Chennai (Madras)
Madras, the capital of Tamil Nadu is also its principal harbour and has one of the finest beaches in Asia. It was founded at Fort St. George in 1640 A.D. by Francis Day of the East India Company.
Places Of Interest:
Fort St. George & St. Mary's Church, Gandhi Mandapam, Anna Square, Kapaleeswara Temple, Light House, Marina Beach & Aquarium, Parthasarathy Temple, San Thom Cathedral, Snake Park, Theosophical Society, Valluvar Kottam, Ripon Buildings and War Memorial Fort Museum and Govt. Museum & Art Gallery.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
64 kms from Madras, connected by regular bus-services. A major beach resort famous for its magnificent monuments hewn out of rock.
Places of Interest:
Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, Krishna Mandapa, Shore Temple, Mahishasurmardini Cave, Varaha Mandapa and Mandapams.
Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram, the capital of the Pallava and dynasty is one of the serene sacred cities of India. It is situated 76 kms from Madras, 35 kms from Chingleput & 64 kms from Mahabalipuram via Chingleput.
Pondicherry
A French colony upto 1954, Pondicherry is a living monument of French Culture in India. The Aurobindo Ashram and 'Auroville' the international township are famous all over the world.
Places of Interest:
Botanical Gardens, Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus, The Promenade, Govt. Park, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Roman Rolland Library, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, French Institute , Museums & Art Galleries.
Thanjavur (Tanjore)
The world famous Brihadeeswara temple is situated here. It is built by Raja Chola The empire builder in the early Dravidian style
Places of Interest:
Brihadeeswara Temple, The Palace, Sangeetha Mahal, Saraswati Mahal, Library, Raja Museum, Temple Museum, Schwarz Church.
Tiruchirapalli (Trichy)
Tiruchirapalli or Trichy, situated on the banks of river Kaveri, is famous for the Ranganatha temple at Srirangam.
Places of Interest: Rock Fort, Sri Jambukeshwara Temple, Tiruvannaikaval, Srirangam, Museums & Art Galleries.
Madurai
Madurai, the most famous of the temple towns of the south is known for the Meenakshi Temple.
Places of Interest: Meenakshi Temple- 1.6 kms, Tirumalai Nayak Palace- 2 kms, Mariamman Tank, Koodal Alagar Temple, Gandhi Museum and Government Museum (Timings: 1000-1300 hours & 1400-1800 hours. Closed on Wednesdays).
Rameshwaram
The sacred island town of Rameswaram at the extreme south-eastern limit of the Indian Peninsula, has one of India's most venerated temples. A fine example of South Indian architecture,the temple is renowed for its many pillared corridors, about 1220 metres in length.
Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin)
Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of peninsular India. It is the meeting point of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Besides its importance as a pilgrim centre, it is famous for its beautiful views of sunrise, sunset and moonrise over the waters.
Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal, a charming hill station, stands amidst sylvan beauty on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills near Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
Places Of Interest:
Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker's Walk, Astrophysical Observatory, Fairy Falls, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Shenbaganur Museum, Pillar Rocks, Green Valley View.
Udhagmandalam / Ootacamund
(Ooty)
Ootacamund, the queen of the hill stations of South India, is situated in the Nilgiris at an altitude of 2240 metres. One can see many profiles of nature, each with a distinctive orandeur. Ooty is nited for its extraordinary scenic beauty and salubrious climate amidst the "Nilgiris" or "Blue Mountains".
Places Of Interest:
Botanical Gardens, Tiger Hill, Dodabetta Peak, Valley View Lake, Wilson Fish Farm, St. Stephen Church, Marlimund Lake, Wenlock Downs, Avalanche, Elk Hill, Kalhatti Falls, Snowdon, Glen Morgen.
Coimbatore
Coimbatore known as the "Manchester of South India" is a commercial city of Considerable importance, the chief commodity being textiles. |
