CHENNAI
Chennai, the largest city in southern India, ha a relaxed ambience and an active interest in classical music and dance. One of the earilest cities set up by the British, Chennai has marvellous buildings in the elaborate Indo- Saracenic Style.
Places of  Interest
Fort St. Geoge. St, Thomas Mount, San Thome Cathedral, Kapaleeswarar Temple, Parthasarthy Temple, National Art Gallery, Valluvar Kottam, Kalakshetra, Cholamandalm.
Access
It is well connected by rail and road. There is international airpot at Chennai. Daily Flights link it to the major Indian cities.

MAMALLAPURAM
South of Chennai is Mamallapuram. This little town is a perect gem of pallava art (6 AD-8 AD). A beautiful beach with its Casuarina trees and fine hotels makes this an idylli spot for a holiday.
Places of  Interest
Cave Temples, Rathas, Arjuna's penance. Shore Temple.
Access
The nearest airport is Chennai (64 kms). Daily bus Services linkit to Chennai. Daily Conducted tours are also availabla.

MAHABALIPURAM
Mahabalipuram is 55 km from Chennai. It was established by Pallava ruler Mamalla and was called Mamallapuram, which later became Mahabalipuram. The places of historic interest are Descent of Ganga where Arjun is supposed to have done his penance. It is a huge relief carved out on two boulders. The Rock cut Mandaps are rock -cut shrines. The Pancha Rathas are famous temples cut out of rock in the shape of chariot. They are named Draupadi, Arjun, Dharamraja and Bima ratha. Shore temple was built in 7th century by Pallava king Narshimha Varman II Rajasimha (c.690-726). It is one of the World Heritage Sites of India. You can see the historical places of Mahabalipuram with the tour of historical places of India.

PONDICHERRY
Further down the coast is the Union Territory of ondichery- once an enclave of the French. The French influence is still to be seen in the Marvellous white buildings in the old section of this fascinating town.
Places of  Interest
Acouple of splendid churches, a museum, the beautiful sea - front, theAurobindo Ashram and Auroville, are some of Pondicherry's attractions.
Access
The closest mainline railway stations are Cheai and Villupuram. The nearest airport is Chennai Well connected by road.

KANCHEEPURAM
Kancheepuram is one of India's sevensacred cities and one of its loveliest temple towns. It is also noted for its handloom silks.
Places of  Interest
Kailasanathar Temple, Vaikuntaperumal Temple, Ekambareshwarar Temple, Varadaraperumal Temple, Kamakhiamma Temple, Sakiswarar Temple.
Access
Linked by rail to Chennai, Pondicherry and Madurai.

CHIDAMBARAM
Chidambaram has one of the oldest and loveliest of Chola temples, the 1000 year old Shiva temple has tall gopurams, and elegant mandapas.
Access
Located south of pondicherry, Chidambaram is linked by rail and road to most towns.

THANJAVUR
Thanjavur was once the great capital of the Cholas. It was Raja Raja Chola, the empire builder, who also erected the most spectacular of the Thanjavur temples, the Brahadeeswarar Temple.
Around Thanjavur
Litte temple towns like Thirykandiyur, Tiruvarur Thanjavur and Thiuvaiyaru are not far form Thanjavur.
Access
Linnked by rail to Tiruchirapalli and Chennai, Thanjavur is well Connected by road.

MADURAI
Madurai, another of Tamil Nadu's ancient cities, was the great capital of the pandyan kings. Today, it is a lively, bustling city and a commercial centre.
Places of  Interest
Meenakshi Sundareswarar and palani Vandiyur Mariamman Tank.
Access
Madurai is well linked by rail, are and road.

RAMESWARAM
The conch shaped island of rameswaram, lies off the coast of Tamil Nadu.
Places of  Interest
Ramanathaswamy Temple.
Access
Well connected by rail and road. Nearest airport is Madurai (173 kms).

KANNIYAKUMARI
Kanniykumari is the southern-most tip of the Indian peninsula, the spot where three seas- the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea meet. Noted for its marvellous beaches and spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Places of  Interest
Kumari Amman Temple, Vivekananda Rock, Vattakottai, Suchindram.
Access
It is also linked by rail and road to other parts of the country. The nearest airport is Thiruvanthapuram (87 kms).

UDHAGAMANDALAM
Udhagamandalam (Ooty), is the most popular hill station in Tamil Nadu.
Places of  Interest
The lake, Botancial Gardens, Doddabetta park, Mukurti peak, Pykara Dam, Wenlock Downs, Kalhatti Falls, Elk Hill.
Access
Connected by rail to Chennai via Mettupalayam. A little hill train links mettupalayam to Udhagamandalam The neatest airport is Coimbatore (100 kms). Connected by road to all the major twns in South India.

KODAIKANAL
The prettiest hill station in South India, Kodaikanal is set around a star shaped lake. Green Wooded hills, scenic walks and waterfalls, make it a beautiful summer retreat.
Places of  Interest
The lake, the Coaker'sWalk, Pillar Rocks, Perumal peak, Bear Shola, Silver Cascade and Fairy Falls.
Access
The nearest railhead Kodai Road (80 kms). The nearest airport is Madurai (125 kms). Kodaikanal is only approachable by road and is well connected to most major towns in the area.

YERCAUD
A quiet hill station, Yercaud is very near Salem. A little lake and wooded hills make it a fine place for a serene holiday.
Places of  Interest
Yercaud lake, Lady's Seat.
Access
The nearest railhead is Salem (29 kms). The nearest airport are Tiruchirapalli (163 kms) and Coimbatore (194 kms). It is well connected by road.

COONOOR
Coonoor, midway between Mettupalayam and Udhagamandalam, is a pretty little hill town, located amidst tea gardens.
Places of  Interest
The Sim's park. Viewpoints like Lamb's Rock, Dolphin's Nose and lady Canning's Seat offer Panoramic views of the plains.
Access
Coonoor is on the railway line form Mettupalayam to Ooty. Well linked by road.