Tamil Nadu - Small History

Tamil Nadu is bounded by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in the north and Kerala in the west. The eastern and western tips of the state are defined by the Point Calimere and Mudumalai wildlife sanctuaries while the northern extreme is Pulicat lake and the southernmost tip is Kanyakumari, the land's end. Tamil Nadu is principally washed by the Cauvery, originating in Coorg in neighbouring Karnataka. Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu.

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The Tamils have an ancient history. Under the Pallava, Chola & Pandya kings art, architecture & literature flourished and reached great heights. Tamil language has a history which can be traced back to the age of the Tolkapiyam, the Tamil Grammar text generally ascribed to 500 B.C. Sangam literature of the Tamils dates back to500 B.C. The Tamils have always been a hospitable race, known for their generous nature .

The People: Tamil, the official state language, is spoken by most of the people. The

main religions in the state are Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Jainism. Hindu families owe allegiance to a number of sectarian monastic institutions, or maths, of which the most important is the Shankara Math at Kumbakonam. Although Tamil Nadu is one of the most urbanized states of India, it is still a rural land; agriculture is the mainstay of life for about three-quarters of the rural population. Tamil Nadu is rich in handicrafts; notable among them are handloomed silk, metal icons, leather work, kalamkari (hand-painted fabric, using natural dyes), brass, bronze, and copper wares, and carved wood, palm leaf, and cane articles.

Festivals: Pongal festival, Jallikattu-Bull fight in January; Chitthiraj festival, Mamallapuram dance festival, Chidambaram dance festival, Mahamagam festival in Kumbakonam, Arubathimoovar festival at Chennai, Summer festival in Ooty; Courtallm ritual bathing festival, Kanthuri festival, Kavaddi festival on Palani Hills, Velankanni festival, Navarathri, Karthigai Deepam or Tamil Nadu's Festival of Lights, Music festival in Chennai during December.

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Climate: The climate is essentially tropical. The temperature in summer seldom 43º C and in winter seldom falls below 18º C. The lowest temperatures are recorded during December and January, and the highest in April to June. The average annual rainfall, falling mainly between October and December, ranges between 25 and 75 inches. The most precipitation falls in the Nilgiris and other hill areas. u

ART & CRAFTS IN TAMILNADU, INDIA The heart of Tamilaham, the home of the Tamils or Tamil Nadu, lies around and south of the curve of the Eastern Ghats as it goes to merge with the Western Ghats in the Nilgiris. Some of the oldest prehistoric settlements of India have been found in this area, which has also been the cradle of ancient arts and crafts and industries, a land of innumerable, incomparable temples.

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The development of the region has been attested by several writers of olden times. Pliny the Younger of Rome and others have written of the Tamil country in the 1st and 2nd century AD as being a source of silk, fine muslin, ivory work and diamonds, rubies, pearls and tortoise shell. Even earlier, Kautilya (circa 300 BC) referred to pearls of the Taamraparni River in Pandyan country and cotton fabrics from Madurai and sandalwood carvings. The earliest monuments in stone belong to the Pallava period AD 550 to 912. Of these, cave sculptures, rathas or chariots and other sculptures of Mamallapuram and Kanchipuram are outstanding. It may be noted that the Pallavas inscribed their epigraphs in Sanskrit. Simultaneously, the Pandyas, who ruled from 590 to 920 AD, left cave temples around Tiruchirappalli and Namakkal. Their period is known for the Jain cave paintings of Sittannavasal in Pudukottai district. But the classical age of Tamil culture belongs to the period of the Cholas, who ruled from AD 850 to 1279. The famous bronzes of Tamil Nadu reached their acme of development and the greatest Natarajas appeared at this time. The other arts, including dance, music, theatre and literature, attained their zenith.

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In 1370, Madurai was taken over by the Vijayanagar kings, who consolidated their supremacy all over Tamil Nadu. This was a period of frenzied artistic activity and the seeds were sown for the heavy stylization of various art forms. Much of today's art is derived from the love of the baroque developed during this period.

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After the terrible battle of Talikota in 1564 and the rout of the Vijayanagar army, Tamil Nadu was carved up by local chieftains. The most important of these were the Nayaks, of whom Thirumala Nayak was a great patron of the arts. The various city-states were engaged in wars with each other and frequently changed hands, going from local chieftains to the Marathas and the Musilms, till they all finally fell to the British. After the Nayaks, the arts had little or no patronoge and rapid degeneration set in. Through all the turbulent political upheavals, religion remained a major motivating force in Tamil Nadu. The temple was the focus of activity, with the shops and houses planned around it. There could be no village without at least one temple -- in fact, a village without a temple is likened to man without a soul. The role of religion was so important that most crafts had been adapted to serve religious needs - from the bronzes depicting the gods to simple basketry, where even the designs and weave may have cosmic connotations. The deep, strong roots of religion provided a binding force and a major role for the arts. Because classical culture had been a strong, uninterrupted influence and religion deep-rooted, the dividing line between art and folk crafts faded over time - the village terracottas became the great bronzes, the woodcarvings became great monuments in stone. Thus, it is very difficult to tell an art form apart from a craft. The basic insularity of the culture protected it from extraneous influences, which could have changed its form, as happened elsewhere in India. Instead, the creative genius of the people and their love for the fine arts strengthened the styles from within. Indeed, it may even

