Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu is the fourth largest metropolis in India. Located on a 17 km stretch of the Coramandel coast, the city is trisected by the waterways of Cooum and Adyar and the Buckingham Canal. With a population of 6 million people, Chennai is a vibrant city ever growing, expanding and changing every year.

Popularly regarded as the "Gateway to the South", Chennai presents a culture that is distinctly different from that of northern India. Music, dance and all other art forms of the South are cherished and nurtured in this city, which, though industrialized, continues to be traditional and conventional in many ways.

Chennai is a gracious city that has a clear skyline, long sandy beaches, parks, historic landmarks and tourist infrastructure facilities which make it a convenient entry point or base to start your tour of Tamil Nadu and South India. As far as religion is concerned, history has certainly left its mark on this city, which is believed to have been the place of St. Thomas, in the outskirt of the city. There are a number of churches in Chennai that are connected with the life and times of this apostle. There are also several ancient temples around Chennai, and, within the city itself are two magnificent temples - a temple in Triplicane and another in Mylapore.

Area: 174 sq. kms.

Population: 3,795,028 (1991 census)

Altitude: Sea Level

Climate:Max.Min.

              Summer370C21.100C

              Winter320C19.810C

Rainfall: 1,272 mm.

Season: Tropical Throughout The Year

Clothing: Tropical

Languages: Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, Urdu and English.

Telephone Access Code:++91 44

Chennai is an international airport connected by several international airlines while the domestic traffic is handled by Indian Airlines. There are regular flights to several cities around the world from the International Terminal. There are also daily flights to all important centres in India from the Domestic Terminal. There are two major railway stations in Chennai. Chennai Central is the bigger one and connects the city by broad gauge as also broad gauge trains to all major cities and towns of India. The Egmore station is the starting point for both meter gauge and broad gauge trains proceeding to destinations within the state as well as trains to neighbouring Kerala. Chennai is also accessible by road from any part of India.

Air: Kamaraj National and Anna International Airports are situated at Meenambakkam about 20 kms. from city. Can also be reached by suburban train services.

Rail: Chennai is connected by rail with all major towns and cities in India. Main Railway Stations: Central and Egmore. Central linking north and west and Egmore south.

Road: Chennai is connected by good network of roads with all important places in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. You may rent a car with private cab owners. Pre-paid taxis and airport coaches are available at airports.

Fort St. George - Fort St. George occupies a place of pride and prominence in Chennai. The British East India Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon built it in 1640 AD. This bastion achieved name from St. George, the patron saint of England. The fort houses St. Mary"s Church and fort museum. St. Mary"s Church the oldest Anglican Church in India built in 1680 and the tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British tombstones in India. This ancient prayer house solemnized the marriages of Robert Clive and Governor Elinu-Yale, who later founded the Yale University in the States. The Fort Museum is the repository of rare exhibits of weapons, uniforms, coins, costumes, medals and some other artifacts dating back to the British period. The flagstaff at Fort St. George is still the tallest in India. South of the Fort is the War Memorial, a graceful monument built in 1939 in memory of the warriors who sacrificed their lives during the First World War. The Island Grounds, the biggest lung space in the city is situated on an island formed by the river Cooum. This ground is the eventful venue of Trade and the Tourist Fairs held periodically which are seasonal attractions. The High Court with the decorative domes and corridors reminiscent of Indo/Saracenic architecture and the adjacent Parry"s corner are the important landmarks of Chennai. This area is always crowded and active. Built in 1892, the High Court of Chennai is believed to be the second largest judicial complex in the world.

San Thome Cathedral Basilica - San Thome at the southern end of Marina derives its name from St Thomas, the apostle of Christ who is believed to have come to Madras sometime during 52 AD. He was killed on St Thomas Mount just outside the city in 78 AD. and was interned in San Thome beach where a church was later built. Several years later, another church was built further inland and his mortal remains were transferred from the old church to the new one. In 1606 the church was rebuilt as a cathedral and in 1896 it was made a basilica. The beautiful stained glass window at the basilica portrays the story of St Thomas and the central hall has 14 wooden plaques depicting scenes from the last days of Christ. In the cathedral is a 3ft. high statue of Virgin Mary, which is believed to have been brought from Portugal in 1543.

