Tamilnadu

Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the States of Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is bound by the Eastern Ghats in the north, the Nilgiri, the Anamalai Hills, and Palakkad on the west, by the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Gulf of Mannar, the Palk Strait in the south east, and by the Indian Ocean in the south.

Temples

Tamil Nadu has the credit of having 34000 Hindu temples which are several centuries Old.

UNESCO heritage sites

Temples in Thanjavur, Darasuram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Mahabalipuram, have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Kumbakonam and Chidambaram

Navagraha temples devoted to the nine celestial bodies of Hindu astronomy is situated in Kumbakonam. There are around 188 Hindu temples within the municipal limits of Kumbakonam. Apart from these, there several thousand temples around the town thereby giving the town the sobriquets temple town and City of temples. Chidambaram Temple is dedicated to Aether and Lord Shiva.

Srirangam temple

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus (especially Vaishnavites) is the biggest functioning Hindu temple in the world (156 Acres).

Tiruchengode

Ardhanareeswarar temple in Tiruchengode in western Tamil Nadu is the only temple that enshrines Ardhanareeswarar in India.Sculpture works are extra-ordinary in this temple.

Murugan temples

Arupadai veedu Temples of Lord Muruga who is historically known as Tamil God and Son of Lord Shiva are located across the state.Palani Temple located in a small Hill is the highest money grosser in the state. Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is located on the shore of Bay of Bengal.

Madurai and Rameshwaram

Lord Rama is believed to have prayed to Shiva in Rameshwaram to absolve any sins that he might have committed during his war against the demon king Ravana. The temple is one of the holiest Hindu Char Dham shrines that has to be visited in one's lifetime and this island Temple is connected by Pamban Bridge over the sea for 2.3 km. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple whose history dates back to 2000 years has been awarded the Title of 7 wonders in India by NDTV .

Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram (75 km from Chennai) is one of the seven holy cities in the country, and a visit is believed to bestow salvation. Kanchipuram once had over a thousand temples. There now remain about 126 temples in Kanchi and a few more in its outskirts. The city was the capital of the early Cholas and it was the Pallava capital between the 6th and 8th centuries.

Thiruvannamalai and Vellore

In Arunachaleshwara Temple of Thiruvannamalai, Siva is worshipped in the form of fire. The earliest known record of the temple is in the works of the poet Nakkirar of the third Tamil Sangam period which dates the temple's origins back at least 2000 years. The golden temple of Sripuram is a modern day Spiritual park.

Archaeological sites

Adichanallur in Tirunelveli District, Kuadam in Thoothukudi district, Sembiyankandiyur in Nagapattinam district are other sites which are evidence for human civilization existence in the state dating back to several thousand years. Thiruvakkarai near Mailam has the country's first National Fossil-Wood Park with petrified trees lying scattered on low mounds date a 100 million years. Poompuhar was the port capital of Chola Kings

Hill stations

Tamil Nadu is also home to many hill stations. Popular among them are Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Coonoor, Topslip, Valparai, Kolli Hills, Yelagiri and Sirumalai. The Nilgiri hills, Palani hills, Shevaroy hills and Cardamom hills are all abodes of thick forests and wildlife.

Ooty

Ooty ,situated in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the most popular Hill station in South India The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR)which connects Mettupalayam and Udagamandalam (Ootacamund) is a UNESCO Heritage Site.It provides a scenic view of Nilgiri Hills

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal means "The Gift of the Forest". (Tamil) Kodaikanal was established in 1845 as a refuge from the high temperatures.

Kolli Hills

Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai is a small mountain range located in central Tamil Nadu in Namakkal district of India. The mountains are about 1000 to 1300 m in height and cover an area of approximately 280 km². The Kolli Hills has 70 hair pin bends to reach the top of the hills. The Kolli Hills are part of the Eastern Ghats, which is a mountain range that runs mostly parallel to the east coast of South India. The mountains are relatively untouched by commercial tourism and still retain their natural beauty.

Yercaud

Yercaud is in the Shevaroys) hills of Salem District. It is at an altitude of 1515 metres (4969 ft) above the mean sea level. The stone-age implements were found from the ancient shrine located near the Pagoda Point, which is about 5 km from the Yercaud lake. There are accounts of coffee plantations being introduced by a British officer in the area in the second decade of the 19th century.The cool climate attracted Christian missionaries and they established reputed convent schools in the state.