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FAIRS & FESTIVALS IN TAMILNADU, INDIA Pongal : The four-day Harvest festival is celebrated all over the state in January. The festival begins on the last day of the Tamil month with Bhogi Pongal followed by Surya Pongal on the next day. It is on this day that Chakkara Pongal, a delicacy of harvest rice cooked with jaggery, ghee and cashew nuts is offered to the Sun God. The third day, Mattu Pongal is dedicated to the Cattle when cows are bathed and adomed with colourful beads and flowers. Jallikattu, the bullfight is held on the last day known as Kannum Pongal. Skanda Sashti : Skanda Sashti is celebrated in Saivite temples all over Tamilnadu on the sixth day in the holy half of the month of Aippasi (Oct 15 - Nov 15). Legend is that Skanda Sashti is celebrated on the destruction of evil by the Lord Kartikeya, son of Shiva. When it comes to celebration there must be mention of the grand celebrations at Tirupparankunram, Tiruchendur, two of the 6 'Padai Veedu' temples of Murugan. At Sikkal, the festival image of Subramanya receives a spear, from the Ambal shrine, and breaks out in sweat, a day before the climax of the festival. More.........

Bhramotsavam : In most of the South Indian temples Bhramotsavam is celebrated. This is a ten day long festival with the procession of festival images on gaily decorated mounts. Srinivasa Bhattar and Koti Sreekrishna of Cincinnati, present the significance of Bhramotsavam in SriVaishnava temples, and describe the daily events in the 9 day long Bhramotsavam at Tirupati. More.........

Karthika Peruvizha: The Arunachales- warar Temple at Tiruvannamalai is one of the grandest in India. The Grand Kartikai Peruvizha, a complex festival involving a multitude of festivites and hundreds of thousands of participants happens with amazing regularity, each year - and can be described as a case study in operations management. More.........

Arudra Darisanam : The pre-dawn hours of the full moon night, in the tamil month of Margazhi coinciding with the asterism of Tiruvadirai marks the auspicious time for Arudra Darisanam of Nataraja in Saivite temples all over Tamilnadu. The 10 day festival (Margazhi Peruvizhaa) is described in detail in this feature. More.........

Karthikai Deepam : The festival starts on the Panchami before Pournami (fifth day of the brighter half of the month of Kartikai ie. Nov 15 - Dec 15) early in the morning with a brief flaghoisting ceremony (Dwajaarohanam). More.........

WILD LIFE IN TAMILNADU, INDIA Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park : Spread over 9.58 Sq.kms., this sanctuary can be reached through Topslip in Anamalai Hills on the Western Ghats. An Ecological Paradise, this sanctuary encompasses a National Park with an Orea of 108 Sq.km. Abutting Kerala on the West, this hill forest boasts of thick growth of trees, folds of terrains with evergreen sholas. About 800 species of South Indian flora are distributed here.

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Some of the many rare and endangered species of flora are:1. Combretum Ovalifolium, 2. Hotels in Kanyakumari Dispyros nilagrica, 3. Gymnopteris Contaimirans (Fern), 4. Habebarai reriflora (Orchid), 5. Hotels in Pondicherry Polypodum pleroupus, 6. Alsophila sp, 7. Bulbophyllum sp., 8. Lasianthus uenuloses, 9. Angiopterris Erectra, 10. Gnetum Ula, 11. Impaliens Elegans, 12. Lycopodium cernum, Hotels in Thanjavur 13. Ranunculus reniformis and Osmunda Regulis. This sanctuary nurtures Arboreal animals like lion tailed macaque, bonnet macaque, Common Langur, Nilgiris Langur, Malabar Giant squirrel and Grizzled giant Squirrel. The ground animals listed are: Tiger, Panther, Elephant, Gaur, Pangolin, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Wild Boar, Dhole, Sloth Bear, Porcupine, Nilgiris Tahr, Civet Cat and Toddy Cat. The Avifauna includes Racket Tailed Drongo, Black Headed Oriole, Paradise Flycatcher, Whistling Thrust, Emerald Dove, Green Pigeon, Tickell's Flower Pecker, Rufus Wood Pecker, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Black Eagle, Great Indian Malabar pied Horn Bill, Fiary Blue Bird and green Billed Malkhoha etc.

Kalakkadu wild life sanctuary : Kalakkadu and Mundanthurai Sancturies are situated in an extensive preserve as "tiger project Reserve". This Wild life Sanctuary is situated in an area of 233 Sq.km. in Tirunelveli District, including the foothills of western Ghats and the adjoining area. The flora ranges from forests of tropical wet ever-green to tropical dry deciduous and thorn forest at down hills. Lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri tahr, Sambar, Sloth bear, Gaur, Elephant, Tiger, Flying Squirrel, Panther, wild dog, Pangoline are some of the wild life seen in the sanctuary. Besides, a wide range of birds and reptiles could be seen. Trekking can be done with prior permission from the Forest (Wildlife) Department. Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary : Located in Virudhunagar District, 45 Kms. off Virudhunagar Town, this sanctuary has a composition of dry deciduous forests, moist mixed deciduous forests and grass lands. Grizzled Giant Squirrels are aplenty. Other interesting species are flying squirrel, Tree Shrew, Elephant, Lion- tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahar, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, and many a species of birds. This sanctuary can be visited all through the year. Vedanthangal and Karikili Bird's Sanctuaries : A grove of Barringatonia and Acacia nilotica trees in a tank from part of the sanctuary. In additional dry evergreen scrub and thorn forests can also be seen. Both these sanctuaries are situated in Kancheepuram district and sprawling in 30-ha and 61-ha area respectively. Vedanthangal is the oldest birds sanctuary in the country. The Villagers had documented their right to protect the winged visitors to this sanctuary. The migrating birds come from far-off lands like Siberia, Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for nesting and breeding. Breeding birds like Cormorants, Egrets, Grey Heron, Open-billed stork, Darter, Spoonbill, White lbris, Night Herons, Grebes, Grey Pelican etc visit the Sanctuary. The population of migratory birds included Garganey Teals, Shovellers, Pintails, Stilts, Sandpipers etc. Some of the resident birds listed are Coots and Moorhen, Terns. In all 115 species of birds have been recorded in this sanctuary.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary - National Park : This sanctuary is located where

the Nilgiri Hills, the offshoot of the Western ghats meet the eastern ghats. The Mudumalai

