Tamil Nadu is a state located in southern India. It has 32 districts and Chennai is the capital city. Tamil Nadu has a long history and rich culture, with Tamil being the primary language. It is known for arts like Bharatanatyam dance and Carnatic music. Some popular tourist destinations include beaches, hill stations, temples, and eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The state celebrates festivals like Pongal and is also a center for the Tamil film industry.

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SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY AND
TOURISM MANAGEMENT
UNIVERSITY OF JAMMU
REPORT ON - “TAMILNADU”
SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY:
MRS .SUVIDHA RADHIKA GUPTA
KHANNA ROLL NO – 12

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Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu
lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of
Pondicherry, 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 Palakkad 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.
Tamil Nadu is the eleventh largest state in India by area and the seventh most populous state.
Tamil Nadu is also the most urbanised state in India. Its official language Tamil has been in use
in inscriptions and literature for over 2000 years. Tamil Nadu is home to many natural resources,
Hindu temples of Dravidian architecture, hill stations, beach resorts, multi-religious pilgrimage
sites and eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites . Located on the Southern corner of India,
Tamilnadu is a top tourist destinations of the country.

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State symbols of Tamil Nadu[38]
Dance
Bharathanattiyam
(Tamil: பரதநாட்டியம்)
Animal
Nilgiri Tahr
(Tamil: வரரயாடு)
Bird
Emerald Dove
(Tamil: மரகதப் புறா,பஞ்சவர்ண புறா)
Flower
Gloriosa Lily
(Tamil: சசங்காந்தள்,கார்த்திரக மலர்)
Tree
Palm Tree
(Tamil: பரை மரம்)
Sport
Kabaddi
(Tamil: கபடி)

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Districts
Districts of Tamil Nadu
The 32 districts of Tamil Nadu are listed below with the numbers corresponding to those in the
image at right.
1. Ariyalur district
2. Chennai district
3. Coimbatore district
4. Cuddalore district
5. Dharmapuri district
6. Dindigul district
7. Erode district
8. Kanchipuram district
9. Kanyakumari district
10. Karur district
11. Krishnagiri district
12. Madurai district
13. Nagapattinam district
14. Namakkal district
15. The Nilgiris district
16. Perambalur district
17. Pudukkottai district
18. Ramanathapuram district
19. Salem district
20. Sivaganga district
21. Thanjavur District
22. Theni district
23. Thoothukudi district
24. Tiruchirapalli district
25. Tirunelveli district
26. Thirupur district
27. Thiruvallur district
28. Thiruvannamalai district
29. Thiruvarur district
30. Vellore district
31. Viluppuram district
32. Virudhunagar district

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Culture
Kolam - a Traditional art form of the Tamil people
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.
Language and literature
Tamil is the only official language of Tamil Nadu. English is also in common usage as an
official language of India. When India adopted national standards Tamil was the very first
language to be recognized as a classical language of India. The Tamil people regard their
language a very important part of their cultural identity.
Notable examples of Tamil poetry include the Tirukkural, written during the Tamil Sangams
period. The poem encompasses a universal outlook, as the author, Tiruvalluvar, does not mention
his religion, land, or the audience for his work. He is often portrayed as a holy saint of Tamil
Nadu today. Ancient Tamil literature is predominantly secular and deals with everyday life in the
Tamil Context.

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Festivals
A bull tamed by a Tamil youth at Alanganallur, Madurai
Thungapuram Ayyanar car festival
Pongal, also called as Tamizhar Thirunaal (festival of Tamils) or Makara Sankranti elsewhere in
India, a four-day harvest festival is one of the most widely celebrated festivals throughout Tamil
Nadu. The Tamil language saying Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum — literally meaning, the birth
of the month of Thai will pave way for new opportunities — is often quoted with reference to
this festival. The first day, Bhogi Pongal, is celebrated by throwing away and destroying old
clothes and materials by setting them on fire to mark the end of the old and emergence of the
new. The second day, Surya Pongal, is the main day which falls on the first day of the tenth
Tamil month Thai (14 January or 15 January in western calendar). The third day, Maattu Pongal,
is meant to offer thanks to the cattle, as they provide milk and are used to plough the lands.

