Tamilnadu: Tamil Nadu, the land of the Tamils, is one of the most fascinating of the Indian States. With an area of 130,058 sq km and population over 55 million, Tamil Nadu is the 11th largest state in India. The Union Territory of Pondicherry is a small enclave in the district of South Arcot. Tamil Nadu is the home of Dravidian art and culture. A rich tradition of literature and arts has flourished in Tamil Nadu for about 2000 years. Splendid temples that dot the countryside bear witness to the architectural achievements of the Tamils. Tamil Nadu is the traditional home of the famous classical dance Bharathanatyam. Marvellous old temple towns all over Tamil Nadu with their ancient rituals and festivals are living museums.
Traditionally, the land of Tamils has been divided into 5 major physiographic divisions - the Kurinji or mountainous region, the Mullai or forest region, the Palai or arid region, the Marudham or the fertile plains and the Neidhal or coastal region. The history of the Tamils present an exciting pageant of a powerful civilization whose origin dates back to ancient times. It is clear that the Tamils, who belong to the Dravidian race, were the first major occupants of the country and settled in the northwestern part of India long before the coming of the Indo-Aryans. Excavations have revealed that the features of the people of the Indus Valley Civilization bore a strong resemblance to this race. However, with the advent of the Aryans, the Dravidians were pushed back into the deep south where they ultimately settled.
There are more than 30,000 temples in this state, which has given Tamil Nadu the title 'Land of Temples'.The splendid festivals of Tamil Nadu, the feast of music and dance, the shimmering silk of Kanchipuram - all these linger long in the memory of the visitor.
The places of tourist interest in the state are Chennai, the capital city; Mamallapuram, the beach resort; Kanchipuram, the land of 1000 temples; Madurai famous for the Meenakshi temple; Rameshwaram, Tiruchirapalli and Thanjavur, the temple trio; the charming hill resorts of Yercaud, Ootacamund and Kodaikanal and Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India, renowned for its fantastic sunrise and sunset.
