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Vailankanni

State

Vailankanni is a small hamlet on the coastal region of Bay of Bengal near to the famous Nagapattinam, is a revered Christian religious destination. This holy city is known for the famous Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health (Velankanni Mother Mary Church). It is also an attractive location for delicate silks and handloom materials. This is a good shopping place with rare collections of marine products and cosmetic items.

History

According to popular legend, Mother Mary appeared with Infant Jesus in Velankanni at the end of the 16th or early 17th century. Since then, for all pilgrims of the world, Velankanni has been the most important destination and almost the synthesis of all Marian Sanctuaries. Thus, the Pope in the Vatican City has declared Velankanni as a Holy City.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport to Velankanni is at Tiruchirappali at distance of about 165 kms. It is well connected to Chennai airport by regular flights.

By Rail: Nearest railhead to Velankanni is Nagapattinam, which is just 12 kms away. Nagapattinam is well rail connected to all major cities in India through Chennai and Tiruchirapalli.

By Road: Velankanni is connected by buses to all the major towns and cities in Tamilnadu and also connected to cities in Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Regular bus services are available to Madurai, Kanyakumari, Chennai, Trichy, Pondicherry, Trivandrum and Thanjavur.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay while on a Tour to Velankanni at the hotels in Velankanni, offering a remarkable blend of tradition and modernity. Some of the major hotels in Velankanni are Quality Inn (MGM group), Hotel Velankanni, Hotel Golden Sand, Hotel Sea Gate, etc.

District
Nagapattinam
STD Code
04365
Topic
Termperature
Summer 22-37°C, Winter 19-32°C
Best time to visit
Throughout the year

Tirunelveli

State

Tirunelveli is located on the northern banks of the Thamirabarani River, also known as the "Halwa City" after the typical sweet produced here. The city is surrounded by scores of paddy fields that serve as a boundary to the city and it is due to this that the name Tirunelveli came up. The city is dotted with a number of temples that have just been raised and few that were built by the founder of the town, Vishwanatha.

History

One the capital of the Pandya kings, the historic city of Thirunelveli has always enjoyed a prominence in the political front of Tamil Nadu. Thirunelveli became one of the most prominent seats of politics during the reigns of the Chola kingdom (c.900–1200) and of the Vijayanagar Empire, before being annexed to the territory of the Nawab ofArcot who later ceded it to the sovereignty of the British.

Accessibility

By Air: Madurai is the nearest airport which is around 151 km away form Tirunelveli.

By Rail: Tirunelveli has its own rail head which is just few kilometers away from the city heart and is considered to be an important junction of Tamil Nadu and trains from all over the country that pass through Tirunelveli have a halt here.

By Road: State transport buses ply in and out of the city to all the major adjoining cities.

Shopping

Tirunelveli is quite famous for the locally made handicrafts and you would not like to leave the town without shopping for them. Poompuhar Handicrafts Sales Emporium is the best place to go for a shopping spree as it has all the varieties and the price is also quite reasonable.

Accommodation

Thirunelveli is home to a number of hotels and resorts, all of which are fully equipped to provide warmth and hospitality to all the guests to the city. These include several hotels pertaining to the economy and choice of numerous people on a tour to Thirunelveli.

District
Tirunelveli
STD Code
0462
Topic
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 26-33°C
Best time to visit
September to March

Tiruchirappalli

State

Tiruchirapalli that is popularly known as Trichy stands on the bank of river Kaveri. Trichy that is centrally located in the South Indian state of Tamilnadu is famous for its fusion architecture and monuments. The name Tiruchirapalli originated as a tribute to Jain monks that are popularly called 'Chira' in Tamil. 'Tiru' in Tamil means 'in respect of'. Therefore 'Tiruchirapalli' means 'the town of respected monk'.

History

Trichy or Thiruchirappalli has been regarded as the capital city of the Chola dynasty from 300 B.C. a number of literary as well as archeological evidences also prove the validity and legitimacy of the claim. Then reins of power was later transferred to the hands of the Pallava dynasty and finally in the hands of the Pandyas. It was after this that the territory came in control of the Mughals who reshaped the region with the help of the French and British powers. Trichy was under the control of the British after their victory over their French rivals in the various Carnatic Wars.

Accessibility

By Air: Trichy airport has regular flight services to Chennai(316 km) and Bangalore (337).

By Rail: Tiruchy Junction is an important railway station in Trivandrum – Chennai route via Madurai.

By Road: Tamil Nadu Road Transport Corporation buses connect Tiruchy with other major cities in the state. Regular bus services are available from Tiruchy to Madurai.

