Gujarat - A state with many facets

Famous as an industrialized state of India, Gujarat is also a favourite haunt for the tourists. Set between the states of Rajasthan and Maharashtra, Gujarat is known for its vibrant festivals, religious shrines, rich cultural heritage, varied wildlife, magnificent mountains and sand dunes. Western coast of the state is flanked by the Arabian Sea which is home fine beaches as well. Gandhi Nagar, is the capital city of Gujarat while former state capital Ahmedabad is now the commercial capital of the state. Surat and Vadodara are other major cities of the state. So, plan a trip to the state to experience its distinct aura, its rich culture and also to enjoy its traditional dances. Savouring delectable cuisines and spotting rare wildlife add more to your vacationing experience in the state.

Wild Adventures in Gujarat : Gujarat is known for its varied habitat and housing a fascinating variety of wildlife. Gujarat is home to a variety of forests and wetlands that include the dry deciduous forests like the Gir, magnificent grasslands like those found at Velavadar, vast landscapes providing shelter to rare animals in habitats like the Little Rann of Kutch, marines ecosystems such as those found near the Pirotan Islands, wetland habitats such as the Narlsarovar and the rich moist deciduous forests like those found in the thick forests of the Dangs.

Gujarat’s varied land forms also provide shelter to some extremely rare wildlife. You can see the rare Asiatic lion found only in Gir, the wildass found only in the Rann of Kutch. You can also spot the Great Indian Bustard, one of the most threatened birds found in certain protected areas of the state. The Chowsingha - the world’s only four-horned antelope, Dugong – a marine mammal resembling a seal are other rare animals that you can spot in the state.

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is the wildlife protected area of Gujarat, which provides natural habitat to a variety of animals and avian species. Besides Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, the state has a number of other wildlife parks that include Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Vansda National Park, Blackbuck National Park, Marine National Park, Wild Ass Sanctuary, Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Narayan Sarovar Chinkara Sanctuary, Thol Wildlife Sanctuary, Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary and Porbandar Bird Sanctuary.



Temples and Holy shrines in Gujarat : Gujarat has temples, mosques, churches, temples, synagogues, gurudwaras and the holy places of almost every religion of the world. Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar is one of the finest contemporary temples in India. A sand-stone temple, Akshardham is carved with state-of-art technologies like fibre-optics. Sound and light shows, multi-media, audio visual shows etc. are other attractions of the temple.




Gujarat is home to a number of other Hindu temples namely Ambaji temple (Somnath), the Balaji temple and ISKON temple (Ahmedabad) Swaminarayan temples (Sarangpur, Gadhada and Gondal), Jain temple complexes (Palitana, Girnar, Sankeshwar, Mahudi, Taranga and Kumbharia). Besides temples, the Dargah of Mira Datar attracts Muslism pilgrims and people of other religions in large number. Parsee fire temples of Sanjan and Udwada are other major holy places of the state.

Fairs and Festivals in Gujarat : People of Gujarat celebrate a number of fairs and festivals all through the year. Among the festivals of Gujarat, the Navratri is the most important festival of the state. During the festival cultural troupes from SAARC nations and other foreign countries are invited to perform in Ahmedabad. Far from the regular tourist trappings, the nine days festival is a circle of ecstasy which goes on non-stop for nine brimming nights and is dedicated to Maa Amba, the Goddess of Shakti.

During Navratri, dancers young and old, from children to grandmothers, enjoy Garba and Dandiya-Ras. Another popular festival of the state is the Sharad Utsav celebrated in Kutch during October. Every year the International Kite Festival is held in Ahmedabad in the month of January. People from all over the world display exotic kites of various designs. Cuisine and crafts display are also enjoyed by participants and spectators.

Handicrafts of Gujarat : Handicrafts reflect the innately artistic nature of the Gujaratis. As you wind up your Gujarat trip, carry home handicrafts of Gujarat to live with you a lifetime. In fact, Gujarati handicrafts has put its stamp on the textile market with its excellent quality and varied designs. Check out the exquisite silk sarees from Patan, rogan and zari prints of Surat, tanchhoi or silk brocades of Surat. The tie ‘n’dye of Jamnagar is also very popular. Traditional motifs in bandhani work in silk and cotton is the house style here.



