Tamil Nadu

Sure to leave you awestruck with its historical magnificence and rich culture, Tamil Nadu is a state which has been gifted in abundance. The state extends a fabulous experience to everyone, owing to the fact that it has something for everyone. For the history enthusiasts, it has the heritage sites. Cities, au natural, for those who crave nature. Lip-smacking delicacies, for the foodies. Carnatic music for the music lovers and Bharatnatyam for the dance lovers. And countless hidden marvels, waiting to be explored, for the wanderers.

Placed calmly at the southernmost part of the Indian mainland, Tamil Nadu is a state immersed in rich culture and glorious past. The state is heavily endowed with nature's scenic marvels. It is also ranked as the 11th largest state in India by area and the sixth-most populous in the country. The official language of the state is Tamil, which is known to be the longest-surviving classical languages in the world. Along with being a home to temples and monuments, Tamil Nadu is also a home to many natural resources. Right from history to the present times, the people here continue to engage themselves in the states classical arts, music and literature.

The land of Cheras, Cholas and many other mighty dynasties, Tamil Nadu hoards many spectacles singing praises of the bygone days. The state of Tamil Nadu is enclosed with over 30,000 temples built by rulers of various dynasties in their own unique way that emerge deep into the historic importance.

The diverse topography of Tamil Nadu is affluent in flora and fauna. Lavishly placed among the Western and the Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu's hill stations, make idyllic tourist destinations. The forest area is vast and spreads widely over the plain and the mountain slopes

THE LAND OF FAIRS AND FESTIVALS:

Tamil Nadu celebrates its festivals with great grandeur and traditional showiness. And when a state is as culturally rich as Tamil Nadu, it goes without saying that it will have many vibrant festivals. Every festival celebrated in the state is either agrarian in nature or have a mythological significance.

Karthikai Deepam Festival

Karthikai Deepam Festival is called the "festival of lights" and is celebrated in the month of Karthikai (mid-November to mid-December). Celebrated on the day when the moon is aligned with the constellation Karthikai, the dazzling festival is observed with great spirits. The main idea behind the celebration is that in life the bad things must be kept at bay and the good things should be welcomed and treasured.

Pongal

The most important festival of the state, Pongal, is a four-day-long harvest festival. Celebrated in the month of Thai (January-February), Pongal is a way of thanking the nature and honouring it. With numerous rituals, the festival is a flamboyant toast to life. The four days have different meanings, name, and importance. The names of the different days are: The Bhogi festival, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal.

Natyanjali Dance Festival

The dance festival is organized annually at the Nataraj Temple in Chldambaram. The word "Natyanjali" means, dance offering; the offerings are dedicated to lord Natraj (the lord of Dance). Artists from all over the world participate in the festival. The dancers offer their dance recitals to the Lord; the dancing styles include a variety of dances like Bharatha Natyam, Kuchupudi. Mohini Attam. Kathak and Odissi.

Mahamaham

The festival is celebrated once in 12 years in Kumbakonam. Pilgrims from all across the country come to the town to take the holy dip in the Mahamaham tank; it is believed that doing this washes one's sins and purifies their souls. The festival was last observed on February 22, 2016. It is celebrated when Jupiter enters the Leo sign in the Constellation. The festival holds a great importance in the Hindu religion. Other regional festivals of the state include the Saraswati Pooja, The Chennai Music and Dance Festival, Vinayaka Chaturthi and Jallikatu Bull Fight.

THE HIDDEN WONDERS:

Reiterating the fact how fascinating lndia is as a travel destination, Tamil Nadu is one of the Indian states which has a cache of hidden treasures waiting to be unearthed.

Gingee Fort

The mighty fort of Gingee was built in the 15-16th century by the Gingee Nayaks. Such was the Fort's strength that the great Maratha Shivaji called it the "most impregnable fortress in India" and the British referred to it as "Troy of the East". Located on the top of three hillocks, the fort is extremely eye-appealing and is a great tourist destination. The fort complex with its ruined forts, temples, and granaries, stands robustly and reminds all of the bygone days.

DhanushKodi

A ghost town at the southern tip of the Pamban Island, Dhanushkodi is an awe-inspiring land of desolateness. The town was destroyed after a cyclone hit it in the year 1964. The Dhanushkodi beach is the best place here; the scenic greys of the sand expanding into nothingness and the beautiful hues of the ocean make it a visit hard to forget. The fact that it is still relatively less frequented makes it even more beautiful.

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Situated near Chidambaram, Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is world's third largest mangrove forest. Lying between two estuaries, the forest is accompanied by the Killai backwaters. A heaven for the people who love nature and have a knack for adventure, the forest has a lot of scope for water sports. It gives one in the lifetime experience: boating in the charming abode of nature.

Tamil Nadu Travel Packages as designed by SenKay Global Tours is meant for the exploration of these attractions under its Tamil Nadu Tour Package, Ooty Tour Package, Kodaikanal tour package, Madurai tour package.