Tamil NaduOne of the southernmost states ofthe Indian peninsula, Tamil Nadu isa treasure house of naturalresources, various art forms andmagnificent Dravidian templearchitecture. It contains numeroushill stations, beaches, temples, ofwhich eight are UNESCO WorldHeritage sites.

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Famous For : State / Provinc

Tamil Nadu holds the title of being the mosturbanised state of India and happens to bethe 2nd thrgest contributer to the country'sGDP. Home to the Tamils since 500 BCE, TamilNadu has a very rich historical heritage. Thisstate has one of the longest continuoushabitations in India, dating back to theNeanderthal period. Majorly a Hindudominated state, Tamil Nadu also has asignificant percent of population followingChristianity, Islam and Jainism. One can findthe largest Hindu temples in the world here,eg. Srirangam Ranganathanswamy templeand Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple.

As far as the Biodiversity is concerned,around 2000 species of wildlife areindigenous to this region, and 1/3 of thetotal flora of India can be found here, thePalmyra tree being the official tree of thestate. An amazing variety of differentbiomes (from beaches, eastuaries, scrubforests to coral reefs, marshes, deciduous

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forests and rain forests), contribute to thebiodiversity. The temperature usually rangesfrom semi arid to sub humid.

Pongal, a four day harvest festival, is themain festival celebrated here. The Carnaticmusic, Villuppattu, Bharatnatyam,Karakettam,  and many other artforms make up a colourful potpourri ofcultural richness to the state. Tamil Nadu isalso home to the second largest filmindustry (Kollywood) in the country, afterBollywood. The popular Indian sportKabaddi is known to be originated here. TheChettinad cuisine is especially famous for itsspicyness and Ambur region in Tamil Naduis quite popular for Biryani. The NilgiriMountain Railway, the Chola temples,Mahabalipuram are some of the UNESCOWorld Heritage sites, worth visiting.

What To

SEE5 Sights

http://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-tamil-nadu-lp-1273340

1 Marina Beach

Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu600005, India

World's second largest urban beach and thecountry's largest,Marina Beach is a popular hangout ofhumans and sea-animals alike in Chennai.While swimming or taking a dip in the sea isnot possible at Marina beach, it is legallyprohibited, there are a range of activities toindulge in at the beach if the distant horizonwith huge waves crashing around don't haveyou spellbound for hours on end. Anendless sandy expanse stretching from FortGeorge to Besant Nagar, while Marina beachis possibly one of the cleanest you will comeacross in India, it has lost much of its glory,beauty and natural heritage over the yearsto pollution. It has been the focus of muchconservation efforts and cleanliness drivesin recent years.

There are a number of food stalls anddifferent sorts of shops crowding the beachwith the Triumph of Labor and Gandhiji'smarch to Dandi statue towering in theskyline along with statues of many notablefigures of Tamil literature and the MGRSamadhi. While there are a number ofjoyrides run on the beach, kite flying andpony rides are popular activities out here.Beach cricket was banned out here someyears back as it was quite an inconveniencestrolling the beach with cricket balls flying atyou from all directions. There's a 34 ftartificial waterfall on one part of the beach.

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Yet another attraction at the beach is theMarina Beach Aquarium, country's firstaquarium built in 1909, that houses rarespecies of tropical and fresh water fishes.

2 Kapaleeshwar Temple

12, North Mada Street, Mylapore,Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004, India

Steeped in mythology and ancient to thecore, theKapaleeshwar Temple is popularly believedto have been built in 7th century CE by thePallavas. However, architectural markers ofthe temple point to a more recent originthat dates 300-400 years back. While its dateof origin may be a point of debate but thetemple's beauty and architectural splendouris indisputable. A glorious example of theDravidian style of architecture,Kapaleeshwar temple gopuram is a 120 feettowering beauty that leaves youmesmerised. Dedicated to Lord Shiva andGoddess Karpagambal, a form of GoddessParvat translating to Goddess of the WishYielding Tree. Around 1.5 kilometers away

from the coastline, inscriptions inside thetemple date back to the 12th century. Whilethe temple is thronged by devotees daily,the crowd reaches a frenzy during thefestivals of Panguni Peruvizha (mid March tomid April), Brahmotsavam andArupathimoovar. The temple has beenimmortalized in the poetry of Tevaram, thetwelve volume Tamil Saivite devotionalpoetry where the sixth volume waxeseloquent about the temple.

3 Fort St. George

Rajaji Salai, Fort St. George, Chennai,Tamil Nadu 600009, India.

