Tamil Nadu

1. Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram):

Mahabalipuram (now Mamallapuram) is an ancient port town dating back to the 8th century AD. Located just 55 km south of Chennai it is known for towering pagodas, gigantic rock cut caves, massive monolithic structures and intricate bass relief panels. Shore Temple, located on the beach is one of the most visited spots of Mahabalipuram. The Shore Temple constructed by Rajashima (Narashima II) (reign 700-728 CE) of Pallava dynasty happens to be the biggest and oldest structural temple of Mahabalipuram. Although a single structure the temple houses three shrines, two of which are dedicated to Shiva and the other to Bishnu. Read more…

2. Flamingos and Salt Pans of Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) :

At glance it seems like endless snow field but the scorching heat will soon take you back to reality and it is not snow but salt. Located at the far south of the Coromondal Cost, Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) is a major port city in Tamil Nadu and home to much of the state’s salt harvesting terrain. The salt pans also create an unique eco-system and attracts a wide variety of birds from far and wide. The Greater Flamingos are definitely the most wanted visitors of Tuticorine. They come during the month of August to October when water level in the salt pan are low. This helps the birds to find food easily. Read more…

3. Dhanuskodi, the abandoned town at the end of India:

A long stretch of desolate sand, with scattered dilapidated structures, flanked on both side with endless expanse of water. On the north is clear blue waters of Bay of Bengal and on the south is the turbulent waters of Gulf of Mannar. This is Dhanuskodi, once the flourishing port and now an abandoned town complete with roofless church, railway stations with rails and schools with out students. The port town, with a Ramayana connect was devasted by a cyclone in 1964 and has been abandoned ever since. Read more…

4. Emden Plaque, Madras High Court:

Over a million Indian soldiers served the British Army during the First World War (WWI), which was initially known as the Great War of 1914 – 18. Over 70,000 died fighting in different war theatres spread across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Strangely the first India casualties of First World War didn’t happen in far off lands but on India soil and it happened long before the first troupes were disposed to far off lands. Barely 2 months into the war, Emden, a German cruiser attacked the Madras Port on September 1914. It fired a volley of shot one of which hit the boundary walls of Madras High Court. Today a small plaque stands at the very spot reminding people of the lone First World War attack on Indian soil. Read more…

5. Dansborg Foert, Tranquebar (Tharangambadi):

Dasnborg Fort is the second largest Danish fort in the world but it is not located in Denmark but in India. Located in the former Danish colony of Tranquebar (Tharangambadi) in Tami Nadu it overlooks the Bay of Bengal. The fort dates back to 1620. Presently it houses a small museum contains a host of exhibits covering a vast array of topics. Read more…

6. Border Parotta :

Who said, “Tamil food is all about idli and dhosa and is all vegetarian?” Think again! The coastal state of Tamil Nadu has its share of non veg cuisine and the probably the best place to experience it is Border Parotta stall near the small town of Coutrallam. It is not just food but an experience. Coutrallam (or Kutralam) is a small town at the southern tip of Western Ghat. The town is known for its spectacular waterfalls but no trip to Courtallam is complete with a visit to the culinary landmark of Border Parotta in Tenkasi. Read more…

7. Courtallam Waterfalls:

Located at the southern tip of Western Ghat on the Tamil Nadu – Kerala border this small hill station of Tamil Nadu houses nine water falls. The water in the falls have medical values and is known as the spa of south India. This is Courtallam (or Kuttraalam). During the monsoon weekends thousand of locals tourist from Tamil Nadu and Kerala visit the place. The local administration and the police have a tough time handling them. Read more…

8. Tranquebar (Tharangambadi), former Danish colony in Tamil Nadu :

Tharangambadi (Tranquebar), the place of the singing waves, is a small coastal town in Tamil Nadu 120 km south of the former French colony Pondicherry (Puducherry). Today the Danish Fort still dominates the Tranquebar skyline and the fortified town still has its share of colonial charm and legacy. The coastal town complete with forts, churches and colonial buildings is surrounded by high wall complete with bastions and stands as a colonial island surrounded by rural landscape. The Danish history of Tranquebar (Tharangambadi) dates back to 1620 and it happens to be the oldest Danish settlement in India. Read more…

9. Mantra Koodam Resort, Kumbakonam :

Kumbakonam or Kudanthai is a town in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. There are about 180 temples located within the town and apart from that there several thousand temples around the town and hence it is popularly referred to as the temple town. The Mantra Koodam Resort in Kumbakonam provides a spiritual experience ans serves as a home away from home. It curates an extraordinary experiences that arise from its intimate bonding with nature and community. A holidays in the resort provide an extraordinary experiences that arise from intimate bonding with nature and community.Read more…

10. Brihadeshwara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram :

The Brihadeshwara Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a temple dedicated to Shiva. It is one of the largest Shiva temple of South India and is a classic example of Dravidian Temple Architecture. It is also part of the UNESCO Heritage site of Great Living Chola Temples. constructed by Rajendra I (Rajendra Chola) in 1035. It was constructed to celebrate his victorious march Rajendra I up to the Ganga River in eastern India. The temple stands in a large complex flanked my several other minor temples and shrines. Read more…

11. Memorial of APJ Abdul Kalam, Rameswaran:

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam or simply APJ Abdul Kalam (15 October 1931 – 27 July 2015) was the 11 th President of India (25 July 2002 – 25 July 2007). Known as the “People’s President” and the “Missile man of India” Kalam came from a humble background. After his death he was laid to rest in his native town of Rameswaran. On his second death anniversary a memorial was built over his grave. Designed by DRDO where Kalam worked the memorial is a ultimate tribute to the most loved president of India. Read more…

12. Tuticorin Macaroon:

A macaroon is a small cake or biscuit-like confectionary item made with egg white, sugar and ground almond. It has an Italian and French origin and over the years it has made its way to different parts of the world. Each country and region that has adopted the macaroon has modified it by using easily available local raw materials. It was the Portuguese who introduced macaroon to Inida and it reached Tuticorin via Ceylon (presentday Sri Lanka). The alomond was replaced by the locally available cashew nut thus adding a Indian twist to the European confectionary. Read more…

13. Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp:

Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp, located deep inside the Annamalai Tiger Reserve. It is managed by the Malasar tribes, who have expertise knowledge in capturing, taming and handling wild elephants. The Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp presently houses 26 elephants. Tourist are aloowed inside the elephant camp and can witness the bathing and feeding of the elephants. Under the supervision of the mahuts they can even interact with the elephants and click photos and selfies. Read more…

14. Pancha Rathas, Mahabalipuram:

Pancha Rathas, also known as Pandava Rathas, are a group of five free standing monilithic structures, which were carved out of a hill in the 7th century CE. Located in Mahabalipuram (Mamalapuram) the Pancha Rath complex along with the other historical structures are part of a UNESCO heritage. Apart from the five temple the complex also houses animal statues like the lion, bull and elephant. Read more…

15. Agaya Gangai Falls, Kolli Hills:

Agaya Gangai is a towering water fall located in Kolli Hills in central Tamil Nadu. Kolli Hill is a partt of the Eastern Ghat and is approached by a meandering road with 70 hair pin bends. The hills are known for its lush green vegetation and spice gardens. The Agaya Gangai, literraly translates into Ganges from the sky, and is knwon for its thundering waters. Read more…