Pudukkottai

INTRODUCTION

Often regarded as the perfect representation of Dravidian culture, the beautiful region of Puddukottai is blessed by a heritage that dates back to ancient antiquity. One of the best features of this culture, is the fact that the very essence of this is still held on to strongly in the minds and souls of the entirety of the population of the district, a fact which gives the district some of its most characteristic features and makes it one of the most important tourist destinations of Tamil Nadu. It is perhaps this, which coupled with the various tourist attractions of Puddukottai, popularizes tour to Puddukottai at a rapidly growing pace.

Major Attractions in Puddukottai

The major attractions of Puddukottai include:

Avur:Located just 28 kms away from Puddukottai and 20 kms from Trichi, this is one of the most beautiful churches in this part of the world, famous for its Easter Celebrations.
Kunnadar Koil: Located about 25 kms away from Puddukottai, this is one of the best examples of the amalgamation of history and architecture. The region is famous for a rock-cut cave temple that has proved to be extremely valuable for archeological studies.
Thirupunavasal: Located around 70 kms from Puddukottai, this region is home to one of the most revered Shiva temples in Southern India and is known all around Tamil Nadu for the celebration of the Vaikasi Festival.

Thoothukudi

INTRODUCTION

Thoothukudi is the headquarters of Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu. This district was previously known as Tuticorin. One of the major port cities in India, Thoothukudi is famed for pearl fishing, production of salt, production of fertilizer and heavy water plants, fishing and also for its thermal power station. Thoothukudi has a centre for folk art and there are several handicraft centers.

Tourist attractions

Some of the famous tourist attractions in Thoothukudi are the

Sankara Rameshwarar Temple: (Lord Shiva Temple): It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi on their way to Thiruchendur halted near the holy tank Vancha Pushkarani, the site of this temple, near old bus stand.

Hare Island: A very good picnic spot, this island lies adjoining the port.

Church of Our Lady of Snow: Earlier known as St. Paul’s Church, this church is dedicated to the mother of Jesus and was consecrated by the bishop of Cochin. An annual feast is held here every year in August.

Roche Park: Located 4 km from Thoothukudi, this is a picturesque shore area. During festival and weekly holidays hordes of tourists flock this tranquil place.

Kazhukumalai: This 8th century cave temple has a Vettuvankoil worth visiting. It is a rock-cut cave temple similar to Pallava cave temples at Mamallapuram.

Climate

The best time to visit Thoothukudi is between the months of November and March.

Tiruvannamalai

INTRODUCTION

The sacred temple city of Tamil Nadu, Tiruvannamalai is a pleasure to explore. One of Tamil Nadu’s holiest city, Tiruvannamalai is a revered site visited by tourists all around the year. The city is blessed with natural beauty and spiritual harmony. The city is one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalas devoted to Lord Shiva. The city worships the fire incarnation of Lord Shiva also known as Arunachala.

There are many myths and legends associated with the city origins. The incredible history of the city has been made immortal by many Tamil poets with their literary masterpieces. Formerly ruled by the Chola dynasty, the city has been beautified with several of their majestic works. The architecture of the olden days is seen in every nook and corner of the city. The magnificent temples stand as testimony to the faith people have on the city. The religious festivals are attended by pilgrims from far and near places. Discover the charm of divine faith with Tiruvannamalai Travel Guide

Coonoor

INTRODUCTION

Coonoor ranks among the well known hill stations in India. It is located in the midst of the Nilgiri Mountains and is a part of the state of Tamil Nadu. Coonoor is a well known place for tourism and is also known for coffee plantations. Hundreds of people come to Coonoor.

Coonoor in Tamil Nadu is situated at an altitude of around 4927 feet and is the second largest city in the Nilgiri region after Ooty. The place is known for its scenic beauty and charming weather. It is full of sprawling vegetation, mountains and lovely waterfalls.

The climate of Coonoor, Tamil Nadu remains mild and pleasant all over the year. The summer months are pleasant while the winter months are cool. The best time to travel to Coonoor is between the months of October and March. The weather is this part of the year is cool with scanty rainfall.

Kanyakumari

INTRODUCTION

A beach destination that’s a must for any beach lover, Kanyakumari is known for its interesting myths and legends, spectacular sunrise and sunsets and different colours of sand! Being the point of confluence of three oceans – the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, Hindus also believe that a dip here is considered holy. Popularly known as “Land’s End”, a tour to Kanyakumari would take you to the point where Bay of Bengal merges with the Arabia Sea.