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Jallikattu, a bull taming contest, marks the main event of this day. During this final day, Kaanum
Pongal — the word "kaanum", means 'to view' in Tamil.
The first month in the Tamil calendar is Chitterai and the first day of this month in mid-April is
celebrated as Tamil New Year. Aadi Perukku is celebrated on the 18th day of the Tamil month
Aadi, which celebrates the rising of the water level in the river Cauvery. Apart from these major
festivals, in every village and town of Tamil Nadu, the inhabitants celebrate festivals for the
local gods once a year and the time varies from place to place. Most of these festivals are related
to the goddess Maariyamman, the mother goddess of rain.
Other major Hindu festivals including Deepavali (Death of Narakasura), Ayudha Poojai,
Saraswathi Poojai (Dasara), Krishna Jayanthi and Vinayaka Chathurthi are also celebrated. Ayya
Vaikunda Avataram, is celebrated predominantly in the southern districts. In addition, Christmas,
Eid ul-Fitr, Easter and Bakrid are celebrated by Christians and Muslims in the state.
Music
Nadhaswaram and Travel players
Music played a major role in sangams. Music in Tamil Nadu had different forms. In villages
where farming was the primary occupation, women who worked in the fields used to sing
kulavai songs. Odhuvars, Sthanikars or Kattalaiyars offer short musical programmes in the
temples by singing the devotional Thevaram songs. In sharp contrast with the restrained and
intellectual nature of Carnatic music, Tamil folk music tends to be much more exuberant.
Popular forms of Tamil folk music include the Villuppāṭṭu, a form of music performed with a
bow, and the Nāṭṭuppur̲appāṭṭu, ballads that convey folklore and folk history. Some of the
leading Tamil folk artists in the early 21st century are Pushpuvanam Kuppuswamy, Dr.
Vijayalakshmi Navaneethakrishnan, Chinnaponnu, Paravai muniammal etc.

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Carnatic music is the classical music form of Southern India. This is one of the world's oldest &
richest musical traditions. The Trinity of Carnatic music Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and
Syama Sastri were from Tamil Nadu. Thyagarajar Aaradhanai (worship) takes place every year
in the month of Marghazhi in Thiruvaiyaru all carnatic musicians render their obesiance to Saint
Thyagarajar by singing his compositions. The composers belonging to the Tamil Trinity, namely
Muthu Thandavar (?1560 – ?1640 CE), Arunachala Kavi (1712–1779) and Marimutthu Pillai
(1717–1787) composed hundreds of devotional songs in Tamil and helped in the evolution of
Carnatic music. Chennai hosts a large cultural event, the annual Madras Music Season during
December–January, which includes performances by hundreds of artists all over the city.
A R Rahman referred to as 'The Mozart of Madras'
In terms of modern cine-music, Ilaiyaraaja was a prominent composer of film music in Tamil
cinema during the late 1970s and 1980s. His work highlighted Tamil folk lyricism and
introduced broader Western musical sensibilities to the South Indian musical mainstream. Tamil
Nadu is also the home of the double Oscar Winner A.R. Rahman who has composed film music
in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi films, English and Chinese films, was once referred to by Time
magazine as "The Mozart of Madras".

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Arts and dance
A Bharatanatyam dancer
Tamils have a large number of folk dances. These are performed for every possible occasion, to
celebrate the arrival of seasons, birth of a child, weddings and festivals. Tamil dance is closely
intertwined with the Tamil theatrical tradition. The most celebrated of these is karakattam. In its
religious form, the dance is performed in front of an image of the goddess Mariamman. The
dancer bears on his or her head a brass pot filled with uncooked rice, decorated with flowers and
surrounded by a bamboo frame, and tumbles and leaps to the rhythm of a song without spilling a
grain. Karakattam is usually performed to a special type of song known as temmanguppāṭṭu or
thevar pāṭṭu, a folk song in the mode of a lover speaking to his beloved, to the accompaniment of
a nadaswaram and melam. Other Tamil folk dances include mayilāṭṭam, where the dancers tie a
string of peacock feathers around their waist; ōyilāttam, danced in a circle while waving small
pieces of cloth of various colours; poikkal kuthiraiyaaṭṭam, where the dancers use dummy
horses; manattam, where the dancers imitate the graceful leaping of deer; paraiyāṭṭam, a dance to
the sound of rhythmical drumbeats, and thīppandāṭṭam, a dance involving playing with burning
wooden torches.