Fort St. George is functional since 31stJanuary 1948. Built in 1975, this fort is thefirst building to be made by theBritish. It is also said thatit is around this fort or building that thewhole Chennai city evolved. St. Mary'schurch which is also theformer Anglican church ofIndia is housed inside this fort. Apart from

the Church, the fort houses the St.George Fort Museum, a Flag Staff andWellesley House. The Flag Staff is the tallestin the country with a height of 45.72m. 

The building is home to ten galleriesspread across three floors. You'll be amazedto see approximately 3661registered antiquities in thecollection. As you enter, you'll be greeted byan imposing marble statue of LordCornwallis. Also, you'll observe sketching ofthe stages of construction from 1640onward in the lobby area. The gallerieshouse arms, uniforms of the British army,church silverware, oil paintings and variousporcelains used by the East India Company.At present, the building comes under theArchaeological Survey of India and isconsidered to be one of the oldest survivingmasterpieces within the fort. Also, it haspreviously served as the landmark forMadras Bank.  

4 San Thome Basilica

38, Santhome High Road, Mylapore,Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600004, India

Built in the 16th century by Portuguese andrebuilt by the British in 1893,San Thome Basilica is a Catholic minorbasilica. Today what stands is the Britishform, constructed in the Neo-Gothic style,the favored architectural style in late 19thcentury of the British architects. Principalchurch of the Roman Catholic Archdioceseof Madras and Mylapore, San Thome churchwas elevated to the status of Basilica by thePope Pius XII in 1956 and declared anational shrine in February of 2006 by theCatholic Bishop's Conference of India.Resplendent in white and appearing morelike a small luminous castle, the churchgains its distinction from the fact that it isone of the only three churches in the worldbuilt over tomb of one of the twelveapostles of Christ, being that of St. Thomasin case of San Thome. Down a flight of stairsis the underground tomb chapel where thetomb of St. Thomas lies. Encased in glass amarble altar has been built over the tombwith a statue of St. Thomas. A beautiful,serene site, the stained glasses inside tellingthe story of St. Thomas set it alight withcolourful calmness. There is a museum,library and shop selling Christmas cards andprayer material inside the church building.

5 Arignar Anna Zoological Park

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Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu600048, India

Holding the distinction of being the firstpublic zoo of the country,Arinagar Anna Zoological Parkin Vandalur was established in 1885.This place will endow you with 1,500different species of wild animals, 46 ofwhich are presently endangered. A zoo thatbegan with the Nawab of Carnatic'spersonal animal collection on thepersuasion of Edward Green Balfour, it wasthrown open to the public for free in 1861.Over the years as its repository ofmammals, birds, reptiles and fish expanded,the zoo changed its location thrice and wasfinally moved to Vandalur Reserve Forest onthe outskirts of the city away from the urbannoise.

A zoo as well as a wildlife sanctuary and arehabilitation centre for rescued wildanimals, theArinagar Anna Zoological Park conducts arange of ex-SITU research, conservation andmanagement measures aimed at the spreadof conservation awareness and appreciationof wildlife among the general public. Muchof the zoo exhibits are spread along thethree inner roads where you can spot tigers,panthers, wolves, different species of deerand monkeys, elephants along with morethan 170 species of reptiles, mammals andbirds. The free range zone is where theanimals are free to roam in peace. The Lion,Elephant, Gaur and Deer safari are the

perfect opportunity to get a glimpse of thesebeautiful and fascinating animals in theirnear-natural habitat.

There are two sanctuary aviaries and a walk-through aviary within the zoo complex.Covered with a blue nylon and steel net andlandscaped with Korean grass to maintaininternal humidity, the walk-through aviarytakes you through a cacophony and twitterfilled fascinating walk with around 150different species of birds peeking at youfrom the deciduous trees. Other equallyfascinating features ofArinagar Anna Zoological Park are theButterfly house, Reptile house, AmphibianHouse, Primate house, Crocodile enclosureand the shark-shaped aquarium.

Where To

Eat5 Places

http://www.ixigo.com/foods-in-of-tamil-nadu-lp-1273340

1 Anjappar Chettinad

211, Mount Poonthamalee Road,Opposite Porur Police Station, Porur,Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600116,India

+91-44-24826361

If you are a connoisseur of spicy Chettinadfood, Anjappar Chettinad is mostprobably will top your list of preferredeateries in the city. With over 40 years of experience, they list someunique dishes. Their chickendishes are indeed teasing treat for the tastebuds as is the seafoodmenu. Most of their dishes have a variety ofspices mixed in the rightproportions, imparting to the delicacies justthe right flavour. MuttonSukka - the boneless mutton is every bitjuicy and succulent. However,if you are someone who does not preferspicy food, then we suggest thatyou take a little assistance while choosingyour dishes. Apart fromgreat food, the restaurant also has anambience that transports you tothe land of the Chettiars. At last count theyhad over 20 branches inthe city.

