Tamilnadu Cities - Cities of Tamil Nadu

About Cities of Tamil Nadu

Sharing its border with two oceans, Bay of Bengal and Arabian sea, Tamil Nadu is the southernmost state of India. What qualifies Tamil Nadu as an exclusive tourist destination is the range of landscapes that are present in Tamil Nadu. You will find splendid beaches, lofty hill stations vast lying plains and rain forests dotting this state and ready to provide you with a vacation of utmost serenity and pinnacle of fun.

As much as the natural splendidness of Tamil Nadu beckons its visitors, history and heritage of this state too attracts the enthusiasts. The great legacy of Dravidians is said to have started and spread outwards from this state. Most of the symbols of Dravidian culture like arts and architecture still are kept intact with joint efforts from people of Tamil Nadu and the government. The temples that were made by Dravidian rulers are still considered to be an architectural marvels, most if which are still in good condition and are operational. It is the virtue of these temples that Tamilians today are known to be the best creators of temples.

Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu that the most culturally active as well. The rate with which it has developed, has made the people sit up and take notice of this Chennai.This has helped many till now hidden characters of Tamil Nadu as a state come out. Other major cities of Tamil Nadu are Madurai, Rameshwaram, Coimbatore and Kanyakumari. Ooty is probably the most visited hill station of India which is called 'The Queen of Hill Stations'.

Major Cities of Tamil Nadu

     Chennai (Madras)

        Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

       Kodaikanal

       Kanyakumari 

       Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) 

       Rameshwaram 

       Madurai 

       Tiruchirappalli 

       Coimbatore

       Trichi

       Pondicherry 

       Kumbakonam 

       Coonoor 

       Chidambaram 

       Kancheepuram (Kanchipuram)

       Thanjavur (Tanjore)

       Vellore

       Aruppukottai 

       Nagercoil

       Karaikudi 

       Pattukotai  

       Sivaganga (Sivagangai)

       Pudukottai

       Tarangambadi (Tharangambadi)

  

Chennai Tours

About Chennai

On the map of the Indian heart
The Gateway to the South; Chennai (formerly Madras) located besides the Bay of Bengal is embraced by it from the east, while the state of Andhra Pradesh is beautifully located on its northwest. It has the famous district of Tamilnadu, Kanchipuram, on its south and the states of Kerala and Karnataka on its western side. Being situated at the tropical zone, Chennai normally has a very hot and humid climate.

Chennai connects itself dynamically to world and by all routes as mentioned here:

» The air link : Chennai is an international airport with flight connections to all major parts of the world, Domestic airlines connect Chennai with all the major cities of India.

» The rail link : Regular train services connect Chennai directly with all major cities of the country. Suburban Electric trains run from Beach station to Tambaram and from Central to Gummidipoondi and Arakonam.

» The road link : Chennai being gateway to the south is connected by excellent roads to all parts of the south. Taxis, Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available. all types of tourist vehicle are easily available on hire.
The aqua link: There is a sea line to Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Explore the Southern ecstasy

Bejeweled in the mystical south Chennai previously known as Madras unleashes history with the hands of nature. Every tourist destination rhymes a melodious saga that coherently harmonizes the past with the present. Chennai is the most vibrant and enchanting cities of the South and is also one of the most exotic destinations of the Indian sub-continent. Bestowed with exquisite beauty and natural charisma, Chennai calls for exploration.

» The Marina beach, spreads over an area of 14.5 km, is the second longest beach in Asia. This beach appears like a festive ground on weekend evenings.

» Now-a-days used as the state secretariat, the St. George Forte is another major landmark of Chennai. The British East India Company built it in the year 1653. It has a museum that has a fine collection of British and French antiques and other commemorations. Within the fort premises is the St. Mary's Church, the first British church of Chennai.

» Parthasarthy temple is one of the oldest temples of this region and echoes with divine grace. The temple is consecrated to Lord Krishna. Built in the 8th century BC by the Pallavas, the temple was remodeled in the 16th century by the Vijaynagar kings.

» Snake Park and Guindy National Park, located close to each other near the Guindy station, are other sites to visit.

» Kapaleeswarar Temple, the grand old temple of Chennai, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is a living evidence of the architectural skills of the Dravidian clan of the 13th century. However, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter into the main place of worship in the temple.

