PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST & TOUR ROUTE, TAMILNADU - PAGE 2

Pondicherry - Situated on the coast, about 165 kms. South of Madras, lies Pondicherry, a union territory. The French ruled this territory for 300 years. Today it stands as a living monument of the French culture in India. Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its offshoot Auroville are the attractions to the most of the travelers to Pondicherry. The ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo in the year 1926, has brought international reputation to this coastal town. One can find the perfect fusion of ancient Indian Yoga and modern science here.

Special courses have been designed for tourists who wish to orient themselves towards Yoga and Meditation in Pondicherry.

Tanjore - Earlier called Thanjavur, was the capital of the Chola Dynasty from 10th to 14th century A.D. After this it came under the rule of the Vijayanagar Empire then under the Marathas and lastly under the British rule. This town is famous for the Brihadeshra temple built by the Chola King. Also the Saraswati Mahal Library built by the Marathas is worth visiting and it contains rare collection of books and manuscripts on paper and palm leaves. It is situated at about 310-kms. from Madras.

Trichy - Also known as Tiruchirapalli, is situated on the banks of river Kaveri and is famous for the Ranganatha temple. Other places of tourist interest include the Rock Fort, Sri Jambukeshwara Temple and museums and Art Galleries. It is situated at a distance of 59-kms from Tanjore.

Madurai - Situated at about 142-kms from Trichy, Madurai is the temple town of South India. It is famous for the Meenakshi Temple. Other places of tourist interest include Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Koodal Alagar Temple, Gandhi Museum and the Government Museum.

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