Get to Know Tamilnadu

Tamil Nadu   Hector Dsouza

Brilliantly carved Shiva and Vishnu temples, the longest beach in India, hill stations offering cool climes and outstanding beauty, an elephant reserve, well preserved forts, towns with distinct French influence, and the meeting point for three oceans at Kaniya Kumar, distinguishes Tamil Nadu from the other Indian states. The population comprises of 90% Hindus, not surprisingly, Tamil Nadu witnesses' religious rituals, tradition and customs, rarely seen in other parts of India, and is also known as the `Temple State'. Devotion is not just restricted to religion, it is also generously showered on renowned film actors acting in regional films in a land where celluloid rules. Regional politics and mouth watering local cuisine give the state its distinct character. Immense contribution to dance, music, art and literature (Tamil is the oldest Indian language) gives it yet another sobriquet – Cultural Capital.

Multiple dynasties ruled the state in 4th century B.C., while Pallavas ruled for three hundred years from 550 A.D to 850 A.D. Between 850 A.D to 1170 A.D the Cholas were a dominant force. The Pandiyas returned back to power, and ruled for another century. The British made its presence in the eighteenth century, though the French predated its rule over Pondicherry by a hundred years. With the defeating of French forces in Arcot, British ended French dominance in Tamil Nadu, and established Chennai as their capital leaving many architectural marvels. Major influence in Tamil Nadu has been the Dravidians who've been residing in the state for thousands of years. Today Tamil is the major language spoken by a majority of the state's population and has become the country's second largest industrial state.

While a number of options await travellers, most revered is the temple route from Chennai to Madurai, followed by visits to hill stations at Kodaikanal and Ootacamund. the tiger reserve at Madhumalai, to Kanyakumari for its sunsets and the French town of Pondicherry. Famous for its Indo-Sarcanic architecture, lovers of history find Fort St. George with an impressive range of monuments ranging the Fort Museum to St. Mary's Church truly fascinating. Today it houses the State Legislature. Kapaleeshwar Temple and San Tome Basilica built on the tomb of Saint Thomas who visited Indian in 52 A.D are the other interesting monuments offering religious services to this day.

Kanchipuram and Mahabailipuram form two ends of the triangle along with Chennai. Renowned for the art of weaving silk, Kanchipuram excels in making exquisite silk sarees. In ancient times it was the capital of Chola Kings and known as city of 1000 temples, today it houses 124 shrines. Renowned among them are Kailashnath, Vaikuntha Perumal, Vardaraja and Ekambareshwara Temple. Some of the finest sculptors and stone cutters can be found at Mahabalipuram, home to pillared halls, monolithic temples, the World Heritage Shore Temple built in the 7th century by King Rajasimha and most renowned of them all, Arjuna' s Penance carved on two magnificent rocks, depicting the descent of the Ganga from the Himalayas.

South of Kanchipuram lies Tiruvanamalai, a shrine devoted to Shiva and Parvati. Sri Ramana Maharishi spent years meditating in the caves at the Arunachala Mountain, situated in Tiruvanamalai. Moving south east, Chidambaram has the world famous Nataraja Temple where the statue of Shiva is shown `doing' the Cosmic dance, and can be viewed during the morning and evening hours. Kumbakonam is a tiny dot on the map of Tamil Nadu, yet it gains significance for its awesome Shiva and Vishnu Temples and brilliant carvings on temple walls. Yet another world heritage site is found at Thanjavur, where the spectacular Brihadeshwara Temple was built by the Chola King RajaRaja between 985-1012 AD. Well known monuments include two gopurams (towers), a mammoth statue of the Nandi Bull (bathed every fortnight) and palace ruins. The renowned Thyagaraja music festival is held at Thiruvalyaru 13 kms. north of Thanjavur. Southeast and 90 kms from Thanjavur lies the famous water bird sanctuary at Point Calimere, attracting large colonies of flamingos in December & January and great number migratory birds.

The temple route for most visitors culminates at Madurai, yet another temple and most renowned for Meenakshi Temple, located in the south of the temple complex. An idol of Sundareswar is located in the west part. Every evening there is a significant procession drawing in large number of visitors inside the temple complex where a picture of Sundareshwar is kept by the side of Meenakshi and brought back the next morning. Madurai is a town bustling with devotees, photo enthusiasts all around the years. Tourists are keen to have views of gopurams rising into the sky with a dazzle of colors and sculpted images; few return back dissatisfied, most are enriched and inspired by their experience on the temple route, especially religious tourists and scholars.

A four-hour drive south from Chennai leads to Pondicherry, best known the Aurobindo Ashram founded by philosopher Sri Aurobindo Ghosh and drawing international visitors from all around the globe. Having 300 heritage buildings in the French quarter, Pondicherry is well known for its boutique hotels offering tourists unique experiences in small properties having limited room inventory. The stone memorial of Sri Aurobindo under the shade of a tree garners much attention, while the complex itself is worth visiting for insights in living together in harmony among international communities.

A scenic four hour toy train ride on the Blue Mountain Railway brings visitors from Mettupalayam to Ooty, a premier hill station and tea growing region from 1818. Brilliant views of the Nilgiri Mountains can be had from Dodadbetta and Mukurti, while Botanical Garden and Ooty Lake are local attractions within the town. The Palani Hills throw up yet another fascinating hill station with the Kodai Lake being the centre of attraction. Meandering walks, cool to cold temperatures, awesome mountain terrain and views ensure Kodaikanal receives huge inflow of tourists during summer months. Scenic roads and mountain passes dominate this evergreen region dominated by Palani &Nilgiri Hills, Shola Mountains and part of Western Ghats.

At the extreme south lies Kaniyakumari, the meeting point of the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. A perfect way to end a sojourn in Tamil Nadu is to view a breathtaking sunset and a spectacular sunrise at Kaniyakumari. Different colors of the sand add to the magic and the experience.