Valparai

Valparai in Coimbatore district is located 3,500 feet (1,100 m) above sea level on the Anaimalai Hills range of the Western Ghats.While major portions are owned by private tea companies, large forest areas continue to be out of bounds to tourists.

Yelagiri Hill

Yelagiri near Vellore comprises 14 small villages. The tribal people who live here are engaged in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, etc. Their customs, habits, and the structure of their houses are unique and attract tourists.

Kalvarayan Hills

Kalvarayan Hills are situated 10 km north of Attur, and spread over an area of 600 km2. There is a botanical garden on these hills. These hills also have two waterfalls. The area is ideal for those interested in trekking. A summer festival is also held in the month of May every year.

Javadu Hills

Javadu Hills is situated in the northwestern part of Thiruvannamalai, and a part of the Eastern Ghats. The beautiful mountain lies at about 2,350 feet (720 m) to 3,500 feet (1,100 m) above sea level. The cliffs and precipices of hills allure and excite tourists. Places of interest in the Javadu hills are Beema Falls, Komutteri Lake, Kavalur Observatory,Amirthi Forest, and the Glass House.

Forests

The mangrove forests in Pichavaram is the second largest mangrove forest in the world, located near Chidambaram. Mukurthi National Park & Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve are the two tiger reserves in the state. Tamil Nadu has many National Parks, Biosphere Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Elephant and Bird Sanctuaries, Reserved Forests, Zoos and Crocodile farms. Prominent among them are Mudumalai National Park, The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary and Arignar Anna Zoological Park.

The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, now also declared a Tiger Reserve, lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains), in Nilgiri District, about 160 km (99 mi) north-west of Coimbatore in the westernmost part of Tamil Nadu, on the interstate boundaries with Karnataka and Kerala states in South India. Mudumalai, which means 'first hills’, is one of the first wildlife sanctuaries established in India. The sanctuary is divided into 5 ranges - Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota.

Back Waters

Pulicat Lake is the second largest brackish – water lake or lagoon in India. It straddles the border of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh states on the Coromandal Coast in South India. The lake encompasses the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary. The barrier island of Sriharikota separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal. The island is home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Pichavaram is the second largest Mangrove forest in the world, near the temple town of Chidambaram, is one of the unique Eco-tourism spots

Water falls

Courtallam

Courtallam (Kutrallam) situated at a mean elevation of 160m on the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District. Many seasonal and a few perennial rivers such as the Chittar River, the Manimuthar River, the Pachaiyar River and the Tambaraparani River originate in this region. The numerous waterfalls and cascades along with the ubiquitous health resorts in the area have earnt it the title the Spa of South India.

Hogenakkal falls

Hogenakkal Falls on the Kaveri (or Cauvery) River is located in the Dharmapuri district about 180 km from Bangalore.It is sometimes referred to as the "Niagara of India". With its fame for medicinal baths and hide boat rides, it is a major site of tourist attraction. Carbonatite rocks in this site are considered to be the oldest of its kind in South Asia and one of the oldest in the world. This is also the site of a proposed project to generate drinking water.

Vattaparai falls

Vattaparai Falls, in the Keeriparai reserve forest near Bhoothapandi village (Pin:629852) (Met Sta #10145) on the Pazhayar River in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu state, South India. It is 13 km N of Nagercoil) and 32 km NW of Kanyakumari. This 20 km² area is proposed to be a Wildlife Sanctuary.

Catherine falls

Catherine Falls is a double-cascaded fall located 7 km from Kotagiri, located on the Mettupalayam road branching off at Aravenu. The upper fall drops 250 feet (76 m) to the floor, and is the second highest in the Nilgiris (mountains). The waters from the upper stream of the Kallar river are crossed by the invisibleMettupalyam-Ooty road beyond the mountains in the south-west.Catherine Falls is named after the wife of M.D. Cockburn, believed to have introduced the coffee plantation to Kotagiri. The native name of the Catherine Falls is Geddhehaada Halla, meaning "Foothills Dale River".

