GENERAL INFORMATION
The state of Tamil Nadu is bounded on the east by Bay of Bengal,  in the south by the Indian ocean,  in the west by the states of Kerala and Karnataka and in the North by the Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Tamil Nadu has a glorious past, a vibrant culture, a rich tapestry of history, and natural bounty in the form of blue beaches and clear skies, Tamil Nadu is a tourist's dream come true. One can enjoy on the Marina beach, go cruising in the theme parks, or let the mind search for peace in the midst of magnificent temples. Alternatively, one can relish the mouth-watering dosas, savor the refreshing filter coffee, or enjoy the Bharatnatyam performances. Tamil Nadu is not about the past only, but it has set it's site on the future. The state is developing rapidly on all the fronts whether it is economy, social, human resource, culture, and so on. Tamil Nadu is one of the top three Indian states which receive highest foreign investment in the sectors like automobiles, information technology, power, telecommunication, and others. On the social front, the state has a high per capita income, there is easy availability of social resources to people, and it produces quite a large number of trained manpower to increase the productivity. No wonder that the past and present in Tamil Nadu has a harmonious coexistence.

HISTORY OF TAMIL NADU
Tamil Nadu was ruled by three major dynasties-the Cholas in the east, the Pandyas in the central area and Cheras in the west. This was during the Sangam Age-the classical period of Tamil literature-that continued for some 300 years after the birth of Christ. The Pallava dynasty was influential particularly in the 7th and 8th centuries, testimonies to which are the monuments at Mamallapuram. In the 13th century, with threats of Muslim invasions from the north, the southern Hindu dynasties combined and the empire of Vijayanagar, which covered all of South India, was firmly established. However, by the 17th century, due to the disintegration of the Vijayanagar Empire, various small rulers like the Nayaks ruled southern India. By the middle of the 18th century, there were frequent conflicts between the British, French, Danes, and Dutch due to their interest in these areas. The British were finally victorious, while small pockets like Pondicherry and Karaikal remained under French control. Under the British rule, most of south India was integrated into the region called the Madras Presidency. In 1956, the Madras Presidency was disbanded and Tamil Nadu was established.

WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE

Mudumali: in the luxuriantly forested foothills of the Nilgiris,this 321 sq km sanctuary is part of a much larger reserve (3000 sq km) which includes Bandipur and Wynad in neighbouring Karnataka and Kerala. The larger reserve range in vegetation from semi-evergreen forests to swamps and grasslands. In Mudumalai, the mostly dense forest is home to chital (spotted deer), gaur ( Indian bison), tiger, panther, wild boar and sloth bear. Otters and crocodiles inhabit the Moyar River. The Park's wild elephant population, one of the largest in the country, supposedly numbers about 600, however you're more likely to see their domesticated brethren carrying out logging duties.

Anamalai: This is one of the three wildlife sanctuaries on the slopes of the western Ghats along the border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Though recently renamed the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, most people still refer to it by its original name. It covers almost 1000 sq km and is home to elephant, gaur (Indian bison), tiger, panther, spotted deer, wild boar, bear, porcupine and civet cat. The Nilgiri tahr, commonly known as ibex, can also be spotted as can many birds. In the heart of this beautiful forested region is the Parmbikulam Dam which has formed an immense plain of water that dpreads way into Kerala. The rights to this water used mainly for irrigation and energy purpose in Tamil Nadu are the source of one of the area's bitter disputes.

Calimere:    It is also known as Kodikkarai, this coastal sanctuary is 90 km south-east of Thanjavur in a wetland which juts out into the Palk Strait separating India and Sri Lanka. It is noted for the vast flocks of migratory water fowl, especially flamingos, which congregate here every winter. Best Time To Visit is between November and January when the tidal mud flats and marshes are covered with teals, shovellers, curlews, gulls, terns, plovers, sandpipers, shanks, herons and up to 3000 flamingoes at one time. In the spring, a different set of birds-Koels, mynas and barbets are drawn here by the profusion of wild berries. Black buck, spotted deer and wild pig also congregate here. From April to June there's very little activity; the main rainy season is between October and December.

Vedantangal: About 35 km south of Chengalpattu, this is one of the most spectacular water-bird breeding grounds in India. Cormorants, egrets, herons, storks, ibises, spoonbills, grebes and pelicans come here to breed and nest for about six months from October/November to March, depending on the monsoons. At the height of the breeding season, there can be up to 30,000 birds at once. The best times to visit are early morning and late afternoon.