» Santhome Cathedral, built during the 14th -15th century, is another splendid place worth visiting.

» The Birla Planetarium, Elliot Beach, Valluvar Kottam, National Art and Government Museum, Anna Zoological Park, Kalakshetra and the Theosophical Society are some of the eminent sites and focal points of tourism.

» Once the port city of the Pallavas, Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram is situated at the periphery of Chennai and is approximately 61 km away from the main city. The artisanship of this place is unmatched.

» A wondrous initiation towards sustaining the ecological balance of nature is the zoological enhancement of the crocodile bank. Located just 44 km away from the main city, it houses many rare species of Indian and African alligators and crocodiles.

» Covelong beach is another place worth a visit in order to unveil the past of the state that remains unleashed. The surrounding magnificence of the fort, church, mosque and the seashore are indeed overwhelming.

» Besides these, Muttukkadu, Thirukkalukundram, Vedanthangal bird sanctuary, etc., are other excursion destinations to be visited around the city.

Cultural musings

Aroma of festivity dwells in the air of Chennai. As the heavenly abode celebrates a number of festivals and plays host to several events. These festivals are mainly based on the agricultural activities and according to the position of the stars and planets. Pongal, celebrated in the month of January, is the most important festival of Chennai. Being a cosmopolitan city, almost all the religious festivals are celebrated here. 

Denizens

Chennai though a quiet civilized, elegant and cultured city pulsates in the southern part of India. It resonates many inferences to many people. For few it is merely home, for others it is a 'extremely slow' city, and for some others it is the city which has attained the perfect balance between the West and the East. But everybody agrees on one thing - it is one of the cultural centers in India.

In the first glance, one would be left a thinking that the entertainment scene in Chennai is confined to classical dance only. But unveil the face of Madras and you will discover - a more complete and wholesome picture of this culturally rich city; Chennai.

To spend a colorful evening , you can make your choice amongst theatres, both Tamil and English, dance recitals or musical concerts.

Accommodation

Chennai offers the most luxurious & hospitable accommodation in India with world-class services and best ambience. Chennai has always remained a peaceful city and the same could be found in the neighborhood of the hotels in Chennai. The prime hotels of Chennai include; Hotel Coromandel, Hotel Fisherman, Chola Sheraton, Park Sheraton and many more.  

Ooty Tours

: Queen of Hill stations

About Ooty Tourism

Couched amidst those gorgeous Nilgiri mountains of southern India, there is something unique about the erstwhile British township of Ooty. Year after year, it draws tourists, adventure enthusiasts, honeymooners and the film industry like bees to nectar.

Meet Mother Nature's pampered child!

Ooty, the Queen be seated in this heavenly abode remained undiscovered to the great southern dynasties and it took the British to explore it in the early 1800s. They were, however, not the first friends of this land as a tribe called Todas had been living there long before the British came, claiming that the Nilgiris had been their home since time immemorial. The British constructed the first railway line in the area and made it the summer capital of the Chennai Presidency.

The South Indian Tea! with Ooty Tourism

South Indian Tea has gained recognition far and wide. India is the fifth largest tea producing belt in the world after China. In 1991, South India exported 50 million kg to over 30 countries. Tea and Tourism Festival is celebrated in the Nilgiri's Jointly by the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu and Ministry of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in every January/February. Cultural programmes, visits to Tea Estates and factories, fun and frolic etc., mark this celebrations. Come to Nilgiri's, during this festival, when tea lovers from all over the world converge. An occasion not to be missed.

Ooty Tourism - Look out for these here!

» Mini Garden : At about one kilometre distance Tourist can visit this mini garden (Children's Lake Garden) which is on the way to Boat House. Children's amusement park is housed here. A snack bar is also available. It is maintained by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Limited .
Timings 8 a.m to 6 p.m

» Art Gallery : Lalit kala Academy : It is situated about 2 kms., from Udhagamandalam in the main Mysore road. It has various collections of contemporary paintings and sculptures all over from India.

» Rose Garden : It is located just 3/4 kms. away from Charring Cross. It lies with 10 acres of land with 1919 variety of roses.
Timings 8 a.m to 6 p.m

» Kotagiri : It is 31 kms. from Udhagamandalam. The climate is very salubrious which is 6503 feet above sea level. Kotagiri is shielded by the Doddabetta ranges which receives much of its rain from north west monsoon. One can enjoy a pleasure ride on road flanked by green tea beds on either side. 