Nature lovers would for sure love the sight of the setting sun and the moon rising over the ocean. If you are at Kovalam Beach, then Kanyakumari is perfect as a one day trip. A popular pilgrimage destination, it is also marked for its spiritual significance that it has for the Hindus.Popularly known as “Land’s End”, a tour to Kanyakumari would take you to the point where Bay of Bengal merges with the Arabia Sea. Nature lovers would for sure love the sight of the setting sun and the moon rising over the ocean. If you are at Kovalam Beach, then Kanyakumari is perfect as a one day trip. A popular pilgrimage destination, it is also marked for its spiritual significance that it has for the Hindus.

Places to see in Kanuakumari

Any tour to Kanyakumari is incomplete without a visit to the Kumari Amman Temple that attracts tourists and pilgrims alike. The temple is open from 4:30 to 11:45 am in the morning and 5:30 to 8:30pm in the evening. Travelers who are Non-Hindus are restricted to enter the inner sanctrum. Everyone needs to remove their shoes whilst entering the temple. Other places that are worth visiting are:-

Sri Padaparai
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Gandhi Memorial
Kanyakumari Temple

Chettinad

INTRODUCTION

Chettinad is decked with plush wood furnishings and ceramic collections from across the globe, reminiscent of the grand architectural style of the ancient times. During a tour to Chettinad, visitors should not miss out on shopping. Right from antiques to cotton sarees, Chettinad in Tamil Nadu offers a shopping experience to remember with great delight.

Tourist attractions

Some of the famous tourist attractions to visit during a tour to Chettinad are –

Kamban Mani Mandapam : This edifice was constructed in honor of late Tamil poet Kavi Chakravarthy Kamban and many literary programs are conducted here annually.
Kaviarsar Kannadhasan Mani Mandapam: It has a museum with a stunning collection of artifacts including traditional jewelry, attires, huge copper vats and grain bins.
Periya Minor’s Veedu: Replete with a Spanish tiled roof, Italian floor tiles and carved teak pillars, this impressive mansion simples awes it visitors.
Sri Meenakshi Sundaeswarar Temple: This temple in Devakottai is renowned for the 108 statues of Vinayak.
Athangudi: You can learn the art of making and drying handmade patterned terracotta tiles by visiting a tile factory in Athangudi.

Rameswaram

INTRODUCTION

One of the most important features of Rameswaram as a major tourist attraction of Tamil Nadu is its position as an important pilgrimage center of Tamil Nadu. Equally sacred to Vaishnavities and Shaivities, the two main sects of Hinduism, Rameswaram is regarded as one of the holiest cities of India as well an integral part of the mythological representations of India. Today, one of the most important tourist destinations of India, a tour to Rameswaram should definitely be included while planning a trip to Tamil Nadu.

Tiruvarur

INTRODUCTION

Take a tour to Tiruvarur if you want to visit an important pilgrim centers located in Tamil Nadu. It is located approximately at a distance of 24 km away from Nagapattinam and about 56 km away from Thanjavur. Edged by the famous river Kaveri, the land is rich in tradition, history and legend. Known as a popular ancient heritage site in India the place is evocative enough with its religio-socio-cultural history focusing on the Tamil region dating back to the 9th to 12th century

Tanjore

INTRODUCTION

While on a tour to Tamil Nadu, come to Tanjore, which lies in the east of Trichy. Historically, Tanjore was the regal city of the Cholas, Nayaks and the Mahrattas. The several tourist attractions in Tanjore manifest the glorious history of Tanjore.

Following are the prime tourist attractions in Tanjore that you can explore –

Brihadeeswarar Temple: Also called the Big Temple, this is one of the best temples in South India. This temple was built by the greatest Chola emperor Raja I in 10th century AD.

The Royal Palace: This vast building of masonry is near the Big Temple. It has an Art Gallery comprising of many granite and bronze statues of the Chola period, and the ancient Hall of Music. There is a library named Saraswathi Mahal Library preserving more than 30,000 palm leaves and paper manuscripts in Indian and European languages. Also present in the palace is the Royal Museum housing items like manuscripts, weapon dresses, utensils, musical instruments used by the royal family of Tanjore. In the palace garden is the 18th century Schwartz Church, built in memory of Rev. C. V. Schwartz of the Danish Mission. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Tanjore city from Sharja Madi.