Shopping

Trichy is a shopper's paradise. Among others, Tiruchirapalli is famous for its cheroots, cigars, handicrafts, brassware, jewelry and carpets. Trichy is famous for variety of fresh and colorful flowers too. Traditional handicrafts of Tamilnadu are available in abundance in Trichy. Woodcrafts and weaving is a rich tradition here. Baskets, mats made out of bamboo, cane, grasses, reeds and fibers make good shopping in Trichy.

Government run emporia and private shops are the most favored shopping destinations in Trichy. Apart from the Government run establishments, Big Bazaar Road and Chinnar Bazaar are good places where you can hang around for shopping in Trichy. Colorful assortment of artifacts and bustling streets are something that will catch your fancy.

Famousfor its artificial diamonds, cigars, handloom cloth, glass bangles and wooden and clay artifacts.

Trichy has many a place to shop from. The 128 years old Gandhi Market, which lies in the heart of the city, is part of its historic heritage Trichy Shopping Travel Tours .

The cigar factory at Woraiyur is where one can buy the famous handmade cigars in Trichy.

Accommodation

Thiruchirappalli (Trichy) is home to a number of hotels and resorts, all of which are fully equipped to provide warmth and hospitality to all the guests to the city. These include several hotels pertaining to the economy and choice of numerous people on a tour to Thiruchirappalli (Trichy).

District
Tiruchirappalli
STD Code
0431
Topic
Termperature
Summer 20-31°C, Winter 26-24°C
Best time to visit
Throughout the year
Famous For
Famous for educational institutions, industries and temples.

Thiruvarur

State

Thiruvarur is a temple town in Tamil Nadu. It has been renowned as the cultural center for many centuries. This ancient town is located in the centre spot of Chola Region. The town is famous for the temple known as Sri Tyagaraja temple. The annual chariot festival in this temple town attracts thousands from all parts of the state. As per history, the main temple in Thiruvarur was established by Muchukanta Chola. Mentions of Thiruvarur are seen in the legendary works of Saints Thirugnana Sambanthar and Tirunavukkarasar lived during 7th century.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport to Thiruvarur is at Tiruchirappali (Trichy) at distance of about 150 kms. It is well connected to Chennai airport by regular flights.

By Rail: Nearest railhead to Thiruvarur is at Nagapattinam, which is 24 kms away from Thiruvarur. Nagapattinam is well rail connected to all major cities in India through Chennai and Tiruchirapalli.

By Road: Thiruvarur is connected by buses to all the major towns and cities in Tamilnadu and also connected to cities in Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Nagapattinam (24 kms) and Tanjavur (56 kms) are connected to Thiruvarur by frequent bus services.

District
Thiruvarur
STD Code
04366
Topic
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 17-30°C
Best time to visit
Oct - Mar

Thiruvannamalai

State

Thiruvannamalai is a famous holy town perched on a hill (malai) in the district of Thiruvannamalai of Tamil Nadu state of India and is the most scared pilgrim center of Hindus in the region. The region was known as ‘Thondai Mandalam’ in the ancient period. This holy town is the home of highly revered ashram of the mystic saint Sri Ramana Maharshi and the famous Arunachala temple. The city has about 100 temples. The city and the Arunachaleswara temple had long history beginning from 750 AD. It is one of the five Panchabhoota (five elements wind, water, fire, earth and space) Stalams. This is the abode of the fire, one of the five elements constituting the whole life as per Hindu mythology. This temple has imposing Gopurams and inviting architectural beauty.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest major airport is Chennai International airport which is located at a distance of about 185 km from Thiruvannamalai.

By Rail: The Thiruvannamalai railhead is just one km away from the heart of the town and is located in the rail route between Madurai and Tirupathi.

By Road: Thiruvannamalai town is well connected by Tamil Nadu Road Transport Corporation buses. Regular and frequent bus services are available from Thiruvannamalai to Madurai, Tirupathi and Chennai.

District
Thiruvannamalai
STD Code
04175
Topic
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 17-30°C
Best time to visit
Oct - Mar

Thiruthani

State

Thiruthani, a holy village where Lord Muruga rules, is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga and is located in the District of Tiruvallur of Tamil Nadu State. The famous Subramanya Swami Kovil (temple) in Thiruthani attracts thousands of Hindu devotees to this abode.

The temple is perched on a hilltop approachable through 365 steps, representing each day in a year. A small holy river known as Nandi river flows through the town in its northern part. Kumara Teertha, also popular as Saravana Poikai, is a holy tank in Thiruthani. It is located at the foot of the hill housing the Subramanya Swami Kovil (temple). It is believed that the water in this tank has amazing curative powers. Thiruthani temple has a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, also known as Abath Sahaya Vinayagar

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport to Thiruthani is Chennai International airport which is located at a distance of about 75 km.

