getting there: Chidambaram is 244km from Chennai: express trains and buses also connect Chidambaram with other cities. Contact: Tourist Office, Railway Feeder Road: 04144-238739 |
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| Madurai |
Once the capital city of the Pandya rulers, Madurai is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. It is famous for the Meenakshi temple with its towering gopurams and rare sculptures. Other important attractions include the Thirumalai Naicker Palace, the Mariamman Tank, the Koodal Azhagar temple and the Gandhi Museum. Nearby excursions include the Murugan temple at Thirupparan Kundram (8km), the Azhagar temple at Azhagarkoil (21km) and the Subramanya temple at Pazhamudirsolai (25km). Other excursions possible from Madurai include the Palani temple (122km), the Suruli waterfalls (128km), the Courtallam waterfalls (160km) and the Vaigai Dam (6Skm). |
Getting there: Madurai has an airport and is an important railway junction. It is also linked to the rest of Tamil Nadu by a good road network and is served by express buses. |
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| Contact: Tourist Office (04522334757) or the Tourist Centre at the railway station (0452-2342888). |
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