BEACHES IN TAMIL NADU

Marina Beach :  One of the longest in the world, the beach has a wide expanse of glistening golden sands. The area fronting the beach is beautiful landscaped. Worthy of special mention is a group of bronze figures by the renowned Indian sculptor, Debi Prosad Rai Chaudhari, eulogizing the 'Dignity of Labour'. These apart, the beach-front offers some splendid examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture such as the Madras University, the Chepauk Palace and the Presidency College.

Muttukkadu :  Backwater and estuary, Muttukkadu is ideal for rides on motorized boats or for wind surfing. Hire a pedal boat or a row boat for cruising leisurely. Muttukkadu is ideally suited for angling and fishing.

Kanyakumari :  India's Land's End. Kanyakumari or Cape Comorin is unique in being surrounded by three seas, the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian sea, and the confluence is called 'Thriveni Sangamam'. Here one can get a breath-taking view of the Sunrise and Sunset at their best. The multicoloured sand is yet another unique feature of the beach here. Kanyakumari is a famous pilgrim centre, too.

FAIR AND FESTIVALS

Pongal: The four-day Harvest festival is celebrated all over the state in January. The festival begins on the last day of the Tamil month with Bhogi Pongal followed by Surya Pongal on the next day. It is on this day that Chakkara Pongal, a delicacy of harvest rice cooked with jaggery, ghee and cashew nuts is offered to the Sun God. The third day, Mattu Pongal is dedicated to the Cattle when cows are bathed and adomed with colourful beads and flowers. Jallikattu, the bullfight is held on the last day known as Kannum Pongal.

Skanda Sashti:  Skanda Sashti is celebrated in Saivite temples all over Tamilnadu on the sixth day in the holy half of the month of Aippasi (Oct 15 - Nov 15). Legend is that Skanda Sashti is celebrated on the destruction of evil by the Lord Kartikeya, son of Shiva. When it comes to celebration there must be mention of the grand celebrations at Tirupparankunram, Tiruchendur, two of the 6 'Padai Veedu' temples of Murugan. At Sikkal, the festival image of Subramanya receives a spear, from the Ambal shrine, and breaks out in sweat, a day before the climax of the festival.

Bhramotsavam:in most of the South Indian temples Bhramotsavam is celebrated. This is a ten day long festival with the procession of festival images on gaily decorated mounts. Srinivasa Bhattar and Koti Sreekrishna of Cincinnati, present the significance of Bhramotsavam in SriVaishnava temples, and describe the daily events in the 9 day long Bhramotsavam at Tirupati.

PILGRIMAGE IN TAMIL NADU

Kailasanatha: Dedicated to Siva, Kailasanatha is one of the earliest temples. It was built by the Pallava king, Rayasimha, in the late 7th century, though its front was added later by his son, King Varman III. It is the only temple at Kanchi which isn't cluttered with the more recent additions of the Cholas and Vijayanagar rulers, and so reflects the freshness and simplicity of early Dravidian architecture. Fragments of the 8-th century murals which once graced the alcoves are a visible reminder of how magnificent the temple must have looked when it was first built. The temple is run by the Archaeology Department and is very interesting, Quite unusually, non-Hindus are allowed into the inner sanctrum.

The Sri Ekambarnathar: Temple is dedicated to Siva and is one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram, covering nine hectares. Its 59 m high gopuram and massive outer stone wall were constructed in 1509 by Krishna Devaraja of the Vijayananagar Empire, though construction was originally started by the Pallavas and the temple was later extended by the Cholas. Inside are five separates enclosures and a 1000- pillared hall. The temple's name is said to be a modified form of Eka Amra Nathar -- the Lord of the Mango tree. and in one of the enclosure is a very old mango tree with four branches representing the four Vedas. The fruit of each of the four branches is said to have a different taste, and a plaque nearby claims that the tree is 3500 years old. Kamaskhi Amman : Temple is dedicated to the goddess Paravati, this important temple is the site of the annual Car Festival, held on the 9th lunar day in February -March. When not in use, the ornately carved wooden car is kept partially covered in corrugated iron halfway up Gandhi Rd. The temple has a golden gopuram in the centre.

Rock Fort Temple:   The temple tops an 83 m high outcrop. This smooth rock was first hewn by the Pallavas who cut small cave temples into the southern face, but it was the Nayakas who made use of its naturally fortified position. It's a stiff climb up the 437 steps cut into the stone to the top but well worth it for the views. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the Vinayaka Temple at the summit nor the bigger Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple dedicated to Siva, halfway up. Occasionally temple priest waive this regulation.

State Capital                     Chennai
Area Covered                   1,30,058 sq. km
Languages                        Tamil, English
Best Time to Visit          October to March