Tamil Nadu – Cultural Studies and Historians’ paradise!

Chennai

Capital city – Chennai

Famous cities – Trichy, Madurai, Coimbatore, Thanjavur

Language – Tamil

Dance Form – Bharatanatyam

Popular Foods – Kancheepuram Idly, Tirunelveli Alwa, Ambur Biriyani, Kumbakonam degree coffee, Manaparrai Murukku, Kuzhipaniyaram

Unique local Industries – Sivakasi crackers, Kancheepuram Silk sarees, Tiruppur cotton, Thanjavur paintings (handicrafts)

Tamil Nadu which used to be called as Madras state, was renamed as Tamil Nadu by the then Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai in 1969. Tamil, the language of Tamil Nadu is one of the oldest languages with a history of over 2000 years. Sangam literature which is written in Tamil, is considered to be the oldest literature among Dravidian languages.

Ancient Art

The state has been famous for its culture as well as its local industries. Karur district is known as the ‘Textile capital of Tamil Nadu’, Alagulam in Virudhunagar is the home for paper industry and Perambalur district contributes to the sugar industry. Sivakasi Crackers are well known all over India and this local industry takes lion share in Diwali Crackers sale. The little town of Kanchipuram has been producing the famous Kanjeevaram Silk Sarees for over 400 years. Thanjavur Paintings were well known for their richness and elegance.

For people who are interested in spirituality, history and mythology, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Rameswaram, Kanchipuram, Madurai and many more will offer great experience. These regions are rich with historical temples and culture. Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is said to be from the 1^st Century CE. Tamil Nadu’s dance form Bharatanatyam is known for its unique way of story telling through dance. Often tourists visiting these temples can have a glimpse of Bharatanatyam dance performances.

Dhanushkodi, Kodaikanal (also known as ‘Princess of Hills’), Edward Elliott Beach (One of cleanest beaches in India), Marina Beach (Longest beach in India), Ooty, Kanyakumari (Southmost tip of India), etc are few top rated tourist spots in Tamil Nadu.

KanyaKumari