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HILL STATIONS IN TAMILNADU, INDIA

KODAIKANAL - Kodaikanal , 'The Princess of Hill Stations"' is one of the most popular

serene hill stations in India. With her wooded slopes, mighty rocks, enhancing waterfalls and a beautiful lake, Kodaikanal will mesmerize any visitor. In a state where scenery and terrain is perhaps more varied than in any other part of the country, where the forested slopes of the majestic hills of the western Ghats vie with the magnificent beaches of the Coriander coast, it is indeed difficult to decide which is the best feature of multi-faceted Tamil Nadu. Located 120 Kms away from Madurai, Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station and is at an altitude of 2133m on the southern tip of the upper Palani hills in the Western Ghats. Kodaikanal has a bracing climate where temperature do not vary much from summer to winter. Fruits like plums and plantains grow abundantly on the wooded slopes apart from a wide variety of flowers, among which is the famous Kurinji flower which blooms once in twelve years. Kodai's most enchanting sights include the star shaped lake, spread over an area of 24 hectares where fishing allowed and boating facilities are available; one of the world's oldest Solar Observatories that was built in 1899; and the Orchidorium at the Sacred Heart College where about 300 species of orchids can be seen. There are also a number of picturesque walks like Coaker's Walk and Priest's Walk. Kodai's best view points are Pillar Rocks, and Green Valley View. Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Fairy Falls and Glen Falls are popular with picnickers while the Perumal Peak is a favorite with trekkers. The Kurinji Andover temple 3.2 Kms away is dedicated to Lord Subramanya. Located 120 Km/75 mile away from Madurai, Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station at an altitude of about 2133 m on the southern tip of upper Palani hills in Tamil Nadu in the Western Ghats. A well known feature and the one that attracts a lot of tourists is the blooming of the famous Kurinji flower, which blooms once in12 years.

Yercaud - Poor man's Ooty stations. No mention is ever made, even in passing, of Yercaud. Majority of the people even refuse to accept that Yercaud is also a hill station. Yercaud is, in a way, the poor man's Ooty, much like elandai pazham being the poor man's apple! If Ooty is the queen of hills, Yercaud is the princess! For the people in the Northern districts, suffering for centuries due to poverty, drought, famine, hunger and heat, the only silver lining is Yercaud. Yercaud which is 1515 meters above sea level is 333 sq. km in extent. The maximum temperature is 29 Celsius only. The population is 32,746 and most of the people are tribal. A number of buses ply from Salem to Yercaud and back.The only mode of travel from Salem to Yercaud is by bus. It takes an hour of negotiating 20 dangerous hair-pin bends to reach the peak. One is gripped by fear as the bus negotiates the hair-pin bends: one breathes easy only after seeing the greenery on either side of the road signaling the end of travel! It is very scary if one looks down through the window! All along the route, monkeys playing pranks and violet flowers on trees makes one wonder where one is. There is greenery all round - this is a new experience, for the city bred. The forests make one energetic and enthusiastic, like a child.

Yercaud is yet another example of how the British appreciated our natural resources better than us. Yercaud is famous for coffee and pepper in much the same way Ooty and Kodai are famous for tea. The English used Yercaud as a summer retreat and their legacy is all over the place. Rows and rows of houses, much like ants moving in files, dot the entire hills. The number of places to be seen in Yercaud may not be many, but each one of them is really worth the visit. One of the important places is the Pagoda point. The Pagoda Point, is so known because a number of pyramid-like structures abound here. The Anjaneya temple is believed, by the locals, to be very powerful. One can get a full view of Salem from here. You can go boating for Rs.20. The one kilometer lake is surrounded by trees all round. It is a pleasurable experience to go boating in this lake. Depending on one's budget one can take a two-seater or a six-seater boat. Right on top of the hill stands the Servarayan temple in which Lord Servarayan resides with his consort Kaveri. This deity, the local people believe, is the guardian angel for the 67 villages in and around Yercaud. This temple is inside a cave and one has to bend and go in. People go inside in batches of three. The cave extends beyond the temple and the locals say it extends all the way to the Kaveri in Karnataka, a distance of 480 km. Very few have explored the full cave. One of the shopkeepers Mathaiyan said, "I have tried going inside this cave once. I could go only 3 km. I did this after a strict fasting for 41 days. After 3 km. it is pitch dark; no ventilation; snakes all over. it is believed some saints, in the days gone by, had traveled the full length. Tippu Sultan was supposed to have hidden in this cave during a war." To the south east of the temple is a very old well and it is a wishing well. The locals believe if they are able to throw at least one stone, from three picked up from the temple, inside the well, with their backs to the well, they will succeed in whatever they plan to do. If one walks down from the Temple, one reaches Killiyur falls. Water, falls from a height of 300 m. During the rainy seasons, the locals say, these falls are very dangerous. Next to the Servarayan temple is the Raja Rajeswari Amman temple. There is also the Jothi Samadhi ashram. The massive Rajarajeswari idol is installed in a sitting posture, and 4.5 feet tall. One can buy prasad, gem stones and lucky stones. There is also a hall for meditation. One can get a full view of Namakkal and Salem from the "Ladies Seat". The Anna Park is a quiet place to relax. The annual flower show is in May. Cardamom, pepper, orange are the main crops in Yercaud. Seasonal fruits are produced in plenty. The majority of the local population consists of daily wage-earners in the coffee estates. 30% of the houses were built during the British Raj. The British legacy is there to be seen and felt in a number of places. A number of hotels built to International standards are well ensconced among trees. To enjoy every bit of nature in this hill, the British paved roads and built dwelling units. If the early architects of this hill station were to see the roads today, they would be shocked! The roads are pathetic - full of craters, illmaintained, uncared for. The only hope is, Yercaud gets its fair share of the Central Government's increased budget for tourism. The English who returned to their native land, after our Independence, would certainly have felt a sense of anguish and a tinge of sadness at being forced to leave this wonderful place, surrounded by Nature. October and November are the best months here. Foreign tourists are more during the other months. Since Dassera holidays are in October, there a lot of tourists from Bangalore. In November tourists from North India visit Yercaud, taking advantage of Diwali holidays. Yercaud is less expensive than other tourist destinations and is preferred by the middle class. By car, the expense is Rs.400 only, for a full tour of Yercaud. Travel guide charges are Rs.150 only - the entire family can tour Yercaud on a budget of about Rs.1000.

