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A Classical Amalgamation Of Culture And Heritage

Tamil nadu is fast, gaining the strong attention of tourists worldwide like never before and the state tourism department has taken efforts to provide for world class infrastructure. This has resulted in the administrative forces working together for a common cause, to promote tourism through vivid and interesting culture and heritage on which the state rides high. Tamil Nadu is located alongside the coastline of Bay of Bengal, and her western border is flanked by breathtaking sights of the western ghats which fulfils even the minute desires of nature and adventure lovers. This state is also a home to the rarest confluence of three oceans, namely Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal where a memorial is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda. Apart from this the sunrise and sunset here is a joy of beauty that is beyond explanation, especially on full moon days. The state is highly industrialised and the metropolitan state capital, Chennai is now the best-sought destination in India for its state of the art health care units, IT, biotechnology and is also known as the automobile capital of the country. For tourists who have visited this state, Tamil Nadu is not just a state with pilgrimage centres, beach resorts, theme parks but a destination where the ancient past continues to shape a dynamic present.

Etched in the sands of time are the voluminous manuscripts dated several thousand years back, which proves the existence of culture and style from our ancestors which has not forgone any change even today. Tamil Nadu's vivid history spans more than 2000 years and there goes a saying the older it gets the finer it becomes and the legacy left behind in the form of sculptures, monuments, and art takes tourists into the virtual past. The state’s boasts three monarch dynasties - Cheras, Cholas and Pandyan who have left indelible marks not only in influencing present day culture and tradition but also exposing to the world the grandeur of their marvellous creations. The Pandyan legend king Kulasekara founded the city of Madurai in 6th century BC in a place believed to be the spot where a few drops of nectar fell from Lord Siva’s locks, when he came down there to bestow his blessings.

Pandyas are also associated with Madurai's older and perhaps more absorbing and enthralling legend of the mother goddess Menakshi, who was born to king Malayatwasan and queen Kachanamala of the Pandyan dynasty.

Tamil Nadu is renowned worldwide for its excellent temple architecture, thanks to the Chola dynasty (the longest by a dynasty in Indian history). Cholas are the greatest builders of temples in the state and this can be discerned by the architectural style adopted by them, especially at the Brahadeeshwar temple in Tanjore, which pioneered a startling perspective to temple conception. They also introduced Bharat Natyam (Tamil Nadu's traditional dance praising the mythological gods and goddess) as a temple dance and several martial dances viz Simhaattam, silambam, marpor, jalli kattu. The tourism department of Tamil Nadu is keeping that tradition alive by organising dance festivals from time to time in various temples which have emerged as strong pilgrimage destinations.

It was about 600 AD that the Pallavas gained a stronghold in the northern part of Tamil Nadu with Kancheepuram as their capital. They have also created world-renowned monuments in that region. The Pallavas are responsible for the construction of the famous Mahabalipuram in the 7th century AD. Mahabalipuram is filled with unique monuments including sculptural panels, monolithic panels, structural architecture and cave temples. The beauty of this place is that all the monuments were created out of rocks. These rock monuments are a blend of mythological episodes, epic battles, demons, men and animals. The most famous and elegant of them are the five chariots, the shore temple and Arjuna’s penance.

Another major attraction for temple lovers in Kancheepuram, the ‘Golden City of Temples’ once a proud capital of the Pallavas, Cholas, Vijayanagar kings, the Muslims and then the British. But Kancheepuram is not just a city with temples. Out of this place, comes one of the world's most elegant clothing - the Kancheepuram silk sari.

Kancheepuram is just one of the many places in Tamil Nadu that protects its heritage and culture to this day.

If the temples in Kancheepuram zap you, then Tanjore will hold you spellbound. It is another major heritage spot filled with temples. The place is also known for its exquisite handicrafts, pith models, South Indian musical instruments and above all its bronzes. Connoisseurs of art worldover revere the paintings in Tanjore. The Cholas who were responsible for the growth of Tanjore were great administrators and builders, not just of temples but of other public structures too. During their reign, metal casting and making of bronze figures developed to a speciality, an outstanding example of which is the beautiful sculpture of the Cosmic Dancer at Chidambaram. Tanjore is known for its bronze and other metal carvings even today - a remnant of the legacy that was left behind by the greatest dynasty that ruled the South.

Tamil Nadu’s heritage is not just its temples and saris. It spans across education, culture and music as well. And these traits come from time immemorial. Though it is not possible to date the exact period when the great Tamil Sangams [groups] flourished, historians say that two Samgams were held well before the Christian era and the third between 100 and 250 AD. The Tamil Sangam is the a major source of knowledge about the administration, art, architecture and economic conditions that existed then. They mark the golden era of Tamil literature.

