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Fascinating culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu

TT Bureau — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 07:50:58 +0000

The rich culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu brings to life incredible pilgrimage and eco-tourism sites and creates a destination that is distinctive in every way

Tamil Nadu’s development is not linked with economic growth alone. The state’s development is inseparable from the culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu.

The state is home to the world’s oldest cultures, historical monuments, and sites, some of the most outstanding temple architecture, and has two clusters of World Heritage sites.

With its distinctive and ancient Dravidian culture, plus its myriad attractions, the culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu draw tourists, pilgrims, and business travellers.

Beaches, Hills and Wildlife

Tamil Nadu is home to some of South India’s best beaches. Marina Beach is a
12-km long stretch of fine sandy shore and is known as the Pride of Chennai; Kovalam Beach offers solace while Elliot’s Beach is the preferred destination for many; Mamallapuram Beach is famous for its stone sculpture, especially Arjuna’s Penance and the Five Rathas, which are an ode to the culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu.

For tourists with a yen for the hills, Tamil Nadu offers excellent hill stations in Ooty, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Yelagiri, Javvadhu Hills, Kolli Hills, Sirumalai Hills, Valparai, Top Slip, Kalrayan Hills and Pachamalai Hills.

Ooty’s most popular attractions include the 22- hectare Government Botanical Gardens, boating on Ooty Lake, and climbing Dodabetta Peak for an excellent view of the Nilgiri Hills.

Adding another feather in its cap owing to its diverse natural heritage, Tamil Nadu’s wildlife tours and national parks are a rage among tourists.

A glimpse of Tamil Nadu’s diverse wildlife can be obtained by a stopover at some of the following sanctuaries – The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park houses a range of wild animals, including the macaque, tiger, panther, elephant, gaur, etc. Other sanctuaries include Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Mukkurthi National Park, amongst others.

There is a wonderful network of eco-tourism attractions with many integrated facilities at the hill stations, waterfalls, forests, bird sanctuaries, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to woo tourists.

Awesome Heritage

The rich culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu is a major draw. The state is blessed with five World Heritage Sites, the highest for any state – The rock-cut monuments at Mamallapuram, the Big Temple at Thanjavur, the Iravadiswara Temple at Darasuram, the Brahadeeswarar Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram, and the Nilgiris Mountain Railway.

Heritage building owners are encouraged by the Tourism department to convert heritage buildings into heritage hotels.

Kanadukathan, a Chettinad village, 15 km from Karaikudi, is a heritage village, with unique architecture, expansive courtyards, intricate woodwork and a peaceful ambience. Chettinad Mansion offers a variety of rural activities, including distinctive Chettinad cuisine, plus a cycle or bullock cart ride and to see the 170-odd mansions in the Chettinad area.

As many as 48 tourist places in Tamil Nadu are Heritage Places. Many of these are linked with temples in Trichy, Madurai, Chidambaram, Rameswaram, Tiruvannamalai, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Nagapattinam, Tirukadaiyur, Gunaseelam, and six abodes of Lord Muruga. No wonder culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu draw not only the spiritual but the history and cultural buffs.

Tiruvannamalai expends a profound spiritual energy, attracting both pilgrims and spiritual seekers. Rameshwaram is a peaceful little pilgrim town, where devotees pay obeisance at the Ramanathaswamy Temple.

Ancient Madurai in Tamil Nadu is home to the most impressive and important temple in South India – the Meenakshi Temple. Kanyakumari, located on the furthermost tip of India, houses the Swami Vivekananda Memorial and the towering statue of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, located on a rocky island off the shore.

Kanchipuram, the “City of a Thousand Temples,” is a tribute to the ancient culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu. It is also famous for its handicraft and silk weaving industry and its amazing silk saris. Kanchipuram, Mamallapuram, and Chennai are often referred to as Tamil Nadu’s Golden Triangle for tourists.

Adventure Activities

There are wonderful opportunities for adventure activities. Trekking in low altitude hill areas, paragliding in Yelagiri, water sports offered by Muttukadu and Mudaliarkuppam Boat Houses are some of the excellent sports activities you can enjoy.

Refreshingly Rural

Go for the unknown, off-beat places that are in picturesque rural areas like Navabashanam, Theerthamalai, Vadanemmeli, and Tirupudaimaruthur. These villages are ideal destinations to enjoy rural life, savour rural cuisine, see the culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu, explore nature, trekking, and visiting temples.