2 Ente Keralam

61, 5th Avenue, Shanthi Colony ,NearAxis Bank ,Anna Nagar

+91-44-43500181|+91-44-32216589|+91-7811015888|+91-9367704055

This lovely old world Bungalow is set in thebeautiful upscaleneighbourhood of Poes Garden and servesas a perfect location for Ente Keralam. The charming décor, with rooms that areset up for quiet evenings isperfect for the wonderful food that isshowcased in this restaurant.Food here is simply outstanding and is aperfect example of qualityKerala food, outside of Kerala, served with alot of style. The Appamsare light and crisp and leave you wanting formore. To accompany themthey have the stews, both mutton andvegetarian, the KarimeenPollichathu and the Kappa Vaevichathu areboth outstanding. The nonvegetarian menu is exciting and the MeenVatichathu and the TrivandrumFried Chicken are finger licking delicious.Their biryani's, bothvegetarian and Talaseery are light and fluffy.One of the highlights ofEnte Keralam is their Puttu with Kadalakaraithat is simply made toperfection. The Elanieer Payasam makes fora perfect ending to asumpmtous meal.Features:Live Music,Fine DiningAir Conditioned,Home

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DeliveryTake Away Counter,PrivatePartiesNon VegetarianCrowd:Couples,FamiliesStudents,WorkingProfessionalsYoungProfessionals,Youngsters

3 Dhabba Express

Eldorado Building, 112, 1st Floor,Nungambakkam High Road ,NearICICI Bank ,Nungambakkam

+91-44-28203636|+91-44-64619704|+91-9282199925

The Arabian Chicken's quite a treat and theFish Tikka's made just right. Their TandooriChicken and Dal Makhni are good options aswell. However, unlike the buffet spread, theà la carte portions are miserly. The Jalebisserved here are great, though, sadly, theyrun out of them pretty early in the day.Despair not, for their kulfis are equally good.The long queue for the buffet means thatthere is quite a wait before you can pile iton. There are eight branches of Dhabha inChennai to locate the one nearest to you

visit\:www.dhabaexpress.comFeatures:

Air Conditioned Home Delivery Non Vegetarian

4 Candles and Roses

No. 80-A, South Boag Road, T Nagar,Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017,India

+91-44-42070780|+91-44-42070555

Walk in to Candles and Roses and you'll behit by the filmi flavour of the place. Withgauze and shimmer being the predominantthemes, the place looks straight out of adream sequence. Ideal for couples in love orwanting to be in love. The restaurant ismulti-cuisine and has quite a range on offer,right from Chinese and European to Indian.The tandoori and Punjabi dishes areespecially delectable. If you are a seafoodlover, you must try the popular Fish Steak.Also, give the Crepe Meridien a shot. But ifall you want is wholesome South Indian

food, you have that option as well!Specialities:

Crepe Meridien Tandoori Fish Steak

Features:

Kid Friendly TV / Big Screen Group Friendly Fine Dining Air Conditioned Parking Available Take Away Only Serves Alcohol Non Vegetarian

Crowd:

Couples Families Working Professionals Young Professionals Youngsters

5 Anjappar Chettinad

J.P. Tower, 7/2, Nungambakkam HighRoad, Nungambakkam, Chennai,Tamil Nadu 600034,India

+91-44-24861222|+91-44-24867999|+91-44-24861777

If you are a connoisseur of spicy Chettinadfood, Anjappar Chettinad is most probablywill top your list of preferred eateries in thecity. With over 40 years of experience, theylist some unique dishes. Their chickendishes are indeed teasing treat for the tastebuds as is the seafood menu. Most of theirdishes have a variety of spices mixed in theright proportions, imparting to the delicaciesjust the right flavour. Mutton Sukka - theboneless mutton is every bit juicy andsucculent. However, if you are someonewho does not prefer spicy food, then wesuggest that you take a little assistancewhile choosing your dishes. Apart fromgreat food, the restaurant also has anambience that transports you to the land ofthe Chettiars. At last count they had over 20branches in the city. And to locate the onenearest to you visit\: www.anjappar.comSpecialities:

Nattukoli Anjappar Chicken Mutton Varutha Prawn Masala Crab Roast Promfret Fish Viral Meen Curry Sururputtu Chettinad Fish Masala

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Emu Biriyani Rabbit Roast Murg Malai Kebab Kadahai Paneer Kheema Parotha Dosa Beetroot Halwa Kuzhi Paniyaram

Features:

Buffet Business Lunch Group Friendly Fine Dining Air Conditioned Corporate Parking Available

Crowd:

Couples Families