General Information
Area : 130,058 sq km
Population : 55.8 million
Capital : Chennai
Climate : Summer (Mar to June) - Warm Winter (November to February)- Warm and Pleasant
Languages spoken : Tamil
Best Time to visit : December to February
Introduction
Tamil Nadu has been the center of the Dravidian culture and tradition. It has also been an immortal pioneer of peace and knowledge. Tamil Nadu tourism has lot in its stores for its visitors, majestic wildlife, alive in its densely populated jungles, rich culture, sculpted temples and golden beaches, that make
Tamil Nadu one of the most sought after destinations. The people of Tamil have great respect for culture and interest in music, dance and literature. Classical dancing in the form of Bharatnatyam is still alive in the temples of the South East, and is followed with a lot of fervor and dedication in Tamil Nadu. Carnatic music is another art form which is deeply rooted in the culture of Tamil Nadu, producing artists of great repute.
Cuisine
The Aryans never brought their meat-eating influence to the extreme south of India, so Tamil Nadu is more or less totally vegetarian. Dosas (crispy pancakes) and idlis (steamed rice dumplings) have become enormously popular all over the country. Mounds of rice accompany every meal, sweets are a favourite, and coffee is more popular than tea. Alcohol is more likely to be available in non-vegetarian restaurants.
Cities
Chennai (formerly Madras)
Tamil Nadu's capital is a major metropolis, the centre for Tamil films, the most convenient point of entry to South India, and a fast-growing software and retail center. Chennai has an international airport, a sea port and a rail and road network that links it to all major towns and cities. It also has several deluxe hotels and others to suit modest budgets. Visit:
» The Art and Bronze Gallery (closed on Fridays and Public holidays)
» The Flower and Fruit market
» High court
» Fort Museum
» Marina Beach
» Santhome Cathedral
» Snake Park
» Film Studios, try your luck at 'being discovered'
» Kalakshetra Arts Village, to see skilful performances of traditional dance
Coimbatore
This inland district on the east coast is a modern city thriving on its textile, engineering produce and synthetic gems industries. It is famous for its elephant training camp on Varaghliar and Tirumurthi hill forests. Annamalai Sanctuary, rich in wildlife and teak forests, tea and coffee plantations is an added attraction
