Tamil Nadu Portrays a state that is dynamic, drenched in history, and ageless in every sense linking to age-old traditions.

An absolute highlight in many people’s trips to India due to its rich history, and distinct differences from much of the surrounding states, while remaining fiercely loyal to tradition.  You will find Tamil Nadu has the pick of the crop when it comes to things like festivals and tourist attractions.

Tourism and history in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a state that is as dynamic as it is drenched in history.  It has a rather ageless sense, even for locals is portrays an image of somewhere that still has very strong links to its ancient traditions.  It is here in Tamil Nadu where one will find locals have one foot in the past and one in the present.  Funnily enough it works very well for them.

Highlights would have to include exploring the past of one of India’s oldest states through the palaces and temples of Thanjavur, the colonialism of Ooty, and the former French colony of Pondicherry. Gorging yourself on a meal of seafood is a very obvious possibility in Mamallapuram after picking through the ruins. And there is also the possibility of joining the pilgrims and devotees on their sojourn through Madurai’s Sri Meenakshi temple.

Tamil Nadu manages to remain fiercely distinct within India but still exemplifies her oldest and most adventurous edges at the same time.

The regions within the state of Tamil Nadu include; Northern Tamil Nadu which includes Dharmapuri, Thiruvannam, Vellore and Krishnagiri Districts; Northern Coast which includes Ariyalur, Chennai, Cuddalore, Kanchipuram, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur and Tiruvarur Districts; Western Tamil Nadu which includes Coimbatore, Erode, Nilgiris and Tirupur Districts; Central Tamil Nadu which includes Karur, Namakkal, Perambalur, Salem and Tiruchirappalli Districts; Southwestern Tamil Nadu which includes Dindigul, Madurai, Theni and Virudhunagar Districts; Southern Coast which includes Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga and Thanjavur Districts; and finally Far South which includes Kanniyakumari, Tuticorin and Tirunelveli Districts.

Tourist attractions are many here but the most interesting would have to be the pallava dynasty rock cut temples in Mammallapuram, the temples of Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, Thanjavur, Trichy which includes a fort, and palani. There are many other temples too so it is best to do a little research before arriving to decide which ones best suit what you want to visit.

There are many religious festivals here as well as music and dance which are worth the attention if you happen to plan your tour here at the same time as any that may be on. Natyanjali and the December festival are just a couple of music and dance festivals that can be found in the state.

A few notes on travelling in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is one of the safest places in India but you still need to be a wary traveler, pickpockets can be a problem on trains and buses so do your best to minimize their ease of access.  Think twice about accepting food from a co-passenger. And avoid being intimate with travelling partners in public to avoid unwanted comments and attention.

Lastly avoid speaking about the Sri Lankan civil war between the mainly Sinhalese Government and Tamil fighters. This will help to avoid any major offence.