Incredible Trip to Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is a unique state in India whose past and the history of whose culture is quite separate from the rest of India. Never under the rule of the dynasties that came and went in North India, till the time of the British Tamil Nadu had always had a history and a culture of its own which is as much a part of Indian Civilization as any other. But with such dynasties ruling it as Cholas, the Pallavas, and the Cheras, each leaving behind a legacy of its own traditions and customs, these legacies are now visibly different from anywhere else in India and they make the state truly the only one of its kind. Whether for a pilgrimage to various ancient temples or for sightseeing and seeing in person the architectural marvels of the ruins of ancient civilizations of the state, tourists flock to Tamil Nadu at all times of the year. Here are some of the most popular places that you can visit when on a trip to the incredible Tamil Nadu.
In this post we provide a glimpse of top attractions in Tamil Nadu for Indian Visa holders.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty
Also known as the Toy Train of Ooty, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is probably the most exceptional train journey you can ever take. It takes you on a trip to Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Mountains, or Blue Mountains, which are spread across the Western Ghats in Western Tamil Nadu. Lush and green, misty with the bluest of skies, and exquisitely beautiful, these mountains look like they had come right out of a landscape painting. The ride starts from Mettupalayam and goes on through Kellar, Coonoor, Wellington, Lovedale and Ootacamund, taking a total of 5 hours to cover around 45 kilo meters. The scenic views you would get to see all through the journey would include verdant forests, tunnels, misty and foggy landscapes, spectacular gorges and maybe even some sunshine and rain. The train is so popular and fantastic that it has been UNESCO declared it to be a World Heritage Site.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari, located at the very tip of India, at the banks of the Laccadive Sea, is a popular town that people visit not only for the purpose of pilgrimage but also to witness the beauty of its seascape. If you are visiting this town for whatever reason you’d be amiss to leave without visiting the Vivekananda Rock Memorial which is situated on one of the two small rock islands near the town that jut out towards the Lakshadweep Sea. You can ride a ferry to the island, which itself would be a terrific journey, offering you views of the serene Indian Ocean in the background. Once there, you can make your way to the Memorial. Vivekananda is said to have attained enlightenment on this island and apart from the significance that the island gains because of that its picturesque beauty also endears it to everyone who visits it.
Brahadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur
This temple in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that is also known by the names of Rajarajesvaram and Peruvudaiyār Kōvil. It is one of the most famous pilgrimage spots in Tamil Nadu and is also one of the most famous works of Dravidian Architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple was built during the reign of the Chola Dynasty and is one of their most lasting legacies. Surrounded by fortified walls, it has the tallest shrine or sanctum among any of the temples in all of South India and is full of towers, inscriptions, and sculptures related to various traditions of Hinduism. Inside there are also paintings from the Chola period but over centuries some of the artwork has been stolen or ruined. The intricate and beautiful design and architecture of the temple is unparalleled and you would regret missing out on it.
Marudhamalai Hill Temple, Coimbatore
Another one of the most famous temples of Tamil Nadu, Marudhamalai Hill Temple, which is about 12 kilo meters away from Coimbatore, is situated on top of a granite hillock in the Western Ghats. It was built in the 12th century during the Sangam period and is dedicated to Lord Murugan, a Hindu god of war and the son of Parvati and Shiva. Its name refers to the marudha maram trees found natively on the hillock and malai which means hill. Its architecture is truly stunning – the front of the temple is covered entirely by colourful sculptures of gods. Apart from its architectural delight the temple is also known for medicinal Ayurvedic herbs that are found to be natively grown here.
Mahabalipuram Beach
One of Tamil Nadu’s most famous beaches, this one is around 58 kilo meters away from Chennai and thus easily accessible. Looking out to the Bay of Bengal, the beach is famous for its rock sculptures, caves, and shore temples built in the Pallava period which the town of Mahabalipuram is famous for. Other than its stunning scenic beauty, golden white sand on the shore, and deep blue waters, the beach also offers interesting things to do while visiting it. There is a crocodile bank nearby with more than 5000 crocodiles, an art and sculpture school, a center where snake venom is extracted, a dancing festival every once a year, and various comfortable resorts for you to relax at and enjoy delicious food.
Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is called the “Princess of Hill Stations”. This place is a paradise with mist-covered valleys, lush green forests, stunning lakes, and more. Travelers can enjoy boating in the chill weather on the star-shaped lake, which is located in the center of the city. If you love trekking, then there are plenty of options for that, like Pillar rocks, Dolphin’s Nose, Green Valley, etc. There are many attractions in this place, like Guna cave, Pine forest, Botanical Garden, etc. If you love to explore hill stations, then this is a must-visit destination.
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