From magnificent temples and charming hill stations to sun-kissed beaches and wildlife sanctuaries, Tamil Nadu offers a rich tapestry of experiences

The epicentre of the pre-Aryan 5,000-year-old Dravidian civilisation, Tamil Nadu (pop.77 million) has a history that dates back several millennia. The area which is contemporary Tamil Nadu was ruled by three royal dynasties in 300 BCE — 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 particularly influential 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 contemporary domestic tourists is the state’s renowned pilgrim centres, which not only provide spiritually elevating experiences but also 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. Moreover 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, ancient art and crafts, varied cuisine, and its serene, peaceful pace of life are its other unique attractions.

Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

Miles of scenic 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 with 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, 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.

Accommodation. A wide range of facilities is available in Mamallapuram including a few privately owned beach resorts, guesthouses and economy hotels to suit almost any budget. Peak season is November-February.

High-end: Elivaas Mallai (Rs.14,415 per night), Radisson Blu Temple Bay Beach Resort (Rs.13,500), Ideal Beach Resort (Rs.7,950); Mid-range: Golden Sun Beach Resort (Rs.4,747), Grand Continent (Rs.4,528), Mamalla Beach Resort (Rs.3,903); Budget: Thiru Pavillion Retreat (Rs.1,810), Hotel Rhythms (Rs.1,184), Tripo Bay Inn (Rs.726).

Restaurants. This beach resort offers several restaurants featuring seafood and vegetarian fare. Service is usually leisurely. Mahabalipuram Beach is known for fresh seafood; popular spots include Santana Beach Restaurant, Fish & French Fries Restaurant, Searock Restaurant and Taacos Seafood Restaurant. Fresh fish fry, prawns, crab, squid and traditional fish curry, often prepared with local South Indian spices are most sought-after dishes. For a vegetarian fair travelers could try Sri Ananda Bhavan, Hotel Mamalla Bhavan, Motel Mamalla for idli, dosa, vada, pongal and South Indian thali.

Excursions. Other attractions in and around Mamallapuram include the Government School of Sculpture where training is imparted in temple art; Crocodile Bank; Tiger Cave and Covelong Beach Resort which offers facilities for windsurfing and swimming, and the backwaters of Muttukadu which boasts a boat-house with boating and wind-surfing facilities.

A popular pilgrim centre Tirukkalikundram situated 14 km from Mamallapuram has a Shiva temple on the Vedagiri Hill where two white kites swoop down just before noon and are fed by the priests before they resume their flight to Rameswaram.

Udhagamandalam (Ooty)

Nestling in the heart of the Nilgiris or Blue Mountains, which get their name from the blue haze which envelopes them, is Ooty, the queen of hill stations situated at an altitude 7,350 ft. above sea level. Ooty offers bracing walks and leisure pursuits — among them golf in nearby Wellington and fishing in the lakes. The main attractions are the exotic botanical garden, a placid artificial lake with boating facilities and the government museum. Peak season is April to June and September to December.

Accommodation. High-end hotels: Savoy Ooty (Rs.50,681 per night), Sterling Ooty Elk Hill (Rs.22,186), Gem Park (Rs.11,585); Mid-range: Accord Highland (Rs.4,792), Rosewood (Rs.3,868), The Hillside Cottage (Rs.3,303); Budget: Royal Serene Vilas (Rs.2,205), Modern Vila (Rs.1,504), Hotel Maneck (Rs.1,189).

Restaurants. Food is generally good and safe. Restaurants like Ooty Coffee House, Raghuram cater to all tastes. Others include Earl’s Secret for fine dining in a glasshouse, Shinkow’s for legendary Chinese food, Place to Bee for Italian and European dishes, and Nahar’s Sidewalk Café for wood-fired pizzas and vegetarian bites.

Excursions. For those in search of breathtaking views, wildlife habitats and adventure there are daytime excursions to Doddabetta Peak (10 km), the highest point in the Nilgiri mountains (2.623 metres); Mukurthi Peak and National Park (40 km); Ketty Valley View, Avalanchi (28 km); Kalhatty Water Falls (13 km); Coonoor hill resort (19 km); and Pykara Dam (21 km) in the vicinity of charming Toda tribal settlements.

Mudhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Visitors to this 321 sq.km sanctuary with its varied habitat, can — if they are lucky — spot wildlife including elephant, tiger, panther, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar and porcupine in their natural environment. The sanctuary is an hour’s drive (45 km) from Ooty and situated on the Ooty-Mysore highway. The best time to visit is from September to May.