KODAIKANAL SIGHT SEEING

Lake View : A magnificent star-shaped lake glitters like a jewel amidst the Emerald Green wooded slopes. This 24 hectare lake is skirted by 5 Kms long. Blacktopped road is a focal point of Kodai. This lake was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Hentry Levinge(1885), who was the Collector of Madurai, retired and settled in Kodai. He constructed the bund to form a lake and stocked the lake with fish. He brought the first boat from Tuticorin. In 1890, a boat club was formed and the members sailed in the boat.

BOAT SERVICES 1. T.T.D.C Boat House (9.00 A.M to 5.30P.M) Pedal two seater

Rs 15 ( 30 Mts)

Pedal four seater

Rs 25 ( 30 Mts)

Rowing four seater

Rs 20 ( 30 Mts)

2. Kodai Boat Club (9.00 A.M to 5.30 P.M) Pedal two seater

Rs 20 ( 30 Mts)

Pedal four seater

Rs 30 ( 30 Mts)

Single boat rowing

Rs 20 ( 30 Mts)

Double boat rowing

Rs 30 ( 30 Mts)

3. Carlton Hotel Boat House Pedal four seater

Rs 52.25 (1 hour)

Rowing six seater

Rs 36.60 (1 hour)

Shikara two seater

Rs 105 (1 hour)

Bergium Lake : The Lake which supplies drinking water to Periyakulam town is 21 Kms from Kodaikanal (Beyond the Pillar Rocks). It is a fine picnic spot offering beautiful scenery. In 1864,Douglas Hamilton wrote : - "The Vicinity of this lake is in my opinion by far the best sight on the Hills".

Brynt Park : This Park is situated on the eastern side of the lake. It is noted for flowers,

hybrids and grafts. Cut flowers are exported from here. A glass house which shelters over fine varieties of flowers can be seen here. Flower show conducted every year during May, as a part of Summer Festival is to be seen by one and all. The Flora and Fauna Museum is maintained by the Sacred Heart College. A Theological Seminary was founded in 1895. It is devoted to the archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. One of the best Orchidorium in the country with more than 300 species is also located here. It is about 5.6 Kms from the lake. A Spanish Father Ugarthe, contributed his major collections to the Museum. A wide ranging collection of birds classified into ground birds, water birds, tree birds and large high flying birds such as Black Eagle, Bengal Vulture, Honey Buzzard, Crested Hawk-Eagle. Coakers Walk : This hill-edge path way was identified by Er. Coakers in 1872. About a Kilometer from the lake, Coakers Walk runs along a steep slope on the southern side of Kodai. It offers some of the best views of the Plains. Entry fee is collected per head here.

Silver Cascade : This is Located on the Ghat road leading to Madurai and is about 8Kms from Kodaikanal. The overflow of Kodai Lake comes down here as 180 feet high falls. If the temperature of water suits, tourists can take bath Kodaikanal is rich in Flora and Fauna. It has a unique plant. The Kurinji, which blossoms once in 12 years, makes the hill slopes a "Blaze of Purple".

