At the southern most tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, lies Kanyakumari, an important pilgrim center. Kanyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, especially on full moon days. The beach itself is a beautiful sight with multi-colored sand. There is a lighthouse from where one can get a panoramic view. The Government museum offers a good collection of sculptural art crafts of Tamil Nadu.

A Sight For Sore Eyes
The beach is a beautiful sight with multi-coloured sand, but it does not really offer one the opportunity to sunbathe on soft golden sands, or to frolic in the waves either. The seashore is rocky and dangerous, and there is a manmade wall running along it. People are warned to stay off the rocks, and when if someone ventures out of bounds, he or she is quickly and severely reprimanded by a watchful policeman. There is a lighthouse from where one can get a panoramic view.

The sea is fairly rough, so it is entertaining to watch it beat itself against the rocks and then subside, before it gathers itself up for another attack. With long stretches of sands of many hues, the beach offers a welcome change. A variety of shells are on sale on the Kanyakumari beach.

Prime Attractions :

Vivekananda's Rock: Kanyakumari is famous for Vivekananda's rock, a huge stone rising out of the sea, on which Swami Vivekananda is said to have meditated. It now houses the statue of Vivekananda and is a memorial to him. Not surprisingly, Kanyakumari is a popular destination for Vivekananda's followers, so there are many Bengalis here, and some Bengali hotels and restaurants are available too.

The Sangam : Sangam is the meeting point of the three major bodies of water, the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is a bathing ghat, with steps leading into the water and a sort of lagoon formed between land by a series of rocks. People bathe and jump around, getting lightly battered by the remains of waves, which are washing over the rocks.

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58 kms, south of Chennai, Mahabalipuram has a beautiful beach spanning a distance of over 20 km. An erstwhile port of the Pallava dynasty the stone carvings, caves, rock cut temples also attract tourists. A crocodile farm, snake venom extracting centre, schools of art and sculpture and a wide choice of resorts along the beach draw holiday-seekers all round the year. While travelling from Chennai to Mahabalipuram visit Dakshinachitra - a heritage centre. Here traditional crafts persons and folk artists work and perform in the reconstructed period settings of 19th century homes, streets and workspaces of the Southern States of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Once a thriving port trading with many distant nations, Pallava chisels have breathed life into stone. The Pallavas art at this place emphasises robust earthly beauty, imbibed with life. These monumental splendours and the sunny beach resorts attract tourists from all over the world.

A crocodile farm, snake venom extracting centre, schools of art and sculpture and a wide choice of resorts along the beach draw holiday-seekers all round the year.

Also known as Mamallapuram, this ancient sea port was built by Emperor Mahendravarman Pallava in the 7th century. From here ships left for countries in south-east Asia and the Mediterranian carrying not only traders but people who emigrated to countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Combodia. Over the passage of time Mamallapuram ceased to function as a port but its glory lived on in its finished and unfinished temples and monuments. Time and natural forces have wrought changes onthe solid rock surface of these monuments but each sculpture and image still succeeds in conveying a message of beauty and harmony. Mamallapuram bears testimony and pays tribute to its Pallava artists and to the culture of South India. Among the places of interest are Arjuna's Penance, Krishna Mandapa, Mahishasuramardini Cave, Mandapams, Pancha Rathas, Shore Temple and Varaha Mandapa.

Prime Attractions :

Dakshinachitra - While travelling from Chennai to Mahabalipuram visit Dakshinachitra - a heritage centre. Here traditional crafts persons and folk artists work and perform in the reconstructed period settings of 19th century homes, streets and workspaces of the Southern States of Tamil Nadu, Kerala , Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh .

Shore Temple - This is one of the oldest temples in south India. It belongs to the early 8th century AD and is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty after sunset.

Arjuna's Penance - The world's largest bas-relief measuring 27m x 9m is the pride of Mahabalipuram. This huge whaleback shaped rock contains figures of Gods, Demigods, men, beasts, birds and infact represents the entire creation.

Five Rathas - These are five monolithic temples, each created in a different style. They are also known as the "Pancha Pandava Rathas", and the four of the Rathas are supposed to have scooped out of a single rock formation.

Tiger's Cave - It is 4-km north of the main monument complex. It was an open-air theatre, where cultural programmes are held. Though it is very near the sea, the place is serene and calm.

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Golden sand, good surf and a shimmering clean blue sea, this in a nutshell, is Marina beach. This beach is counted among one of the longest beaches in Asia. Its 12-km long stretch was made beautiful by the wonderful facelift given by Governor Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff in the early 1880's, and is a major tourist attraction today.

Marina beach is located on the eastern side of Chennai, adjoining the Bay of Bengal. Watching the sun set and rise from the beach is an enthralling experience. Though bathing and swimming can be dangerous, as the undercurrent is very strong, even then people come for swimming here. In the evenings, the beach is virtually a fair ground with various kinds of entertainment and food stalls lining the beach.

