Welcome to the sunny south – the cradle of Dravidian civilization, where customs and rituals have survived for 300 years.  The seat of several fine arts and shining silks, it is also home to Tamil, the oldest living language on the globe.  A nearly 1000 kilometre-long coastline tempts visitors with several ideal locations for sun and surf, amidst golden sands dotted with coconut palms and casuarina groves – not to mention the southern-most tip of India, Kanyakumari.

The state abounds in ancient monuments and temples, each with its own story of religious, artistic and cultural accomplishment, waiting to be heard.  Visitors also have a choice of some of the finest wildlife sanctuaries and hill resorts.

Of tourist interest: Meenakshi Temple, Tanjore paintings, Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Bharatanatyam dance, Kanyakumari, Vivekananda’s rock.

Capital : Chennai

Official Website : www.tamilnadutourism.org