Extraordinary adventure activities in Jammu

TT Bureau — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 05:45:19 +0000

Add adventure activities in Jammu to your next vacation itinerary and immerse yourself in picture perfect beauty as you go golfing, riding, trekking, rafting and paragliding

It’s spring, and the perfect time to travel and experience adventure activities in Jammu amidst lofty mountain ranges, be immersed in the natural hues presented by nature’s palette and savour the culture, history and art of a leisure destination.

Tourists visit typically to satiate their quest for adventure activities in Jammu pilgrimage, leisure, natural beauty and heritage.

Dating back to the time of the Mahabharata and the Indus Valley Civilization, Jammu’s biggest USP is its geographical location. Jammu is well connected by all types of transport, be it rail, road or air, from all corners of India.

Moreover, topography lends itself to adventure activities in Jammu. It is thus also a top adventure destination in India, which is a lesser-known facet. Paragliding, white water rafting, skiing, mountain biking – Jammu offers everything.

Celebrate the saga of this glorious land as you visit its many places that offer relaxation and adventure.

TREKKING IN SAFFRON LAND – KISHTWAR

Visit, Kishtwar, the Land of Saffron, nestled among the picturesque folds of the great Himalayan range, with the River Chenab running through it, and be mesmerised by its exceptional beauty.

Pochall village, about six kilometres away, is known for its saffron cultivation and its spectacular purple saffron flowers. Dacchan, Marwah, Wadwan, Padder and Chatroo are major valleys and tourist spots of Kishtwar, through which the internationally renowned Trans-Himalayan Treks lead to Suru, Zanskar and Kashmir.

HORSE RIDING AND TREKS AT PATNITOP

One of Jammu’s most popular hill resorts, Patnitop nestles on a beautiful plateau across which the Jammu –Srinagar highway passes and comprises several meadows surrounded by a dense forest of Deodar and Kail trees.

Saunter amidst pine groves as you take in breathtaking views of the Chenab basin and the Pir Panjal range beyond. Activities on offer include horse rides and short treks into the surrounding hills.

PHOTOGRAPHY AT ‘CHHOTA KASHMIR’ – BHADERWAH

While photography does not typically fall into your regular adventure activities in Jammu, it accompanies virtually all that you do in today’s digitally-connected world. Visit Bhaderwah, also called ‘Chhota Kashmir,’ which is a valley with stunning panoramic vistas and is home to colourful local fairs, a warm ambience and heritage. In summer, the valley is a riot of colour with its flowers, while in winter it is carpeted with snow.

GOLF AT THE SCENIC JAMMU TAWI GOLF COURSE

Test your golfing skills on the landmark Jammu Tawi Golf Course, located in Sidhra, on the outskirts of the city. Situated on the banks of River Tawi and the foothills of the Shivaliks, this splendid 18-hole eco-friendly course is spread over 1385 kanals of lush green land.

The course showcases a breathtaking panorama of the River Tawi and spectacular views of the distant Amar Mahal Palace, Hari Niwas Palace and Mubarak Mandi Complex on one side and the Bahu Fort and Mahamaya Temple on the other.

WHITE WATER RAFTING, PARAGLIDING AND MORE

Get your adrenaline fix of adventure activities in Jammu as you go in for Whitewater River Rafting in the gushing waters of the mighty Chenab. The Reasi- Dera Baba Banda Bahadur stretch of about 12km houses rapids up to 3rd grade and is ideal for amateurs and joy rides.

Enjoy a thrilling paragliding ride in Sanasar, 130km from Jammu. Khani Top and Thuba areas of Bhaderwah are ideal for advance level of paragliding skills, offering exhilarating descents into the Bhaderwah valley.

If camping is your thing, take off to any one of these scenic camping sites – Sanasar, Bani-Sarthal, Jai-Valley or Patnitop. For rock climbing, Patnitop, Sanasar and Bhaderwah offer varied rocks at different heights and challenging levels.

Jammu’s topography offers many exciting trekking routes. Udhampur, Patnitop, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Bani-Basholi and Sarthal areas offer limitless possibilities for trekking enthusiasts who love to partake in these adventure activities in Jammu.