Bear Shola Falls :About 1.6 Kms from the lake, Bear Shola Falls can be reached through a picturesque rugged hill path. This is an ideal picnic spot.

picturesque, green Udhagamandalam better known as Ooty is the most popular hill station in the South. Located in the Western Ghats at a height of 2240m, Udhagamandalam is the headquarters of the Nilgiris district where the two Ghats meet. Nature has been generous with this region which is by far the most beautiful in the state. Apart from coffee and tea plantations, trees like conifers, eucalyptus, pine and wattle dot the hillside in Udhagamandalam and its environs. Summer temperature is rarely higher than 25°c with a minimum of 10°c and winter is are distinctly cooler with a high of 21°c and a low 5°c. Curiously enough, this slice of paradise remained unknown to the great southern dynasties and it took the British to discover it in the early 1800s. They were however, not the first inhabitants of this land as a tribe called Todas had been living there long before the British came, claiming that the Nilgiris had been their home since time immemorial. But the credit for modernizing Udhagamandalam and making it accessible goes to the British who constructed the first railway line in the area and made it the summer capital of the Madras Presidency. About Udhagamandalam : Settlement in Udhagamandalam began in 1822 with the construction of the Stone House by John Sullivan, the then Collector of Coimbatore. The bungalow which is locally called Kal Bangla is one of the landmarks of Udhagamandalam and is now the Chamber of the Principal of the Government Arts College. Not many years after the construction of the Stone House, several other English cottages with pretty gardens, large bungalows of top officials in the Government are built. Even today the atmosphere of the Raj lingers in places like the Club where snooker was invented by a subaltern named Neville Chamberlain, the Nilgiri Library with its rare and valuable collection of books on Udhagamandalam and St. Stephen's Church which was Udhagamandalam's first church. The cemetery near the church has the oldest British tombstones in the town and include those of John Sullivan's wife and daughter among other prominent personalities. South Indian Tea has gained recognition far and wide. India is the fifth largest tea producing belt in the world after China. In 1991, South India exported 50 million kg to over 30 countries. Tea and Tourism Festival is celebrated in the Nilgiris Jointly by the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu and Ministry of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in every January/February. Cultural programmes, visits to Tea Estates and factories, fun and frolic etc., mark this celebrations. Come to Nilgiris, during this festival, when tea lovers from all over the world converge. An occasion not to be missed. South Indian Tea has gained recognition far and wide. India is the fifth largest tea producing belt in the world after China. In 1991, South India exported 50 million kg to over 30 countries. Tea and Tourism Festival is celebrated in the Nilgiris Jointly by the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu and Ministry of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in every January/February. Cultural programmes, visits to Tea Estates and factories, fun and frolic etc., mark this celebrations. Come to Nilgiris, during this festival, when tea lovers from all over the world converge. An occasion not to be missed. PLACES OF INTEREST:

Botanical Garden: A variety of exotic and ornamental plants adorn this garden which is the

venue for the Flower Show held in May every year. There is a fossil tree trunk 20 million years old in the midst of the garden.

Lake: This artificial lake was constructed in 1824 by mr. John Sullivan, the then Collector of

Coimbatore. Boating is possible from 08.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs on all days. The lake garden and toy trains rides are other attractions.

Udhagamandalam: This Queen of hill stations, known as Ooty, is in Nilgiri mountain ranges in Tamil Nadu. At a height of 2268 meters, Ooty is known for its salubrious climate and scenic beauty. The nearest airport is Coimbatore (100 Kms). By rail it is connected by narrow gauge. By road it is 152 Kms from Mysore, 293 Kms from Bangalore & 271 Kms from Cochin.

Government Museum: The Government Museum, Mysore road, has items of tribal objects, district's ecological details and representative sculptural arts and crafts of Tamilnadu. The Mukurthi Peak & Mukurthi National Park: Mukurthi Peak is about 40 Km/24 mile from Ooty. The Mukurthi National Park is located on the South Eastern corner of the Nilgiris Plateau. The area contains a viable population of Nilgiri Thar (Hermitages hilocrius). The silent Valley is located on the Western side of these ranges. Fascinating feature of the Mukurthi Sanctuary is its endemism and relationship with Himalayan Flora and Fauna.

Ketty Valley View: Located on the road to Coonoor, this idyllic spot is a cluster of tiny Villages that extend to the plains of Coimbatore and Mysore plateau.

Pykara: Situated about 21 Kms/13 Mile on the Ooty-Mysore Road, boasts of well protected

fenced Shoals, Toda settlement, undisturbed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat. The Pykara Dam and the reservoir attracts many tourists. Glenmorgan (17 Km/10 Mile): This is an Electricity Board. (EB) winch carries staff from Glenmorgan view point to power house at Singara. All the four Kms of the winch track passes through undisturbed shoals and wildlife habitat. Prior permission of EB authorities should be obtained to enter the view point zone. There are about ten Toda (tribal) settlement. Upper Bhavani : 10 Km/6 Mile from Korakundah and about 20 Kms/12 Mile from Avalanchi. Some of the best shoals like the Thar Shola lies Enroute. The area is a rich and undisturbed wildlife habitat. From Bangithappal via Sispara one can trek to Silent Valley.

Avalanchi : Located at a distance fo 28 Km/17 mile from Ooty, a beautiful lake surrounded by a thick shoal where even sunlight cannot penetrate and abundant with a wide variety of avifauna is a Nature Lover's Paradise.

Western Catchments : It is about 20 Kms/12 Mile from Parsons Valley. It consists of Rolling Grassy downs interspersed with temperature shoals occupying depression and valleys.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary: Lying in the Nilgiris District abutting Kerala & Karnataka State, this is situated at an elevation of 1000 meters and extends over an area of 321 sq. Kms. The wildlife includes Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse, Wild Boar, Porcupine etc.

Doddabetta: It is the highest peak (2623 meters) in the Nilgiris and is 10 Kms / 6.2 Mile

from Ooty. It lies at the junction of Western & Eastern Ghats and offer beautiful vistas of the Nilgiri Hills ranges. There is a telescope house run by TTDC. Kalhatti Water Falls: It is located on the Kalhally slopes and about 13 Kms/ 8 Mile from Ooty.

