Chennai, the cultural center of South India and gateway to the state of Tamil Nadu, is a fascinating jumble dominated by glittering high-rise emporia and corporate buildings. Chennai today is one of the great metropolitan cities of the World, and the fourth largest city in India .
Chennai was the first British major settlement in India . In the city, one cannot fail to notice the dominant British influences in the form of old Cathedrals, buildings in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture and wide tree lined avenues. But Chennai retains a charm characteristic of the typical South Indian heritage and way of living. As a city it continues to maintain the best of South Indian traditions. This is not surprising because the region was an important center of Pallavan culture long before the British came here, the traces of which can be found in the numerous old temples.
Chennai offers excellent hotels and transport, a terrific range of food and various shopping centers for silks, cottons and course, magnificent old Hindus temples that offer more than just a fabulous photo opportunity to the discerning! Cinema and politics are the major beats on the streets.
Madurai
Madurai , the temple city is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu , in South India . Madurai was an important cultural and commercial center even as early as 550 AD. Madurai , the most famous of the temple towns of the south is known for the Meenakshi Temple . It is located on Vaigai River , is the capital city of the Pandyan rulers-Madurai. It is the city of nectar. Madurai , the most famous of the temple towns of the south is known for the Meenakshi Temple . It is located on Vaigai River , is the capital city of the Pandyan rulers-Madurai. Madurai was the capital city of the great Pandya kings. This sacred town attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors from India and abroad.
Apart from the temple, city has shops, street markets, hotels and restaurants.
Though Madurai is considered as a pilgrimage point, it developed as a business center as well and is known for traditional handicrafts made in bronze and brass.
The climate of this city is warm and pleasant and you can expect some drizzle throughout the year. Pilgrims flock the city all year long. The temperatures seldom fall below 20c even during winters. However, you can at best visit the place during April-May to be a part of the Chithirai festival that is the most important festival in Madurai .
Coimbator
Located in the shadow of the Western ghats, Coimbatore the third largest city of Tamil Nadu enjoys a very pleasant climate the year round, aided by the fresh breeze that flows in through the 25 kms long Palakkad gap. The rich black soil of the region has contributed to Coimbatore 's flourishing agriculture industry and, it is in fact that the successful growth of cotton that served as a foundation for the establishment of its famous textile industry. The first textile mill came up as far back as 1888 but there are now over a hundred mills. The result has been a strong economy and a reputation as one of the greatest industrial cities in South India . Coimbatore serves as an entry and exit point to neighbouring Kerala and the ever-popular hill station of Udagamandalam (Ooty).
Tirunelveli
Tirunelveli is situated on the banks of the river Thamiraparani. It was an important city of the Pandya Kingdom as it served as their capital for sometime. It grew into prominence during the Pandya Regime and served as their capital for some time. The city along with its twin town Palayamkottai is also one of the oldest Christian centres in Tamil Nadu. The city surrounded by paddy fields is known for its reed mats, palm handicrafts, palm sugar and temples especially the Kanthimathi Nellaiyappar Shiva temple after which the city is named.
Pudukottai
Pudukkottai town lies on the Chennai - Rameswaram Railway line. It is 390 kms from Chennai. 53 kms from Tiruchirappalli and 57 km from Thanjavur. The rulers of Pudukkottai have built several beautiful places and also constructed tanks canals and palaces.
Pudukkottai town is the headquarters of the district. It was once a princely State, the area, which comprises the district, is of absorbing interest to historians, anthropologists, archaeologists and lovers of art. The numerous dolmens, stone circles and other forms of megalithic burials in the district indicate the antiquity of this region dating back to pre-historic and protohistorical times. This tract is mentioned in the Sangam classics. The archaeological and cultural remains at Kodumbalur, Narthamalai, Kudumianmalai, Kunnandarkoil, Sittannavasal, Thirumayam and Avudaiyarkoil are proof of its rich cultural heritage.
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