The Dravidain culture of tamil nadu is a anciet and complex as any the world has known. Among the great dynasties of south India that held sway here the Chola Kings are synonymous with power and compassion, magnificent temples and delicate bronze images of their deities.

Tamil Nadu is rich in mineral resources like limestone, bauxite, lignite, magnesite and iron ore. Cotton spinning and weaving are the major industries besides fertilizers, cement, paper, chemicals and electric motors. It ranks second (first being Kerala) in the production of fish. The most important river is the Cauvery which is an important source of water and power.

Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu

Chennai
The capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of the four major metropolitan cities in India and main centre of this region. In the early 17th century, Madraspatnam was the small fishing village along the cooum and Adyur rivers flowed towards the coromandel coast and into the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is a city that never hurries. compared with India's other major cities, Chennai is quiet backwater, conservative in its way, with consierable importance placed on old fashioned values and traditions.

The thirteen kilometers long marvelous Marina beach that wears a festive look on weekend evenings adds more beauty to the Chennai city are the finest and longest beaches in the world. Theaquarium is on the sea front. The state secretariat of the St. George Forte in Chennai is a splendid building. The variety of British and French antiques and other commemorations in the museum are popular amongst tourists. The first English church in Chennai, St Mary's Church gives peace to mind and soul. A tour to Chennai would introduce us to some of the important places like, the 8th century Parthasarthi temple of the Pallavas dedicated to Lord Krishna and the Kapaleeswarar Temple of Lord Shiva

Other tourist attraction of Chennai.
High Court: is one of the largest judicial complexes in the world.
The Art and Bronze Gallery: where one can find few examples of the Tanjore school of painting.
Snake Park: A tour of this fascinating park will reveal that more than 40 species of common snakes besides crocodiles, chameleons, monitor lizards and tortoises can be seen here.
Fort Museum: It is at Fort St George, the first British fort build around 1653 by the British East India Company. The padlocks, old uniforms, old prints, palanquins, paintings of the governors are displayed here.

Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is lieas towards 76 kms Southwest of the Chennai. This golden city of thousand temple is one of the seven most scared cities of India. Kanchi is also called Varanasi of the south" and is held in great reverence. Kanchipuram was the capital of succesive south India dynasties beginning with pallavas, the Cholas, and the Rayas of Vijayanagar. During the 6th and 7th centuries, the Pallavas built some of the best temples in the city.

The city was also a great seat of learning. Sri Sankaracharya, Appar, Siruthonder, and the great Budddhist Bhikku lived, and worked here. Kancipuram is also famous for its finest hand woven silk fabrics and silk kanchipuram saris.

The main attraction and famous temples of the city are Kailasnath Temple, built by Rajasimha and his son Mahendra the 3rd, in the 8th centuryAD. Ekambareswarar Temple, another ancient temple, renovated by the Pallavas, the Cholas, and the Vijayanagar kings. The 57 metre high Rajagopuram, is one of the tallest towers in South India. The festivals of the city are celebrated with great pomp and show; some of the main festivals are the Brahmothsavam, Garudothsavam, and the Chariot festival. Sakkiswarar Temple; built by the Cholas.This temple is located near the Kamakshi Amman Temple.Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, an important Vishnu temple built by the Pallava King Nandivarman Pallavamalla, in the 7th century AD. Numerous inscriptions are found in the temple, relating to the wars between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas.

Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram, this coastal town was a famous sea port founded by Pallavan king in the 17 th century. This city is famous for its seven pagodas - a group of ancient rock temples, which are examples of the Dravidian style of architecture. At the mouth of the river palar on a large granite hall about 1km in length from north to south, is the site of many monuments.

This ancient Pallava port, is today the sight of several antique sculptural marvels. In this ancient seaside town, shrines and huge sculptures cut-out of rocks more than 1200 years back during the reign of Pallava Kings are The Descent of Ganges also known as Arjuna's Penance, this open air sculpture showing the descent of the holy river, Krishna Mandap (Lord krishna lifting the Mount Goverdhan), The Rathas (dedicated the five Pandavas, showing fine chariots) and the Shore temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. (This all are the World heritage sites).