 Stay at ! 

Ooty is a vivacious tourist destination and therefore there are many luxurious as well as budget hotels here. The major hotels include; Savoy Hotel, Holiday Inn, The Monarch, Hotel Dasaprakash, Comfort Inn Aruna,etc. Avail for exotic Ooty Tours

Kodaikanal Tours

About Kodaikanal Tour

The place is Kodaikanal, secludedly situated 2100 meters above sea level, in the beautiful Palani Hills. Kodaikanal is 120 Kms from the bustling city of Madurai and at least tens and thousands of Kilometers from the mundane. Perhaps why those who visited this hill station have come back enchanted and thrilled.

» Sky link: The nearest airport is at Madurai (120 km from Kodaikanal).

» Rail link: The nearest railway stations are the Kodai Road Railway Station (80-km) and the Palani Railway Station (64-km).

» Terrestrial Link: Regular bus services are available from Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, umuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore. Additional buses ply during the season. Taxis and vans are available for local transportation. There are no auto-rickshaws in Kodaikanal. 

Kodaikanal Distance Chart

¤ Chennai    - 520-km
¤ Ooty    - 264-km
¤ Trichi    - 197-km
¤ Coimbatore    - 175-km
¤ Kumili    - 160-km
¤ Madurai    - 120-km

Playgrounds of Nature - Kodaikanal

Arriving in Kodai town, one is enticed by orchards of pear trees with their graceful branches silhouetted in artistic curves against the evening sky like stark Zen etchings. Buildings with gabled roof dot the skyline. Broken fragments of light from the setting sun are caught and kindled in the wind-rippled water appearing like a myriad lamp floating on the lake. Soon, as though on cue, lights start twinkling all over the hillside, and even the stars pick up the message, and heaven and earth are a riot of light, as though beaming messages of goodwill to each other.

The name Kodaikanal means the "gift of the forest". Situated in the state of Tamil Nadu, among the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal is one of the unexplored destinations of southern India. With its intoxicating air, breathtaking scenery and serenity that you can hardly find in any other hill station, Kodaikanal is an ideal summer resort for the travel buffs of the southern plains. 

Look out for these here!

» Star Shaped Lake: is a star shaped lake spread over an area of 24 hectares and has been wonderfully landscaped. Boating facilities are available and the 4km long promenade skirting it is very popular.

» Flora & Fauna Museum: located at the Sacred Heart College is a 6km hike from the town centre, but definitely worth a visit. The Orchidarium here has about 300 species of orchids and other exotic plants.

» Astrophysical Observatory: built in 1889, this laboratory stands on the highest point in the area. The observatory is used mainly for research in meteorology and solar physics. It also houses a small museum.

» Bryant Park: is a botanical park situated on the eastern side of the lake. It was landscaped and stocked by a British officer after whom it was named. Cut flowers are exported from here. In month of May, the annual horticultural show in held here.

» Kurinji Andavar Temple: is a small temple located 3km northeast of the Lake and is dedicated to Lord Murugan.

» Fairy Falls: there are numerous waterfalls in the area such as Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Fairy Falls and Glen Falls, which are popular picnic spots.

» Coaker's Walk: is a one kilometer walk from the lake that offers good views. It derives its name from Lt. Coaker, who had prepared the map of Kodaikanal. There is a Telescope House here from where visitors can have a panoramic view of the valley and nearby township.

» Pillar Rocks: located about 7km from the lake, there are three rocks magnificently jutting into the sky to a height of about 400ft. the views from here are spectacular. 

 

Kodaikanal Weather

May is a good month to visit Kodaikanal.

Kodaikanal has a subtropical climate. During summers (March to May) the average temperature ranges between 11°C to 20°C. Winters are very cool with maximum temperature is about 17°C and minimum touches about 8°C. During January, ice formations are seen in night and temperature can drop down to freezing level. Kodaikanal has average rainfall during monsoons (June to September). Avail for best Kodaikanal Tours

Summer

Min. 11.3?C, Max. 19.8? C

Winter

Min. 8.3? C, Max. 17.3? C

Kodaikanal Accommodation

Kodaikanal offers good accommodation facilities to the tourists.