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Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form originating from Tamil Nadu. Prior to the colonial
perriod, it used to be performed in Hindu temples by Devadasis. In this form, it as also been
called sadir or chinna melam. Many of the ancient sculptures in Hindu temples are based on
Bharata Natyam dance postures. Bharatanatyam is a traditional dance-form known for its grace,
purity, tenderness, and sculpturesque poses. It continues to be a popular dance style at present
times and is practised by male and female dancers all over India. Terukkuttu or Kattaikkuttu is a
traditional form of Tamil street theatre folk dance/drama. Kalaripayattu or varmakalai is actually
a martial art of tamil origin. During the pallava rule it flourished to the present day kerala.
Film industry
Tamil Nadu is also home to the Tamil film industry. It is known for being the second largest film
industry in terms of revenue and worldwide distribution, in India. It is based at Kodambakkam in
Chennai city.
Cuisine
Vadai with sambar, a traditionally used vegetarian food
Chettinad cuisine, typically served on a banana leaf

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Tamil cuisine is basically South Indian cuisine, where rice and rice-derived dishes form the
major portion of a die .There are regional sub-varieties namely Chettinadu, Kongunadu,
Madurai, Tirunelveli varieties etc. Traditionally, food is served on a banana leaf instead of a
plate and eaten with the right hand. Rice is the staple food of Tamils and is typically eaten mixed
with sambhar (with or without ghee), vegetarian or non-vegetarian kulambu, rasam, curd and
buttermilk. This is accompanied with various vegetarian and/or non-vegetarian dishes like kootu,
aviyal, poriyal, appalam, varuval, peratal, kothsu, varieties of pickles and chicken, mutton, or
fish fry. Breakfast and snack items include dosai, Adai, idly, vadai, pongal, appam (aappam),
paniyaram, puttu, uppumavu (uppuma), santhakai (a sort of noodles), idiyappam and uthappam.
These items are eaten along with sambar, varieties of chatni and podi. Traditionally prepared
filter coffee is unique in taste and popular all over the state. The Chettinad region is famous for
its spicy non-vegetarian cuisine, while Ambur, Dindigal and Sankarankoil are known for their
Biriyani. Sweet items that are native to Tamil Nadu and prepared at homes are Athirasam,
Chakkarai Pongal (prepared during Pongal) and Kuli Paniyaram. Tirunelveli is known for its
unique wheat Halwa and Palani is renowned for its Panchamirtham. North Indian, Western,
Chinese and fast food culture are also popular in Tamil Nadu.
Textiles
Textile mills and engineering industries are present around the city of Coimbatore. It is home to
textile, automotive spare parts and motor pump manufacturing units. Cities of Tirupur and Erode
are the country's largest exporters of knitwear. They are well known for textile manufacturing
industries and exports to such extent that the districts of Coimbatore, Tirupur, Karur, Erode,
Namakkal and Salem . The region around Coimbatore, Tirupur, Karur and Erode is referred to as
the "Textile Valley of India" . Gobichettipalayam, Pollachi, Theni and Vedasandur are known
for its cotton mills. Rajapalayam is famous for its cotton market. Kanchipuram and Arani are
world famous for their pure zari silk sarees and handloom silk weaving industries. Aruppukottai,
Salem, Sathiyamangalam are also famous for Art-Silk sarees. Andipatti, Tiruchengodu,
Paramakudi, Kurinjipadi are major handloom centres. Negamam, Cinnalapatti, Woraiyur,
Pochampalli are famous for its soft cotton saree weavings. Madurai is well known for its
Chungidi cotton saree.

