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Nestled among stunning landscapes, the captivating villages of Tamil Nadu invite travellers to explore the state's abundant heritage.
The Nilgiris; rolling hills offer unforgettable experiences and picturesque views. Nestled in the Nilgiri district is the charming village of Hullada in Ketti town panchayat, featuring a waterfall, stunning cliffs, and a gorge. This village, close to Ooty and Coonoor, has been recognised as one of the Best Tourism Village 2023 in the Bronze category by the Ministry of Tourism. The Ketti Valley viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama that is truly unmissable. Set against a picturesque backdrop, the Ketti railway station has served as a filming location for numerous movies. The village is home to the Badaga community. Immerse yourself in their cultural heritage at the Amman temple during the Kundam festival in March. Experience traditional music, dances and attire. You can also sample delectable culinary offerings, which include ragi-based preparations, as well dishes such as ottu kudi udhakka (bamboo shoot curry), aadu baadu udhakka (mutton curry), and thuppathittu, that reflect the rich traditions of the Badaga community.
Situated just 16 kilometres from Pollachi in the Coimbatore district, Vettaikaranpudur is rapidly gaining recognition as an immersive eco and cultural tourism destination. In 2023, Vettaikaranpudur was honoured as 'The Best Tourism Village' in the Bronze category, solidifying its status as a must-visit location. With the emergence of homestays and resorts, visitors can now fully experience the rich history of craftsmanship, including traditional silk weaving, wood carving, and various handicrafts, all of which have been preserved and passed down through generations, forming an integral part of the village's cultural heritage. Emphasising eco-conscious and environmentally friendly products, Vettaikaranpudur supports local artisans and sustainable practices, providing a unique and fulfilling experience for visitors. Moreover, Vettaikaranpudur is steeped in religious significance, housing ancient temples like the Sri Vettaiyapuram temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which is considered one of the oldest in the region. The village also hosts cultural festivals like Kummippattu – which involves dance performances with rhythmic hand-clapping – and the Maasani Amman Temple festival.
The village's proximity to the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve allows tourists to explore the region's rich biodiversity. Just 14 kilometres away, Topslip, renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife, enhances Vettaikaranpudur's appeal as an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
The pretty fishing village of Kunthukal in Ramanathapuram district offers a picturesque beach. The pristine blue waters make it an ideal destination for beach enthusiasts, offering activities such as swimming, sunbathing, adventure sports, and sea diving. Visitors also flock to the adjacent Vivekananda Memorial, dedicated to the renowned spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda. This revered site commemorates his return after the 'Parliament of World Religions' in Chicago and features a 6-foot statue of Swami Vivekananda, a spiritual library and a meditation hall. Nearby, the Rama Setu Bridge provides a glimpse into the region's rich history. Kunthukal serves as a gateway to the historically significant town of Ramanathapuram, steeped in centuries of diverse cultural influences. The area is also home to mangroves, with ongoing efforts such as the Mission Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Income (MISHTI) launched in 2023 to preserve and restore the mangrove ecosystem along the coast. Kunthukal village is dedicated to preserving marine ecosystems, promoting sustainable fishing practices, conserving mangrove forests and minimising pollution. The community actively participates in these efforts efforts by restoring local ecosystems, protecting endangered species, and promoting sustainable land use practices.
Keeladi, a charming village in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, around 13km from Madurai. It came into prominence after the discovery of ancient artefacts. Excavations carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department (TNAD) have revealed a Sangam era settlement dated to the 6th century BCE by radiocarbon dating. The Keeladi site has garnered worldwide attention due to the remarkable discoveries made by archaeologists. Visit and explore Keeladi's storied past, which the ASI has unearthed through various excavations along the Vaigai River. These findings offer a glimpse into the ancient culture of the Tamil people, making Keeladi a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to uncover India's rich history. The findings have been showcased at the Keeladi Heritage Museum. Opened to visitors in March 2023, this impressive museum houses thousands of rare and exceptional artefacts discovered during the archaeological excavation.