Another Gujarati art is hand painted cloth fashioned to make bedspreads, wall hangings, teble cloths etc. The colourful costumes of the Rabaris (a pastoral community) can be turned into Gypsy styled ghaghras or full length skirts, blouses and waistcoats. Brss covered wooden chests or pataras of Bhavnagar and Mahuva come in various size. Ivory and rosewood inlay is used to fashion souvenirs like nut-crackers, paperknives, handles for walking sticks etc. Wood carving is an ancient art of Gujarat which has now attained a very high standard of technical skill. Wood carvers produce life-like figures of animals, artists objects of daily use such as teapots, stools, table lamps, toys for children etc.

Jharkhand – A Heaven in a Package

Set in the eastern part of India, Jharkhand in one of the most charming destinations of the country. With its wealth of flora and fauna, indigenous rich culture, magnificent ancient temples, fossilized flora and a beautiful hill station, Jharkhand makes a popular destination for global tourists visiting India. In fact, every time the traveller visiting Jharkhand get confused in what to see and what to leave. Because the state house a number of tourist attractions and offers excellent opportunity to experience the tribal culture and traditions.

Now the big question before everyone raise. From where one should start his trip in Jharkhand. I would suggest you to start your journey from Betla National Park known for its tiger population. Spend a night with the cheetals, your morning on elephant back, tracking the tigers or watching a bunch of elephants slough off mud in the numerous waterholes. If you want to know more about wildlife then walk into the Nature Interpretation Centre, that houses stuffed animals and birds, snakes and lizards in formalin, tiger pawa case in plaster of paris and animal scat bottled and labelled.

For adding a little history and culture into your journey, drive to Palamau Fort that was built by the Chero King Raja Medini Rai, around 400 years ago. Here the Purana Qila (Old Fort) stands as a sentinel on a hilltop on the banks of Auranga river while the Naya Qila (New Fort) lies on a neigbouring hilltop.

Next head to Netarhat which is known for the number of bureaucrats who passed out the Public School. Also known as the Queen of Hills, Netarhat is a wonderful weekend getaway from Ranchi. Bestowed with lush green sal trees and the shimmering Koel river, Netarhat makes every aesthete’s dream vacation. Best moments in Netarhat are during the sunrise from the tower of the Tourist Bungalow and the sunset from Magnolic Point.

If you are in the mood for experiencing something unusual, then must drive or take a train to Rajmahal, the abode of the Viceroy and a mint town from 1639-1660. Nowadays Rajmahal is every anthropologist's favourite on the holiday itinerary. Here resides immense fossilised flora preserved as impression, cast and petrifications.

Those who are interested in birds, must head to Sahebganj / Rajmahal to sit by the lake and watch the winged delights in Udhwa Bird Sanctuary. Jami Masjid is another major attraction in Rajmahal, which was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar’s trusted general Raja Maan Singh in 1592.

If you are looking for pilgrimage vacation in the state, then Maluti should be a destination. The sleepy town is dotted with numerous temples and steeped in divinity. Here you will feel that temples take cue from the Shikara and Bengali style of architecture are actually made of teracotta. The brown temples of Medieval Age give Maluti a very distinct earthy tone. Lord Shiva is the ruling god of Maluti, but you will also find temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga. Most of the temples in Maluti depict scenes from the epic Mahabharata and the Ramayana.

No trip to Jhanrkhand is complete without experiencing the tribal life. Chottanagpur plateau is considered one of the oldest settlements in the world. Traces of the ancient culture can be seen in the rock art in Isko dating back to mid-Stone Age and lower Paleolithin Age tool in Ramgarh, Barkagaon and other areas close to the river Damodar.

For centuries, the tribals of Jharkhand are adhered to their indigenous culture, speaking a very different language and each following different religious rituals. As the tribals lived in harmony with nature forever, so most of the rituals are pagan, especially obvious in such festivals are Sarhul and Karma. Sarhul is a spring festival during which the flowers of sal tree are brought to a sacred place and the tribal priest offers prayers to gods. Karma festival is more pagan in its nuances, having a closer link with the nature. However, the young tribal girls celebrate this festival for the health and prosperity of their brothers.

On the whole, Jharkhand offers much more to travellers. In fact, as a traveller you would never be disappointed and as a stranger you would always feel at home.

