With 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 tourist's dreams come 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. Alternatively,
one can relish the mouth-watering dosas, savor
the refreshing filter coffee, or enjoy the
Bharatnatyam performances.
Located in south India, Tamil Nadu is bounded
on the north by Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka,
on the south by the Indian Ocean, on the east
by the Bay of Bengal, and by Kerala on the
west. Point Calimere and the Mudumulai Wildlife
Sanctuary mark the eastern and western limits
of the state respectively. The northernmost
limit is the Pulicat Lake while the southernmost
tip, defining the end of the Indian landmass,
is Cape Comorin or Kanyakumari. It is the
11th largest state in India, circumscribing
the union territory of Pondicherry in the
district of South Arcot.
Fast Facts:
Area : 1,30,058 sq km
Languages : Tamil, English
Religion : Hinduism (88.67%), Islam (5.46%),
Others (5.87%)
Literacy rate : 64%
Annual Mean Rainfall : 1,133.8 mm
Maximum Temperature : 45.2°C
Minimum Temperature : 1.0°C
Per Capita Income : 12989 (at current prices
in 1997-98)
Capital : Chennai
Urbanization Ratio : 34.15%
Best Time To Visit : October To March
History
Tamil Nadu was ruled by three major dynasties-the
Cholas in the east, the Pandyas in the central
area and Cheras in the west. This was during
the Sangam Age-the classical period of Tamil
literature-that continued for some 300 years
after the birth of Christ. The Pallava dynasty
was influential particularly in the 7th
and 8th centuries, testimonies to which
are the monuments at Mamallapuram. In the
13th century, with threats of Muslim invasions
from the north, the southern Hindu dynasties
combined and the empire of Vijayanagar,
which covered all of South India, was firmly
established. However, by the 17th century,
due to the disintegration of the Vijayanagar
Empire, various small rulers like the Nayaks
ruled southern India.
By the middle of the 18th century, there
were frequent conflicts between the British,
French, Danes, and Dutch due to their interest
in these areas. The British were finally
victorious, while small pockets like Pondicherry
and Karaikal remained under French control.
Under the British rule, most of south India
was integrated into the region called the
Madras Presidency. In 1956, the Madras Presidency
was disbanded and Tamil Nadu was established.
The climate of the state is tropical. April
and May are the hottest months with temperatures
rising to as high as 40°C. During the
day, even the coastal regions are warm and
humid during the summers; nightfall, however,
brings some respite in the form of the cool
sea breeze. During the winter season, extending
from November to February, the mercury hardly
falls below 20°C, except in the hill
stations. The winter monsoons of Tamil Nadu
occur in the months of October to December.
Cotton clothing is apt for the entire year.
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