Tamil Nadu is a state in the south-eastern part of the Indian Peninsula. Tamil Nadu is previously a part of the United Madras Province, which was later partitioned based on languages. Tamil nadu has more than 4,000 years of continuous cultural history.
Tamil Nadu has some of the most remarkable temple architecture in the country, and a living tradition of music, dance, folk arts and fine arts. Tamil Nadu is well renowned for its temple towns and heritage sites, hill stations, waterfalls, national parks, local cuisine and the natural environment and wildlife. The state has the largest tourism industry in India[1] with an annual growth rate of 16%.[2] In 2015, the number of domestic arrivals was at 333.5 million making the state the most popular tourist destination in the country, and foreign arrivals numbered 4.68 million, the highest in the country, making it the most popular state for tourism in the country
History of Tamil Nadu
The region of Tamil Nadu or Tami lakam, in the southeast of modern India, shows evidence of having had continuous human habitation from 15,000 BCE to 10,000 BCE. Throughout its history, spanning the early Upper Paleolithic age to modern times, this region has coexisted with various external cultures.The three ancient Tamil dynasties namely Chera, Chola, and Pandya were of ancient origins. Together they ruled over this land with a unique culture and language, contributing to the growth of some of the oldest extant literature in the world. These three dynasties were in constant struggle with each other vying for hegemony over the land. Invasion by the Kalabhras during the 3rd century disturbed the traditional order of the land, displacing the three ruling kingdoms. These occupiers were overthrown by the resurgence of the Pandyas and the Pallavas, who restored the traditional kingdoms. The Cholas~who re-emerged from obscurity in the 9th century by defeating the Pallavas and the Pandyas, rose to become a great power and extended their empire over the entire southern peninsula. At its height the Chola empire spanned almost 3,600,000 km² (1,389,968 sq mi) straddling the Bay of Bengal. The Chola navy held sway over the Sri Vijaya kingdom in Southeast Asia.
Best Time to Visit in Tamil Nadu
As far as Tamil Nadu tourism is concerned, it is a perennial destination. You can see tourists flocking the diverse cities of the state all through the year, sometimes staying for a couple of days to staying through weeks to cover all the important places in Tamil Nadu. Having a tropical climate, Tamil Nadu has a comparatively consistent temperature levels throughout the year. Unlike other Indian cities where temperature fluctuations can be drastic and seasonal changes are evident, Tamil Nadu remains the same in terms of climate and weather conditions throughout the year. The state receives rainfall from the northeast monsoon winds because the rains from the southeast monsoon winds are often blocked by the presence of the mighty Western Ghats. Most of the rains from this phenomenon hit the Western Ghats and fall in the states of Kerala and Karnataka, leaving a majority of the state of Tamil Nadu dry throughout the year. Agriculture is solely dependent on the occurrence of monsoon and the failure of it has been consequential to the fields. Due to this, the three climatic conditions in Tamil Nadu evident for tourists include the hot season, the hotter season and the hottest season.
How to Reach Tamil Nadu
You can get access to Tamil Nadu through any means of transport. There are several airports, plenty of railway stations, and well-maintained roads and national highways that take you to your desired destinations in Tamil Nadu and that too without any hassle. No matter in which corner of the country you live in, Tamil Nadu is connected with almost every state and every city in India.
BY AIR
Almost every major city in Tamil Nadu has its own airport. Some of the most active ones are in Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, and Coimbatore. Airway is the easiest, convenient, and time-saving way to reach Tamil Nadu. In total, the state has nine airports, both domestic and international, that are very well linked with other cities, states, and countries through frequent flights. Despite being a bit costly mean, it is the best way to visit Tamil Nadu if you’re travelling from far states or cities as it gives you the access to this beautiful state in just a few hours.
BY RAIL
The state of Tamil Nadu is conveniently connected with Indian Railway Network. There are a plenty of trains that ply from all the major cities of the country to Tamil Nadu. The Southern Railways gives an easy connectivity to travellers from other states and cities like Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, and Delhi through different trains. If you’re on a budget trip, then railway is the most effective mean to reach Tamil Nadu.
BY ROAD
Perhaps, Tamil Nadu is also well-connected with its neighbour states and cities. If you’re residing in the neighbouring cities or states of Tamil Nadu then you can also choose to enjoy the thrill of a long drive, through roads and national highways, to reach the state. However, in order to reach by road, you can either drive your own car or can board a bus. There are a plenty of buses, both government and private, that ply on a frequent basis from nearby states and cities.
Shopping in Tamil Nadu
A vacation is never complete without shopping, especially when you're in a state of souvenirs, Tamil Nadu. Enriched with heritage and culture whose origination is way back from archaic days, Tamil Nadu has a lot to offer to their visitors. For all shopping fanatics, it is one of the best places in India to snap up the famous traditional arts of the region. The state holds a massive stockpile of embroidered sarees, especially Kanchipuram Silk, which is popularly known for mulberry silk and variance borders. Floral, stripes, checks, and temple borders are the popular design embedded in Kanchipuram Sarees. In almost every city or town, you can get a range of traditional sarees including Kanchipuram. In textile, the state also produces Cotton Dhotis which is very much popular amongst locals and worn by them in their regular routine. Local handicrafts of various cities and towns are also amongst the must things to buy in Tamil nadu which include Metalware in Chennai; Woodcraft in Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore; and Textile in Salem, Coimbatore, and Tirupur. Above that, Thanjavur - one of the best shopping places in Tamil nadu, lures a large number of art and music buffs as it is a home to famous Tanjore Paintings, metal arts, and as well as musical instruments
Things To Do in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu in India is a place that simply attracts and charms all its tourists. As one of the most famous tourist destinations in India, Tamil Nadu receives a splendid number of footfalls every year. Moreover, a visit to South India can never be complete without a Tamil Nadu Tour. From beautiful beaches to ancient temples and monuments, a tour to Tamil Nadu throws up delightful surprises for the visitors to remember. Tamil Nadu, a tourist attraction has a fascinating history etched that captivates the travelers to the location. Tamil Nadu introduces the state’s rich culture that amazes travelers from all across the globe. Be it a Bharatanatyam performance or a shopping tour around few of the markets, you will find that the culture of Tamil Nadu well mirrored in everything you view. The best things to do in Tamil Nadu can just be experienced through a deep dive into the cultures and tradition of Tamil Nadu.