By Rail: Nearest major railheads to Thiruthani are Arakkonam junction and Chennai, which is well connected to all major railway stations in South India.

By Road: Thiruthani is well connected by Tamil Nadu state transport corporation buses. It is connected to Tirupathi (56 km) and Chennai (70 km) with regular frequent bus services.

District
Tiruvallur
STD Code
04118
Topic
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 17-30°C
Best time to visit
Oct - Mar

Thirumanancheri

State

Thirumanancheri, temple or land of marriage (thirumanam in Tamil means marriage), is a holy village in Kumbakonam district of Tamil Nadu. The village is known to the outer world due to a temple dedicated to Lord Siva and his wife Uma (Parvati).

The Hindu mythology relates the existence of the Thirumanancheri with the story of Uma and Siva. Sri Umamangai Devi meditated and started fasting in Kailash Himalayas praying Lord Siva to remarry her in the earth. Lord Siva blessed her and offered her to remarry in the next Brahma Karpam. She was unhappy with the long waiting required and she behaved indifferently to Lord Siva.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport to Thirumanancheri is at Trichi. Nearest major airport to Thirumanancheri is Chennai International Airport located at about 263 km distance.

By Rail: Mayiladuthurai railhead is the nearest railway station to Thirumanancheri.

By Road: Thirumanancheri is directly connected to all neighboring cities through Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Buses. Private deluxe buses are available from Chennai, Bangalore and Mysore every day.

District
Kumbakonam
Topic
Termperature
Summer 28-38°C, Winter 24-28°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Thirukkadaiyur

State

Come to Thirukkadaiyur and have a second wedding ceremony to make the rest of life blessed and to have long life. One can see many couples with over age of 60 adorned in beautiful wedding dresses take out procession after having the wedding ceremony in Goddess Abhirami Shrine. This is a usual amazing scene in the serene village of Thirukkadaiyur. Many of the processions include the sons, daughters, grand children and relatives of the couples. The second marriage at this temple is believed to be very auspicious.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport to Thirukkadaiyur is at Trichi. Domestic flights operate from this airport. Nearest major airport to Thirukkadaiyur is Chennai International Airport located at about 300 km distance.

By Rail: Mayiladuthurai railhead is the nearest railway station to Thirukkadaiyur, at a distance of about 21 km.

By Road: Thirukkadaiyur is directly connected to all neighboring cities through Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Buses. Frequent buses are available from Madras, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam and Mayavaram.

District
Nagapattinam
STD Code
04364
Topic
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 17-28°C
Best time to visit
Oct - Mar

Thiruchendur

State

A holy town with village ambiance blessed by Lord Muruga, Thiruchendur is located in the district of Toothukudi in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. The town is a prime attraction to Hindu pilgrims due to the presence of highly revered Murugan temple by the seashore. It is one of the Arupadai Vedu (the six holy abodes) of Lord Muruga. This temple is in a natural setting with the beach as its backdrop. Senthil Aandavar (Lord Muruga) with his consort Valli and Deivayanai temple are major shrines here.

Thiruchendur has fertile red soil making it suitable for plantations and crop cultivations. Thiruchendur, nestled among the dry arid Theri forests, is known for cashew plantation, thickly planted with Palm trees and various other tropical woody trees and plants.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport to Thiruchendur is the domestic airport at Madurai. Trivandrum international airport is only about 150 km away.

By Rail:
Tiruchendur is connected with Tiruneveli Junction by rail at a distance of about 60 kms. Tirunelveli is well connected to Madurai, Trivandrum and Chennai by regular trains.

By Road:
Bus services connect Thiruchendur with Chennai, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Trivandrum and Kanyakumari. Tamil Nadu Road Transport buses are frequently available at Thiruchendur.

District
Toothukudi
STD Code
04639
Topic
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 17-30°C
Best time to visit
Throughout the year

Thanjavur

State

Thanjavur, which is popularly known as Tanjore, is situated between the city of Tiruchirapalli and the Coromandel Coast. This ancient citadel of Cholas lies 60 kilometers east of Trichy and nearly 330 kilometers south to the city of Chennai. The city of Thanjavur is named after a demon by the name of Tanjan-an asura. According to the legend the last wish of the demon was that the place should be named after him. Thanjavur has the pride of being the best among the best in Cholamandalam. That was because Tanjore was the capital city of mighty Cholas. The place remained the capital city of the Cholas for 9th century to 13th century A.D barring a brief period during the reign of Rajendra Chola when the capital was briefly shifted to Madurai.

History

A demon by the name of Tanjan-an asura lends its name to the terrific town of Thanjavur. As per the legend the last wish of the demon was that the place should be named after him, Sri Anandavalli Amman and Sri Neelamegapperumal granted it.