Theosophical Society - The world headquarters of the Theosophical Society, formed to facilitate and encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science is situated in beautiful sylvan settings in Adyar. The society was founded by Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olott in USA, and later moved to Adyar in 1882. Apart from shrines of all faiths and the peaceful Garden of Remembrance, there is a 95-year old library which has a very good collection of rare Oriental manuscripts written on palm leaves and parchment.

Along Elliot"s Beach - Following the road along the coast down south from Marina one will come to Elliot"s beach where you can spend a few hours relaxing. At the end of this beach are the Velankanni church and the Ashtalakshmi temple. Though the church is much smaller than the original one at Velankanni it attracts its own share of pilgrims. The Ashtalakshmi temple dedicated to goddess Lakshmi looks quite different from the usual South Indian temples as it is a modern granite tier construction, not even 20 years old.

Kalakshetra - In Thiruvanmiyur, beyond Elliot"s beach, is Kalakshetra or "Temple of Art". It was founded in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale to train, encourage and revive interest in Bharatanatyam, which is the classical dance form of the state. This institution is among the finest of its kind in the country and is run on the ancient gurukulam system. Throughout the year Kalakshetra conducts music recital and dance performances in different parts of Chennai. Details about venue and timings can be obtained from the daily newspapers or ascertained from the information desk of the 

Government of India Tourist Office at 154, Anna Salai or from the Govt. of Tamil Nadu Tourist Office, Panagal Building, Saidapet, Chennai 600015.

Birla Planetarium - The Birla Planetarium at Kotturpuram, between Adyar and Guindy, is the most modern planetarium in the country. Adjoining the planetarium is a Periyar Science and Technology Museum which will be of interest to students and other science scholars.

Valluvar Kottam - The memorial to the poet-saint Tiruvalluvar is shaped like a temple chariot and is, in fact, the replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. A life-size statue of the saint has been installed in the chariot, which is 33m. tall. The 133 chapters of his famous work Thirukkural have been depicted in bas-relief in the front hall corridors of the chariot. The auditorium at Valluvar Kottam is said to be the largest in Asia and can accommodate about 4000 people. It stands as a modern memorial to the great poet who represents the glorious culture of the Tamils.

Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur) - Its main attractions are: Safari parks, a nocturnal animal house, an Aquarium, Natural Museum etc.

The Government Museum - National Art Gallery, Gallery of Contemporary Arts and Children"s Museum also lie in the Museum Complex.

Marina - Marina Beach, the pride of Chennai, is the second largest beach in the world and has a wide sandy foreshore. Situated on the beach, the Anna and MGR samadhis, which are the memorials of the most popular former Chief Ministers of the State attract good crowd everyday. An aquarium is also located on the Marina Beach. Some of the most beautiful buildings in Chennai such as the University of Madras,Senate-House,Chepauk Palace, Presidency College, P.W.D office and Ice House are located on the beach drive

Kapaleswarar Temple - Not far from Triplicane, in Mylapore, there is yet another 8th century Pallava temple. The temple "Gopuram" (tower) is characteristic of Dravidian style architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple has some beautiful sculptures, among which the bronze idols of 63 Saivite Saints (Nayanmars), which adorn the outer courtyard are rare specimens. Also in the courtyard under the old Punnai tree is a small shrine depicting Goddess Parvathi in the form of a Peacock Worshipping Lord Shiva.It is from this legend that Mylapore derived it"s name -"myil" meaning peacock and "oor" meaning town.Mylapore swarms with life during the Arupathu Moovar festival that is held in March-April every year.

Sri Parthasarathy Temple - This temple in Triplicane is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The Pallavas originally built the temple in the 8th century A.D. though additions were later made to it by the Chola and Vijayanagara kings.

Santhome Cathedral Basilica - This gothic style cathedral is built above the tomb of St. Thomas.