Chidambaram
If you travel 245 kms away from Chennai, you will reach Chidambaram, also known as the 'City of the Cosmic Dancer' or called as Thillai. Chidambaram is an important destination for followers of the Hindu god Shiva and exponent of the fearsome, frenzied Tandav Nritya or the dance of destruction. At the centre of the town is the large Natraj Temple (the dancing Shiva)' in his cosmic dance pose is known through out the world. 'The Chitrakootam', another shrine adjacent to the Nataraja temple is dedicated to Lord Govindraja. Spread out over 40 acres this complex, dedicated to the god who is usually represented by the phallic symbol, houses other temples, a tank, and the 'thousand pillared hall’. Non-Hindus are allowed into the complex but not the gold plated sanctum sanctorum that houses the idol. The Natyanjali Dance Festival is held on the temple grounds in February with performances by eminent dancers. There is a 13th century Kali Temple on the outskirts of the town.

Madurai
Madurai is also one of the ancient most citis of India. The name "Madurai" is said to be corruption of mathuram,"nector", a name given t the city after a drop of nector fell from Shiv's hair. Madurai is great temple town and renowned for its Meenakashi temple situated on the banks of river Vaigai. Madurai has a rich cultural heritage, which is more than 2500 years old. The city is believed to have been built by the Pandyan King, Kulasekara in the 6th century BC. It is also known as the Athens of the East and is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. The temple measuring 255 metres by 217 metres and punctuated by four gateways within the heart of the city. There are two main shrines, one dedicated to Meenakshi Amman and other to Shiva Sundereswara, her lord. Temple gives a splendid example of Dravidian architecture and to its left is Golden Lotus Pool, surrounded by colonnade wher pilgrimges baths and do ablutions and also is famous for Jasmine Flowers.

The present temple was designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak. There are four entrances to the temple with an area of six hectares. Each of its 12 towers has the height of 45 to 50 meters. The temple museum has 985 richly carved pillars and each one surpasses the other in beauty.

The Vishnu Temple is located at a distance of 21 kms northwest of Madurai. It is said that in this temple, 'Vishnu' presides as Meenakshi's brother 'Azhgar'. During the Chitrai festival a procession is carried out from Azhagar Kovil to Madurai for wedding ritual.

Palamudhirsolai, one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya is on the same hill. A natural spring called Nuburagangai is also located here.

Coimbatore
Coimbatore is the third largest city in Tamil Nadu after Chennai and Madurai. It’s a lot like the rest of industrial India in essence but without the grey smoke-urban sprawl flavour. Surprisingly, it’s a pleasant mix of busy bustle and small town ease despite being the business hub of textile and automobile industries in South India. it is also known as the 'Manchester of South India'.

Kodaikanal
About 120 kms from Madurai, situated this scenic hill station in Tamil Nadu, famous for 'The Kurinji flower', which blossoms once in 12 years. Set 2100 metres above sea level, Kodaikanal is a popular hill station retreat in South India. The cool climes of Kodai offer holiday makers respite from the steamy plains of Tamil Nadu and other neighbouring states. Encompassed by verdant slopes that are punctuated by waterfalls and cascades, Kodaikanal presents some awesome scenic views of the plains below. the natural beauty of Kodai. There are organized walks through the eucalyptus and blue gum forests that are great for the heart, mind and lungs. One can go off on one’s own exploring the surrounding hills. The surrounding forests provide great trekking trails for the outdoor enthusiast and if you are not too adventurous, the Kodai Lake located at the heart of the town is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll or boat ride.

Kodaikanal was established by American missionaries around 1845, a refuge from inhospitable climes and the dreaded malaria. Besides being an escape from the heat, the town is also filled with residential schools. Today it has some of the best residential schools in the country, with the Kodaikanal International School leading the pack.

The most important tourist attractions are coachker's Walk, Golf Links, Green Valley view, Pillar's rocks, silver cascade falls and the Kodai Lake, various water falls and the Solar Physical Observatory.

