Tamil Nadu is known as the gateway of South India. Tamil Nadu has a perfect combination of culture and nature, tradition and modernity, beaches and hill stations, which make the land one of the most popular destinations in South India. Tamil Nadu has a vibrant tradition of venerable culture and rich literary practice. The world famous Bharatanatyam, Tanjore paintings, and Tamil architecture were developed and practiced in Tamil Nadu. This place is also famous for its numerous Hindu temples, which have distinct style, based on the Dravidian architecture.

HERITAGE

Perhaps there is no state in the country that can boast the rich heritage as of Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu was the home of the four powerful Tamil kingdoms of the Chera, Chola, Pandya and Pallavas. The remains of this rich history is found in many parts of the state. The Sea Shore temple in Mahabalipuram was built by the Pallavas during 7th century AD. The Temple of Thanjavur was built by Raja Raja Chola, which is a classical example of the magnificent architecture of the Chola kingdom. Madurai, Trichy, Tanjore, Kanchipuram, Swamithoppe, Palani, Tiruvallur and Mahabalipuram are famous for its distinctive style of temples.

WILDLIFE

Tamil Nadu has the distinction having a wide array of habitats in different Sanctuaries, National Parks and Tiger reserves. The hilly terrain of the Western Ghats, dry deciduous forests, mangroves and wetlands home the wildlife and major flora and fauna. The habitats extend all over the State and the most of the important mammals of India are found here. Among the rare and endangered animal species found here are the Elephant, Tiger leopard, Wilddog, Striped hyena, Jungle Cats, Jackals, Indian Pengolin, Slender Lories, Lion tailed macaque, Sloth bear, Bison or gaur, Black buck, Nilgiris tatur, Grizzled giant squirrel, dugong and mouse deer.

HIGHLIGHTS

Kanyakumari, the southern most tip of peninsular India, is famous for its distinct and beautiful sunrise and Vivekananda Rock Memorial on the mid-sea. Hill stations like Kodaikanal, Nilgiris and Yercaud boast some of the stunning landscapes in India. The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary located in Gudalur near the border of Karnataka known for its elephants, tigers and deer and the Pitchavaram Mangrove forests located in Chidambaram are two of the many eco-tourism spots of importance. The ranges of Nilgiris are yet another major tourist attraction.

MAJOR FESTIVALS

Tamil Nadu is a land of colourful festivals too. The main local festival celebrated here is the Pongal. Pongal is the harvest festival celebrated for three days in Tamil Nadu. Bhogi is celebrated on January 13, Pongal on January 14 and Mattu Pongal on January 15 every year. During this time people wear new clothes and draw beautiful motifs in front of their houses with rice flour. The cattle too is decorated and rested during this time. Sweet made of the first rice is cooked, which is known as the Pongal. Commonly known as the Float Festival, this magnificent festival is celebrated in Madurai. On the night of the full moon in January, ornamented icons of goddess Meenakshi and her consort are taken out in a colourful procession to the huge Mariamman Teppakulam. The icons are floated in the tank on a raft decked with flowers and flickering lamps. The Meenakshi Kalyanam is a ten day festival, which takes place in April - May at Madurai. The Karthigai Deepam festival can be termed as an extension of Diwali in Tamil Nadu as it falls just after the main festival of Diwali.

Best Time to Visit
All year except from mid-April to end June (state depending).

Visa Requirements
All non-residents require visas for India, which must be obtained prior to departure. Tourist visas for British passport holders are usually valid for 6 months from the date of issue and currently cost £30.00 per person. Passports must have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for 6 months after your return from India.

Flying Times from the UK
Chennai: 9 hours 40min direct non-stop
Bangalore: 9 hours 35mins direct non-stop
Goa: Approx. 10 hours not direct 
Cochin: Approx. 10 hours not direct

Local Time
India is 5 1/2 hours ahead of GMT