Tamilnadu Tourism Guide

Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital is Chennai formerly known as Madras and is the largest city. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian and is bordered by Pondicherry, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is bound by the Eastern Ghost in the north, Nilgiri, Anamalai Hills and Palakkad on the west, Bay of Bengal in the east, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Strait in the south east and Indian Ocean in the south.

Nature has bestowed Tamil Nadu with countless number of tourist spots such as hill stations, beaches, wild life sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, zoological parks. The long and rich history of the Tamil language and society is marked by temples, pilgrim centers, historical and heritage monuments.

Long coastlines and forested mountains form culture are everywhere from vast temple compounds with steeply stepped, riotously coloured gopurams gateway towers to beautifully detailed rock carvings and classical music and dance that are both complex and compelling. Pilgrims pour into the ancient sites of madurai, kanyakumari and rameswaram far outnumbering tourists.

The historic hill stations of Ooty udhagamandalam, reached by the famous miniature train and kodaikanal are perfect bases for exploring and provide cool, calm, green contrast to the bustle of the cities.

Tamil nadu isn’t a beach destinations and only mamallapuram (mahabalipuram) and explore some of south india finest rock carvings in laid back mamallapuram south of Chennai madras, attract chilled out tourists.

Festivals

Pongal also called as Tamizhar Thirunaal festival of Tamils or Makara Sankranti else where in India, a four day harvest festival is one of the most celebrated festival of Tamil Nadu.

Popular forms of God include Vishnu, Shiva and Murugan, although many other forms are also worshiped. These other forms of God include Rama, Krishna, Ganesh, Paravati, Surya, and others. There is even a temple dedicated to the form of Hanuman and Ganesh in one form – Adianta Prabhu. The government emblem of Tamil Nadu contained the popular Hindu temple of Srivilliputhur.

Cuisine

Traditionally Tamil dishes are served on a banana leaf instead of a plate and eaten with the right hand. Rice is the staple food of Tamils and accompanied with various sauces along with meat and/ or vegetarian dishes. Traditional Tamil cuisine includes Dosai, Idly, Vadai, Pongal and Uthappam. These dishes are served along with Sambar, Rasam, Kootu, Aviyal, Chatni and Poriyal. Traditionally prepared Filter Coffee is quite famous, which is unique in taste.

Culture

Tamil Nadu has a long tradition of venerable culture. Tamil Nadu is known for its rich tradition of literature, music and dance which continue to flourish today. Unique cultural features like Bharatanatyam dance, Tanjore painting and Tamil architecture were developed and continue to be practised in Tamil Nadu.