Northern India easily depicts influences of the Aryans and Greeks, while religious cultures abound with Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. However, Tamil Nadu remains constant as a state which practices Dravidian Hinduism.
And as the title suggests, Tamil Nadu provides the visitor with many excellent examples of religious architecture.
Historically, the Indian State was once a primary exporter of luxurious silks and spices to the Romans.
Madurai is the most renowned of the temple towns. The ancient city is home to Sangam: an ancient literary academy which has lasted one thousand years. Additionally, the visitor will find the enormous Sri Meenakshi-Sundareshwar Temple in Madurai. The temple is considered the most magnificent of its kind. There are twelve large gateways, also known as gopuras. These gateways are beautifully decorated in an elaborate fashion. There are well over thirty three thousand vibrantly painted figures on the gateways. The temple, as well, is always busy with religious activities.
True to its fame as a state of temples, there are many other religious temples in Tamil Nadu. In example, Brihadisvara Temple located at Thanjavur houses the best collection of Chola bronzes in the world. Should you travel to Mamallapuran, you will discover the extraordinary Shore Temple carved of rock and originally built in the seventh century; or travel to Rameshwarem and view the beautiful walkways, lined with columns at Ramalingeshwara Temple.
The Dravidian traditions of Tamil Nadu are celebrated in many of India's most colorful festivals. In example, the Mango Festival is a June Celebration; Adipperukku is also known as the Monsoon Festival and is celebrated in August; the silk festival is an October event; and Pongal, the most popular festival is held in January. It should be noted, that outside of the festivals previously mentioned, there are also many other festivals and special events held throughout the year. In example, if you travel to Madurai, you will be afforded the opportunity to attend some of the region's most colorful celebrations, including Chithikai, a ten-day celebration.
The environment changes when you travel to Nilgiri Hills located in the far west. It is quite different than exotic Tamil Nadu. Historically, the British early on established coffee and tea plantations here in the 1800s. You will be able to still see remnants of their influence in places such as: Udhagamandalam as well as Kodaikanal, where streets and buildings have names that are distinctly British.
From this area, visitors may take a memorable journey by a steam train on the Nilgiri Blue Mountain Railway. On the way, you will be able to take in the sights at Pondicherry. Here you will be surprised to find Catholic Churches, French style architectural elements and influences and French names. This is due to the fact that Pondicherry was at one time, the capital of French India.
Travel to India's southern most region where there is a convergence of the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal: This area is known as Cape Kanniyakumari. Here the sun sets and the moon rises on the same horizon and at the same time. You certainly won't want to miss it.
