Tamil Nadu is the southern most state of India. To the north and west are the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. To the east and south is the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. The state is separated from Sri Lanka by the narrow Palk Strait. Tours of South India are incomplete without visiting the grand temples and cultural treasures of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is rich in mineral resources like limestone, bauxite, lignite, magnesite and iron ore. Cotton spinning and weaving are the major industries besides fertilizers, cement, paper, chemicals and electric motors. It ranks second (first being Kerala) in the production of fish. The most important river is the Cauvery which is an important source of water and power.

Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu

Chennai
The capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of the four major metropolitan cities in India. The city has many tourist attractions:  More..

Marina beach: is one of the longest beaches in the world.
High Court: is one of the largest judicial complexes in the world.
The Art and Bronze Gallery: where one can find few examples of the Tanjore school of painting.
Snake Park: A tour of this fascinating park will reveal that more than 40 species of common snakes besides crocodiles, chameleons, monitor lizards and tortoises can be seen here.
Fort Museum: It is at Fort St George, the first British fort build around 1653 by the British East India Company. The padlocks, old uniforms, old prints, palanquins, paintings of the governors are displayed here.

Chidambaram
If you travel 245 kms away from Chennai, you will reach Chidambaram, also known as the 'City of the Cosmic Dancer'. The image of 'Nataraja (the dancing Shiva)' in his cosmic dance pose is known through out the world. 'The Chitrakootam', another shrine adjacent to the Nataraja temple is dedicated to Lord Govindraja.

Coimbatore
The third largest city in the state, it is also known as the 'Manchester of South India'.

The following places are worth seeing on your tour of Tamil Nadu:

Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary : About 90 kms away from Coimbatore, this sanctuary is home to animals like tiger, elephant, sloth bear, black headed oriole.
Black Thunder: A thrilling and adventurous water theme park.

Kanchipuram
If you travel 76 kms southwest of the Chennai, you will reach Kanchipuram, famous for its hand-woven silk fabrics.  More...
Madurai
Tours of Madurai will cover the famous sites such as 'The great Meenakshi temple', 'Tirumala Nayak Maha;', 'Alagar Hills' and 'Tripura Kundran Rock temple'.  More...
Kodaikanal
If you travel 120 kms from Madurai, you will reach this scenic hill station in Tamil Nadu, famous for 'The Kurinji flower', which blossoms once in 12 years. Also worth visiting on your tour is the lake and the Solar Physical Observatory.

Mahabalipuram
This city is famous for its seven pagodas - a group of ancient rock temples, which are examples of the Dravidian style of architecture.

Rameshwaram
Is a sacred place for Hindus, known for its temples.  More...
Thanjavur(Tanjore)
Is an important center for bronze figure casting. Thanjavur is known for the beautiful Brihadeshwara temple. Other places that can be seen are 'The Raja Museum and Art Gallery' and 'Saraswati Mahal Library'.

Kanyakumari
The southern most tip of the country, it is the confluence of the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. It is famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets and is also an important pilgrimage center.  More...
Trichy (Tiruchirapalli)
Situated on the banks of the Cauvery river, 325 kms away from Chennai, this city is known for its historic temple architecture, worth seeing on your tour of Tamil Nadu.