Kodaikanal Map

View Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu in a  map.

 

 

Kanyakumari Tours

About Kanyakumari Tour

Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of peninsular India and the meeting point of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Besides its importance as a Hindu pilgrim center, it is famous for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over the waters. The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beach here.

On the sands of Kanyakumari.....footprints of divinity!

The presiding deity of the temple of Kanyakumari is Parasakthi as a virgin Goddess in meditative mood. The life-like image of Devi with a smiling face is a combination of innocence, purity and beauty. Smeared with sandal paste, decked with different varieties of valuable ornaments and decorated with beautiful garlands of flowers. She creates a sense of devotion and "peace that passeth understanding" in the mind of every worshipper. There is one version that Adi Sankara composed Soundaryalahari after seeing the sunrise, sunset and moon rise on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Chithrai at Kanya kumari praising the virgin Goddess. The beauty of Devi Kanyakumari reflects in the opening lines of his divine work.

Kanyakumari : The epitome of attractions!

» Kanyakumari : The epitome of attractions!
Kanyakumari Temple: The temple overlooks the shoreline. It is dedicated to Parvati as Devi Kanya, the Virgin Goddess who did penance to obtain the hand of Lord Shiva. The deity, Devi Kanyakumari is' the protector of India's shores' has an exceptionally brilliant diamond on her nose ring which is supposed to shine out to sea. The temple opens from 0430 to 1130 and from 1730 to 2030. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the sanctuary.

» Gandhi Mandapam : Not far from the Kumari Amman Temple is the Gandhi Mandapam, constructed at the spot where the urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept for public view before a portion of its contents was immersed in the three seas. It resembles an Oriyan temple and was designed so that on Gandhiji's birthday (2nd October), the sun's rays fall on the place where his ashes were kept.

» Vivekananda Memorial : It is about 500 meters away from mainland. This memorial stands on one of two rocks separated by about 70 meters. It was built in 1970. This memorial is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, the greatest social reformer. Swamy Vivekananda was supposed to have medicated on the rock where the memorial stands today. A meditation hall is also attached with the memorial. The design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India. It houses a statue of Vivekananda. The divine foot print 'Pada Parai' of Devi is also seen here. Ferry service is available to reach the memorial. It opens from Wednesday to Monday. Tuesday is holiday. It opens from 0700 to 1100 and from 1400 to 1700.

» Suchindram Temple : Just 13 kms. from Kanniyakumari, Suchindram has a temple dedicated to a deity who is the representation of the combined forces of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is one of the few temples in the country where the Trinities are worshipped. The temple has a beautiful gopuram, musical pillars and an excellent statue of the Hanuman, apart from a valuable collection of art from different periods.

» Padmanabhapuram Palace :
The Padmanabhapuram Palace in Kanyakumari district, located about 15 km from Nagercoil has the rare distinction of being one of the most ancient monuments in South India. Known for its strategic planning and military architecture, the palace was the seat of power for the Travancore emperors till 1790, when the capital was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram by Karthika Thirunal Maharaja, popularly known as Dharma Raja. Its main attraction is its sheer aesthetic beauty, innovative designs and time tested wooden carvings

 Accommodation

Varied accommodation options varying from luxurious to economic hotels, lodges, Devasthanam cottages are available for tourists in Kanyakumari.The major hotels of Kanyakumari are; Hotel Tamil Nadu,  Devasthanam Rest House, Kalaimagal Illam, Malaimagal Illam. 

Connectivity:

» Through air : The nearest airport is at Trivandrum (80 km). It is directly connected with Bangalore, Bombay, Cochin, Delhi, Goa, and Madras by regular flights.

» Via railways : Kanyakumari is connected to Trivandrum, Delhi, and Bombay by broad-gauge railway network. Tirunelvelli (80 km) is the other nearest railway junction and can be reached by road via Nagarkoil (19 km).


» By roads : Kanyakumari is connected by road to Trivandrum (86 km), Nagarkoil (19 km), Tirunelvelli (91 km), Tiruchendur (89 km), Tuticorin (129 km), Rameshwaram (300 km), Courtallam (130 km), Madurai (242 km), Thekkady (358 km), Kodaikanal (362 km), Palani (370 km), Ootacamund (576 km), Cochin (309 km), and Coimbatore (478 km).