Andhra Pradesh

South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is fourth largest state in India by area and population. Popularly called the "Rice Bowl of India", Andhra Pradesh is bordered by the states of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to the west. Considered as the gateway to South India, Andhra Pradesh is a historical place and ruled by several dynasties and rulers over the centuries. All over the state you can see a number of forts and palaces that provide a glimpse of the bygone ear. Andhra Pradesh had been the major centre for Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims. Andhra Pradesh is dotted with numerous temples, Buddhist sites and mosques that draws tourists and pilgrims every year. Broadly we can divide the tourism aspects of Andhra Pradesh in various categories which are as follow.

Andhra Pradesh Heritage Tourism : Andhra Pradesh has wealth of edifices and heritage structures, that draw tourists from all over the world. Be it historical or religious, the monuments of the state bear a testimony to their master craftsmanship. Erected several centuries ago, the monuments of Andhra Pradesh are visual feast for tourists. Charminar in the capital city Hyderabad is one of the splendid piece of architecture. Standing in the heart of the city, the magnificent monument was built by Quli Qutub Shah in 1591. Adjacent to Charminar, Mecca Masjid is an architectural masterpiece and it also one of the largest mosques in India.

Golconda Fort, just 9 kms away from old city is another jewel of Hyderabad. Constructed by Mohd Quli Qutub Shah in 1525, the fort stands as the epitome of Islamic culture and grandeur. Chandragiri, one the capital of Vijaynagar empire is home to the massive fort and mahals. A splendid piece of architecture, Chandragiri Fort stands on a 183 m high hill and houses two mahals (palaces) including the Raj Mahal. Besides the historical structures, Andhra Pradesh is home to around 50 Buddhist sites. In Hyderabad in the middle of Hussain Sagar lies the huge monolithic 17 m high statue of Buddha. Amaravati, set on the banks of river Krishna is present-day Guntur and believed to be one of the oldest Buddhist sites having the largest stupa in the country.

Andhra Pradesh Pilgrim Tourism : Towns of Andhra Pradesh are home to innumerable temples which attracts tourists and pilgrims all through the year. Andhra Pradesh houses the richest Hindu religious institution, Tirupati. The abode of Lord Venkateswara, Tirupati earns an annual income of Rs 100 billion, from the offerings of devotees. Pattuparthy, a small village of Andhra Pradesh is the home of Sri Satya Sai Baba, considered to be a living god by millions. People seeking peace of mind and soul make a beeline to visit the Prasanthi Nilayam, an imposing edifice at Puttaparthy. Srisailam is another revered pilgrimage centre of Andhra Pradesh and it is home to one of the 18 shaktipithas and one of the 12 jyothirlings. Vijayawada has the second biggest temple of Goddess Durga also known as Kanaka Durga. Veerabhadra temple of the town is known for typical Vijayanagar architectural style and art. Bhadrachalam temple is another important temple of Vijayanagar. Mangaliri situated between Vijayawada and Guntur is also a temple town. Vemulavada is popular for the Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple complex, which houses the temple of Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy and temples dedicated to other deities namely Ram, Laxman, Ganesh, Lord Bhimeshwara and Lord Padmanabha Swamy.

Andhra Pradesh Culture and Cuisine : Andhra Pradesh, a culturally land is known for its traditional festivals and musical heritage. Besides, the cuisine of the state is a delight for food lovers. Andhra Pradesh cuisine is dominated by vegetarian food and sea food is preferred in the coastal areas. Pulihote or tamarind rice is the main food of Andhra Pradesh which is served alongwith green chillies, pickles and chutneys. Fish and prawns are favourite seafood that are eaten with rice. Hyderabadi food is the highlight of the Andhra cuisine. Biryani of Hyderabad is famous all over the country and liked by the visitors. Among the traditional festivals of Andhra Pradesh, Sankranti is an important one for rural folk. Mahashivarathri is another important festival which is celebrated with great fervour across the state. Andhra’s musical heritage is legendary, all the three legendary personalities of Carnatic Music Trinity – Thagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Shashtri were of Telugu descent.