The royal city of the Cholas, Nayaks and the Mahrattas Thanjavur has a rich and varied heritage and is renowned for the same across the globe. The center of knowledge and culture reached its zenith between the 10th and 14th centuries under the reign of the Cholas. Though the magic Thanjavur continues un-faded over the period of time.

Accessibility

By Air: Trichy international airport 58 km away from Thanjavur is the nearest airport. Trichy is connected to Chennai by regular flights. Chennai (345 km) and Banglore (390 km) are other major airports nearby.

By Rail: Trichy Junction is the nearest rail head, which is at a distance of 58 km Thanjavur and is an important railway station in Trivandrum – Chennai route via Madurai.

By Road: Tamil Nadu road transport corporation buses connect Thanjavur with other major cities in the state. Regular bus services are available from Tiruchy and Madurai to Thanjavur and is well linked with other cities by private tourist buses as well.

Shopping

Tanjore or Thanjavur is known as the cultural capital of peninsular India. It does not come as a surprise then that the city of Tanjore in Tamilnadu is considered a haven for craft lovers. The city is famous for the magnificent and subtle Tanjore paintings that have attracted much demand among the tourists. Apart from the Tanjore paintings, the city is also known for its exquisite handicrafts and handlooms.

The major handicrafts of Tanjore include weaving, painting, jewelry and woodworks among others. These are some of the things that you can shop for in Tanjore. Tanjore has a glorious history of patronizing and producing mesmerizing artifacts. Don't forget to take back some artifacts while shopping in Tanjore.

Silk weaving is a major traditional craft in Tamilnadu and two of its most renowned centers are Kanchipuram and Tanjore. The city of Tanjore specializes in weaving silk saris that have broad border and unique motifs, which are laden with Zari. Don't forget to buy these saris, as they are very popular for weddings and religious occasions.

Nevertheless the thing which is a must buy in Tanjore is a Tanjore Painting. These richly adorned paintings of mostly Hindu deities are quite popular among the tourists. Other minor items that can be shopped include Thalaiyatti Bommai (head-nodding doll), Thanjavur plates and Bronzes.

There are many shops within the city. Several government and private run ones are available in Tanjore that you may explore. As far as Tanjore Paintings are concerned it is always good to visit the craftsmen at work and buy directly from them.

The city of Tanjore in Tamil Nadu is a haven for craft lovers. The city draws much of its fame from the exquisite handicrafts and handlooms that its skilled artisans produce.

Weaving, painting, jewelry, woodworks are some of its renowned handicrafts which make for wonderful shopping in Tanjore. Since long past Tanjore has been a princely state and under the patronage of the royals, tradition of art and craft attained a glorious height in Tanjore. Do remember to take back some artifacts while shopping in Tanjore.

Silk weaving is a major traditional craft in Tanjore. A lot of people are engaged in the profession. They specialize in weaving silk saris with broad border and unique motifs laden all over with Zari work. The saris are huge hit for weddings and religious occasions. Pick up graceful Tanjore silk saris while shopping in Tanjore.

Another must-buy in Tanjore is traditional paintings. Richly adorned paintings of mostly Hindu gods are quite popular with those who want to do shopping in Tanjore.

Check out Thalaiyatti Bommai (literally the head-nodding doll), which serve as great souvenirs of a Tanjore tour. Thanjavur Plates (with sombu, coconut), brass and bronze idols, bowls and vessels are other items for shopping in Thanjavur.

There are many shopping joints within the city. Several government run shops and private ones dot over the townscape, which you may explore for great variety and right price.

Visiting the craftsmen at work and buying directly from them is also a good option for shopping in Tanjore.

Accommodation

With its wealth of temples, historic ruins and picturesque eco-tourism sites, Tanjore is a major tourist attraction in south India. Two / three days stay in hotels in Tanjore make for an ideal tour to the city should constitute of.

There are a good number of hotels in Tanjore. A few are sophisticated luxury hotels that offer you modern amenities with a perfect blend of local tradition.

But if you prefer not to spend much on accommodation, there is a range of choices among rather economy class hotels in Tanjore.

Most of the tourist attractions are close to the hotels in Tanjore and it is easy to visit the sites from the hotels. Some hotels often organize cultural evenings for the guests.
Many hotels have good restaurants too. You may choose to try local cuisines there.

So, decent accommodation, personalized service, good food - await good times in hotels in Tanjore.

Here are a few select hotels in Tanjore:

LUXURY HOTELS

Hotel Sangam

Hotel Parisutham

BUDGET HOTELS

Oriental Towers

Gnanam

District
Thanjavur
STD Code
04362
Topic
Termperature
Summer 27-36°C, Winter 12-22°C
Best time to visit
Throughout the year
Famous For
Famous for the Brihadeeswara Temple