TAMILNADU
Tamil Nadu has a large tourist industry because of the beautiful coastlines, rich heritage, and ancient temples. The state has a well-developed transportation network, which allows people to take in the most rural or urban parts of the state. It includes national and state highways, trains, and airports in Chennai, Madurai, and Tiruchchirappall. There are major seaports in Chennai and Tuticorin. People come from everywhere to visit this gorgeous land, and it is well worth the visit.
More cities in Tamil Nadu.
TAMILNADU HISTORY
The history of Tamizhagam goes back about 5000 years and more. It is the birthplace of Dravidian culture in India . The Chera, Chola and Pandya ruled the Dravidian country from which modern Tamil Nadu formed. In the 4th Century A.D. the Pallavas of Kanchipuram, became the rulers. They dominated the land for 400 years. The rise of Muslim power in India had its impact on Tamil Nadu. The establishment of the East India Company at Madras in 1639 was a crucial chapter in the history of Madras .
When India attained independence in 1947, the Madras province, comprising Tamil Nadu and parts of Kerala in the west and Andhra Pradesh in the north continued as the State of Madras. But the demand for a separate Telugu speaking state compelled the Government of India to bifurcate the state into two, into the Telugu-speaking Andhra Pradesh and Tamil-speaking Tamil Nadu. The old capital Madras city was retained by the new Madras state.
CHENNAI GATEWAY TO THE SOUTH
PLACE OF TOURIST INTEREST:
Fort St. George :
Fort st.George occupies pride of place and prominence in Chennai. This bastion derived its name form St. George, the patron saint of England. The State Legislature and the Secretariat are located inside this fort . The St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India built in 1680 is situated here. The tombstones in its courtyard are some of the oldest British tombstones in India. The weddings of Robert Clive and Governor Elihu Yale, who later founded the famous Yale University in the U.S.A were solemnised in this ancient prayerhouse.
MARINA BEACH:
The Marina Beach, the pride of Chennai is the second longest beach in the world and has a wide sandy shore. Situated on the beach, are the Samadhis or memorials dedicated to C.N.Annadurai and M.G.Ramachandran, both former Chief Ministers of the state. They attract thousands of visitors everyday. Some of the most beautiful buildings in Chennai such as the University of Madras, the Senate House, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College and the Ice House are located on the beach drive.
Santhome Cathedral Basilica:
Santhome Cathedral Basilica Santhome at the southern end of the Marina gets its name from St.Thomas, the apostle of Jesus who is believed to have come to India sometime during 52 A.D. It is believed he was killed on St. Thomas Mount just outside the city in 78 AD and his remains interred in Santhome beach where a church was later built.
Several years later, another church was built further inland and his mortal remains were transferred here. Chennai’s newest pride is the Tidel Park, the home for the Information Technology Industry. It is spread over 1.28 million sq.ft. of built up area. The Tidel Park is an architectural marvel and houses several large national and international software companies in its premises.
