Tamil Nadu has a long coastline
with a large number of excellant beaches dotted along the
shores of the Bay of Bengal.This proximity to the sea esta-
blished the Tamil country on the maritime map of the world
even before the dawn ofthe Christian era. The enterprising
Tamils carried on a prosperous trade with Imperial Rome and
with ancient Egypt and Greece. The language spoken here is Tamil. Tamil literature has a greater antiquity than any other Indian languages.The Sangam literature assignable from 2nd century B.C. to the 2nd century A.D. is considered a land mark in the literary and cultural history of India. Also assigned to the beginning of 1st century A.D. is Thirukkural, a didactic work, translated into some of the major languages of the world.'Silappadikaram' and'Manimekhalai' are among the epic literatures in Tamil. The main occupations are agriculture and weaving. One of the most industrialised states in India a large segment of the population work in small scale and large scale industries. The classical form of music in South India is called 'Carnatic music'.Lately there is a revival of folk art amd music which is rustic and enticingly graceful.Simple in language and tune the music and the dance movements are in close confluence with their way of life based on agriculture. The more refined form of dance,the 'Bharatanatyam'is essentially based on the ancient treatise of Sage Bharatha owing its origin to the Divinist movement and devotional concept. Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and the fourth biggest city in India. The charming feature of Chennai is its allegiance to ancient traditions.The city has its old values still surviving amidst the humdrum bustle of today and most important-a city that still retains the culture, customs, charm, and the courtesies of the ages.
Sight seeing Government Museum and Art Gallery is well known for its exquisite collections of more than 2000 South Indian bronzes and Amaravathi marbles. Three great buildings of architectural value -the museum theatre, the extension hall and the connemara public Library were built in 1896 A.D. Now the four galleries of Hindu sculpture, the Amaravathi, the bronze and National art gallery are the main attractions. Entrance is free. Kalakshatra " the abode of Arts" is an ornament to the city of Chennai. Kalakshetra was established by Smt. Rukmini Arundale who dedicated her entire life to the performing arts. Situated in the ancient settlement of Thiruvanmiyur in the midst of age old trees and flower gardens, this insititute reverberates to the sound of music and classical dance. Its dance dramas during December are spectacular. The Theosophical Society was established by Annie Besant. The Theosophical Society has the most beautiful garden in the city. It is the world head-quarters of the Theosophical movement founded by Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olcott.
Other important places to visit Santhome Cathedral,Deer Park,
Kapaleeswarar Temple, Valluvar Kottam, Mahabalipuram,Tirukalikundram,
Vedanthangal[Bird Sanctuary].Kodaikanal and ooty are two important summer
resorts in Tamil Nadu. Rameswaram deep south is an important pilgrimage
Cape Comorinis the Southern-most point of Peninsular India. Here the very spcial thing is that the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal mingle with the Indian Ocean. Here the sunset and the rising of the moon simultaneously are spectacular, particularly on full-moon days. At the congregation of the 3 oceans we can see amazing 3 colors of sands with a fine beach. The landscape is a rare view of scenic beauty.
Kanyakumari temple, Gandhi Memorial, Vivekananda Memorial are places
of interest in Cape Comorin.
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center of all India importance- a pilgrimage that binds the north and the
south.