Tamilnadu is bounded by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in the north and Kerala
in the west. The eastern and western tips of the Tamilnadu are defined by
the Point Calimere and Mudumalai wildlife sanctuaries while the northern
extreme is Pulicat lake and the southernmost tip is Kanyakumari, the land's
end. Tamil Nadu is principally washed by the Cauvery, originating in Coorg
in neighbouring Karnataka. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is known for
its beautiful beach resorts. Tamilnadu - A Temple State
Tamil Nadu, the cradle of south Indian temple architecture, is a living museum of styles that originated in the 7th century and matured in the huge temple complexes studded with towering gateways-"Gopurams"-that soar above the markets of almost every town. Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Rameswaram, Palani, Srirangam, Tiruttani and Kanyakumari are some of the famous pilgrim centres in Tamil Nadu. The famous Meenakshi temple of Madurai is a must see.
History of Tamilnadu
Tamil Nadu was ruled by three major dynasties-the Cholas in the east, the Pandyas in the central area and Cheras in the west. This was during the Sangam Age-the classical period of Tamil literature-that continued for some 300 years after the birth of Christ. The Pallava dynasty was influential particularly in the 7th and 8th centuries, the testimonies to which are the monuments at Mamallapuram.
In the 13th century, with threats of Muslim invasions from the north, the southern Hindu dynasties combined and the empire of Vijaynagar (also spelt as Vijayanagar), which covered all of South India, became firmly established. However, by the 17th century, due to the disintegration of the Vijaynagar Empire, various small rulers like the Nayaks ruled southern India.
By the middle of the 18th century, there were frequent conflicts between the British, French, Danes, and Dutch due to their interest in these areas. The British were finally victorious, while small pocketed areas including Pondicherry and Karaikal remained under French control. Under the British rule, most of south India was integrated into the region called the Madras Presidency. In 1956, the Madras Presidency was disbanded and Tamil Nadu was established.
The Nilgiri Panorama
In the west of the state, where the hill stations of Kodaikanal and Ooty are
the premier travel attractions, sylvan hills offer mountain views and a
network of trails winds through forests and tea and coffee plantations.
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, a vast spread of deciduous forest in Tamilnadu
dominated by teak, offers a good chance of spotting elephants and dholes,
wild pack-hunting Dogs, Tigers and Leopards.Annamalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, closer to Kodaikanal in the Palani hills, is better known for its Lion-tailed Macaques (black-maned Monkeys). The wetlands of the coast provide perfect resting places for migratory birds, whose numbers soar during the winter monsoon at Vedathangal, near Chennai, and Point Calimere.