Tiruvalluvar's Thirukkural which has been translated into many Indian and foreign languages consists of 1330 couplets about morality in private and public life combined with some of life's greatest truths. It is one of Tamil Nadu's gift to the world of poetry. Other great works by Tamilians include those by the saint-poetess Avviayar; Pathupatu or Ten Idylls which is a compilation of the work of several authors on philosophy, intermingled with descriptions of the natural world; and Ettuthogai or the eight anthologies. Of these, the last is historically the most important as it contains a description of the daily life of the people. This collection of poems is the earliest of its kind recorded in the history of Tamil Nadu.

Later years saw other great poets like the Nayanmars, the Alwars and the poet Kamban who composed the Tamil version of Ramayana.

When it comes to art and culture, Tamil Nadu represents the quintessence of Dravidian culture. The state has been the home of Dravidianism across the ages except during the last 300 years, when the British added a ‘continental tinge’ to Tamil culture. As the Dravidian dynasties entrenched themselves, they nurtured temple music and art at places like Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli and Madurai. Nataraja - The Dancing Shiva was conceived by Vira Chola Raja at Chidambaram (940 AD). Thyagraja who lived in the 17th century he initiated a new genre in music – Carnatic Music. He enriched the musical reservoir of Sama Veda with his own vision and aesthetics, thereby inaugurating a singularity of rhythm, note and scale that thrives even today.

The wonders of the bygone eras can be found today at the Art Gallery (Chennai); Museum (Chennai), Kalakshetra, the National Art Gallery, the Government Museum, Cholamandal Artists Village, Kapaleeswarar, Art Gallery (Ooty) and Saraswathi Mahal Library (Thanjavur).

Every district in Tamil Nadu is rich with its own heritage and culture. There are many other tourist attractions like age-old churches and temples of monumental dimensions, whose history and glory can be traced back to ancient periods. They are a constant reminder of the fact that this was a place where once great minds had worked for great causes.

The culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu has for long been a mystery. One of the main reasons for this is because unlike other places, the rulers of Tamil Nadu, often from opposing dynasties, far from destroying the cultures they overran, developed theirs over the foundation of the fallen empire giving birth to unique new cultures and heritage. The result is what we are reaping today - a land filled with the rich resources of the past, an art form passed from generation to generation that is in existence even today. Or it could be the glorious churches and temples that bring serene peace for all who visit them.

Cultural Extravaganza - Mamallapuram
Mahabalipuram, situated near Chennai, is full of unique monuments, comprising of sculptural panels, monolithic panels, and structural architecture and cave temples. It has been declared as a world heritage destination. The Pallavas are responsible for the construction of Mahabalipuram in 7th century AD. The beauty of this place is that all the monuments were created out of solid rocks. These rock monuments emphasise on mythological episodes, epic battles, demons, men and animals. The most famous and elegant of them are the five chariots, the shore temple and Arjuna’s penance. Mamallapuram is other name for Mahabalipuram. Looking at the increasing influx of domestic and inbound tourists, the tourism department in the state has created a golden triangle circuit that connects Mamallapuram with Senji and Kancheepuram and this has become an instant hit. The state tourism department has been organising a mega event - the Dance Festival of Mamallapuram - every year from December 25 to January 15 to highlight the culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu to the world. This cultural extravaganza is declared open normally on the eve of Christmas. The grand New Year’s Eve and the famous Pongal [harvest festival] celebrations during this dance festival makes it the ultimate colourful event. The organising of the dance festival in the peak tourist season enables all the foreign tourists to witness and enjoy the cultural feast of India. It also gives them an insight about the various performing arts and heritage which has been carefully preserved even to this day.

Special arts and handicrafts fairs will also be unveiled for tourists to carry home an ever-lasting memory of their visit to this unique destination. According to the tourism department in the state, Mamallapuram, recorded approximately 1,42,000 tourist arrivals during 2001 December-January alone.

The most important aspect of Tamil Nadu is the speciality cuisine, which has captured many hearts all over the world. The department of tourism will also be organising food fairs and food courts. Apart from this, special tour packages in and around Mamallapuram will be in the offing. The tourism department will also be finalising various tourism activities which will have a special bearing on the eve of the dance festival.