Ayyanar falls

Ayyanar Falls is in Western Ghats of Virudhunagar District named after a Temple near the falls.A small Dam near the Falls provides water to near by towns.

Agaya gangai

Agaya Gangai is located in Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats. Panchanathi, a jungle stream cascades down as the Agaya Gangai, near the Arapaleeswarar temple atop the Kolli Hills in Namakkal district.

Kiliyur falls

Kiliyur Falls is in the Shervaroyan hill range in the Eastern Ghats, the waters overflowing the Yercaud Lake fall 300 feet (90 m) into the Kiliyur Valley.

Kumbakkarai Falls

Kumbakkarai Falls is in the foothills of the Palani Hills. along the Kodai-Vellagavi-Periyakulam foot path.These falls have two stages. At the first stage water collects in huge rock recesses which are each named after wild animals such as tiger, elephant, snake etc.. The Pambar river then flows .5 kilometers (0.3 mi) to the second stage before falling as the main waterfall.

Monkey Falls

Monkey Falls is near the Pollachi–Valparai road in the Anaimalai Hills range. An interesting trek route at the Monkey Falls; a linear stretch of evergreen forests surrounded by rocky cliffs, is available and regular guided treks are conducted during favourable season. Prior request should be given to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department before a fortnight.

Suruli falls

Suruli falls is located 56 km (35 mi) between Theni10 km (6 mi) and Cumbum It is a 2 stage Cascading water fall. The Suruli River supplying the falls originates from the Meghamalai mountain range. The falls drop from a height of 150 feet (46 m) gathers into a pool, flows for a short distance and again plummets an additional 40 feet (12 m).

Tirparappu waterfalls

Tirparappu Waterfalls are located in Kanyakumari district. The Kodayar River makes its descent at Thiruparappu. The water fall at this place is about 13 kilometres (8.1 mi). from Pechiparai Dam. The river bed is rocky and about 300 feet (91 m) in length. The water falls from a height of nearly 50 feet (15 m) and the water flows for about seven months in a year. The whole bed above the falls is one rocky mass which extends 250 metres (820 ft) upstream where the Thirparappu weir has been constructed for supplying water to the paddy fields. On either side of the river, on the left bank of the river in between the waterfalls and the weir, there is a temple dedicated to Siva enclosed by strong fortification. The District Administration has recently constructed a swimming pool for children over here which is very popular among the children.

Palani Hills

There are many scenic waterfalls in the Palani Hills Some of which are popular tourism destinations. Others require some hiking and local guide to reach. Thalaiyar Falls is 975 feet (297 m)(297 meters) high. It is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu and the third highest in India. Silver Cascade, 55 metres (180 ft) high, is 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from Kodaikanal) on the Ghat Road. Bear Shola Falls are only 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from Kodaikanal.

Wildlife sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu

Vedanthangal - Birds Sanctuary

Vedanthangal This sanctuary for water and other migratory birds has come up around a village tank that is surrounded by a grove of trees. It is a haven for migratory birds such as herons, egrets, sandpipers, white ibis, spoonbills, swans and grey wagtails among others. There is also a sizeable population of resident breeding water birds. Between October–February is the season to visit Vedantangal.

Vellode - Birds Sanctuary

Vellode Birds Sanctuary is a Sanctuary of some specific variety of Birds that comes for seasonal migration to the large lake available near the village of Vellode. It is located near the city of Erode, Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary features thousands of birds coming from various countries, some of which can be easily identified. Some easily found bird species include cormorants, teals, pintail ducks, and Darters.

Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger reserve

Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR), situated in the Southern Western Ghats in Tirunelveli district, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is the second largest protected area in Tamil Nadu State. This reserve was created in 1988 by combining Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary (251 km²) and Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary (567 km²), both established in 1962. Notification of 77 km² of parts of Veerapuli and Kilamalai Reserve Forests in adjacent Kanyakumari district, added to the reserve in April 1996, is pending. A 400 km2 (154.4 sq mi) core area of this reserve has been proposed as a National Park.

Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park

Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park (IGWLS&NP) is a protected area named after Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who visited the park on October 7, 1961. It is often called "Topslip", a village in the northeast corner of the park which is the main visitor center. This name is derived from the local 19th century practice of sliding Teak timber logs down from the hills. It is located in the Anaimalai Hills of Pollachi, Valparai and Udumalpet taluks of Coimbatore District, Tamilnadu state, South India. The 108 km² National Park is the core area of the 958 km² Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, formerly called Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary. It was notified as a sanctuary in 1974 and 108 km2 of its unique habitats at 3 places - Karian Shola, Grass hills, Manjampatti were notified as National Parks in 1989.

Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary

The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary (GSWS) was declared to protect the Vulnerable Grizzled Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macroura). It is one of the best preserved forests south of the Palghat Gap. The sanctuary covers 480 square kilometers (185.3 sq mi) in western Tamil Nadu, South India in the eastern water-shed of the Western Ghats and consists of high hills and valleys, with a number of peaks reaching up to 1,800 meters (5,906 ft).

Vallanadu wildlife sanctuary

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary is a Protected area of Tamil Nadu in South India created for the protection of Blackbuck Antelope. Located on an isolated hillock in Vallanadu Village of Srivaikundam Taluk, it is the southernmost place in India where a natural population of Blackbuck exists.

Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park

The Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is a proposed Protected area in Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu State South India. The Park will be an upgrade and expansion of the 736.87 km² (PRO) Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary being established in 2008. The park includes about 36% of the 2,068 km² in the Palani Hills. The park is located between Latitude 10°7' - 10°28' N and Longitude 77°16' - 77°46' E. 7 km west of the Aeon centre of Cosmology and 7.4 km N X NE of Kodaikanal.

Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, now also declared a Tiger Reserve, lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains), in Nilgiri District, about 160 km (99 mi) north-west of Coimbatore in the westernmost part of Tamil Nadu, on the interstate boundaries with Karnataka and Kerala states in South India. Mudumalai, which means 'first hills’, is one of the first wildlife sanctuaries established in India. The sanctuary is divided into 5 ranges - Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota.

Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary

Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary (PCWBS) is a 21.47-square-kilometre (8.29 sq mi) protected area in Tamil Nadu, South India along the Palk Straight where it meets the Bay of Bengal at Point Calimere at the southeastern tip of Nagapattinam District. The sanctuary was created in 1967 for conservation of the near threatened Blackbuck Antelope, an endangered endemic mammal species of India. It is famous for large congregations of waterbirds, especially Greater Flamingos. International name: Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, IBA Code: IN275, Criteria: A1, A4i, A4iii. The 7-square-kilometre (2.7 sq mi) core area of this sanctuary has been proposed as a National Park

Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary

Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary is a .45 km² (0.2 sq mi) Protected area in Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu state, India. The Sanctuary is mostly an irrigation tank that is fed by water from Mettur dam and by the northeast monsoon from August till December. It remains dry from April till August.

Suchindram Theroor Birds Sanctuary

The Suchindram Theroor Birds Sanctuary is a proposed protected area comprising the Suchindram Kulam wetlands, and the Theroor Kulam both near Suchindram town in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu state, South India. It is located between Nagercoil and Kanyakumari on the National Highway No. 47. Being at the extreme southern tip of India, this area underlies the southernmost continental range of the Central Asian Flyway. Constitution of this new wildlife sanctuary was proposed in 2002 and remains under consideration of the Government. International name is Suchindram Therur, Vembanoor, Important bird area code no. IN279, criteria: A1, A4i.

Water Bird Sanctuary

There are around five hundred water tanks in Ramanathapuram District (Rameswaram) and most of these are happy hunting grounds for water birds from October to January during the north-east monsoon season. The native birds come for feeding, while the migratory birds, from as far as Europe and Australia, come for breeding. The Arichamunai Bird Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi, the Kanjirankulam and Chittirankudi Sanctuaries on the mainland in Ramanathapuram are a paradise for bird watchers. October to January is a good time to visit Ramanathapuram and explore these sanctuaries.

Beaches

Tamil Nadu is known especially for its blue beaches and sunny skies. Some of south India's nicest beaches dot Chennai's long seafront. The Marina beach is a 12 km long stretch of fine sandy shore and is known as the Pride of Chennai, the Kovalam beach is quiet and far away from the distractions of the city and the Elliot's beach is the preferred destination for those with a clean atmosphere in mind. A short 20-minute drive from Chennai City, VGP Golden Beach Resort offers a serene and relaxing atmosphere in today's stress-driven world. 58 km south of Chennai is the Mahabalipuram beach, famous for its unique 7th century Shore Temple.

