Tamilnadu wildlife

The state of Tamil Nadu boasts of a rich flora and fauna. To preserve the rich natural heritage of the state many National parks and wildlife sanctuaries have been set up over a period of time. These National parks and sanctuaries not only help in the protection of the invaluable animal and plant life but also attract a large number of visitors. 

The famous Wildlife Sanctuaries are the Anamalai (Indira Gandhi) Wildlife Sanctuary, Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalakadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Mundanthurai Tiger Sanctuary, Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary and The Viralimalai Sanctuary. The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and the Guindy National Park are the most visited national parks in the state. Anna Zoological Park in Chennai is one of the latest and modern zoos of India. The Snake Park and the Crocodile Bank also located in Chennai are known for their collection of reptiles.

 Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

The Indira Gandhi national park is located in the Coimbatore district and spread over an area of 118 sq km. Coimbatore is the nearest airport, 80 km away while Pollachi is the nearest railhead, 35 km away from the park. The forests of the Park Range from tropical deciduous to semi-evergreen and evergreen represented by teak, rosewood and other tropical species. Elephant, tiger, lion tailed macaque, civet, leopard, sloth bear, Nilgiri languor, crocodile, gaur, python etc are the main animal life at the park. The ideal season for visiting the Indira Gandhi National Park is October to May.

 Kalakadu Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated in an area of 223 sq kms in the Tirunelveli District. Wildlife seen in the sanctuary includes Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque and common Langur, Nilgiri Tahr Kalakkadu Wild Life Sanctuary is situated in area of 223 sq kms in the Tirunelveli District, including the foothills of Western Ghats and the adjoining area. The flora ranges from forests of tropical wet ever-green to Tropical dry deciduous and thorn forest at down hills. Lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque and Common Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, Sambar, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Elephant, Tiger, Flying Squirrel, Panther, Wild Dog, Pangolin are some of the wild life seen in the sanctuary. Besides, a wide range of birds and reptiles could be seen. Trekking can be done with prior permission from the Forest (Wildlife) Department.

 The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

This Marine National Park is located in the Tirunelveli and Ramanathapuram districts. Spread over 21 islands, the Marina National park covers an area of 6.25 Sq Km. Tuticorin is the nearest town and railhead while the nearest airport is at Madurai. The fauna consists of several species of birds, hare, squirrel, dugong, sea turtles dolphin etc. The ideal season for visiting the park is October to March.

 Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is located amidst the beautiful Nilgiri Hills. This is the point where the Western Ghats merge with the Eastern Ghats. The relief of the sanctuary is an interesting mix of plain, swamp, undulating parkland, open grassland, valleys and streams. There is a National Park measuring 103 sq km inside the sanctuary. The Mudumalai Wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of vegetation.

Tamilnadu beach tourist places

Tamil Nadu has a glorious past, a vibrant culture, a rich tapestry of history, and natural bounty in the form of blue beaches and clear skies, Tamil Nadu is a tourists dream comes true. One can enjoy on the Marina beach, go cruising in the theme parks, or let the mind search for peace in the midst of magnificent temples. These beaches are now hosts to possibly the biggest number of tourists in the entire country with Marina beach and Kanyakumari beach being the most famous and visited. These golden beaches with lines of Palm trees, clear skies, and clear water are the most picturesque destinations in Tamil Nadu.

 Marina Beach

Widely known as one of the longest beaches in Asia, Marinas 12 km long stretch attracts a large number of international or domestic tourists. Its golden sand, good surfing opportunities and a shimmering clear blue sea water are too captivating to ignore. Obviously, it is a top tourist attraction among the tourists visiting Tamil Nadu.

 Mahabalipuram Beach

Erstwhile port city of Pallavas, Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is located on the shores of Bay of Bengal. Although the city homes myriad of exotic monuments, it is the beach that gives the city its true beauty.

 Rameshwaram Beach

A revered Hindu pilgrimage, Rameshwaram is also famous for its serene and sun kissed beach. The salubrious breeze from the sea is worth enjoying. The beach with shallow waters makes an ideal site for swimming and sunbathing.

 Kanyakumari Beach

Southern most tip of India's main land - Kanyakumari - is a unique beach site as its surrounded by three seas, Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. This premier beach attraction offers the breathtaking view of the sunrise and the sunset at their best.

 Covelong Beach

Away from the sickening noise of the crowded Chennai city, Covelong's exotic beach site provides a nice breathing space and offers a number of water sports activities including fishing.

Tamilnadu cities tourist places

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.