Wenlock Downs: A vast expanse of understanding landscape offering Gymkhana Club, the Government Sheep Farm and Hindustan Photo Films Company besides pleasure of long stroll

on quiet road.

Elk Hills: A wide range and uninterrupted view of Ooty and the Love dale Valley can be had from here.

Snowden Peak: Situated at the Kothagiri Road, it offers a picturesque view of Mysore. Trekking Routes: A number of Trek routes have been identified. Trekking is also organized in breath taking picturesque routes.

Hang - Gliding: Hang - Gliding courses are also organized during March to May every year, with the assistance of Dept. of Tourism.

Angling: Good trout, Carp and mixed water fishing is possible in various streams and lakes in the Nilgiris. Fishing license for a fee is issued by the Assistant Director of Fisheries, Fish Dale, Udhagamandalam near bus stand.

COONOOR The tranquil hill resort of Coonoor, standing at the head of the Hulikal ravine, 27 km north of Mettupalayam and 19 kms south of Ooty, at an altitude of 1,858 metres, on the south eastern side of the Dodabetta mountains is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiri hills. The profoundity in which different varieties of flowers are found in Coonoor fascinates the tourists. Sunflowers, marigolds and rhododendrons are some of the flowers growing wildly here. The vast extending tea bushes are pleasing sights to see. The weather is pleasant and soothing.

Places to visit Coonoor's many hillocks and mounds are perfect for trekking. A popular pastime is bird watching, as an extensive variety of birds can be spotted at the Nilgiris. Apart from the varied species of vultures, eagles and owls, song birds like bulbuls, thrushes, babblers, larks cuckoos, robins and several others are a treat to urbanites who are affected by noise pollution. Sim's Park is a well planned park cum botanical garden on the slopes of a ravine with hundreds of rose varieties. A fruit and vegetable show is held every year in May. The Lamb's Rock ( 5.5 km ) offers a spectacular view of the Coimbatore planes. The cliff sinks hundreds of metres into the heart of dense jungle. Dolphin's Nose ( 12 Km ) has spectacular views onto St. Catherine's Falls on one side and Coonoor and Kotagiri streams, tributaries of the Bhavani, on the other. A Tea and Tourism Festival is held in Coonoor every winter. To visit a Tea or Coffee plantation, contact UPASI (United Planters' Association of Southern India), "Glenview", Coonoor.

YERUCAD Is situated in the Shevaray Hills at a height of 1,515 metres from the real-level. Coffee plantations and verdant locations shelter the calm hill station of Yercaud.

Some people believe that these hills were part of the ancient megalith-builders' domain which stretched from Cornwall through Brittany and Iberia to India. Clearly visitors have been streaming into Yercaud from well before recorded history. Around Yercaud : Enroute to Yercaud, you will come across the textile town of Salem. Ethnic handloom fabrics will be available at half the price, you would pay elsewhere. Brightly coloured idols catch the right of the travelers, situated at the left side of the road just before the road begins to climb the mountains. There guardian deities, unique to Tamil Nadu only, are worshipped as protectors of villages and are often known as Aiyanars. On the way up the winding hill road with its 20 hairpin bends, stop at a thatched wayside stall selling 'Fresh Garden Produce': packets of cloves and pepper. Then come the coffee plantations before entering cottage-dotted Yercaud. You can amble around leisurely, or do a tandem tour of the lake in a pedal boat, or hire a taxi to 'do' the sights. 3 km away is the rocky escarpment overlooking the plains. It is known as Lady's Seat and some wag has named another viewpoint as Gent's Seat. Pyramid point, 3 km away, has cairns of stones and was once a Stone Age fortress shrine before the new temple was built. 7 km from the lake is the Servaroyan Temple with a modern, striped, facade leading to an old cave temple. Once you get into this soothing, lake-centred, quiet and undisturbed green place, you don't have to do anything but unwind

MAJOR CITIES IN TAMILNADU, INDIA CHENNAI : Chennai, also known as Madras, the fourth largest city in India and the capital of Tamilnadu. The city sprawls over more than 70 square km. The population of Chennai is 5.9 million. Many of the Indian languages are spoken in Chennai, though the main language of Chennai is Tamil. For travelers with an interest in the colonial history of India, Chennai has much worth exploring and abundant transport operations make other parts of the country readily accessible. For more than 2000 years the area has been popular with seafarers, spice traders and cloth merchants. The 16th century saw the arrival of the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch. In 1693, the British East India Company established a settlement in the fishing village of Madraspatnam.For St. George was constructed over a period of 15 years and finally completed in 1653.

George town grew in the area of the fort and was granted its first municipal charter in 1688 by James II, making it the oldest municipality in India. During the 18th and 19th centuries, French and British traders competed for supremacy in India. In the 19th century, the city became the seat of the Madras presidency, one of the four divisions of British imperial India. After independence, it continue to grow into what is now a significant southern gateway.