Mudumalai is connected by road with the Bandipur wildlife sanctuary (10 km), Ooty (45 km), Mysuru (87 km) and Coimbatore (133 km). The nearest railhead is Ooty and the nearest airport, Coimbatore.

Accommodation. The sanctuary boasts just a few high-end hotels with the majority being in the mid and budget range. High-end: Machaan Wilderness Lodge (Rs.15,057 per night), Wild Forest Resort (Rs.7,599), The Magnifera (Rs.7,209), Mid-range: The Nest Inn (Rs.3,873), Leopard Rock Wilderness Resort (Rs.4,614), Tamrind Tree Resort (Rs.3,150); Budget: The Midway Jungle Resort (Rs.2,494), Singaras Coffee Country (Rs.2,373), Wild Valley Club (Rs.2,363).

Madurai

This vibrant commercial city is best known for its famous Sri Meenakshi Temple, a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture which attracts 10,000 visitors per day. Known as the Athens of the East; Madurai (pop 1.5 million) is the oldest city of Tamil Nadu with a history dating back 2,000 years when it was the capital of the Pandyan kings. Its Meenakshi temple complex extends over an area of six hectares and boasts 12 towers ranging from 45-50 metres in height. Visitors to the temple are certain to be awed by the ayiramkaal mandapam or hall of thousand pillars each of which features bold, life-like sculptures.

Madurai is connected by air from major metros like Chennai and Mumbai, by rail to several important cities in India and by road to all places in south India. It is 480 km from Chennai and 120 km from Kodaikanal. Visiting season is throughout the year.

Accommodation. Madurai has a range of hotels. High-end: Gateway Madurai (Rs.9,204 per night), Courtyard by Marriott (Rs.9,085), Hotel Royal Court (Rs.7,193), Mid-range: Astoria Hotels (Rs.4,275), Tyco Resort (Rs.4,315), Grand Sabarees (Rs.3,507); Budget: Hotel Heritage Residency (Rs.2,466), Sundara Resort (Rs.2,172), Hotel Supreme (Rs.1,456).

Excursions. Madurai offers tourists a variety of excursion options within and around the city. The Thirumalai Nayak Palace (1.5 km) is a marvellous edifice with stucco work on its domes and arches, massive white pillars and sorga vilasam (celestial pavilion). The Gandhi Museum, Government Museum and Sri Aravindar Annai Trust are other tourist attractions. Madurai also hosts annual cultural festivals. Kodaikanal (120 km) and Vaigai dam (69 km) are popular picnic spots.

Kanyakumari

Situated at the southernmost tip of India where the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean confluence, Kanyakumari (pop. 1.89 million) is notable for its beautiful beach, spectacular sunrise and sunsets, ancient temples and handicrafts. A deep sense of peace is likely to pervade the visitor to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial dedicated to the saint and savant Swami Vivekananda, with its attached meditation hall and the Gandhi Memorial nearby. The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram (87 km). Kanyakumari is connected by road to Chennai (703 km), Madurai (242 km), and other major towns in south India. The visiting season is throughout the year.

Accommodation. Top-end: Ayatana By The Lake (Rs.11,328 per night), Annai Resort and Spa (Rs.11,293), Amaari Beach Resort (Rs.6,835); Mid-range: Amaari Beach Resort (Rs.4,437), The Seashore Hotel (Rs.4,463), The Ocean’s Resort (Rs.3,531); Budget: Hotel Tri Sea (Rs.1,971), New Cape Hotel (Rs.1,083), Hotel Sunview (Rs.919)

Excursions. Kanyakumari offers numerous picnic spots and excursion options. Vattakottai Fort (6 km) overlooking the calm sea; Nagercoil (19 km) with its famed Nagaraja temple; Suchindram (13 km) which houses the Thanumalayan temple, a treasure house of art with its 18-foot Hanuman statue; Muttam beach (32 km); and Udhayagiri Fort (34 km) are some options.

Farther afield are the Thiruparappu Water Falls (60 km). Thiruvattar temple (60 km) famed for its splendid architecture and the Pechiparai Dam which offers leisure boats; the Padmanabhapuram royal palace (45 km) and the famous Tiruchendur Subramanya temple (91 km). Wildlife enthusiasts can also visit the Kalakkadu and Mundanthurai sanctuaries.