Tamil Nadu has a long coastline
that stretches nearly a 1000
kms. The Coromandel Coast,
along the Bay of Bengal, boasts of many
ideal locations for sun and surf. Golden
sands of the beach are dotted with
coconut palm and casuarina groves.
The sea washes ashore pebbles and
shells and the gentle breeze sways the
yachts and catamarans into the deeper
waters of the sea and the waters form
small dunes on the shore. Crabs play hide-and-seek by coming out of one
burrow, and taking refuge in another.
Sea gulls hover in the sky and then rest
on the sails of the fishing boats. There
are many more breathtaking sights
that will please you and hold you spell
bound in Tamil Nadu.
State capital Chennai (earlier known
as Madras) is the commercial, political
and cultural centre of Tamil Nadu, and
one of India’s four major metro cities. A true Cosmopolitan city, it is a refreshing
mix of modernism and tradition- a
place where Carnatic concerts coexist
with swanky nightclubs, coconut
vendors and coffee shops share the
same customers, and where Mexican
cuisine is perfectly at home with the
indigenous dosas and pungent sambar.
Add in a passion for local cinema and
a love for the Coromandel Coast, and
you’re set to win the hearts of the local
Tamizh populace. Just make sure you spend enough time there to sample a taste of everything!
Chennai also makes the best base
for exploring the World Heritage
Site of Mamallapuram (58 km away)
and the French-flavoured charms of
Pondicherry (160 km away).
Past Perfect:
Mamallapuram
Once a great port under the Pallava
dynasty, Mamallapuram staked its
claim to everlasting fame hosting the
most eloquent remains of ancient
Dravidian temple architecture and
sculpture, comprising rock-cut cave
shrines, monolithic temples and
sculpted rock panels. These 7th-century
temples, wistfully gazing at the sea,
were not finished or consecrated, so no
worship is carried out here. Unoccupied
and free of the bustling activity of
places of worship, they convey a sense
of serenity and agelessness.
Traveller’s Pick
Mamallapuram Dance Festival is
an annual event that takes place over
a month in December-January. The
monuments provide a sumptuous
backdrop to performances of classical
Indian dances, such as Bharatanatyam,
Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Mohini Attam,
Odissi, Kathak, etc., which are performed by well-known Indian
artistes during the weekends.
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Where Peace Reigns:
Pondicherry
The 17th- 18th century headquarters
of the French colonial possessions in
India, this serene township even today
carries a distinct French flavour, which,
combined with the sea and laidback air
of the place, add up to an irresistible
charm. Pondicherry was laid out on the
sea front of the Bay of Bengal and stands
out for its neatly planned parallel roads
that intersect at right angles. Strolling
here among old elegant buildings,
churches and leafy parks fills one with
a lazy delight.
Be sure to indulge in some shopping,
and carry back some of Pondicherry’s
famous handmade paper and its
products, such as lampshades.
Pondicherry is a haven of pressed and
dried flower products, natural soap,
handmade incense and aromatherapy
products, as well as organically grown
vegetables.
Traveller’s Pick
Aurobindo Ashram - Pondicherry is
today best known for the Aurobindo
Ashram, a serene retreat established
by Sri Aurobindo, the Bengali
philosopher-poet. The Samadhis (memorials) of Sri Aurobindo and the
Mother are in the courtyard and are the
main points of interests for the visitors,
apart from the most intense and
unparalleled quietitude.
Auroville - This “universal town” is
about 10 km north of Pondicherry.
The famous international commune is
a self-sufficient settlement growing its
own food, running its own schools, an
example to others on how to try and
live in harmony with humanity and the
Earth. French architect Roger Anger
gave an interesting architectural shape
to this concept, especially to the ‘Matri
Mandir’ which symbolises the birth of
a new human consciousness.
French Institute of Indology - This
internationally acclaimed institute was
established by the renowned French
Indologist Dr. Jean Fillozet in the 1950s.
It is situated on the Rue Dumas, and has
various sections dealing with ecology,
pedagogy, science & technology,
cartography, Indian languages and
culture.
These places are just the stepping
stones into Tamil Nadu. Explore
more of this fabulous land, and be
amazed by its unique quality: the
past and present existing side by side,
meshing seamlessly. You’ll have an
unforgettable experience!
| FINDING YOUR WAY HERE |
Air: The airport at Chennai, just outside
the city, has direct flights to Delhi and
Singapore.
Rail: Tamil Nadu has an extensive railway
system, well connected with major cities all
over India.
Road: Tamil Nadu is very well connected by
road with all the major cities.
For more information, visit
www.tamilnadutourism.org
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