 Chennai
Previous known as Madras, Chennai, the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu is a comparatively a new city. Chennai, the present gateway to the South of India, is only about 350 years old. A combination of the erstwhile villages of Mylapore, Triplicane, Ezhambur (Egmore) etc., Chennai is the fourth largest city in India. Still carrying a colonial charm, this city of South India has a fine manifestation of tradition and modernity.
Major Attractions
Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwar Temple, National Art Gallery, Fort St. George and Madras Snake Park.
How to Reach
The Kamaraj Domestic Airport and the Anna International Airport are located at of 20 km from the city. The main railheads are Madras Central and Egmore.
Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is the ancient capital of the Pallava dynasty, which was famous as a city of 1000 temples. At present, it has 124 shrines. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks, which are available in vibrant colours with rich gold work.
Major Attractions
Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy.
How To Reach
Trains for Kanchipuram are available from Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tirupati, and Bangalore. Chennai (75 kms) is the nearest airport to Kanchipuram.
Mamallapuram
Popularly known as Mahabalipuram, Mamallapuram was the second capital of the Pallava dynasty of Kanchipuram. The distance between Mamallapuram and Chennai is 58 km. The place is very popular because of the sculptures and famous Shore Temples and exotic beaches.
Major Attractions
Shore Temples and exotic beaches, Sculptures in the Shore Temples.
How To Reach
The nearest airport from Mahabalipuram is Chennai 58 km. The nearest railway station is Chengalpattu, 29 km away from Mahabalipuram.
Tiruvannamalai
It is one the most popular south based pilgrim center. The major attraction is the ancient temple of Lord Shiva.
Major Attractions
Ancient temple of Lord Shiva.
How To Reach
Tiruvannamalai is 85 km from Chennai and 210 km from Bangalore. It is well linked to other neighbouring states via road and railways.
Pondicherry
Famous for Aurobindo Ashram, which is just situated at 10kms north of Pondicherry, it promotes Aurbindo's ideas in bringing about a fusion of mediation, yoga and modern science.
Major Attractions
Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, Rai Nivas , Pondicherry Museum, Botanical Garden, Sacred Heart Church.
How To Reach
Nearest airport from Pondicherry is Chennai 162 km. Pondicherry is connected through a meter gauge railway line with Villupuram.
Tanjore
If you are a music lover and take interest in culture, then you must visit Tanjore. Tanjore is the house of Carnatic music, musical instruments, dance and traditional handicrafts. Tanjore is famous for the Brahadeeswarar Temple. The temple was constructed more than thousand years ago by the mighty Chola King Raja Rajan.
Major Attractions
Brahadeeswarar Temple, Art Gallery, Saraswathi Mahal Library, Hall of Music, Schwartz Church, Sivaganga Tank, Thirukandiyur.
How To Reach
Kumbakonam (36 kms.), Tharangambadi (Tranquebar) (105 kms.), Nagore (88 kms.), Pondicherry, Madurai.
Trichy
The historical city of Tiruchirappalli, popularly known as Trichy is situated on the banks of Kaveri River. Located at a distance of 320 km from Chennai, it is a renowned pilgrim center for its illustrious past and tradition.
Major Attractions
Ranganath temple, Rock fort, Srirangam and Jambukeshwar temple.
How To Reach
Tiruchirappalli airport is located 5 km from the city centre. Trichy connected to all the major cities of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states.
Madurai
The ancient city of Madurai, some 2600 years old is laid out in the banks of river Vaigai as a lotus flower with the Meenakshi temple in the centre. The major tourist destinations are Meenakshi temple, King Tirumala's palace, Great tank and Gandhi museum.
Major Attractions
Meenakshi Temple, King Tirumala's palace, Great tank and Gandhi museum.
How To Reach
The Madurai airport is 15 km from the city. Madurai is well connected to all major cities of the country by express trains.
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