Tamil Nadu is also known as the land of Sculptural & architectural beauty.It is situated in the southeast corner of India. This state covers an area of 1,30,000sq.km, which is approximately of the same size as that of the England. Tamil Nadu is also refereed as "the Cradle of Dravidian culture", which is an ancient culture distinguished by unique languages and customs. It has got over 2000 years old language. Tamil Nadu has got some of the most remarkable temples with fine architecture, intricate rock carvings, their towering gopurams (gateways) and a living tradition of Music & classical dance. It is one of India’s most fascinating states.

The coastline has resorts and delightful fishing villages. There are some hill stations such as Ooty and Kodaikanal, which provides a cool breeze during the hot summer. On the other hand, the national parks offer unique flora & fauna.

Tamil cuisine, which is traditionally vegetarian, consists of Dosa (crispy Pancakes) and Idlis (streamed rice dumplings). Sweets are a favorite over here and coffee is more popular than tea.

HISTORY

Tamil Nadu is the home of Tamils and their Dravidian culture. Dravidians had inhabited the South since at least the 4^th millennium B.C., human activity in the area, now known as Tamil Nadu may have began as early as 3,00,000 years ago. By 1200 B.C., a civilization distinguished by huge stone sculptures existed in South India. In 1640, the British negotiated the use of Madraspatnam (now Chennai) as a trading post. Under British colonial rule most of South India was integrated into the region called the Madras Presidency. Many Tamils played a significant part in the struggle for independence, which was finally won in 1947.

CLIMATE
Tamil Nadu is much drier than Kerala, which is to its west. Tamil Nadu, and particularly the area around Madras, receives the bulk of its rain in monsoon from October to December.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

The great majority of Tamils are Dravidians. They have settled in Tamil Nadu for several thousand years. Tamil, which is the main language of the state, is spoken by over 85% of the population. In the North, especially around Madras, are many Telgu speakers. Hindus make up nearly 90% of the population and over 5% are Christians. The origin of Christianity in the South, traditionally goes back to 52 A.D., There are also small but significant minorities of Muslims, Jains & Parsis.

HILLS OF TAMIL NADU

The magnificent range of hills collectively known as the Western Ghats, includes the Nilgiris in the North of Tamil Nadu and the Palani, Cardamom & Anamalai hills in the South region. The Paladin's & Nilgiris are the largest peaks in Tamil Nadu. The Nilgiris alone covers an area of about 2,500 sq. km. In the North of the state, isolated blocks like Shevaroy & Javadi hills reach heights of over 1,500m. There are three main hill stations of the Tamil Nadu, known as Ooty, Coonoor & Kodaikanal. Besides these, there are other hill resorts in Tamil Nadu such as Kotagiri which is 2200 Mts. above Sea level, Yercaud which is situated in the Shevarog hills. These hills provide a panoramic view. These places have got a mild climate & are pleasant throughout the year.These hill stations provide a lot of opportunities for trekking & other outdoor activities. The best time to visit these hill stations is in APRIL-JUNE & SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER.

THE NILGIRI HILLS

The Nilgiri hills are the oldest and second highest mountain range in India, the first being the Himalayas. The Nilgiri hills are also known as the ‘Blue Mountains ‘ as the name suggests where "nil" means Blue and "Giri" means Hills. The Nilgiri hills acquired its name by the local people of this place some 1000 years ago because of their reference for blue haze. These hills cover an area of 2542sq.km. and consists of forests gentle and steep slopes, lakes and tea plantations. Several tribal groups still live here.

The Nilgiri hills have got a wide variety of flora and fauna. It has got 40% of Indian’s plant species. This place has also got ancient shola evergreen moist and mixed deciduous forests. There is also a majestic display of wildlife such as gaur deer, barking deer, and Sambar, four-horned antelope, common Langur, rusty-spotted cat and shy risky Nilgiri there. A small number of Leopards , Elephants & Tigers reside in Mukurthi and Mudumalai National Parks. The birdlife is vast & diverse, there are cormorants, Pipits and Parakeets Reptiles includes the Nilgiri pit viper and the, king Cobra, you may also see tortoise across forest paths. Some of the local fish include rainbow trout, mahseer & carnatic carp.

The Environmental humiliation in the Niligiris is crucial. The capital city Ooty, puts pressure under its permanent population and a huge inflow of tourists. In some areas smuggling of teak & illegal trafficking of Wildlife continues. The tea plantations in the area are done by chance.

There are many tribal people who live in the Niligiri Hills. These hills serve as a home to them. Since many years, while keeping integrity in customs, dress, occupations and language, the tribes were interdependent economically, socially & culturally .The Toda tribe lived on the Western plateau that is now called Ooty. The Kotas lived in the Kotagiri area and were considered as low status tribes. The Kotas were the artisans of leather goods & pots. They were also great musicians. In the hills beyond Ooty,the strongest tradition still remains today. The tea plantations and the temples can still be seen there. The Niligiri hills have got three main hill stations these are Coonoor, Ooty & Kotagiri.

The Niligiri hills also provide opportunities for trekking & much other outdoor activities. The best times to visit this place is in winters from November to February.