COONOOR : Coonoor is surrounded by the tea plantations, and at an altitude of 1850 m, Coonoor is the first of the three Nilgiri hill station-Udhagamandalam (Ooty ), Kotagiri and Coonoor - that you come to when leaving behind the southern plains. Like

Ooty, it's on the toy train line from Mettupalayam. While Kotagiri had the Kotas, and Ooty the Todas, so Coonoor was home to the Coon hill tribe. ( The suffix, 'oor', means village. ) This now bustling town appears rather squashed between the hills and it's only after climbing up out of the busy market area with the bus and train terminals that you'll get a sense of what hill stations were originally all about. For this reason, too, most of the better accommodation is in Upper Coonoor

THANJAVUR : Thanjavur was the ancient capital of the Chola kings whose origins, go back to the beginning of the Christian era. Power struggles between these groups were a constant feature of their early history, with one or other gaining the ascendancy at various times. The Cholas' turn for empire building came between 850 and 1270 AD and ,at the height of their power. Probably the greatest chola emperors were Raja Raja who was responsible for building the Brihadishwara Temple (Thanjavur main attraction ) and his son Rajendra-I whose navy competed with the Arabs for controls of the Indian Ocean trade routes and who was responsible for bringing Srivijaya under Chola control.

Thanjavur is famous for its distinctive art style , which is usually a combination of raised and painted surfaces. Krishna is the most popular of the gods depicted and in the Thanjavur school his skin is white rather than the traditional blue-black. The enormous gopurams of the Brihadeshwara Temple dominate Thanjavur. The temple itself, between the Grand Anicut Canal and the old town is surrounded by fortified walls and a moat. The old town, too used to be similarly enclosed, but most of the walls have now disappeared. What remains are winding streets and alleys and the extensive ruins of the palace of the Nayakas of Madurai.

COIMBATORE : One of the most important cities of Tamilnadu, Coimbatore is called the 'Manchester of South India' and is the third largest city in the state. The headquarters of the Nilgiri region, its exposure to the Palghat Gap of the Western Ghats Coimbatore a Salubrious climate. A highly industrialised city, it is the centre of textile manufacturing in the state - there are over a hundred mills in and around Coimbatore. Primarily a business centre, it is known for the manufacturing of motor pump sets and various engineering and electronic goods.

UDACAMANDALAM (OOTY): This famous hill station in the Nillgiri Hills was founded by the British in the early part of the 19th century to serve as the summer headquarters of the Madras government. Untill about two decades ago, 'Snooty' Ooty resembled an unlikely comnination of southern England and Australia: single-storey stone cottages, bijou fenced flower gardens, leafy, winding lanes, and tall eucalypt stands covering the otherwise barren hilltops.

The other main reminders of the British period are the stone churches, the private schools, the Ooty club, various maharajas' summer palaces and the terraced botanical gardens. Udhagamandalam (Ooty), is spread over a large area amongst rolling hills and valleys. Between the lake and the racecourse are the railway station and bus stand . From either of these it's a 10 minute walk to the market area ans 20 minutes to Ooty's real centre, Charing Cross (the junction of Coonoor, Kelso and Commercial roads ).

MADURAI : More than 2500 years old ancient city, situated on the banks of the river Vaigai Madurai is believed to have been built by the Pandyan King Kulasekara. Legend has it that drops of Maduram (nectar) fell from Lord Shiva's locks when he came to bless its people for constructing a temple for him. Madurai's history can be divided into four periods, beginning over 2000 years ago, when it was the capital of the Pandyan Kings. Apart from a brief period it fell to the Cholas, Madurai remain with Pandyan till the decline of the empire. The 200year old reign of the Natakas marked the golden era when art, architecture and learning scaled new heights.

THIRUCHIRAPPALLY : The most famous landmark of this bustling town is the Rock Fort

Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. It is reached by a flight of steep steps cut into the rock and from its summit you get a fantastic view of the town plus its other main landmark.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. This temple is one of the largest and most interesting temple complexes in India, built on an island in the middle of the Cauvery River and covering a staggering 2.5 sq km. Trichy itself has a long going back to the centuries before Christian era when it was a Chola citadel. The town and its fort as it stands today, was built by the Nayaks of Madurai. It was one of the main centres around which the wars of the Carnatic were fought in the 18th century during the British-French struggle for supremacy in India. The most famous landmark of this bustling town is the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city.It is reached by a flight steep steps cut into the rock and from its summit you get a fantastic view of the town plus its other main landmark, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. This temple is one of the largest and most interesting temple complexes in India, built on an island in the middle of the Cauvery River and covering a staggering 2.5 sq km. Trichy itself has a long going back to the centuries before Christian era when it was a Chola citadel. The town and its fort as it stands today, was built by the Nayaks of Madurai. It was one of the main centres around which the wars of the Carnatic were fought in the 18th century during the British-French struggle for supremacy in India.

VELLORE : Vellore, 145 km from Chennai, is a dusty, semi rural bazaar town. For tourists, it is noteworthy only for the Vijaynagar fort and its temple, which are in an excellent state of preservation and worth visiting.The town has a modern church built in an old British cemetery, which contains the tomb of a captain who died in 1799' of

excessive fatigue incurred during the glorious campaign which ended in the defeat of Tipoo Sultan'. Here, too is a memorial to the victims of the little known 'Vellore Mutiny' of 1806. The mutiny was instigated by the second son of Tipoo Sultan , who was incacerated in the fort at that time, and was put down by a task force sent from Arcot. Vellore is now best known for its hospital, one of the best in the country. The people who come here from all over India for medical care give this humble town a cosmopolitan feel..

RAMESWARAM : Rameswaram known as the Varanasi of the south, Rameswaram is a major pilgrimage centre for both Shaivites and Vaishnavaites as it was here that Rama ( an incarnation of Vishnu in the Indian epic the Ramayana ) offered thanks to Siva. At the town's core is the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the most important temples in southern India.