Sivaganga Tank: Renowned for its sweet water, this tank is situated near the palace.

Rajarajan Mani Mandapam: Built during the 8th World Tamil Conference, this mandapam has a small garden with children’s play materials.

Rajarajan Museum: Located in the ground floor of the main mandapam, this museum is run by the State Archaeological Department.

Mariamman Temple (Punnai Nallur): This famous temple, located 6 km from Tanjore, is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman.

Around Thanjavur: You can also visit the nearby Naageswaran Temple and the heritage monument Airavatheeswar Temple, or go for excursions to the picturesque Orattanad and Manora.

Trichy

INTRODUCTION

Settled on the banks of river Kaveri, Trichy is listed among the most traveled tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu. From notable attractions to lively bazaars, Trichy has a lot keep you engaged. This 4^th largest city of the state and the stronghold of the early Chola rulers, this city is an amazing mix of modernity and tradition.

Commonly referred as Trichy, Tiruchirapalli boasts of several amazing attractions dating back to 1760s including various British churches (the most notable one is ‘Our Lady of Lourdes’), holy shrines (Ranganathaswamy Temple and Vinayaka temple) and the famous Rock Fort (historic fort and temple put up on ancient rock).

The bazaars of Tiruchirapalli are famous for the locally made cigars, textiles and fake diamonds. The city is also famed internationally for a brand of ‘Cheroot’, known as the Trichinopoly Cigar. Trichy Travel Guide would help you out to know more about the place.

Kumbakonam

INTRODUCTION

Home to several ancient temples, Kumbakonam is one of the most popular temple destinations of Tamil Nadu state. The place is flanked by River Kavery and River Arasalar. The temple of this place are not places of worship but are architectural wonders too. They are specimen of artistic finesse, craftsmanship and prowess of workers of the ancient times. Tour to Kumbakonam offers you immense peace and spiritual satisfaction.

These temples are an essential part of the cultural heritage of this place. One of the most popular things to do in Kumbakonam is a visit to this place at the time to Mahamaham Festival. During the course of its history, the place had been under the rule of various dynasties including Cholas, Pallavas, Thanjavur Marathas, Madurai Nayaks, Thanjavur Nayaks, Pandyas and Vijayanagar rulers. Various rulers commissioned different temples during their reign.

Some of the must-visit temples in Kumbakonam are Adi Kumbeshwara Temple, Nageswaran Temple, Sarangapani Temple, Airavatesvara Temple, Uppailiappan temple, Kumbeswarar Temple and Dharasuram.

Sivagangai

INTRODUCTION

A town in Tamil Nadu, Sivagangai is the administrative headquarters of the Sivagangai District. Found by Sasivarnana Periya Udaya Thevar, the first king of Sivagangai dynasty, Sivagangai is the capital of Chettinad. It is so because of the predominance of the Nattu Kottai Chettiars of Chettinad who ventured far and wide from here to establish their trade even at the turn of the 20th century.

Tourist attractions

Some of the famous attractions to visit during a tour to Sivagangai are the

Kundrakudi Murugan Kovil: Positioned 10 km from Karaikudi, a place near Sivagangai, Arulthiru Shanmuganathan Holy Temple was built around the year 1000 AD, where the presiding deity is Lord Shanmuganathan.
Pillayar Patti Lord Ganesh Temple:This rock-cut temple located about 12 km from Karaikudi was constructed after hewing a hillock by the early Pandya kings.
Kandadevi Temple:This 350-year-old temple is maintained by Sivaganga Devasthanam, which is one among 84 temples. The Aanni Urchavam is a popular festival here, celebrated every year in June by the people of 75 villages.
Thirukostiyur Temple: One of the significant 108 Vaishnava temples, this is famous as South Tirupathi. Every year, Masi Magam Teppamis is celebrated here.
Thiruvenkadamudaiyan – Then Tirupathi:This 100-year-old vast temple complex, consecrated to Lord Srinivasa Perumal, is also referred to as Then Tirupati and Arulmigu Ariyakkudi Thiruvenkadamudaiyan Temple.

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