Andhra Pradesh Eco Tourism : Andhra Pradesh has a 1,000 km long coastline, a vast forest area spread over an area of 11,980 sq. km with 20 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that provide natural habitat to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Bestowed with such natural jewells, Andhra Pradesh offers excellent opportunities for eco tourism. Andhra Pradesh government has introduced programmes to increase awareness about nature, the environment and its conservation. Tyda is an important and famous spot for eco-tourism. Set in the lush forests of the Eastern Ghats, Tyda provides an idyllic holiday to the common tourists, ornithologists and adventure enthusiasts. Talakona, 76 kms from Tirupati is famous for its gushing waterfalls, dense forests, varied wildlife, picture perfect setting and pleasant atmosphere. Other popular eco-tourism spots of Andhra Pradesh are Belum Caves, Borra Caves, Ettipthala Waterfalls and Durgamcheruvu lake.


Andhra Pradesh Medical Tourism : Medical Tourism is new kind of tourism that is growing day by day. In general, Medical tourism can be defined as provision of cost effective private medical care in collaboration with the tourism industry for patients needing surgical and other forms of specialised treatment. Due to availability of medical facilities at a reasonable cost, Andhra Pradesh draws large number of tourists every year. Andhra Pradesh has made special mark in areas like alternative medicine, traditional healing systems and rejuvenation therapy. The state has several associations, ashrams and centres offering courses in Pranic Healing, Reiki, Siddha Samadhi Yoga and Art of Living. So, visit Andhra Pradesh and experience a whole new of getting cured and felling better.

Andra Pradesh Business Tourism : Andhra Pradesh has became popular as a business tourism destination in last few years. All the roads for business tourism lead to Hyderabad which provides an ideal base for international conventions, meetings or trade shows. Hyderabad is accessible to most important cities of India by air, rail and road, makes it the perfect destination for the business traveller. The convention centres in Hyderabad are easily accessible from five star hotels, shopping centres, resorts and theme parks. Hyderabad’s potential as a tourist destination also makes it a favourite place for business travellers. After most the day has been taken up with meetings and conferences, one would surely like to unwind. Hyderabad offers wonderful options.

Uttarakhand – A treasure trove of Natural Wonders

Once the part of northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand came into existence on November 9, 2000. Earlier known as Uttaranchal, the state was renamed as Uttarakhand recently on the approval of the state assembly.

Situated in the north east of the country, Uttarakhand is bounded by the mighty Indian Himalayas and shares its international borders with China and Nepal. Uttarkkhand is boundaried by the states Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, of Indian Republic. Dehra Dun is the capital city of the state, other important place are Mussoorie, Haridwar and Rishikesh.

Blessed with natural wonders like lofty peaks, shimmering lakes and streams, lush dense forests, pleasant climate, numerous adventure sport destinations and important Hindu pilgrimage centres, Uttarakhand draws visitors from all over the world. Visit the beautiful state to get a close look of nature and its marvellous wonders.

Uttarakhand People and Culture : People of Uttarakhand are known as Garhwali and Kumaoni or also referred as ‘Pahari’, meaning the people of the mountains. About 90 per cent of the state population is Hindus, rest of the population include people following Islam, Buddhism or other religions. Garhwali is the main language of Uttarakhand, Hindi is also used extensively in almost all the parts of the state.

Uttarakhand region’s age old art, crafts, dance and music has always remained a major attraction for visitors. Often considered as the heartland of Hindu culture, the culture of Uttarakhand presents a fine blend of exoticism as well as philosophy. A number of festival are celebrated in the state all through the year. Some of the famous festivals include Makar Sankranti (Ghughutia), Basant Panchami, Phooldei, Harela, Batsavitri and Ganga Dusshera. Uttrakhand also celebrates major Indian festivals such as Holi, Diwali, Navratri, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha and Christmas.

Several religious fairs are also held in Uttarakhand that include Kumbh Mela / Ardh Kumbh Mela (Haridwar – evert 12th /6th year), Devidhura Mela (Champawat), Purnagiri Mela (Champawat), Nanda Devi Mela (Almora), Gauchar Mela (Chamoli), Baisakhi (Uttarakashi), Maga Mela (Uttarkashi), Uttaraini Mela (Bageshwar), Vishu Mela (Jaunsar Vavar), Peerane-Kaliyar (Roorkee), and Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra held every 12th year.

