Attractions: Culture (temples, pilgrim centres, spirituality, mythology, Hinduism), yoga, wild life parks, mountains, beaches
Situated in the southeast corner of India, Tamil Nadu has over 2000 years of continuous cultural history, most remarkable temple architecture and a living tradition of music and dance.The majestic temple systems in Tamil Nadu have been preserved in their original form due to little impact from the traditions of invaders. Impressive gopurams (entrance gates), grandiose colonnades, magnificent arcades, exquisite bronzes witness a rich past, whose religious tradition remains alive even today. The development of this advanced culture can be followed over several dynasties and begins earliest with the Pallavas and peaks to its fullest potential during the Chola and Vijaynagara dynasties.
In Chidambaram for example, Shiva in the form of Nataraja dances the cosmic dance while in Tiruvannamalai, his fire energy is the centre of attraction. At Madurai Shiva is symbolized as the celebration of the mystical wedding of spirit and matter and in Shri Rangam, the all-pervading & retaining strength of the sleeping Vishnu is displayed.
Each of these places is closely connected with a certain aspect of Hindu mythology and grants a view of the various aspects. Traditional yoga forms a basis of this living spirituality and one can experience it by visiting the different ashrams such as the world famous Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram at the foot of the Arunachala mountain in the town of Tiruvannamalai or the Sri Aurobindo Ashram at Pondicherry.