Visit Kodaikanal from April to June or August to September. This is when the weather is at it's best - temperatures stay in the region of a comfortable 20°C to a bracing 10°C. The months between October and March are wet and cold, so it is best to avoid being here at this time.

Ooty (Ootacmund)
Ootacamund most popularly known as Ooty. It is mostly referred to as the Queen of the Southern Hills stations. located in the midst of four high hills; Doddabetta, Snowdon, Elk hill and Club Hill. .It drives its name from the Niligiri or the Blue Mountains - the name to the Hills by the inhabitants for more than 850 years because of the blue haze of clouds which envelope the hill slopes. Hill slopes veiled in a profusion of wild flowers, plantations of cardamom and tea, and eucalyptus forests take over the landscape.

Ooty offers the most scenic walks, into dense forests, pretty mountain trails and to fabulous viewpoints like Wenlock Downs, Snowdon, Ketty Valley and Dodabetta Peak. From here you can sweep across the Blue Mountains, wander through the misty forests, chance upon unexpected waterfalls and brilliant bird species. Canter away on ponies or have a romantic little picnic in the woods.

Ooty is tranquil enough for a pair of lovebirds to get lost among the other dreamers who are seeking quiet havens and parks. Look for secluded corners in the Botanical Garden with its amazing collection of trees and shrubs, and the beautiful Rose Garden. For times when you want to join in the action, walk down to the lake and soak in the excitement from the safety of the banks or venture onto the lake and tandem in pedal boats, rock together in rowboats and motorboats. And finally, catch the picturesque little Blue Train, a beautiful journey through tea plantations, eucalyptus forests and hills.

Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram is an island situated on the tip of the Indian peninsula and the most sacred temple town of India is an island hallowed by the epic Ramayana. It is the place from where Lord Rama had built a bridge across the sea to rescue his consort Sita.This is the place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva and erected lingam to cleanse away the sin of Ravana. Both the Vaishnavites and Shaivites visit this pilgrimage city.

Rameshwaram is significant for the Hindus. The presiding deity is the Linga of Sri Ranganatha, which happens to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India. Rameshwaram is popularly referred as the 'Benaras of the south'. In order to attain Moksha it is believed that a visit to Rameshwaram is mandatory. In fact the entire area of Rameshwaram is associated with various incidents from the Ramayana. The city of Rameshwaram happens to be one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India.

The Ramanathaswami Temple is about a hundred meters from the shore. It marks the place where Rama is said to have earned Shiva’s forgiveness for killing Ravana. The temple is huge with a 54meter high gopuram and a corridor that is 1220meters long, lined with 1200 huge granite pillars. The Agni Teertham is when devotees purify themselves in the seawater around. The temple complex has 22 wells, each of which is supposed to have different tasting water. Gandamadham Parvatham is the highest point in the island. The hall has a wheel (chakra) which bears a footprint believed to be Rama’s. 8km from Rameswaram is the southern tip of the island called Dhanushkodi after Rama’s bow. The boulders around are believed to be from the bridge that Rama’s monkey army built to get across to the errant Ravana’s Lanka. Devastated by a cyclone in 1964, all that remains here is an ancient temple and its idols of figures from the epic .Another shrine called Gandamadana Parvatham is worth visiting. This shrine is found at 2kms away from Rameshwaram

Thanjavur(Tanjore)
Thanjavur, or Tanjore as the Britishs called it, is a lush paddy district. Now a small city in the state of Tamil Nadu, it rose to glory during the Chola period from the 10th century to the 14th, when it came to be the centre of art and education. The Cholas built extensively during this period and 74 of their temples are still standing. As the centre of cultural development Thanjavur attracted master craftsmen, and it still continues to produce attractive handcrafted ware. It is an important center for bronze figure casting. Thanjavur is known for the beautiful Brihadeshwara temple. Other places that can be seen are 'The Raja Museum and Art Gallery' and 'Saraswati Mahal Library, 16 th century Shivganga Fort.

Trichy (Tiruchirapalli)
One of the most famous temple town situated on the banks of the Cauvery river, 325 kms away from Chennai, this city is known for its historic temple architecture,. blend of history and tradition as well as pilgrim centre. Historically, trichys prosperty was linked to the fortunes of South Inida's ruling dynasties. The city generally associated with the Chola's , The Pallavas, Pandyans and Nayaks.