Uttarakhand Wildlife : From the foothills of the Great Himalayas to its snow-clad mountains, the landscape of Uttarakhand is home to a wide variety of wildlife and avian species. Set in the heart of the mighty Himalayas, Uttarakhand is bestowed with a luxurious expanse of forest. In Uttarakhand the alpine and deciduous forests run from its snow-covered peaks to the Shivalik foothills. Uttarakhand’s numerous wildlife sanctuaries and parks, offer the nature lovers an abundance of animal and plant life and breathtakingly picturesque landscapes. Some of the prominent wildlife sanctuaries of Uttarakhand include Corbett National Park (Kumaon), Nanda Devi National Park (Chamoli District), Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (Chamoli Dist), Valley of Flowers (Garhwal), Rajaji National Park and Assan Barrage Wetland (Dehradun).

Uttarakhand Natural Wonders : Uttarakhand holds many natural enchantments, even for the seasoned traveller within its mystic mountains. Uttarakhand has several picturesque hill stations that include Nainital, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Ranikhet and Almora. The state is home to mighty glaciers, shimmering lakes and beautiful hill stations. The famous glaciers of the state are Pindari, Milam, Gangotri, Khatling, Sundar Dhunga, Dukhroni, Chetrangi and Jumdar. The glaciers creep down from the mountains to the rock-studded valleys, carrying with them leftover snow and form a stream of solid ice. Uttarakhand has a number of sparkling lakes namely Sahastratal, Sattal, Bhimtal, Nachketatal, Kadaktal, Bhadarsartal, Kakbushandital and Vasukhital.


Uttarakhand Adventure: Raging rivers, little known un-explored trekking routes leading into the dense forests teeming with wildlife and snow-clap mountains, Uttarakhand comes close to any adventure enthusiasts dream. About 90 percent of the state’s area is rugged and mountainous, and hence offer ideal conditions for adventure sports like trekking, kayaking, skiing and rafting. Usually the adventure season in Uttarakhand extends from September to June and the state has no shortage of facilities for those who want to ride the waves or the slopes. On the whole, the state boasts a competent base of reliable adventure outfits.

Uttarakhand Pilgrimage : Whether you are looking to align your chakras, chant your way to tranquility or visit the country’s important holy shrines, all signposts point toward, Uttarakhand. The Great Himalayas, are a land of magic and kingdom of gods. Most of Uttarakhand holy sites are set at an altitude of some 10,000 ft above sea level. Travellers usually start their journey to Uttarakhand pilgrimage sites in April and complete the pilgrimage by Deepawali in November.

The sources of river Ganga and Yamuna is the setting for some of Uttarakhand’s holiest shrines, especially the famous Chardham pilgrimage circuit. Chardham comprises the pilgrimage points of Badrinath, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Yamunotri. Your journey of faith starts at Haridwar that lead further to Rishikesh. From Rishikesh move towards Yamunotri followed by Uttarkashi, considered the centre of Chardham Yatra. Kedarnath is your next halt, from where you will proceed to Badrinath to commemorate your pilgrimage of the Chardham.

Tamil Nadu – The Land of Multiple Hues

Tamil Nadu, often referred to as the ‘Land of Tamils’ is a favourite haunt for domestic and global tourists. Set in South India, Tamil Nadu shares boundaries with states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. One of the most picturesque coastal states of India, Tamil Nadu is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu, other important places are Madurai, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Coimbatore, Kanyakumari, Thanjavur, Trichy and Rameshwaram.

Tamil Nadu is a historic place, boasts of rich cultural heritage and traditions. Monolithic chariots, peculiar styles to build temples, mosques and churches and the depiction of numerous deities are the hallmark of Tamil Nadu’s legacy. Besides, the ornate temples and massive forts & monuments present a perfect example of the Dravidian culture, art and architecture. You will find a great diversity in the state, people of many beliefs live together, worship and respect all other religions.

Boasts of 900 kms long coastline, Tamil Nadu is home to a number of fine beaches, including the Chennai’s Marina Beach, the world’s second largest beach. Rich and varied wildlife, dry and evergreen forests, charming mountains, meandering lakes and shimmering waterfalls, add more to the beauty of Tamil Nadu. On the whole, a trip to Tamil Nadu is once in a lifetime experience and you should plan your next vacation to this charming state.

World Heritage Sites in Tamil Nadu : Tamil Nadu has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Mamallapuram is perhaps the most important of the five Heritage Sites. Situated between a beach and lagoon, Mamallapuram is easily reachable from Chennai within an hour by car. Mamallapuram is famous for its five exquisite rathas (chariots) and the elegantly carved bas relief depicting Arjuna’s Penance. Among the temples, the 17th century Shore Temple, constructed by King Rajasimha is unique as it has both Shiva and Vishnu Shrines.

