However, it is certainly not short of attractions for those travellers wishing to escape the well-worn tourist trails of Rajasthan and Kerala. Famed for its ancient temples and detailed rock carvings, Tamil Nadu is a state steeped in tradition. Religion is taken very seriously here and pilgrims pour into the ancient sites of Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Trichy, Tanjore and Madurai in numbers far exceeding the numbers of tourists visiting these sites. The temple architecture is fascinating; from the brightly coloured and steeply stepped gopurams such as those in Madurai, to the 7th century rock-hewn temples in Mahabalipuram. There is, however, more to Tamil Nadu than just temples, temples, temples.
The area collectively known as Chettinad is an extraordinary blend of rural Indian life and majestic Chettinadu mansions that hark back to a former, more glorious time. These houses are built using Burma Teak, beautiful local tiles, and Italian Marble and have spacious courtyards and large high-ceilinged rooms. On a guided tour it is possible to visit some of these mansions, as well as see local artisans at work producing tiles and pottery, and visit small, rural villages.
The palace in Chettinad is a delightful blend of architectural styles and although predominantly white has some wonderful splashes of colour as well. So wonderful is the palace in fact that Ms. Amrita Gandhi (great-grand-daughter of Mahatma Gandhi) was staying there whilst filming a television series in the area! My colleague Daniel and I were lucky enough to make her acquaintance. Pondicherry is steeped in French influences and is a fascinating place to visit during a journey through Tamil Nadu. Highlights include beautiful French architecture, a windswept promenade, fabulous shopping opportunities, and Auroville, described as an experimental township conceived as ‘an alternative exercise in ecological and spiritual living’.
One of my favourite things to do in Pondicherry is eat dinner at the rooftop restaurant at The Promenade hotel. The food is delicious and the cooling sea-breezes and sound of the waves make for a wonderful dining experience. A journey through Tamil Nadu truly is an eye-opening and memorable experience and one that is only heightened by the incredible warmth and vitality of the Tamil people.”
The area collectively known as Chettinad is an extraordinary blend of rural Indian life and majestic Chettinadu mansions that hark back to a former, more glorious time. These houses are built using Burma Teak, beautiful local tiles, and Italian Marble and have spacious courtyards and large high-ceilinged rooms. On a guided tour it is possible to visit some of these mansions, as well as see local artisans at work producing tiles and pottery, and visit small, rural villages.
The palace in Chettinad is a delightful blend of architectural styles and although predominantly white has some wonderful splashes of colour as well. So wonderful is the palace in fact that Ms. Amrita Gandhi (great-grand-daughter of Mahatma Gandhi) was staying there whilst filming a television series in the area! My colleague Daniel and I were lucky enough to make her acquaintance. Pondicherry is steeped in French influences and is a fascinating place to visit during a journey through Tamil Nadu. Highlights include beautiful French architecture, a windswept promenade, fabulous shopping opportunities, and Auroville, described as an experimental township conceived as ‘an alternative exercise in ecological and spiritual living’.
One of my favourite things to do in Pondicherry is eat dinner at the rooftop restaurant at The Promenade hotel. The food is delicious and the cooling sea-breezes and sound of the waves make for a wonderful dining experience. A journey through Tamil Nadu truly is an eye-opening and memorable experience and one that is only heightened by the incredible warmth and vitality of the Tamil people.”
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