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Tourism
Toursit Places and attraction In Tamilnadu
Explore the cities of Tamil Nadu like Chennai, Madurai, Mahabalipuram with Tamil Nadu
tourism. These cities of Tamilnadu are treasure trove to numerous colonial structures built in
Dravidian style of architecture. Plethora of ancient monuments and temples has its own story of
artistic and cultural achievement. Pristine beauty of hill stations like Ooty, Kodaikanal leaves the
visitors mesmerized. The mosaic festivals like Karthigai Deepam, Pongal and lot more describes
the mystique believe of the Tamil Nadu people. Tamilnadu tourism also offer info on popular
dance form like Bharat Natyam which talks a lot about the Tamilnadu culture. The longest
Marina Beach, Kanyakumari beach, Rameshwaram beach awaits the beach seekers to enjoy
memorable beach vacations here. Henceforth, take some time out from your busy schedule and
plan for Tamilnadu tour to explore the exquisite Tamilnadu tourism places with Tamil Nadu
tourism.
Hogenakal Waterfall on Kaveri river, Dharmapuri district
Tamil Nadu's tourism industry is the second largest in India, with an annual growth rate of
16%.[168] Tourism in Tamil Nadu is promoted by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation
(TTDC), a Government of Tamil Nadu undertaking. The tagline adopted for promoting tourism
in Tamil Nadu is Enchanting Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is a land of varied beauty. It boasts
some of the grandest Hindu temples of Dravidian architecture. These temples are of a distinct
style renowned for their towering Gopurams. The Brihadishwara Temple in Thanjavur, built by

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the Cholas, the Airavateswara temple in Darasuram and the Shore Temple, along with the
collection of other monuments in Mahabalipuram also called as Mamallaburam have been
declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Nellaiappar Temple situated in the heart of
Tirunelveli city. Madurai is home to one of the grandest Hindu temples in the World — Madurai
Meenakshi Amman Temple. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam is the largest functioning
temple in the world, Tiruchirappalli where the famous Rockfort Temple is located,
Rameshwaram whose temple walk-ways corridor (Praagarams) are the longest [1.2 km] of all
Indian temples in the world, Kanchipuram and Palani are important pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
Other popular temples in Tamil Nadu include those in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Chidambaram,
Thiruvannaamalai, Tiruttani, Kumbakonam, Tiruvannamalai, Karur, Bhavani, Srivilliputhur,
Namakkal, Tiruchendur, Tiruvarur, Vellore, Coimbatore, Kanniyakumari etc.,.
Major Cities of Tamil Nadu
Chennai (Madras)
Chennai is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Chennai is the fourth
largest city of India and one of the fastest growing. Formerly known as Madras, this
vibrant city is home Marina Beach and the famous Kollywood Industry.
Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
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. One can also
call it one of the most beautiful cities in Tamilnadu and a heaven for those seeking
tranquility and serenity.
Kodaikanal
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.

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Kanyakumari
Catch the most spectacular views of sunrise and sunset from the golden beaches of
Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari is the southern most city of India which apart from
beaches, is home to many famous temples and tourist attractions.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Earlier known as Mahabalipuram, Mamallapuram is most famous for Shore Temple
which has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is also known as
the Cultural City of Tamilnadu.
Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram is an Island town situated right on the tip of Indian peninsula. It is one
of the most sacred destinations in India and is one among the Char Dhams that are
visited by Hindu pilgrims.
Madurai
Madurai is the most visited pilgrimage destination in Tamil Nadu by the virtue of Sri
Meenakshi Temple. The second largest city of Tamil Nadu also boosts of some very
well kept palaces like Thirumalai Nayak Palace.
Tiruchirappalli
The most famous land mark of this bustling town is the Rockfort Temple, a spectacular
monument perched on a massive rocky out crop which rises abruptly from the plain to
tower over the old city.
Coimbatore
One of the most important cities of Tamilnadu, Coimbatore is called the 'Manchester of
South India' and is the third largest city in the state. The headquarters of the Nilgiri
region......

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Trichi
Samayapuram, lying at a distance of 11 km from Trichy in Lalgudi taluk, is famous for
the shrine of Mariamman, which Goddess has a rich legendary and historical
background
Pondicherry
Pondicherry, a Union Territory of India, came under French rule in the second half of the
17th century
Kumbakonam
Kumbakonam is the city of divine strife of South India situated in Thanjavur district of
Tamil Nadu. It is a fertile area situated on the banks of river Cauvery and one of its
tributaries Arasalaru.
Coonoor
The serene hill station of Coonoor lies in the arms of the Nilgiri Hills. In fact Coonoor is
located at an altitude of 1800 m. Geographically speaking, Coonoor lies at the head of
Hulikal ravine.
Chidambaram
Situated some 250 Km from the capital city Chennai, Chidambaram is a temple town
which is a must visit for devotees of Lord Shiva as it is home to the famous Nataraja
Temple.
Kancheepuram (Kanchipuram)
Kancheepuram is considered to one of the seven great cities of ancient India and is
called 'The Golden City of Temples'. Kancheepuram has also become home to the
finest Silk industry in India. When in Kancheepuram, do not forget to buy yourself some
really exquisite silk saris you will ever see.