Pilgrimage in Tamil Nadu : Tamil Nadu is popular known as the land of temples. In Tamil Nadu the temples are more than a thousand years old and they were built in the Dravidian style of architecture with huge gateways (gopurams) and towering vimanas. You can travel from Chennai down to coastal town of Kannyakumari to see hundreds of places of worship, each having its own interesting legend. Chidambaram Temple and Kannyakumari Temple are important temples of the town. One of the five holiest Shiva temples, Chidambaram temple is abundantly decorated with sculptures and different postures of Bharatanatyam are pictures on its walls.

Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is famous for its sheer size and it has 12 magnificent gopurams which are elaborately sculptured and painted. Ramanathswamy Temple in Rameshwaram is one of the most sacred shrines of Hindus. Just 45 kms from Chennai, the Tirupporur Temple is an ancient Pallava temple. For those who believe in astrology, Navagraha temples are an important pilgrimage. Sri Ranganathaswami Temple (Srirangam) is most important shrine for Vaishnavas and houses a reclining form of Lord Vishnu.

Tamil Nadu was also an important place for Christians and it is home to a number of churches. San Thome Basilica in Chennai and Velankanni Church at Nagapatinam (350 km from Chennai) are prominent churches of the state. The Nagore Dargah of Meeran Sahib is a famous pilgrimage centre for Muslims. Set 4 km north of Nagapattinam, the dargah is visited by Muslims and people from other religions as well.

People and Culture of Tamil Nadu : Tamil Nadu has a very hoary history and its culture is rich in its diversity. Folk dances, way of dressing, rituals and behaviors and a sumptuous platter provide a rich texture to the state. Every household begins the day with the ritual cleaning of the front threshold and the ground is decorated with intricate rangoli and kolam patterns.

Dressing of the state people is unique, the men wear the dhothi (unstitched cloth), a shirt is worn on the upper part and an angavastram (upper cloth) slung over the shoulders. Muslims wear lungi as formal wear, while the women wear traditional nine yards sari. As People of Tamil Nadu celebrate a number of festival all through the year. Despite the religious differences, people celebrate each others festivals with great pomp and gaiety. Pongal is the most important festival of Tamil Nadu, which marks the beginning of Utharaayanm, when the Sun enters the sign of Makaram or Capricorn on January 13. Food also form an important part of the state’s culture that include a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Art and Craft : Tamil Nadu is the place where various vibrant and creative art forms existed over the centuries. Tamil Nadu’s range of handicraft is endless, in fact, every region produces a unique product of its own. From exquisite silk sarees and metalware lamps to terracotta horses and stone-encrusted jewellery, Tamil Nadu’s treasure include a wealth of handicraft. Tamil Nadu is also famous for leather craft, jewellery, pottery, metal ware, Tanjore paintings and Sarees. Kanchipuram, Kumbakonam, Coimbatore, Madurai and Arani are famous for its exquisite sarees in silk and cotton. Sandalwood carvings and sculptures, bronze statuses and highly popular amongst the travellers. Tanjore paintings which originated in the 10th century depict images of Hindu gods and goddesses embossed with plaster and covered with gold foil and precious stones.

Wildlife of Tamil Nadu : Of the total area of Tamil Nadu, about 18 percent is covered with rich and varied flora and fauna. Tamil Nadu has 17 wildlife sanctuaries and 5 national parks, that house a variety of wildanimals including tigers, elephants and many other wild animals. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalakadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Mundanthurai Tiger Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Snake Park and Crocodile Bank are the prominent wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of the state.

Beaches of Tamil Nadu : Tamil Nadu’s Coromandel coast has some of the finest beaches of world. Chennai’s Marina Beach is the second longest beach of the world. Mahabalipuram Beach, Rameshwaram Beach, Kanyakumari Beach and Covelong Beach are other important beaches of Tamil Nadu.

Hill Stations of Tamil Nadu : India’s famous mountain ranges, western ghats and eastern ghat meet in the Nilgiri ranges of the state. You will find a number of picturesque hill stations on these mountain ranges. Ooty or Udhagamandalam), Kodaikanal, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Yercaud and Velliangiri are the famous hill stations of Tamil Nadu