With its natural sandy beauty and spacious promenade and beautiful gardens, the beach is a major attraction for tourists visiting Chennai. It has acquired a South Indian aura with vendors hawking wares ranging from shell and glass baubles to kites and fruit juices. The Marina, however, is large enough to accommodate all visitors as well as the hawkers and is often the venue for important state functions.

Prime Attractions :

Some of the most beautiful buildings in Chennai such as the University of Madras, Senate-House, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College, P.W.D office and Ice House are located on the beach drive. At the other end of the beach is the new lighthouse. In between, sentinels on the promenade, are several statues of Tamil scholars and two splendid bits of sculpture- the Victory of Labour and the Mahatma Gandhi.

Aquarium - Close to the Marina beach is the aquarium, which has some of the most exotic collection of tropical sea fishes and fresh water fishes. The aquarium gives a chance to have a closer look at the aquatic life. The Ice House, which was used to store ice brought from Great Lakes in North America, is south to the Aquarium.

Anna And MGR Samadhis - Situated on the beach, the Anna and MGR Samadhis, which are the memorials of the most popular, former Chief ministers of the state, attract good crowd everyday.

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Covelong is a nice beach between Chennai and Mahabalipuram and a small charming fishing settlement. It was originally a port built by Saadat Ali, Nawab of Carnatic and it was here that the French General Laboudonnais landed his troops in 1746. Later taken by Clive in 1752 and destroyed. The beach is separated from the mainland by the canal running from Chennai to Mahabalipuram.

Covelong is a popular picnic spot and offers facilities for Wind Surfing and Swimming too. An ancient Catholic Church, a Mosque and the Fort make an interesting view from the resort. There is 5 star hotel of the Taj Group called "Fishermans' Cove" in Covelong.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS

The salubrious village of Covelong is renowned for its fishing activities. In the fishing village the swaying palms and the beautiful beach attract people from across the globe. The environs, ambience, peace, tranquility and the infrastructure at the Covelong beach come together to make it one of the most popular beach resorts on the Coromandel Coast. In the yester years Covelong was the renowned port of the Nawabs of the Carnatic. On digging the past it is revealed that Saadat Ali, Nawab of Carnatic, built the ancient port of Covelong. In the year 1746 Covelong was taken over by the troops of the French General Laboudonnais and in 1752 destroyed by Clive.

For all you adventure seekers the breathtakingly beautiful beach of Covelong has an amazing array of sports activities like windsurfing, swimming and other water sports. The gentle sea and surf add to the charm of Covelong. The beautiful beach of Covelong lies in the lee of an ancient Dutch fort. A few walls of the fort remain in the form of ruins. Thus, besides the beauty of nature, the captivating destination of Covelong is dotted with the historical monuments likes forts, churches, mosques et al. thus the secular nature of the area. In its own way Covelong reveals the history of the state of Tamil Nadu. The ancient Catholic Church is a must visit amongst the many religious monuments at Covelong.

For those of you who feel holidays are for relaxing a cozy sunbath is the best bet. The experience of being in the serene and the pristine environs replenishes the energy and rejuvenates the soul in an incomparable manner.

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Located in Besant Nagar, Chennai, Elliot's beach isthe preferred destination for those with a clean atmosphere in mind. Following the road along the coast down south from Marina one will come to Elliot's beach where one can spend a few hours relaxing. This beach is lined with fast food joints, small stores, and a few shrines. It is a popular hangout for the younger generation these days. Four decades ago, Elliot's beach was the favourite haunt of foreigners seeking a secluded beach to sun bathe at.

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A saline shallow water spread formed by the confluence of Backwaters, Pullcat Lake and Buckingham Canal situated on the northern end of Tamil Nadu is an ideal picnic spot. A catamaran ride on the shallow water spread and a visit to Bird Sanctuary are two most leisure activities to be undertaken here. A Dutch cemetery of 17th century is located on shore.

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This is a new venture to show South Indian heritage. Take a look at the completed first phase of Tamilian heritage.

This complex houses good collections of various materials of arts and crafts of the State. It is less than a Km away from the Muttukkadu Backwaters.

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Yet another beach resort created in memory of erstwhile "Kaveripoompattinam", a legendary Port city, washed away by the sea. The present complex was designed on the basis of the information available in the Tamil epic 'Silapathikaram'.

The historical happenings depicted in Silapathikaram and the land marks mentioned therein are brought back to life here in stone. The Department of Tourism offers conch and shell type accommodation here.

A Backwater and estuary, Muttukkadu is ideal for rides on motorised boats or for wind surfing. Hire a pedal boat or a row boat for cruising leisurely. Muttukkadu is ideally suited for anglingal and fishing.

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This is another fishing village, 16 Kms south of Mamallapuram. A ruined fort of Dutch origin near the beach houses tomb stones dating back to 16-17th century. If you are heading further down south, 75 kms away from Pondicherry you will reach Pichavaram. Mangrove forests could be seen with backwaters criss crossing the entire forest area.