The most famous attractions to visit are Ranganath temple and Jambukeshwar Temple at Srirangam and Rock fort and its temple at a height of over 23mts.

Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari – is the land’s end of India where the water of the Arabian Sea , the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet. It is noted for its marvelous beaches and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. An important pilgrim centre of India. Upon arrival check in at hotel.

Kanyakumari has been named after the Goddess Amman, who is the popular deity of the area. It is said that the Goddess Parvati in one of her incarnations did penance on one of the rocks of this land's end to obtain the hand of Lord Shiva. The district was once known as "The Granary of Travancore". It was in Travancore for a long time and then merged with Tamil Nadu in 1956 under the State Linguistic Reorganization Act and to its South – East lies the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a blend of all the architectural styles of India. Vattakottai, Suchindram and Courtallam Falls.

Kanyakumari is also known as Cape Comorin. The Cape festival is celebrated on a large scale for three days at Kanyakumari. The festival is marked by a series of cultural programs.

Nagappattinam
There are many place of worship at Nagapattinam. The most important of them is the Velankanni Church and which has been constructed in the honor of Our Lady of Health. The devotees of this place possess a firm belief on the healing powers of Madonna.
From the mental point of view the Churches at Nagappattinam are very invigorating. The church also offers relaxation to he weary mind. The rich heritage of Indian Culture is reflected through the Church. The Churches of Nagappattinam also reflects the grand architectural style of the Indian Art and Architecture. The Churches of Nagappattinam are airy and the pavilions of these churches are the doors of heavens; they bring peace and solace into the lives of men. Religion is a way for reincarnation of the lost soul, so even a not so good man can find relief here. The sociopolitical events have been engraved in the walls of the Churches.
The walls of the Churches in Nagappattinam also reflect the stories of the Bibles and the tales told by Aesop. All these things tell the audience of the value of good over the evil.
The important churches in Nagapattinam are the following: Velankani Church: This Church is unique because it is also known as the Mecca of the Christians in India. Here Mother Mary is the worshipped shrine. The Velankani Church is reputed for its healing properties and there is a belief that if one touches the feet of the blessed mother Mary then all the diseases would be cured. This church is also known by the name Sacred Arogya Matha Church. Mother Mary is believed to impart the energy of survival and the bliss of health.

Pondicherry
Pondicherry is situated on the Coromandel Coast of South India, about 160 kms south of Chennai.It is touched by the Bay of Bengal on the east and on the other three sides by the South Arcot District of Tamil Nadu. Pondicherry comprises the towns of Karaikal, on the east coast; Mahe, which is situated on the Malabar Coast, and Yanam, situated further up the east coast. Pondicherry a former french enclave and a provincial town. it carries a strong whiff of the French presence in India. Legend says that Pondicherry is the place where St.Agasthaya settled down.

Palaces of tourist attraction
Beaches:
Pondicherry has a lovely beach, which is about 1.5 Kms long. One can relax, sunbathe, swim, or take a stroll along the promenade. The beach has historical connections too.
Boat House:
Facilities for boating are available at the Boat House on the River Chunnambar. The backwaters and the lush greenery on both sides of the Chunnambar River provide an ideal setting for boating tours. Boats are available for hire by tourists on all days of the week.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram:
Sri Aurobindo Ashram, situated in the eastern part of Pondicherry. A tour of this samadhi of Shri Aurobindo and his chief disciple, the Mother is worth making. It is not only a quiet place of retreat but also a vibrant center of life. It comprises of almost 1500 members who live here and practice Sadhna for the evolution of another way of life, which seeks a higher spiritual consciousness. Many tourists travel to Pondicherry to visit this internationally renowned Ashram.
some other places to see :
Auroville - a unique experiment in international living and in creating a new environment where men and women of all nationalities live together in harmony; Vardaraja Perumal Temple, Vedapureeswarar Temple & Manakula Vinayagar Templewar memorial, Town hall