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Thanjavur (Tanjore)
Thanjavur is 55 km east of Tiruchirappalli. It is the highly fertile delta of the Cavery River
and the capital of the Cholas during their supremacy.
Vellore
Vellore which is situated 145 km from Chennai, is a semirural bazaar town. For tourists,
it is acknowledged only for the Vijayanagar fort and its temple, which are in an excellent
state of preservation and worth visiting.
Aruppukottai
Aruppukottai is a small township and reflects the cultural essence of Tamil Nadu. The
residents of the township seem to enlighten history with the lamps of culture.
Nagercoil
Nagercoil is the capital of Kanyakumari. Until 1956, it was a part of Kerala, but now it is
in Tamil Nadu. Nagercoil is famous for Nagaraja Temple and the name derived from this
Temple.
Karaikudi
To begin with, it was their food that made them famous chiken Pepper fry, did more to
Chettinadu cuisine and the lifestyle of the Nattukkotai
Pattukotai
A historical important tourist spot with a serene atmosphere and scenic beauty, with a
calm Bay of Bengal surrounding it, is not fully exploited
Sivaganga (Sivagangai)
As per the National Archaeological Act, any monument of national importance is taken
up over the Government and preserved for posterity.

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Pudukottai
Not far from the bustling town of Pudukottai, on the periphery of the sleepy village of
Annavasal..
Tarangambadi (Tharangambadi)
The historical Fort Dansborg at Tarangambadi, a relic of the Danishera in India, is back
in the limelight with ...
Beaches of Tamil Nadu
Marina Beach
It is not just the most famous of all beaches in tamilnadu, but also the second longest
beach in the world and a major tourist attraction of the state. It stretches about 13 kms
from the Harbour to the Santhome Cathedral. The Memorials such as Anna Samadhi,
MG R Samadhi are located on the sea front. This section of the beach road is known as
Anna Square. An aquarium, of tropical and marine fishes and a swimming pool are
situated adjacent to each other.
Mahabalipuran Beach
Mahabalipuram, also known, as "Mamallapuram" is located 58-km, south of Chennai,
nestling on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, offers many breath-taking monuments with
Sculptural Panels and Caves. mahabalipuram beach is one of the most popular
beaches in Tamilnadu.
Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari is often referred as the 'Land's End' of India. Here, the Bay of Bengal
confluences with the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.
Rameshwaram Beach
Rameshwaram is where Lord Rama rested and prayed after his victory over the demon

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king Ravana. A sacred site for both Vaishnavites and Shaivities. The island of
Rameshwaram is one of the most revered temple towns of India without a visit to which,
the pilgrimage of a devout Hindu is not considered accomplished.
Covelong Beach
Covelong is a small fishing village located 40 kms from Chennai on the way to
Mahabalipuram. This Tamilnadu beach has a fort built by the Nawab of Carnatic,
Saadat Ali.
Elliot's Beach
This beach in Tamilnadu is located in Besant Nagar. Formerly a popular bathing beach,
today, it is the favourite rendezvous of the younger generation. Good roads, pavements,
illuminated sands, makes a visit to this beach a real pleasure.
Temples in Tamil Nadu
Chidambaram Kapaleeswarar
Amongst the most important and most visited temples in Tamil Nadu, Kapaleeswarar
Temple in Chidambaram is a significant Saivite shrine. The dominant deity here is the
cosmic dancer Nataraja (Ananda Tandava pose ; the Cosmic Dance of bliss).
Meenakshi Temple
Meenakshi With one of the biggest temple complexes in the country, Meenakshi
Temple is thronged by lakhs of pilgrims every year from every nook and corner.
Situated in Madurai, this South Indian temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi.
Madurai Murugan Temple
Dedicated to Lord Muruga, this temple of Tamil Nadu finds a place in the list of 33
important temples of Tamil Nadu. It is at a distance of 45 km from Chennai and 25 km
from Chingleput.

