Tamilnadu
This is a land of diverse magnificence. Tamilnadu lies in the southern part of India and a splendid state with grand Hindu temples, hill stations, beach resorts and eight UNESCO world heritage sights. One of India’s foremost State in terms of overall development. The climate of the state ranges from dry sub-humid to semi-arid. The best time to visit Tamilnadu is from November to March .The state is hugely depends on monsoon rains. If, the monsoon fails, it may lead to severe drought. The official language is Tamil but English is widely spoken.
History
Tamilnadu history dates back to pre-historic times. Recent findings include a Jurassic trove buried in the sands of a river bed and a cluster of eggs found from a village of this state gives more evidence of this pre-historic age. The state is home for Tamilian civilization since 1500 BC. The medieval era of the history saw rise and fall of many Kingdoms. After the establishment of Dutch in 1609, Tamilnadu came under the rule of British East India Company from 1639-1947.
Attractions in detail
Tamilnadu possess more than 30,000 temples and hence it has the title, "Land of Temples". These temples are archives of the magnificient art forms that evolved over several centuries.
Chidambaram Kapaleeswarar, an ancient Shiva temple, is the biggest temple in the state. The inscriptions on the temple dates back to 1250 AD.
Madurai Meenakshi temple is one of the largest temple complexes in India. The splendor of this temple has remained undiminished for the past two thousand years. Its overwhelming architecture is a treasure trove of Indian culture and civilization.
Thanjavur Brihadeeswara Temple is built in the era ( 1002 CE) of Chola dynasty. It is a great example for the Architectural Masterpiece of Chola Rule in South India, and is unique to have the tallest tower (216 ft) over the sanctum sanctorum unlike the other temples.
Kanyakumari is the place where the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal meet up. The place got its name from the deity here, Goddess Kanya Kumari; the virgin. Here you will be able to see the spectacular sight of Sunrise, Sun Set and Moonrise. A memorial to Swami Vivekananda can be seen on a rocky promontory just over 400 meters off shore. There is a boat service to the monument.
Udhagamandalam or Ooty, is known as 'Queen of the Blue Mountains'(nilgiri). This place is famous for its rolling hills that are covered with pine and eucalyptus forests. It was found and developed as a summer retreat by British Collector John Sullivan. Tennis, golf and horse riding are possible in this location. Ooty Lake is also a major attraction, here one can go for boat riding and with special permission fishing can also be done.
Thirumalai Naik Mahal built in the 17th century by the King Thirumalai Naik. This Palace is a fusion of Dravidian, European and Islamic architecture and it’s a monument worth seeing.
Kanchipuram is famous for its temples and silks. The temples here are a must see. Another important sight seeing place is Mahabalipuram which is famous for the seven pagodas and the rock cut monolithic temples, this is a World Heritage Site in India.
The Santhome Cathedral Church built in 1504, then rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in 1893, is believed to have the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle. St.Thomas, who brought christianity to India is considered to be the Father of Indian Christianity.
Pilgrims and visitors from all over the world visit this shrine throught the year.
St Thomas mount is assumed to be the place where, the mortally wounded Apostle sought refuge.There is a chapel built by the Portugese over the Cave where there is still a visible hand imprint of the Apostle when he flee through the cave.
St. Mary's Church was built in 1678-80.This is considered as the first English Church in Chennai, and is the oldest surviving British Church in India. It has a bomb-proofed carved structure, which has the finishing touch of polished lime and the interior of the church is adorned with the wooden and glass furnishings.