Marina beach

Marina Beach is located on the eastern side of Chennai, adjoining the Bay of Bengal, which is the second longest beach in the world. Watching the sunrise from the beach is an enthralling experience. Though bathing and swimming can be dangerous, as the undercurrent is very strong, even then people come for swimming here. In the evenings, the beach is virtually a fair ground with various kinds of entertainment and food stalls lining the beach.

Covelong

Covelong (Kovalam) Kovalam or Covelong as it was known earlier is a small fishing village located 40 km from Chennai on the way to Mahabalipuram. Now it is a luxury beach resort. This beach has a fort built by the Nawab of Carnatic, Saadat Ali. Covelong (Kovalam) is a fishing village in India, 40 kilometres south of Chennai, on the East Coast Road en route to Mahabalipuram. Covelong was a port town developed by the Nawab of Carnatic, Saadat Ali. It was taken over by the French in 1746, and destroyed by the British in 1752. The Dutch built a fort in Covelong during the colonial times, which today has been made the Taj Fisherman's Cove, a private luxury beach resort. Covelong beach is one of the few places in the East Coast where wind surfing takes place.

Mamallapuram

Mamallapuram, 58 km south of Chennai, has a beautiful beach spanning a distance of over 20 km. An erstwhile port of the Pallava dynasty the place abounds with stone carvings, caves, rock cut temples also attract tourists. A crocodile farm, snake. venom extracting centre, schools of art and sculpture and a wide choice of resorts along the beach draw holiday-seekers all round the year.

Kanyakumari beach

Kanyakumari beach At the southern most tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, lies Kanyakumari, an important pilgrim center. Kanyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, especially on full moon days. The beach itself is a beautiful sight with multi-colored sand. There is a lighthouse from where one can get a panoramic view. The Government museum offers a good collection of sculptural art crafts of Tamil Nadu.

Muttukkadu beach

Muttukkadu beach is another beach resort created in memory of erstwhile "Kaveripoompattinam", a legendary Port city, washed away by the sea. The present complex was designed on the basis of the information available in the Tamil epic 'Silapathikaram'. The historical happenings depicted in Silapathikaram and the landmarks mentioned therein are brought back to life here in stone. The Department of Tourism offers conch and shell type accommodation here.

Silver beach

Devanampattinam It is a beautiful golden sandy beach on the eastern side of the Cuddalore New Town. With the help of the District Administration, Cuddalore new town, the Cuddalore Municipal Administration, Tourism Department and other private organisations have joined together to create the entertainment for the people. Fun activities like boating, horse riding, a children's park have been created. The District Annual Summer Festival held in the month of May–June.

Tamil festivals

Pongal

Tamil Nadu is a land of many festivals. January marks the beginning of the festival season in the state. Pongal is the first festival and it is celebrated with much enthusiasm. It is the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu. "Pongal" is actually the name of a rice and lentil dish cooked in Tamil Nadu, and on this festive day Pongal is cooked. It is celebrated on January 14, each year. In fact, four festivals are celebrated in Tamil Nadu for four consecutive days in that week. Bhogi is celebrated on January 13, Pongal on Jan 14, Maattu Pongal on Jan 15, and Kannum Pongal and Thiruvalluvar Day on Jan 16.

BHOGI to rid the society of evil. People clean up their houses of all the junk that they have accumulated in the past year. All the waste stuff is burnt. Houses are freshly painted. Farm animals are bathed and decorated with colored powders and paint.

Pongal is celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai. It is considered to be an auspicious month. The Sun God is worshipped. In rural areas, people gather in front of their houses and cook pongal in new pots. Stoves are made with clay and wood is used as fuel. When the pongal is almost made, everybody shouts in ecstasy pongal o pongal. When milk is boiled, if it overflows, it is believed to be a sign of a prosperous agricultural during the coming season. People visit their friends and relatives. Pongal food and sweets are exchanged among neighbours and relatives. The sugarcane crop ripens at the time of Pongal. Sugarcane is harvested and it is available in markets and children can be seen crunching sugarcane.

