Tourism in Tamil Nadu

Archaeological evidence points to Tamil Nadu being inhabited for more than 400 millennia and has more than 5,500 years of continuous cultural history.

With its diverse culture and architecture, long coastline with beaches, dense forests and mountains of Western and Eastern ghats, Tamil Nadu has a robust tourism industry which contributes significantly to the GDP of the state.

Historically, Tamil Nadu had been inhabited by hominids more than 400 millennia ago and has more than 5,500 years of continuous cultural history.

In the 1970s while the economy of Tamil Nadu consistently exceeded national average growth rates, due to reform-oriented economic policies and the tourism industry started to develop subsequently.

[14] Tamil women traditionally wear a sari, a garment that consists of a drape varying from 5 yards (4.6 m) to 9 yards (8.2 m) in length and 2 feet (0.61 m) to 4 feet (1.2 m) in breadth that is typically wrapped around the waist, with one end draped over the shoulder, baring the midriff, as according to Indian philosophy, the navel is considered as the source of life and creativity.

[18] The men wear a dhoti, a 4.5 metres (15 ft) long, white rectangular piece of non-stitched cloth often bordered in brightly coloured stripes.

The region has a rich cuisine involving both traditional non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes comprising rice, legumes, and lentils.

[25] Idli, dosa, uthappam, Pesarattu, appam, pongal, and paniyaram are popular breakfast dishes in Tamil Nadu.

[27][28] Other regional folk dances include Karakattam, Kavadi, Kerala Natanam, Koodiyattam, Oyilattam and Puravaiattam.

[42] They are topped by the kalasam, a bulbous stone finial and function as gateways through the walls that surround the temple complex.

[44] The Cholas later expanded the same and by the Pandya rule in twelfth century, these gateways became a dominant feature of a temple's outer appearance.

Kavadi Aattam is a ceremonial act of sacrifice and offering practiced by devotees which is a central part of Thaipusam and emphasizes debt bondage.

Chennai is well-connected by land, sea, and air and serves as a major hub for entry into South India.

[71] Tamil Nadu has an extensive road network covering about 2.71 lakh km connecting all cities, towns and major villages.

[87] Dhanushkodi is an abandoned town at the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island in Gulf of Mannar with large beaches.

[88] Kanyakumari beach forms the southernmost tip of mainland India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet.

[89] Ariyaman Beach is located about 21 km (13 mi) from Rameswaram featuring large casuarina trees and is a center for water sports.

[90] Poompuhar was once the capital of Chola empire and a bustling port city that witnessed many historic events and the ancient beach is dotted with ruins and boulders.

[99] Doddabetta, the highest peak in Tamil Nadu is located close to Ooty and host a lake and the Government Botanical Garden.

[105] Established in the early 18th century, Government Museum and National Art Gallery in Chennai are amongst the oldest in the country.

[110] The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, built by the Pallavas in the 7th and 8th centuries has more than forty rock-cut temples and monoliths including one of the largest open-air rock reliefs in the world.

[111][112] Sittanavasal is a rock-cut monastery and temple attributed to Pandyas and Pallavas which consist of frescoes and murals from the 7th century, painted with vegetable and mineral dyes in over a thin wet surface of lime plaster.

[113][114][115] Kalugumalai consist of three rock-cut temples–Kalugumalai Jain Beds, Vettuvan Koil and Kalugasalamoorthy Temple, with rock relief sculptures dating back to Pandya period of 8th to 9th century.

[46] 84 of the 108 Divya Desams, which are Vishnu and Lakshmi temples that is mentioned in the works of the Alvars, the poet-saints of the Sri Vaishnava tradition are located in Tamil Nadu.

[122] Arupadaiveedu are six temples at Thiruparankundram, Tiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, Tiruttani, and Pazhamudircholai which are dedicated to Tamil God Murugan and mentioned in Sangam literature.

[133][134] Dhyanalinga is a yogic temple located at the Velliangiri, 30 km (19 mi) from Coimbatore with a 13.75 ft (4.19 m) tall Lingam and Adiyogi statue, the tallest bust of Shiva in the world.

[135][136] Erwadi in Ramanathapuram district houses an 840-year-old mosque and the annual santhanakoodu festival held during the Islamic month of Dhul Qidah attracts people of all faiths from different regions.

[139] The 16th-century Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health is located at Velankanni, about 12 km (7.5 mi) south of Nagapattinam on the Eastern coast.

[157][160] There are five declared elephant sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu as per Project Elephant–Agasthyamalai, Anamalai, Coimbatore, Nilgiris and Srivilliputtur.

[157] Tamil Nadu is a major center for medical tourism and Chennai is termed as "India's health capital".