Tamil Nadu is one of the largest state in India and represents the heart of Dravidian culture with a rich tradition of centuries old art and literature. Situated on the southern tip of the Indian peninsula, it acts as the gateway to explore the South.
Tamil Nadu excites every visitor with clean and unspoilt hill stations, beautiful beaches, magnificent temples, waterfalls, historical monuments, art, culture, heritage and much more. It is perhaps for this very reason that Tamil Nadu offers more in terms of leisure tourism than many other places. One may wonder as to why indulge in leisure tourism. Unlike business travel where one needs to be formal all the time, leisure tourism is informal and fun. It offers an opportunity to take a break from the rigours of everyday life and put your mind at ease.
Hills: Some of the specifics of these offerings include pristine hill stations such as Yercaud, Udhagamandalam and Kodaikkanal.
Beaches: With over 1,000 km of coastline, Tamil Nadu offers several beach resorts. Marina Beach and Mahabalipuram Beach are major crowd-pullers. Other popular beaches are at Kanyakumari, Rameshwaram and Covelong. Rameshwaram is one of the most popular pilgrimage centres of South India. On the tip of India is Kanyakumari which is unique for it's confluence of Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. Tourists also get a breathtaking view of the sunrise and the sunset. Covelong Beach suits those who want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded Chennai city.
Relaxing at beaches does not end with the above mentioned sites. Take for instance Thoothukudi beach which is known for chunk and pearl beds or the Gulf of Mannar which is famous for coral reefs. Studies reveal that the ozone content at the Tharangambadi or Tranquebar in Nagapattinam district is amongst the highest in the world.
Among other enthralling experiences that await tourists in Tamil Nadu are the numerous waterfalls - Courtallam, Hogenkkal; mangroves at Picchavaram in Cuddolore and Pulicat, the second largest salt lake in Thiruvallur district. If you want to explore architecture, religion, rituals, spirituality or are on a soul-searching mission, Tamil Nadu offers it in plenty in its living temples built thousands of years ago and festivals across the state every day.
Similarly, extensive forests across the state also offer diverse wildlife. In the Nilgiris foothills are the dense forests of Mudumalai hills and is home to elephants, chitals (spotted deer), gaurs (Indian bison), tigers, panthers, wild boars, sloth bears, otters and crocodiles which inhabit the Moyar River.
Well connected by road, rail and air travel and lodging and boarding facilities to suit every class of tourists, Tamil Nadu offers freedom to explore, recreation, fun, games and a holiday all at the same time. Come and explore!
Dr S Bakthavatchalam