V.G.P Golden Beach Resort: This beach resort is popular not just with the people of the city, but also with tourists. There is an entertainment arcade for children and for adults. There are folk dance performances apart from an Art Centre, which sells handicrafts and articles made out of seashells. The beach is clean and ideal for sunbathing.

Vandalur: Spread over an area of 1,265 acres, the Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur is the largest in South Asia and has a rich variety of different species of mammals, reptiles and birds. The animals roam in natural surroundings and there is also a special enclosure for nocturnal creatures.

Kanchipuram (75 kms.): One of India"s seven great mythologically famous Hindu cities, Kancheepuram has a plethora of temples, each one unique in its own way.Besides being the Golden City of temples,Kancheepuram has for over four centuries, been famous for its weavers who till today weave sarees using the best quality silk and pure gold thread. It has been the centre of culture and learning and Adhi Shankaracharya, one of the famous Gurus of India has established his ashram (Kamakoti Peetam) here.

Mamallapuram (58 kms.):Built in the 7th century, this ancient Pallava port is the site of several antique sculptural marvels. The only remaining shore temple is a spectacular two-spired shrine which is unique in that it houses shrines for Vishnu and Shiva.

The Pallavas had perfected the art of sculpting rocks to build temples without using brick, mortar or timber and the five monolith Raths (chariots) stand as the surviving masterpieces of Pallava sculpture.

Arjuna"s penance is the world"s largest bas relief measuring 27m by 9m. This sculptural panel shows animals, Gods and Angels contemplating the descent of the Ganges from it"s source in the Himalayas and also depicts popular fables from the Panchatantra. Besides these, the Mahishamardhini Cave, the Krishna Mandapam and Varsha Mandapam also have beautiful reliefs depicting Vishnu reclining on the coils of seven-headed serpent, Krishna as incarnation of Vishnu lifting mount Goverdhana to protect his kinsman from the wrath of Indra respectively.

Vedanthangal (85 kms.): Vedanthangal is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in India. It is a marshy, 30 hectare park with lake visited by over 1,00,000 migratory birds every year. The majority of these birds can be seen between November and February. The variety of birds include Herons, Darters, Spoonbills, Pelicans, Sandpipers, White Ibis, Cormorants,Blue winged teals and Swans.

Crocodile Bank: (44 kms.) Not far from Mamallapuram, this crocodile breeding and research centre is run by Romulus Whittaker. Here several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators are bred in captivity. The reptiles are kept in their natural habitat in open pools and can be viewed from safe proximity. This farm breeds crocodile to augment the crocodile population of the wildlife sanctuaries.

Muttukadu: (36 kms) The backwaters of Muttukadu have been developed by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation to serve as a scenic picnic spot and a centre for water sports. In February every year, a windsurfing regatta is organised in Muttukadu. Competitions in windsurfing and other water sports are also held. Training and demonstration programs are held for youth.

Covelong: (48 kms) The remains of the Fort have now been converted into a luxury beach resort, which offers facilities for windsurfing and swimming. An ancient Catholic Church, a mosque and the ruins of the Fort make interesting viewing from this 5 Star hotel.

Known as the Athens of the East, Madurai, the second largest city in Tamil Nadu is situated on the banks of the river Vaigai. An ancient city, more than 2,500 years old, Madurai is believed to having been built by the Pandyan King Kulasekara in the 6th century BC.

The city is said to have got its name from the drops of nectar (Mathuram) that fell from Shiva"s locks when he came to bless its people for constructing a temple for him. Originally named Madhurapuri or the "land of nectar", the name later got modified to Madurai. From such legendary beginnings, the actual history of Madurai emerges sometime during the 3rd century BC when it was the prosperous Pandyas" then capital which had trading contacts with Greece and Rome.

Apart from a brief period when it fell to the Cholas, Madurai remained with the Pandyas until the decline of the empire. The next major rulers of Madurai were the Vijayanagara kings who won over the territory in 1371. They appointed the Nayaks as governors who, in time, became powerful in their own right. The 200 - year old reign of the Nayaks marks the golden period of Madurai when art, architecture and learning, scaled new heights. In fact, the most beautiful buildings in the city including its most famous landmark, the Meenakshi temple, are Nayak contributions.