Keeladi village promotes sustainable agriculture by utilising efficient irrigation techniques that focus on groundwater conservation and rainwater harvesting. In addition to exploring heritage sites, visitors can also engage in cultural activities such as pottery, crafting jute and palm products, and creating terracotta artefacts, enhancing their overall experience. Keeladi also encourages agro-tourism by offering visits to nearby farms and orchards, supporting local farmers and providing tourists with an opportunity to learn about the region's agricultural practices.
Address: Excavation Site, Keeladi, Tamil Nadu 630611. Phone: 044 2819 0020
You can find the museum's location on Google Maps here.
Situated just 40 kilometres from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Pollachi boasts a delightful climate year-round, owing to its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Western Ghats. Thanks to its unique geographical location, this charming place is adorned with numerous picturesque spots that every traveller should include in their itinerary. The town is renowned for its lush coconut plantations. Several farms have been transformed into comfortable stays where you can stroll through the coconut plantations, savour exquisite local cuisine, listen to birdsong, and relax in the gentle breeze that rustles through the coconut leaves.
Chettinad is a historically significant region known as the home of the Nattukottai Chettiars, a Tamil community that amassed great wealth in the early 20th century through trade with Southeast Asia. They constructed magnificent mansions with their wealth, adorning them with pillars of Burma teak, European chandeliers and art from around the world. Visitors experience the splendid heritage, world-renowned cuisine and exquisite craftsmanship. Chettinad has become a sought-after travel destination in Tamil Nadu, with numerous heritage mansions welcoming guests worldwide. For example, the renowned Aayiram Jannal Veedu in Karaikudi is a stunning visual sight. The literal translation of the place's name means the 'house with a thousand windows'. The region's impressive architecture and cuisine have been major attractions for discerning travellers. Stroll through the old streets lined with imposing mansions, exuding an ageless grandeur Kadiapatti, Pallathur, Kothamangalam, and Kanadukathan are particularly atmospheric, and the Raja of Chettinad's Palace, even though inaccessible to visitors, is still worth admiring from the outside.
Discover Athangudi village in Sivaganga district, renowned for its vibrant handmade Athangudi tiles. These tiles showcase intricate geometric and floral patterns in rich colours, believed to be infused with a unique local character by the manufacturers. Furthermore, the Chettinad calendar is adorned with vibrant festivals all year round. In the Chettinad region, villages boast at least one temple, with some even having more. The annual 'thiruvila' festival unites the entire community in rituals and worship and is celebrated at every temple.
Jallikattu, a traditional sport of deep cultural significance in Tamil Nadu, is widely celebrated across the state, with various regions hosting events. This time-honoured tradition has been an integral part of Tamil Nadu's rich history and heritage for generations. Keelakarai, a quaint village in Alanganallur Block of Madurai district, is renowned for the new Kalaignar Centenary Eruthazhuvuthal Arena, sprawling across 66 acres. This impressive arena features a three-tiered stadium with a seating capacity of 5,000 and encompasses a museum, bull shed, veterinary dispensary, and health support centre, providing essential facilities for players, spectators, and the media. In January 2024, the inaugural Jallikattu event took place in this state-of-the-art arena. Jallikattu, as a traditional sport, entails releasing a bull into a crowd of participants who strive to grasp the bull's hump for as long as possible. The primary objective of Jallikattu is to conserve the pure lineage of indigenous bulls. The newly inaugurated Jallikattu arena stands as a testament to the region's profound cultural heritage.
Tamil Nadu invites travellers to its picturesque villages set amidst stunning landscapes. These villages exemplify the state’s abundant heritage, offering an immersive experience for every visitor, from remarkable architectural wonders, thrilling adventure sports, charming fishing villages, and peaceful shores of a beach.
For more details, go to TN Tourism Board's official page.
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