Tamil Nadu Tours

Tamil Nadu, South India's jewel in the crown is resplendent in its panoramic rhapsodies, cultural legacy and shrouded in history that dates as far back as 500 BC. Some majestic and exquisite temples dominate the state's skyline and are Tamil Nadu's claim to fame. A summary elucidating some of the quick facts about Tamil Nadu is hereby elucidated.

Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital is Chennai, the largest city. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Puducherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. It is bound by the Eastern Ghats in the north, the Nilgiri, the Anamalai Hills, and Kerala on the west, by the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Gulf of Mannar, the Palk Strait in the south east, and by the Indian Ocean in the south. The state represents the heart of the Dravidian culture in India.

Tamilnadu, adorned with several ancient temples and rich cultural heritage celebrate various colourful fairs and festivals. Every town, city and village in the state has their own calendar with fascinating fairs and festivals. The traditionally and culturally rich state, Tamilnadu is bordered by the Bay of Bengal in the east, Indian Ocean in the south, the states of Kerala and Karnataka in the west, and Andhra Pradesh in the North. The land that has a history spanning over thousands of years, is blessed with beautiful hill stations, beaches and temples and is one of the major tourist destinations in India.

The early history of the people and rulers of Tamil Nadu is a topic in Tamil sources known as Sangam literature. Numismatic, archaeological and literary sources corroborate that the Sangam period lasted for about six centuries, from 300 BCE to 300 CE. Three dynasties, namely the Chera, Chola and Pandya, ruled the area of present-day Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Chera ruled the whole of present day Kerala and parts of western Tamil Nadu comprising Coimbatore, Karur, Salem and Erode districts from the capital of Vanchi Muthur (thought to be modern day Karur). The Chola dynasty ruled the northern and central parts of Tamil Nadu from their capital, Uraiyur; and the Pandya dynasty ruled southern Tamil Nadu, from capitals at Korkai and Madurai. All three dynasties had extensive trade relationships with Rome, Greece, Egypt, Ceylon, Phoenicia, Arabia, Mesopotamia and Persia. Trade flourished in commodities such as spices, ivory, pearls, beads and gems. Chera traded extensively from Muziris on the west coast, Chola from Arikamedu and Puhar and Pandya through Korkai port. A Greco-Roman trade and travel document, the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (c. 60-100 CE) gives a description of the Tamil country and its ports. Between the third and the seventh centuries CE, the three Tamil kingdoms were overwhelmed by the Kalabhras; this is sometimes referred to as the "Dark Age" in Tamil history, and little is known of it. The Kalabhras were expelled by the Pallavas and the Pandyas in the sixth century.

Area: 1,30,058 sq km
Latitudinal parallel: 13 05' North
Longitudinal meridian: 80 16' East
Average Temperature: 43 C (Max) - usually in May - Jun, 22 C (Min) - usually in Dec - Jan
Rainfall: Receive less rainfall than the other regions.
Monsoon: July to mid-September
Population: 72,138,958 (Census 2011)
Best time to visit: October to March
STD Code: 044
Languages: Tamil, English,
Religions: Hinduism, Christianity, Muslims

Places to visit

Chennai, Mahabalipuam, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry, Cuddalore, Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Vadalur, Chidhambaram
Kumbakonam, Velankanni, Poompuhar,Thanjavur, Trichy, Srirangam, Karaikudi, Pudukottai, Rameswaram, Palani
Kanya Kumari, Cutralam, Coimbatore, Salem, Yercaud, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Hogenakkal, Yelagiri
Thirunelveli, Nagapattinam, Kolli Hills, Valparai, Anaimalai, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Darasuram, Mudhumalai.