Rameswaram is on an island in the Gulf of Mannar, connected to the mainland at Mandapam by rail and by one of India's engineering wonders, the Indira Gandhi Bridge. The bridge took 14 years to build and was opened by Rajiv Gandhi late in 1988.The town lies on the island's eastern side and used to be the port from which the ferry to Talaimannar ( Sri Lanka ) departed before passenger services were suspended more than a decade ago. as a result, there are now very few foreign visitors.

KANYAKUMARI : Kanyakumari was once referred to as the "ALEXANDRIA OF THE EAST".This place has been a great centre for art,culture,civilization and pilgrimage for years. It was also a famous centre for commerce and trade. During the early part of the 8th century A.D,Islam entered the southern part of India through the sea route with traders and Missionaries.Through St.Thomas, Christianity arrived in this area in 52 A.D. Islam, Christianity and Jainism religions have greatly contributed to the Architectural wealth and literal heritage of this place. Kanyakumari was also under the control of the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks who were the great rulers of South India. The architectural beauty of the temples are the beautiful work of these rulers.

KANCHIPURAM : Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of India and was,

successively, capital of the kingdom of the Pallavas, Cholas and rajas of Vijayanagar. During Pallavas times, it was briefly occupied by the Chalukyans of Badami, and by the Rashtrakutas when the battle fortunes of the Pallavas kings reached a low ebb Kanchipuram is a temple city and its many gopurams can be seen from a long way away. Of the original 1000 temples, there are still about 125 left spread out across the city. Many of them are the work of the later Cholas and of the Vijayanagar kings.Kanchi is also famous for its hand-woven silk fabrics. This industry originated in Pallava times, when the weavers were employed to produce clothing and fabrics for the kings .Other than the temples, Kanchipuram is a dusty and fairly nondescript town and there's precious little to see or do except when the temple car festivals take place.

MAMALLAPURAM : The town of temples, sand and sea - Mamallapuram, formely known as Mahabalipuram is world renowned for its beautiful Shore Temple. It was once the main port and naval base of the great Pallava kingdom and was later made the capital of this Dynasty. 'Mamall ', meaning the great wrestler was the name given to king Narasimha Varman I. Most of the temples here is dedicathe Lord Siva and Vishnu, were completed between 630 A.D and 728 A.D during the reign of Narasimha Varman II. At the annual Mamallapuram Dance Festival , sand , water and temples set the backdrop for the graceful and evocative dancers who celebrates the ancient Indian culture and tradition. This quaint little town of Mamallapuram is enriched with ancient and splendid sculptures. Each of the beautiful works of arts has a story to tell. Like the large bas relief that narrates the tale of Arjuna's Penance. Arjuna here, is shown standing on one leg to please Lord Shiva into helping him win back the Pandava Empire.

BEACHES IN TAMILNADU, INDIA Marina Beach : One of the longest in the world, the beach has a wide expanse of glistening golden sands.The area fronting the beach is beautiful landscaped. Worthy of special mention is a group of bronze figures by the renowned Indian sculptor, Debi Prosad Rai Chaudhari, eulogizing the 'Dignity of Labour'. These apart, the beach-front offers some splendid examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture such as the Madras University, the Chepauk Palace and the Presidency College.

Muttukkadu : A Backwater and estuary, Muttukkadu is ideal for rides on motorized boats or for

wind surfing. Hire a pedal boat or a row boat for cruising leisurely. Muttukkadu is ideally suited for angling and fishing.

Rameswaram : The serene beach and shallow water here are ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Kanyakumari : India's Land's End. Kanyakumari or Cape Comorin is unique in being surrounded by three seas, the bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian sea, and the confluence is called 'Thriveni Sangamam'. Here one can get a breathtaking view of the Sunrise and Sunset at their best. The multicoloured sand is yet another unique feature of the beach here. Kanyakumari is a famous pilgrim centre, too.

Mandapam : This is the mainland linking the island of Rameswaram. It is the Gateway to many small islands. It is bestowed with a quite beach for sun and surf.

Kurusadai Islands : This is an ecological paradise situated off Mandapam. It is notable for coral

reefs and rare species of marine life such as Dolphins. Permission from the Fisheries Department in Chennai is necessary to visit the Islands.

Covelong : 40 kms away from the hustle and bustle of Chennai, Covelong is a salubrious village, brisk with fishing activities.

MUSEUMS IN TAMILNADU, INDIA

Government State Museum : This museum in Chennai is best known for two important collections: sculptures from Amarvati and its famed Bronze Gallery. The Amaravati collection has panels, pillars, carved railings and Buddha statues of Milky white marble from a Buddhist stupa excavated at Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh. There are bronze sculptures from the later Pallava, Chola, Hoysala and Chalukya periods

Fort St. George Museum : The museum displays

collection of portraits and paintings of former governors of Chennai as well as of English royalty. Among the other objects on view are weapons, coins, porcelain and the communion vessels of the church.

Thanjavur Art Gallery : The former palace of the Nayaks of Thanjavur once viceroys of the Vijaynagara rules and later hereditary rulers, is a wonderful and extravagant piece of architecture, built in 1600. The huge enclosed compound encompasses a complex which includes the Art Gallery, the Saraswati Library and the Sangeetha Sabha or Music Hall.A gigantic tower, the arsenal, decorated with bands of arches form the external facade. One enters into a hall which is the sculpture gallery where examples of south Indian stone sculptures dating from the Pallava to Nayak period are exhibited.

Government Museum : The various sections in the museum deal with archaeology, anthropology, zoology, numismatology, botany and geology. The museum has a fine collection of bronzes which are not allowed to be photographed.