Tamil Nadu: Harmonious Blend of Old and New
A bouquet comprising magnificent temple architecture, Little England hill stations, long stretches of beach and wildlife sanctuaries awaits the visitor The epicentre of the pre-Aryan 5,000-year-old Dravidian civilisation, Tamil Nadu (pop.70 million) has a history that dates back several millennia. The area which is contemporary Tamil Nadu was ruled by three royal dynasties in 300 BC — the Cholas in the east, Pandyas in the central kingdom and the Cheras in the west. This was the classical period of Tamil literature — the Sangam Age — which continued until 300 AD. The Pallava dynasty was influential particularly in the 7th and 8th centuries during which it constructed the monuments of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram). In the 13th century this area was incorporated into the Vijaynagar empire which ruled the entire southern peninsula. From the 17th century the region fell under the sway of British rule. A major attraction for domestic tourists are the state’s renowned pilgrim centres, which not only provide an elevating spiritual experience but showcase magnificent temple architecture and styles which originated in the 7th century and matured into huge temple complexes. Moreover, the state harbours the ‘little England’ British-built hill stations of Kodaikanal and Ooty among others, whose breath-taking natural beauty and enchanting mountain views, are a big draw. Tamil Nadu has a 1,000 km coastline and its open stretches of beach offer a sparkling blue invitation. It also has tropical forests and jungles with interesting flora and fauna. The state’s colourful and vibrant festivals, its annual music and dance events, beautiful arts and crafts, varied cuisine, and its serene, peaceful pace of life are its other unique attractions. To give a fillip to tourism, the Tamil Nadu state government has increased its allocation for tourism development from Rs.25 crore in 2002-03 to Rs.173.42 crore in 2018-19. The tourism policy of the government is to encourage government-led private sector participation and since quality accommodation is a prerequisite of tourism promotion, it plans to encourage private entrepreneurs to set up new hotels on private and government land. Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) Miles of unspoiled beach, rock-cut temples and silver sands make this seaside resort 50 km south of Chennai a major tourist draw. This boulder-strewn little town is world-renowned for its Shore Temple which has been accorded World Heritage site status. A classic example of Dravidian architecture, the unique feature of this temple, which stands alone on the shore, are the shrines of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Other attractions include the world’s largest bas-relief — Arjuna’s Penance which depicts animals, deities and semi-divine creatures as well as fables from the Panchatantra; eight magnificent rock-cut temples or caves carved out of the hillside with each temple embellished with bas-reliefs and splendid sculptures from Hindu mythology; and five monolithic Rathas known as the Panch Pandava Rathas with four of them carved out of a single rock. A mere 90-minute run from Chennai, Mamallapuram is serviced by buses, taxis and auto rickshaws. Residential accommodation. A wide range of accommodation facilities is available in Mamallapuram…
