Essence of Tamil Nadu

Chennai

Chennai or Madras as it was called before, is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, a State of the Indian Sub continent. It is a major industrial, commercial, cultural, economic and educational centre of the Southern India. Chennai City is the sixth largest populated in Indian cities. It is known as the "Detroit of India" because many automobile industries are located here.

There are many versions and legends as to how this city’s name kept changing from Madras and Chennai from time to time. Originally this city was called as Madras, from Madraspattinam during Nayakars rule. It was a fishing village situated to the north of the present Fort St. George. British bought the piece of land from the King of Vijayanagar and built the Fort St. George that houses today’s Secretariat complex of Government of Tamil Nadu. British retained the name as Madrasapattinam, though the locals called it as Chennapattinam. A Legend also says, this city was first named Chennai in honour of Damal Chennappa Nayakkar. In 1996, the then ruling Government of Madras, renamed it as Chennai and it stands good -

Beautiful Beaches, One day leisure outlets, Modern Sea Port and Airport, Long and beautiful Highways, Convenient multi-Transport system, Theme parks, Industrial cities, Hi ,Tech software silicon valley parks, Sophisticated Multi Speciality Hospitals, World Class Universities, High Rise Business and Residential complexes are the present days outlook of the great Chennai, most sought after by the people of all walks of life from all parts of the world.

Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, now officially called Mamallapuram, is a town in the Kanchipuram district of the Tamil Nadu state. It is a 7th-century port city of the famous Pallava dynasty, a home to various significant monuments that were constructed between the seventh and the ninth centuries. It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the presence of these aforementioned historical monuments. Mahabalipuram faces the Bay of Bengal and is situated on the Coromandel Coast. During the Golden Age of the Pallavas, the years between 650-750 AD.

Pondicherry

You can find a perfect blend of adventure, beach, heritage and cultural experiences in Pondicherry. You can reach to Pondicherry from all other major cities in India either by flight or train or bus. The major tourist attractions are Paradise Beach, Auroville Ashram, Raj Niwas, Pondicherry Botanical Garden, Chunnambar Boathouse that offers all kinds of water sports, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Scuba Diving, Aurobindo Ashram, Manakula Vinayagar Temple and Promenade beach.

Thanjavur

Thanjavur, also known as the ‘Rice Bowl of India’ has many historical sites. The major tourist attractions are Brahadeeswara Temple that was constructed in the 10th century, Airavateshwara Temple, Thanjavur Royal Palace, Gangaikonda Temple. The city is distinct among the other cities of Tamil Nadu due to the dolls known as 'thalayatti bommai' and the famous Thanjavur paintings.

Trichy

The 4th largest town in Tamil Nadu, - Tiruchirappalli - is an ancient town with a recorded history that dates back to the 3rd century BC. The city has been ruled by various ancient and historical kingdoms and empires. The Cholas, the Pandya, the Pallava, the Vijaynagar Kingdom, the Carnatic Kingdom and the British have ruled this region and have deeply influenced the city’s culture over the years. As a result of the various cultural influences Tiruchirappalli is famous for its various monuments and temples. Also, due to the city being surrounded by various channels of the Kaveri River is rich in vegetation and natural resources. Here’s the list of the - best places you must visit in Tiruchirappalli.

Madurai

Thiruvananthapuram (or Trivandrum) is the capital of the southern Indian state of Kerala. It's distinguished by its British colonial architecture and many art galleries. It’s also home to Kuthira Malika (or Puthen Malika) Palace, adorned with carved horses and displaying collections related to the Travancore royal family, whose regional capital was here from the 18th,20th centuries