Mattu pongal, the day next to Pongal, is the day for farm animals especially the bulls. Most farmers still use them to plough and till the land for irrigation. The farmer would find it difficult to survive without the bull. Bulls, cows and other farm animals are worshipped on this day. Bull fights or Manju Virattu also takes place on this day. These fights are also called Jalli Kattu.

Natyanjali festival

The Natyanjali dance festival at Chidambaram brings together all the prominent dancers of India. They offer their abhinaya and their dance to the Lord Nataraja. To many of them it is like a dream come true, to be able to perform in the vicinity of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Nataraja's temple, whose padams and varnams they often use creating an imaginary figure of the Lord Nataraja . This festival opens on the auspicious occasion of the Maha Shivaratri day and of course in the right kind of venue, which is the Prakara of the Chidambaram temple. Similar to Chidambaram Natyanjali in Mayiladuthurai Mayura Natyanjali a grand dance festival is celebrated during the time of Maha Shivaratri.

Karthikai Deepam

The celebration of the festival Karthikai Deepam marks the conclusion of the ten day Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Karthikai.This event beats the Tirupathi Brahmotsavam in attracting number of devotees to the temple. On 1st of December 2009 around 3 million people participated to celebrate the Maha Deepam in the city of Tiruvannamalai. Four Brahmotsavams are celebrated every year, the most famous of which is the one celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthigai (November/December). This ten day event culminates on the day of Karthigai Deepam and on that evening, a huge lamp is lit in a cauldron with three tons of ghee at the top of the Annamalai hill. Every full moon night, tens of thousands of pilgrims worship Shiva by circumambulating the Arunachala hill barefoot. The circumambulation covers a distance of about 15 km. On the yearly Chitra Powrnami (full moon) night in the Tamil calendar year, lakhs of pilgrims come from across the world to worship Him. The height of the Arunachala hill is approximately 1600 feet.

Music Festivals

Every December, Chennai celebrates heritage of Carnatic music through public recitals. Artistes both old and new participate in the festivals.

Mahamagam Festival

This festival takes place once in 12 years and it will bring you to Kumbakonam the temple city that gets its name from the Kumbha or the divine pot. Legend has it that Brahma, the Creator, held a pot containing nectar and the seeds of creation. Shiva in the form of a hunter shot an arrow at the pot and spilt the nectar into the famous Mahamagam tank at the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple.

Amusement parks in Tamil Nadu

VGP Universal Kingdom

VGP Universal Kingdom is an amusement park located in East Coast Road in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The park offering small rides during the early days of its history became a full-fledged amusement park in 1997. The park provides several fun and adventure rides for children, youth and adults. VGP 2000 millennium tower, Water cascades, Paneer fort and statueman are some of the main attractions. The ticket for adults and children are 100 and 50 Rupees respectively. It is open all days from 11 AM till 7:30 PM and till 8 PM during weekends. The park is owned by VGP Group of Companies founded by V. G. Panneerdas and V.G.P. Ravidas is its current managing director.

Black Thunder

Black Thunder is a theme park located in Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated at the foothills of Nilgiris at Mettupalayam, 40 km from Coimbatore spread in an area of about 65 acres (260,000 m2). The park offers about 43 rides, Surf Hill and the Wild River Ride notable among them. The park has a hotel situated within its premises. It charges Rs. 290 for children under 10 and Rs. 340 for people above 10.

MGM Dizzee World

MGM Dizzee World is an amusement park located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is located in East Coast Road. It is one of the most visited theme parks in the city. The park has log flume, giant wheel, spider spin, roller coaster, the funny mountain, dashing cars, super trooper, a water world and it also hosts special seasonal shows.

Dash N Splash

Dash N Splash is a water park located in Chennai, India. It is located on Bangalore-Chennai highway 30 km from Chennai. It is located on 21 acres (85,000 m2) on the banks of the Telugu Ganga project canal in Melvarkuppam village.The park offers Slide ride, spiral ride, free fall, wave slide and many other rides.

Kishkinta

Kishkinta is a theme park located in Chennai, India.