PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST & TOUR ROUTE, TAMILNADU - PAGE 1

Tour route - Tour - Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Trichy - Madurai

Madras - Now called Chennai, it is the present capital of Tamil Nadu state of India and erlst while capital of entire South India. Chennai was the first major British settlement in India. In the city, one can not fail to notice the dominant British influence in the form of old Cathedrals, built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture and wide tree lined avenues. But Chennai retains the charm characteristic of the typical South Indian heritage. And the way of living. Places of tourist interest include the Marina Beach(12kms.) which supposed to be the second largest beach in the world, St. Mary's Church built in 1680, Parthasarathi Temple built in the 8th century.

Kanchipuram - Situated at about 76-kms from Chennai, Kanchipuram is the city of thousand temples. It is the most sacred pilgrim centers for the Hindus. There remain only 126 temples in Kanchi and a few in the outskirts. This city was the capital of the early Cholas and after that the capital of the Pallavas between 6th and 8th century. Kanchi was the major seat of Tamil learning and important pilgrimage point for the Hindus, Jains and the Buddhists. Apart from the temples this place is also important for the handloom industry. The silk sarees woven from pure mulberry silk look just marvelous in gleaming colors having embroidery with golden thread.

Mahabalipuram - Also called Mamallapuram is located at a distance of about 64 kms. from Chennai. Mahabalipuram is recognized as the site of some of the greatest architectural and sculptural achievements in India. The temple and carvings here date back to the 7th century. They stand out because of their simplicity and the fact that they also depict many scenes from the everyday life of everyday people.

...continue