India - Tamil Nadu touism 19.10.2013

Tamil Nadu is a unique and fascinating State, where technology co-exists with tradition, old architecture blends with contemporary vitality and where nature is at its unsullied best. These make Tamil Nadu a year round destination. It boasts of abundant tourist wealth, which can be broadly grouped under the following heads:

• Hill Resorts: They are a beautiful mix of mountain ranges and plains with pastoral landscape, exotic plants and shrubs, and grassy hillocks. Here tourism remains environmentally benign. The notable hill resorts are Udhagamandalam, Kodaikanal and Yercaud.

• Beach Resorts: Out of 7100 km long coastline that India enjoys, Tamil Nadu has a 1000 km long spectacular coastline with sugar-white bays and sun -drenched beaches. Marina beach is the second longest in the world. The recent beautification drive launched by Government on the Marina has earned the appreciation of all and Marina has been restored to its past glory.

• Waterfalls: They present an awesome spectacle with the colossal cascade of water. Hogenakkal, Kutrallam, Thirparappu, Kumbakarai, Papanasam etc. are worth mentioning here.

• Wildlife sanctuaries: Mudumalai, Anamalai, Mundanthurai, Kalakkadu will attract the attention of youngsters and wildlife enthusiasts.

• Zoological Parks: They have abundant wildlife that can be seen and appreciated in their natural habitat.

• Bird Sanctuaries: These visitors can be seen in close range during their sojourn to India, when the climate is inhospitable in their homelands.

• Botanical / Horticultural Gardens: For those who have a green thumb and for those who can understand the aesthetics of colour and fragrances, these gardens that are immaculately maintained will provide a visual feast.

• Temples / Churches / Mosques: To understand, appreciate and value our heritage which firmly believes in the by-line that there is Unity in Diversity. The wealth of the artistry and sensitivity that goes into the idols, carvings that are exquisite and extravagant will make the individual feel generous in spirit. The carvings, statues, pillars and buildings are delicate and distinct but at the same time are integrally linked with each other. It displays the ingenuity and artistic skill of sculptors and artisans. The history of some of the pilgrim centres dates back to more than a 1000 years and we realize that when compared the life of a human being is very small and very transient.

• Heritage Monuments: This is where the architecture is unique and inspiring, and has made time stand still for those who want to appreciate the past. They are marvels of engineering of the bygone era.

• Mangroves: These forests at Pichavaram in Cuddalore District are one of the largest mangroves in the world. Mangroves are also found in Muthupettai in Thiruvarur District.

• Lakes : The Pulicat Lake is the second largest saltwater lagoon in India, after Chilka Lake in Orissa.