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Rameshwaram Temple
For Hindus, Rameshwaram is as significant a holy destination as Varanasi in India.It is,
infact significant for Shaivaites as well as Vaishnavaites.
Kanyakumari Temple
Kanyakumari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kanya, an incarnation of Goddess
Parvati and is one of the most sacred temples of Tamil Nadu.
Chayavaneashwara Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Chayavaneashwara temple in Tamil Nadu attracts a largen
number of devotees every year.
Chennai Krishnapuram Temple
Krishnapuram temple houses numerous statues that would interests sculptures and
other artistic minds. These have also mesmerised a lot of visitors to this temple.
Kumbeswara Temple
This is the biggest and the oldest Shiva temple situated right in the middle of
Kumbakonam city. The main deity of this temple is Lord Kumbeswara and the main
Goddess is Sri Mangalambigai.
Swamimalai Temple
The Swamimalai Temple is one of the six holy temples of Lord Subramanya. The
temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminathan.
St. Stephen's Church
It was consecrated by Rt. Rev. Turner, Bishop of Calcutta, on November 5,1830. It was
named after the Governor because he was primarily responsible for its construction. It
was opened to local people on communion on Easter,1831.

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Airavatheeswara Temple
This temple has found itself a places in the list of UNESCO World heritage Site. Raja
Raja II built it between 1150- 1173 AD.
Kailasamundaiyar Temple
The highlight of this temple are the inscriptions on the wall that are the oldest references
to to Sankara Bhashyam, a commentary on Sankara's philosophy by Chidaananda
Bhattaara. The inscription is written in Tamil language with a Sanskrit words in between
written in Grantha characters.
Nageswaran Temple
Built in the initial years of 11th century, this temple is an excellent example of Chola
sculpture. It attracts many foreigners anxious to understand the rock wall edicts and
study the sculptures.
Major Hill Stations of Tamilnadu
Ooty
Ootacamund, also referred to as Udhaga-mandalam is a precious and glittering jewel in
the crown of Tamilnadu hill stations list. It has also earned itself the sobriquet of 'the
queen of the hill stations of South India'. It sits comfortably at an altitude of 2240 metres
on the Nilgiri hills, just like a crown. Ooty is known for its picture postcard scenic beauty
and plesant climate round the year that make the green Udhagamandalam or Ooty the
most popular hill station in the South India.
Yercaud
In contrast to Ooty or other popular summer resorts of Tamilnadu, Yercaud is less
explored. It is a hidden treasure amongst hill stations in south India just for those who
crave for a tranquil and uncrowded holiday, Yercaud is replete with a number of natural
attractions that are incomaparable in their respective way.

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Yelagiri
Another hill station in Tamil Nadu that is just adorable for adventure buffs, specially for
trekkers. Yelagiri is a charming hill resort in Tamil Nadu endowed with salubrious
weather all through the year. Yelagiri is an excellent place to rejuvenate oneself amidst
placid beauty of Mother Nature.'
Kodaikanal
Perched at a height of 2100 meters above sea level and 120 kms from the sprightly
town of Madurai, Kodaikanal is a perfect holiday spot for enjoying peace and
tranquility. Refresh yourself with every breath you take here.
Coonoor
The spectacular hill station of Coonoor nestles in the laps of the Nilgiri Hills at a height
of 1800 m. Coonoor is perhaps the best hill station in Tamil Nadu to enjoy trekking.
Kotagiri
In the peaceful surroundings of the Nilgiri Hills and merely an hour's drive from Ooty,
Kotagiri is a modest town amidst the green tea estates. The beauty of this hill station is
simply adorable.
Velliangiri Hills
Apart from being a a hill station, Velliangiri is also a pilgrimage destination. Amongst all
the mountain shrines in Kongunadu, the Siva temple of Velliangiri is deemed to be the
most popular and sacred. Also known by other names as Rajathagiri, Velliangiri,
Dakshin Kailash or Bhoolok Kailash, this holy destination is the place where Siva
performed his cosmic dance to fulfil the request of his partner Umadevi.

