Tamil Nadu represents the nucleus of Dravidian art and culture. Ancient customs and traditions, going back 3000 years, still flourish, woven inextricably into the lives of the people. Their mother tongue, Tamil, is the oldest living language of the world.
The history of the Tamils presents an exciting pageant of a powerful civilization whose origin dates back to ancient times. It is clear that the Tamils, who belong to the Dravidian race, were the first major occupants of the country and settled in the north-western part of India long before the coming of the Indo-Aryans. Excavations have revealed that the features of the people of the Indus Valley Civilization bore a strong resemblance to this race.
Chennai, Tiruchirapally, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tanjavur and Udhagamandalam are the major cities of the state.
Chennai
Chennai is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. This city is all-popular for the Marina Beach which has the favour of being the largest beach in India. Other attractions of the city include Fort St. George and some fine ancient churches. Earlier known as Madras, it is the fourth largest city of India. It is also regarded as the gateway to the south. In earlier times the area has been popular among spice traders across the world. The 16th century saw a drastic change in the culture and lifestyle of the people with the coming of Portuguese, Dutch and British East India Company. In the 19th century British Imperial India, it became a major administrative centre. It is also the centre of south Indian film industry. Its culture, temples, churches, beaches, historic monuments, parks attract tourists from all over the world. Tiruchirapally
Tiruchirapally or Trichy, lying on the banks of the river Kaveri, is known for its rich historical and cultural riches. There are a number of forts, palaces and monuments to see and enjoy. This city was a Chola citadel during the Sangam Age. The Pandyas and Pallavas Held Sway over this region for short Periods. The Nayaks of Madurai built the town and the historic Rock Fort, which played a vital role in the Carnatic wars in the 18th Century. Today Tiruchirappalli is a blend of history and tradition-a pilgrim center as well as a thriving commercial city. Coimbatore
Coimbatore, the third largest city of the state is the industrial hotspot of the country. The city has a number of attractions as the Vock Park and Zoo, the Perur Temple, the Marudhamali Temple, the Agricultural University, the Forest College etc. Coimbatore is exposed to the Palghat gap of Western ghats it enjoys a salubrious climate. This has attracted a large number of textile mills to this region. It is rightly called the 'Manchester of South India'. Coimbatore is also known for the manufacture of motor pumpsets and varied engineering goods. The city is also known for its handloom products. Madurai
Madurai or the "city of nectar" is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan rulers till the 14th century. The Pandyan king, Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple around which he created a lotus shaped city. Mythology says when city was being named; Lord Shiva blessed the city and its people. On the auspicious occasion some Divine nectar ("Madhu") fell from the matted locks of Shiva and hence the city was named "Madhurapuri". This sacred town of south attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors from India as well as abroad. It's stately and elegant Meenakshi Temple that makes Madurai Known all over. Pilgrims from far and wide pour into the city in large numbers to seek blessings from the goddess and to offer their tributes of love to her. Tanjavur
Tanjavur served as the ancient capital of the erstwhile Cholas. The city acquires a position in the delta formed by the river Cauvery. Places of interest include the Brihadeeswara Temple, the Raja Museum, the Art Gallery, and the Saraswati Mahal Library etc. 
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