Velankanni
INTRODUCTION
A small hamlet in Tamil Nadu on the sandy shore of the Bay of Bengal, Velankanni is 350 km far from Chennai and 14 km south of Nagapattinam. Velankanni is an eminent tourist destination and as a great deluge of pilgrims turn up here, like Lourdes in France, it is nicknamed as Lourdes of the East. Numerous tourists come and visit the church of Mother Mary. Delicate handlooms and silk are extensively available in Velankanni.
Tourist attractions in Velankanni
Some of the famous tourist attractions in Velankanni are the –
- Velankanni Church: The shrine here is dedicated to Our Lady of Health, the Madonna of
Velankanni, and is well-known as Sacred Arogya Matha Church. Fully consecrated to Virgin Mary and the Heavenly Mother, this church is nestled on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. - Velankanni festival:For ten days from 28th August to 10th September every year, a magnanimous festival is celebrated at the Velankanni Church. Pilgrims from different parts of India and even abroad throng to the site, bathe religiously in the sea, have their heads shaved and then walk on their knees or roll up to the shrine as rituals.
- Sri Rangam Temple:The first Vaishnava temple in South India, this temple, located in Trichy, is the premier amongst the 108 Vaishnava divyadesas.
Velankanni, and is well-known as Sacred Arogya Matha Church. Fully consecrated to Virgin Mary and the Heavenly Mother, this church is nestled on the shores of the Bay of Bengal.
Mahabalipuram
INTRODUCTION
Located 58 km southwards of Chennai, Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is one of the most popular destinations of Tamil Nadu. There are 2 legends behind the names of this place. The place is named Mahabalipuram after its ancient ruler King Mahabali who was killed by Lord Vishnu. The name 
Mamallapuram comes from Pallava ruler Narsimha Varman I. He was a great wrestler who was given the title of Mamallan. With an exotic sea line of 20 km, it attracts national as well as foreign tourists alike in huge numbers. Mahabalipuram was developed as a thriving seaport by the rulers of Pallava Dynasty, between 7th and 10 century. 650 – 750 AD was measured as the ‘Golden Age of Pallavas’.
Mahabalipuram is also known for being home to Group of Monuments that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The place is celebrated for its temples in the form of Rathas (chariots), Mandapams (cave sanctuaries), massive open-air remnants like the famed 100 ft long Arjuna Penance/ Descent of the Ganges, as well as the Rivage temple that comprises of several splendid sculptures of Lord Shiva. Handicrafts, Sculpture Workshops, Sculpture and Art college, and exotic sea shore of Mahabalipuram are prime charmers for the tourists visiting the place all year round.
These architectural gems were added by UNESCO in its world heritage list in the year 1984. Organized between the months of December and January, Mamallapuram Dance Festival draws champions of various classical dance forms such as Mohini Attam, Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali and Kuchipudi. This event is attended by tourists from all around the country and the globe.
Coimbatore
INTRODUCTION
Plan a tour to Coimbatore, and you will hear people saying, that you going to visit the “Manchester of South India”. It is situated at the Nilgiri foothills of and ranks as a top Indian tourist destination. Coimbatore possesses a history that attracts numerous domestic as well as international visitors to the city. Think about the magnificent Vijaynagar rulers to the reign of Tipu Sultan, the city still is reminiscent about its grand cultural and historical past.
Krishnagiri
Krishnagiri is the headquarters of Krishnagiri District in Tamil Nadu. The district was earlier known as Ariyalur District. Krishnagiri is full of black granite hillocks, and hence named as Krishnagiri (Krishna refers to ‘black’ and giri refers to ‘hill’). You can gorge upon the world’s tastiest mangoes here at Krishnagiri. One of the most industrialized places in India/ Hosur, is located in this district.
Tourist attractions in Krishnagiri
Some of the famous tourist attractions in Krishnagiri are the –
- Krishnagiri Dam:Built in between the years 1955-57, this dam is a good picnic spot located about 10 km away from Krishnagiri. Sprawling over an area of 50 acres, either side of the dam is adorned with beautiful flower gardens.
- Arulmigu Maragathambigai Chandra Choodeswarar Temple: Located in Hosur on National Highway 7, this temple stands on a hillock. Beside the temple are a children’s park and an observatory, setup by the tourism department.
- Government Museum:The museum houses exhibits from various subjects such as Archeology, Anthropology, Botany, Zoology, Geography, etc, and is a means to spread the tradition and heritage, culture and art of the region.
- Thally:Nestled amidst valleys and cliffs, this place experiences cold and cloudy weather resembling England and is therefore referred to as Little England since the British days.
- Kelevarapalli Dam:Constructed in 1995, this dam is situated 10 km from Hosur.
Theni
INTRODUCTION
One of the many districts of Tamil Nadu where nature is personified in all her pure beauty, a tour to Theni is a must if you are planning a trip to Tamil Nadu. Home to some of nature’s purest sceneries, Theni charms her visitors into returning to this beautiful land every time they leave.
Major Attractions in Theni
The major attractions of Theni include:
- Andipatti:An important taluk headquarter, this is a group of small villages famous for their handloom and handicrafts.
- Vaigai Dam: Imposing at a height of 111 feet, this dam is made even more special by its surrounding all of which exude tribal charm.
- Mavoothu: One of the holiest shrines in this region, this is a must-visit while planning a tour to Theni.
Vellore
INTRODUCTION
Tour to Vellore would allow you to have a tryst with a blend of rich cultural heritage. History lovers and connoisseurs of ancient culture are sure in for a wonderful experience with this pre historic Dravidian civilization. In the present day and age it is known as a popular medical centre, where one can go in for advanced cancer and eye treatments. Going by history the place was rules by the Pallavas, Nayak, 
Marathas and Cholas. Annually there is a huge inflow of the domestic as well as international tourists visiting the land for a family vacation or a solitary trip.
Places to see in Vellore
The Jalakanteswara Temple that is within a fort is one of the top tourist attractions. The fort is considered as one of the many ideal examples of military architecture present in Southern India. The fort encompasses a Christian Church, Hindu Temple and a Muslim Mosque.
Another idyllic spot is the Yelagiri hills that is apt for a short holiday or a weekend getaway. The place is characterized by lush green hills and pictorial setting that welcome you to a picture posy card setting. Popularly termed as the “princess of hill stations” the place offers an unpolluted and pristine ambiance amongst other hill stations in Tamil Nadu.
Amirthi zoological Park is a must visit for the ones having an affinity for nature. The park elaborately stretched over an area of 25Kms and houses charming waterfalls and various species of birds and animals.
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