But unlike the other temple cities of Tamil Nadu whose fame relies heavily on the fabulous contributions of great empires, Madurai, though undoubtedly known first and foremost for the Meenakshi temple, is very much modern and progressive city.

Area: 22 sq. kms.

Altitude: 101 meters above sea level

Climate:Max.Min.

Summer37.10C25.00C

Winter25.00C20.00C

Rainfall: 85 cms average

Clothing: Tropical

Season: Throughout the year

Languages: Tamil, Sourashtra, English

Telephone Access Code:++91 452

Air - Madurai Airport is connected with Chennai and Mumbai.

Rail: Madurai is a major Railway junction connected with important cities of Tamil Nadu and also with other cities of India.

Road: Madurai is connected with all the important cities of South India.

MEENAKSHI TEMPLE - Located at the heart of the city, the Meenakshi- Sundareswarar temple has long been the focus of both Indian and international tourist attraction as well as one of the most important places of Hindu pilgrimage. For the people of Madurai, the temple is the very centre of their cultural and religious life. While the major festivals of Tamil Nadu are celebrated here with gaiety that equals the rest of the state, the most important moment in Madurai is the Chittirai festival that is held in April/May, when the celestial marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar is celebrated, drawing a huge crowd of people from all over the state.This pre-Christian era temple was actually built by Kulasekara Pandya but it was in ruins before it was rebuilt by Tirumalai Nayak who brought back the glory to this magnificent structure. Of its 12 gopurams, four of the tallest stand at the outer walls of the temple. The 48.4m high southern gopuram is the most spectacular and has over 1500 sculptures. From its top, it is possible to obtain a panoramic view of the city. The Rajagopuram on the eastern side is an unfinished structure, which has a 174-sq.ft base, and had this tower been completed, it would surely have been the largest of its kind in the country. The eight smaller gopurams are within the compounds of the twin temples.

In the Ashta Shakti Mandapam inside the Meenakshi temple, the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Siva. Meenakshi was the daughter of King Malayadwaja Pandya and Queen Kanchanamala, who begot her after performing several yagnas (sacrificial rites). The three-year old girl who emerged out of the fire during the final yagna was found to have three breasts but a divine voice informed the surprised royal couple that the third breast would disappear when the girl met her consort. The princess who was named Meenakshi, grew to be a beautiful young woman of great valour who conquered several lands and challenged the mightiest kings including Indra, the King of the Devas. Indra appealed to Lord Siva for protection and Meenakshi, chasing the fleeing king, confronted Siva whereby her third breast disappeared. It was revealed that the princess was actually an incarnation of Parvati who came to earth to honour a promise given to Kanchanamala in her previous life. Thus Siva came to Madurai as Sundareswarar to marry Meenakshi and the two ruled over the kingdom for many years before they left for their heavenly abode from the spot where the temple now stands.

The Pontamaraikulam or the golden lotus tank is the place where the Tamil literary society called Sangam used to meet to decide the merit of the literary works presented to them. The manuscripts that sank were dismissed while those that floated were considered to be great works of literature. On the western end of this tank is the Oonjal Mandapam where there is a swing on which the two presiding deities are seated and worshipped every Friday. Next to this mandapam is the Kilikootu Mandapam or hall of parrots where there are some beautiful sculptures as well as parrots that chant the name of Meenakshi. The shrine to the goddess is just beyond this hall and entry is restricted only to Hindus.

At the Sundareswarar temple across the courtyard, Lord Siva is represented as a lingam and here too, entry is restricted. The corridor outside the shrine has the stump of a tree under which Indra is believed to have worshipped a lingam. In the Kambathadi Mandapam there is a unique idol of Nataraja dancing with his right leg raised to the shoulder instead of the other way round. The pillars of the Mandapam are decorated with scenes from the wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, many of which depict Siva and Vishnu together, the latter having come to give Meenakshi away in marriage. The Temple Museum is housed in the hall of thousand pillars. There are 985 richly carved pillars here and each one surpasses the other in beauty. More scenes from the wedding can be seen in the Vasantha Mandapam or Pudhu Mandapam. It was constructed by Tirumalai Nayak and is used during the celebration of the spring festival in April-May.

