Introducing Tamil Nadu
If thoughts of temples and tigers appeal, then Tamil Nadu – land of the Tamils and heartland of southern India – is the place to be. Long coastlines and forested mountains form stunning backdrops to this, the cradle of Dravidian civilisation. Manifestations of its ancient 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 Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), Thanjavur (Tanjore), Madurai, Kanyakumari and Rameswaram – far outnumbering tourists.
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While only the very lucky few will see a tiger, the state’s national parks and reserves remain important refuges for much of India’s wildlife including elephants, several species of rare monkeys and gaurs (a type of bison). 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.
The eastern coast fronting the Bay of Bengal has a few resorts and sleepy fishing villages, but Tamil Nadu isn’t a beach destination and only Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), south of Chennai (Madras), attracts chilled-out tourists. The 2004 tsunami swept along this coast; rehabilitation was comparatively swift near tourist areas, but many local communities are still recovering.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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You'll meet tons of people at teacher training so don't worry about that. The south is less intense and easier to travel in by yourself…
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Tamil Nadu
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Tamil Nadu Overview
- Places in Tamil Nadu
- Practical information
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Things to do
- All things to do (306)
- Activities (30)
- Entertainment (17)
- Restaurants (101)
- Shopping (55)
- Sights (99)
- Tours (4)
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Our Top Picks For Tamil Nadu
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1 Mamallapuram
Gorge on fresh seafood and explore some of South India’s finest rock carvings in laid-back Mamallapuram
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2 Ooty
Ride the toy train, stay in a Raj-era hotel and trek the hills around Ooty
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3 Puducherry
Experience a small corner of France in India and an early morning yoga session in Puducherry
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4 Sri Meenakshi Temple
Join the pilgrims and devotees filing into Madurai’s Sri Meenakshi Temple, a riot of Dravidian sculpture and one of South India’s finest
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5 Mudumalai National Park
Dust off the binoculars and field guides around Mudumalai National Park, where Tamil Nadu’s best wildlife viewing is on your doorstep
Fast Facts about Tamil Nadu
- Area
130, 058 sq km
- Population
62.1 million
- Capital
- When to go
November to March
- Main language
Tamil
Our favourite Tamil Nadu Blogs (beta)
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Hogenakkal Falls: River Kaveri blowing smoke up
Blog: Arnab Maity Travel and Photography - 6 January 2012
The curves, neatly rock-fenced; the green mulberry trees aligned along the trails, veering away into the dense vegetation; the gradual decent into a valley through a sun-dappled thoroughfare; a huge saucer shaped black umbrella exposing only a pair of tanned legs, trudging to a nearby hamlet of concrete block houses. This is Hogenakkal, at the borderland between two of India’s southernmost states, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, in conflict over the waters of Kaveri since decades.
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Pic of the Week: Murals at Meenakshi Temple, India
Blog: Solo Traveler - 3 February 2011
This solo traveler in India captured the elaborate murals gracing the walls at Meenakshi Temple in the holy city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
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Pic of the Week: Morning Mist in Kodaikanal
Blog: Solo Traveler - 23 December 2010
In the Tamil language, Kodaikanal means "The Gift of the Forest". In this tranquil, misty shot it is easy to see why.