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Monuments in Tamilnadu
Caves of Tamil Nadu
Built in the architectural style of Thirumalai Nayak's period and infused with Rajputana
arts, which the remains are mute witness to, the palace is said to have been ignored
during the period of Rajah Doraisingh Thevar (1898-1941).
Arjuna's Penance
Arjuna's Penance, perhaps the world's largest bas-relief, is the universe itself in stone,
throbbing with a vastness of conception. Legend has it that King Bhagiratha had to bring
down to earth the celestial Ganga to sanctify and redeem the cursed souls of his
ancestors
Rock Fort Temple
The Rock Fort temple complex in Tiruchirappalli is a conglomeration of three temples -
the Manikka Vinayaka temple at the foot of the hill, the Uchhi Pillayar Koyil at the top of
the hill and the Taayumaanava Koyil (Shivastalam) on the hill.
Valluvar Kottam
The memorial to the poet-saint Tiruvalluvar is shaped like a temple chariot and is, in
fact, the replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. A life-size statue of the saint has
been installed in the chariot which is 33m. tall.
Tanjavur Palace
The rice bowl of Tamil Nadu, Tanjavur is a bustling country town situated 55 kms east of
Trichy. Tanjore, also known as Thanjavur, was the ancient capital of the Chola kings
and later of the Tanjavur Nayaka and Maratha rulers.

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Tanjore Maratha Marvels
There were 275 Siva temples and 108 Vaishnavaite temples in the ninth century A.D. in
Tamil Nadu. Of these, 230 temples were in the original Chola Desa. The Cholas were
the greatest single dynasty, which had built the largest number of temples in India,
perhaps in the world.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Located in Kanyakumari district, 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.
Sivaganga Palace
Built in the architectural style of Thirumalai Nayak's period and infused with Rajputana
arts, which the remains are mute witness to, the palace is said to have been ignored
during the period of Rajah Doraisingh Thevar (1898-1941).
St. George's Fort
It is the oldest English fort on the East Coast, the tallest flag post in the region, the
oldest Anglican Church in the east of Suez. Constructed between 1640 and 1653 and
subsequently reconstructed in 1783, the Fort was once a town, complete with named
streets, alleys and roads.

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Wildlife Tour in Tamilnadu
Vedanthangal Water Birds Sanctuary
Vedanthangal is a home not only to migratory birds but also to many ornithologists who
camp here for weeks observing the birds at close quarters. A must visit bird sanctuary in
Tamilnadu.
Point Calimere Bird Sanctuary
Sprawling on 17.26 sq km surrounded by sea and shore, comprising forests of tidal
swamps, this Tamilnadu wildlife sanctuary is situated in Nagapattinam district.
Crocodile Bank
This Crocodile Bank has been established with an aim to protected and conserve the
endangered reptiles such as crocodiles, Alligators etc.
Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary
Kunthakulam bird sanctuary is situated 223-km from Tirunelveli district. A not so popular
amongst tourists but definitely worth a visit amongst the wildlife sanctuaries in
Tamilnadu.
Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary
Spread over 958 sq kms, this wildlife sanctuary in Tamilnadu can be reached though sin
Anamalai Hills on the Western Ghats. An ecological Paradise, this sanctuary
encompasses a National Park within its area.
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Nilgiri Hills, the offshoot of the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. This
321 sq km wide sanctuary encompasses a National Park measuring an area of 103 sq
kms.

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Mukkurthi National Park
Located on the high altitudes of the Nilgiris, 40 kms from Udhagamandalam, it contains
a viable population of Nilgiri Tahr (Hamitrgus-hilocrius), Sambar, Nilgiri Marten, Barking
deer.
Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary
Located on the high altitudes of the Nilgiris, 40 kms from Udhagamandalam. It contains
a viable population of Nigiri Tahr (Hamitrgus-hilocrius), Sambar, Nilgiri Marten, Barking
deer Located on the high altitudes of the Nilgiris, comprising rolling ...
Guindy National Park
Guindy National Park in Tamilnadu is situated in Chennai. Compositions of animals
Black Buck, Chital, Jackal, Pangolin and a variety of Avi fauna. Guindy National Park is
one of the prime visiting spots for those who come to Chennai during vacation period.
Vedanthangal And Karikili Bird Sanctuaries
These bird sanctuaries in Tamilnadu are situated in the Kanchipuram district. In all 115
species of birds have been recorded in this sanctuary.