Tamilnadu Tourism

Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) was incorporated in 1971 with the main object of promoting tourism in Tamilnadu by building tourism related infrastructure on commercial basis. TTDC made a modest begining by taking over 5 Govt. bungalows and operated 2 coaches. It has made rapid strides since then and today it has earned the proud distinction of owning the longest chain of hotels in South India numbering 53. The fleet of coaches has increased to 13. TTDC is providing the following facilities covering all the major tourists destinations in the state for the benifit of tourists.

Chennai (Former Madras): The capital of Tamil Nadu and the largest city, was an important British port in India. It is one of the best Tamilnadu tourist places. Fort St. George, built by the British can still be seen in Chennai city, along with many fine churches. Popular attractions in Chennai include the longest beach in India, Marina Beach, and the memorials of Dravidian leaders Annadurai and M.G. Ramachandran. Chennai is also the center of an active film Tamil industry, one of whose leading stars of yesteryears is currently the chief minister of the state. Residents of Chennai are fond of eating out and there are many restaurants in Chennai where you can try the local cuisine. An unusual feature of Chennai is discotheques that open in the afternoon, as you'll see on your Chennai tour.

Madurai: The second largest city, is another hub of tourism in Tamilnadu. Madurai is famous for the Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple with its multicolored gopurams and "Hall of a Thousand Pillars." Dedicated to Meenakshi, an incarnation of Parvati and her consort Shiva, the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and its art museum are visited by pilgrims every day, along with students of Dravidian culture and history, on Tamilnadu tourism itineraries.

Kodaikanal: This beautiful hill station in Tamilnadu is known for its fine educational institutions and the Solar Physical Observatory. The star-shaped lake in the center of Kodaikanal is a popular tourist spot, with boating and water sports organized on its waters. Kodaikanal is also known for the Kurinji flower, which blooms once in 12 years and the Kurinju Andavar Temple dedicated to the Dravidian deity Lord Muruga.

Kanyakumari: The southernmost point of the Indian peninsula is in Tamil Nadu, India. The waters of three different water bodies mingle at Kanyakumari - the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The Vivekananda Memorial, with its statue of Swami Vivekanda is situated on a rock, 400 m from the shore. A popular sight at Kanyakumari is the view of the sunrise and the sunset over the horizon where the sky meets the sea, as you'll see on your Tamilnadu tour.

Rameswaram: Rameshwaram in Tamilnadu, is a well-known pilgrimage tourism destination in India. This island off the coast of Tamilnadu is known for its temples - the Ramanathaswamy Temple and Kothanda Ramaswamy temple. The temples are known for their long corridors with carved pillars and high towers. Many devotees visit this holy island in Tamil Nadu, on pilgrimage tours of India.

Sivakasi: This town in Tamilnadu is famous for its fireworks and matchbox industries. Known for the excellence of their quality, fireworks from Sivakasi are exported worldwide.

Tiruchirapalli: Also known as Trichy, this temple town in Tamil Nadu is known for its Srirangam Temple, Mathrubhuteshwarar temple and Trichy fort situated on top of a rock from which you will see a panoramic view of the city, after ascending the 434 steps carved in the face of the rock in Trichy, Tamil, Nadu, India.

Kanchipuram: A historic city, which was the capital of the Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara Empires, Kanchipuram is known for its Ekamareshwara Temple, which has a 200 ft tall gopuram and the Kailashnath Temple with exquisite culptures of Shiva. Kanchipuram is also famous as a center of silk weaving in India. Kanchipuram is called the "City of a 1000 Temples" and you're sure to see why, on your tour of Kanchipuram, Tamilnadu.

Mahabalipuram: Once an important port and capital of the Pallava Empire, Mahabalipuram, located less than 60 km from Chennai, is known for its Pallava temples and sculptures. The Shore Temple with its image of Vishnu in cosmic slumber, the world's largest bas-relief carving - the Penance of Arjuna - and the five rathas or chariot shaped temples, are masterpieces of Pallava art.

Tanjore: This capital city of the Cholas, is situated in the Cauvery River delta and is known for its impressive Brihadeshwara Temple, the tower of which is capped by an 80 ton granite monolith. The Raja Musum and Art Gallery has a collection of bronze sculptures from Chola times and the Saraswati Mahal Library has 8,000 rare manuscripts inscribed on palm leaves.