Rendezvous with Nature
There are 5 national parks and 17 wildlife sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu. It is blessed with the unique distinction of having the Nilgiris and Gulf of Mannar marine biosphere along with certain plant sanctuaries. The flora and fauna found in these forests and lands are spectacular and some are endangered species. In recent times, this tourism segment has gained immense popularity and is now turning out to be a perfect destination for educational and adventure tourism. These forests can be explored by trekking, hang gliding and other adventure sports. Rolling meadows, lush green valleys, cascading water falls, salubrious climate, cloud capped peaks, whispering woods, undulating tea estates, coffee plantations, wild animals, chirping of birds are some of the attractions there. Amidst them is a sylvan trail taking you to a still more serene ambience. For adventure-loving tourists this is a place to explore a new relationship with nature. TamilNadu is also called The Land of Enduring Heritage. The Bay of Bengal encompasses the state in southern peninsular India on the East, Western Ghat Mountains on the West, the Indian Ocean on the South and the Deccan Plateau on the North. The topography of Tamil Nadu is delightfully varied and diverse. Of the 1,30,058 sq km. Land area, 17.6 per cent is covered with forest area. These spreads over the plain and on mountain slopes. Dry lands are bestowed with dry deciduous forests, thorn forests, scrubs and mangroves making it a perfect paradise for trekking and the tourism department is facilitating for various adventure sporting activities in chosen places. The Western Ghats and a few cooler regions are endowed with moist deciduous, wet evergreen forests, sholas and grasslands. Some of the favourite wildlife sanctuaries, which attract lot of tourists, are listed below.

Indira Gandhi WildLife Sanctuary
Spread over 958 sq kms, this sanctuary can be reached through Topslip in Anamalai Hills on the Western Ghats. An ecological paradise, this sanctuary encompasses a National Part with an area of 108 sq km. Abutting Kerala on the West, this hill forest boasts of thick growth of trees, folds of terrains with evergreen sholas. About 800 species out of 2000 South Indian flora are distributed here.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary National Park
This sanctuary is located where the Nilgiri Hills, the offshoot of the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. The Mudumalai Wildlife sanctuary has varied mixture of flat land, undulating parkland, open grassland, swamp, valleys and nullas. The Mayyar River in this region forms a series of spectacular cascades on its way. 65 kms. Away from Udhagamandalam [Ooty] and situated along the Udhaga-mandalam - Mysore highway, this sacntuary could be reached from Mysore as well.

This 321 sq kms Wide sanctuary encompasses a National Park measuring an area of 103 sq kms The vegetation is varied. Primarily moist deciduous. It becomes dry deciduous towards Bandhipur, mainly mixed forests with Bamboos (Bambusa arundinacea (, Natural teak (tectona greandis), Anogeissus - lafifolia, Terminalia, Crenulata / Teminalia tomontasa, Grewia, and blooming trees like Indian labumusum, Aredesia, Solanancea are some of the flora. The fauna include Elephants, Gaur, Bonnet Macaque, Common langur, tigers and leopards, chital, dhole panther, Sloth Bear, Python, barking deer, Four-Horned Antelope, Crocodiles (mugger), giant flying squirrel, Sambar, Hyena, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Jackal Hare, Porcupine and Mongoose.

This Birds listed in this sanctuary are peacock-our national bird, grey jungle fowl, the red spur fowl, the grey partridge quails, goggle eyed power, Malabar whistling thrush, large racket - tailed dronge, the shama, the magpie-robin, spotted babbler, snall green barbet, green pigeons, little prey, eagles, hawks, buzzards, harriers, falcons and king vulture are predominant, berides some migratory water birds, From Udhagamandalam you can (Base camp at Parson's valley) trek to this sanctuary and the Mukkurthi National Park.

Mukkurthi National Park
Located on the high altitudes of the Nilgiris, comprising rolling downs interspersed with temperate shalas, this park is also a part of Nilgiri Biosphere reserve and situated 40 kms from Udhagamandalam. It contains a viable population of Nilgiri Thar (Hamitragus-hilocrius), Sambar, Barking deer, Nilgiri marten and ofter, Jungle cat, Jackal, etc. Avifauna consists of hillbirds viz Laughing and whistling thrushes, woodcock, wild pigeon and black eagle. Butterflies with Himalayan affinity like the Blue Admiral, Indian Red Admiral, Indian Fritillary, Indian Cabbage white, Hedge blues and rainbow trouts can also be seen.

Trekking routes exist from Parsan valley, portimund, pykara etc. Trout fishing is recommended in the rivers and lakes of Mukurthi. Permission from Asst. Director, Fisheries Department, Udhagai must be obtained in advance for fishing.

Kalakkadu wild life Sanctuary and Mundanthurai wild like sanctuary
These are situated in an extensive preserve declared as a "Project Tiger Reserve"

Kalakkadu
Kalakkadu Wild Life Sanctuary is situated in an 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 evergreen 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, Pangoline 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.