There are few temples in India, which share the grandeur of this twin-temple complex. Since the temples is so huge it is quite possible to lose one"s bearings and it is therefore advisable to engage a guide or go with a person who has already been there several times. 5 km. east of the Meenakshi temple is a tank called Mariamman Teppakulam with an idol of Vinayaka installed on a platform in the centre. It is the site of the temple"s float festival.

Koodal Azhagar Temple: This ancient shrine has Vishnu in sitting, standing and reclining postures one above the other.

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam: The tank has a mandapam at the centre enshrining Lord Vigneshwara. -The Teppakulam float festival is conducted in Jan-Feb.

The Gandhi Museum: The old palace is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. 

Timings 10.00-13.00 hrs. and 14.00-17,30 hrs.

Thirupparankunram (8 Kms): One of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.

Azhagar Koil: (21 kms) A Vishnu temple on a picturesque wooded hill. During the Chithirai Festival in April/May, Azhagar travels to Madurai for the Celestial marriage.

Solaimalai Mandapam: About 4 kms. above on the same hill with a temple to Lord Subramanya.

At the southernmost end of Tamil Nadu, lies the land end of India or the point where the three seas meet, enchanting Kanniyakumari or Cape Comorin is one of the most popular tourist spots in the state and indeed, in the country. Part of the fascination is of course due to the fact that it is the very tip of the Indian peninsula and the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The other part is that the nature is so spectacular at Kanniyakumari that several other Indian beaches pale by comparison. Kanniyakumar is at its best during Chitra Pournami(full moon day in April) when the sun and moon are face to face at the same horizon but other full moon days are also special when you can see the sun set and the moon rise almost simultaneously, as if by prior arrangement.

Area: 25.89 sq. kms.

Population: 17,206 (1991 census)

Altitude: sea level

Climate:Max.Min.

Summer34.800C21.600C

Winter33.800C22.400C

Rainfall: 102 cms average

Season: Throughout the year

Clothing: Tropical

Languages: Tamil, Malayalam and English.

Air: The nearest Airport is Thiruvananthapuram (87kms.)

Rail: Kanniyakumari is connected with Tirunelveli, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore and Coimbatore. Tirunelveli (83 kms.) is connected to Chennai, Madurai, etc.

Road: Kanniyakumari is well connected by road.

Kumariamman Temple: The legend of this temple is as romantic as the place itself. Dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanniyakumari (Parvati) who stands guard over the country, the temple is built at the spot where the goddess is believed to have waited for her consort Lord Siva to come and claim her hand in marriage. At one time the shifting sands at the shores of Kanniyakumari were believed to be multi-hued as a result of the coloured rice that was sprinkled by approving gods over the couple at their wedding. Equally fascinating is the story about the diamond nose stud worn by the goddess believed to have (mis) guided many a ship to a sorry end at the treacherous rocks near the shore. So great was the threat of the reflected light from the nose-stud to the unsuspecting ships that the door on the side facing the sea had to be closed for ensuring the safety of the ships.

Gandhi Memorial: The Gandhi Mandapam has been constructed at the spot where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were kept for public view in an urn before a portion was immersed into the three seas. Every year on Gandhiji"s birthday 2nd October, the sun"s rays fall at the exact spot where the urn was displayed before immersion.

Vivekananda Memorial: The memorial has been built on the Vivekananda Rock where the great philosopher - guide Swami Vivekananda went into meditation that transformed him into one of the most charismatic spiritual leaders of this century. The unique, structure was built in 1970 and is a blend of various architectural styles of India. Close to the Vivekananda Rock is another rock called Sripada Parai meaning "the rock that has been blessed by the touch of the feet of the goddess". Both these rocks are fine places from where one can have a view of the land"s end of India. Poompuhar Shipping Corporation operates frequent ferry services from the shore to the rock memorial at regular intervals

.