An ecological paradise, Pichavaram could be visited throughout the year. Boating operations on backwaters and the simple accommodation on the bank are run by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. 16 Kms West of Pichavaram is Chidambaram, a town famous for the Lord Nataraja Temple, a sprawling complex with multiple gopurams.

The presiding deity Siva is worshipped as the cosmic dancer. Various "Mudras" - gestures of the South Indian dance of Bharatanatyam, adorn the temple. The temple is a stupendous repository of art. Every year, a dance festival called Natyanjali festival is celebrated during Mahasivarathn period.

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Yet another beach resort created in memory of erstwhile "Kaveripoompattinam", a legendary Port city, washed away by the sea. The present complex was designed on the basis of the information available in the Tamil epic 'Silapathikaram'.

The historical happenings depicted in Silapathikaram and the land marks mentioned therein are brought back to life here in stone. The Department of Tourism offers conch and shell type accommodation here.

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Another Sea side village, where the Danish merchants settled for trade. What they left are the Legacies of the Danes.

A beautiful Governor's Palace right on the beach tells you the hoary past. Another ideal shore for sun and tan your skin.

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Although religious centre for muslims, the Durga of Hazarat meeras sultan syed shahabdul hameed popularly known as Hazarat mian is visited by people of all faiths. It is 6 Kms from Nagappattinam.

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The most popular pilgrim centre for Catholic Christians of Tamil Nadu Velankanni houses, the Church of our Lady of Health. This shrine is also visited by people of all faiths. The nearest Hotel Tamil Nadu unit - 14 Kms- is at Nagapattinam.

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Also called Point Calimere, the Wild Life Sanctuary here spreads 333.3 Sq Kms with 25 Kms of tropical dry evergreen forests. It is bounded by Bay of Bengal on the East and Palk Straits on the South. It is situated South of Velankanni.

One can see mammals like bluebuck, spotted deer, wild boar, semi wild ponies, bonnet macaque: water birds like flamingoes, ibises, herons, spoonbills, olive ediely. Sea turtle, starred tortoise, vipers, marsh crocodiles, etc. are some of the endangered reptiles.

There are also many species of marine animals and flora. This spot offers different kinds of land mass from marsh to wetlands, Backwaters to lake. It is open throughout the year from 6.00 a.m. to 6.00p.m.

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An island off the mainland surrounded by Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar connected by the longest ever constructed bridge on sea in India.

It is a pilgrim centre. According to the Hindu tradition Sri Rama, the hero of the epic, Ramayanam, worshipped Lord Siva here before invading Lanka to redeem his wife Sita from the clutches of Ravana.

It is from here that Sri Rama is said to have constructed the mythological bridge to Sri Lanka. The serene beach and shallow water here are ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Rameswaramm, a small island in the Gulf of Mannar, is a major pilgrim centre. It is connected to the mainland by road and rail bridges. Rameswaram is holy because Sri Rama, on his return from Sri Lanka, offered his thanks to Lord Siva here. Every devout Hindu hopes to visit Rameswaram atleast once in his lifetime. The place is thus equally sacred to both Vaishnavites and Saivites.

Information

Location	located south eastern point of the Indian Peninsula.
Distance	Madurai (173 Kms)
STD Code	04573
Language	Tamil, Hindi and English
Climate / best Season/ Best Time To Visit	Summer- Max. 48, Min. 46. Winter- Max. 30, Min. 25., October to March, August to March
Entertainment	Swimming, Surfing, Boating & Backwaters
How to Reach	Air: Nearest Airport is Madurai - 173 kms. Indian Airlines connects Madurai with Madras, Tiruchi and Bangalore. Rail: It is a terminus on the Southern Railway metre gauge line and has trains to Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy and Thanjavur. Road: Rameswaram is connected by road to all important towns and has bus services from Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, etc.

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It is bestowed with a quite beach for sun and surf. It is the main land linking the Island of Rameswaram. It is the Gateway to many small islands.

Apart from pilgrims, Rameswaram is of great interest to marine biologists for; in the waters surrounding the island are beautiful coral reefs. These islands on the west of the Pamban Bridge are an ideal place to explore the sea. 20 kms away, these islands lie between the mainland and the Reefs and can be reached via Mandapam. Completely surrounded by a chain of coral reefs, the shallow waters sustain a remarkable variety of marine life - Starfish, Algae, Sea cucumbers, Crabs, Sponges and many more. There is a famous shrine of Raja Rajeswari Amman about 35 kms from Ramnathapuram built inside a palace. The Gulf of Mannar has been declared as a Bio-sphere Reserve that is being developed as an ecologically sensitive area.

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A Port city and an industrial town. Tuticorin is one of the major ports of Tamil Nadu. Pearl Harvesting is an important activity here.

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One of the six abodes of Lord Muruga, a Saivite God, Tiruchendur is a very popular pilgrim centre. The temple is situated right on the beach adding glory to the beach.

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The circular serene for is situated 6 kms from Kanniyakumari, overlooking the sea. It is a fine picnic spot, with abundant coconut trees. The sea near here is calm and it is an ideal spot for relaxing.

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