Thiruvalluvar Statue: THIRUVALLUVAR, author of THIRUKKURAL - A Sagacious saint born before the Christ (i.e. about 30 years before the Jesus Christ). Tamils take cognizance of the birth of Thiruvalluvar as a basis of the calendar. Now we are in the 2032 of Thiruvalluvar Aandu. Thirukkural is regarded as a renowned work, that is eulogised as a directory of code of conduct and ethics to the Humanity, through his 1330 couplets, the revered poet not only deals with the general administration, but also codified the clear cut directions to the mankind on how they should behave and act in a social, political, religious and family circles.

The work of Thiruvalluvar was translated into more than 60 languages world wide. The magnificient 133 foot height statue denoting the chapters in Thirukkural was opened for Tourists in 2000.

Kamaraj Memorial at Kanniyakumari: The memorial to the late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu was constructed on the seashore, where the ashes of the Late Leader was immersed. A building at cost of Rs.50 lakhs was completed in an aesthetic way with the permission of Government of India. The Memorial spreads on extent of 6,300 sq.mt. now contains the photographs narrating the life and services of the great leader. A library is also functioning here.

In a state where the scenery and terrain is perhaps more varied than in any other part of the country, it is indeed difficult to decide which is the best feature of multi-faceted Tamil Nadu.

The forested slopes of the majestic hills of the Western Ghats vie with the magnificent beaches of the Coromandel Coast, Located 120 kms away from Madurai; Kodaikkanal is a beautiful hill station and is at an altitude of 2133 mtr on the southern tip of the upper Palani hills in the Western ghats. Kodaikkanal has a bracing climate where temperature does not vary much from summer to winter. Fruits like plums and plantains grow abundantly on the wooded slopes apart from a wide variety of flowers, among which is the famous Kurinji flower, which blooms once in twelve years.

Kodai"s most enchanting sights include the star shaped lake, spread over an area of 24 hectares where fishing allowed and boating facilities are available; one of the world"s oldest Solar Observatories that was built in 1899; and the Orchidorium at the Sacred Heart College where about 300 species of orchids can be seen. There are also a number of picturesque walks like Coaker"s Walk and Priest"s Walk. Kodai"s best viewpoints are Pillar Rocks, and Green Valley View. Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Fairy Falls and Glen Falls are popular with picnickers while the Perumal Peak is a favourite with trekkers. The Kurinji Andavar temple 3.2 kms away is dedicated to Lord Subramanya.

Area: 21.45 sq. kms

Altitude: 2,133 metres above sea level

Climate:Max.Min.

              Summer19.800C11.300C

              Winter17.300C8.300C

Rainfall: 165 cms (average) Heavy rain occurs during SEP-NOV

Clothing: Light woollen in the evening during summer and heavy woollen during winter

Season: April to June and September and October. But can be visited through out the year

Languages: Tamil and English.

Telephone Access code: ++91 4542

Air: The nearest airport is Madurai

Rail: The nearest railway station is Kodaikkanal Road on the Chennai-Madurai Broad guage line

Road: Kodaikkanal is well connected by road and there are frequent buses from Chennai, Madurai, Palani, Coimbatore, Dindugal and Tiruchi

Berijam Lake - Berijam Lake, situated 21 Kms from the township, lies in a beautiful valley, reflecting the glory of the specious in its clean waters. Dolphin"s nose (8 Kms), a projecting rock provides a view of the deep chasm below. Then go on get higher upon life. Climb the misty and high Perumal Peak. And you"ll be rewarded with one of the most wonderful views in and around Kodaikkanal.

Shebaganur Museum - 5.6 Kms away is easily one of the best orchidoriums in the country offering the visitor, more than 300 species of orchids.

Kurinji Andavar Temple (3.2 Kms) - It is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It offers the worshipper a beautiful view of the northern plains and the Palani hills