Nestling along the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram(Mamallapuram) was a 7th century port of the Pallava kings. The cave temples here were carved out of a granite hill mostly between the 5^th and 8^th centuries. Besides, you also will find the famous Shore Temple to the east and the Chariot Temples to the South.

     The Nataraja Temple located at the centre of the town, sprawls over an area of 40 acres. With the roof of the Sanctum Sanctorum covered with gold plates. The presiding deity is represented by air - known as Akaasa Linga.

     You can choose your picnic spot within thousands of acres of lush mangrove forests. A number of backwater canals criss-cross the area forming several islands.

     A temple town with a history dating back to 23 centuries, kancheepuram is called "The City of Thousand Temples". The Ekambareswaran Temple said to be the largest Siva temple has a 100 pillared hall and one of the tallest gopurams(185 m) in South India. Today, the town is perhaps more widely known for its lovely silks.

     The Arunachaleswara Temple, a renowned Siva Temple, is situated at the foot of a hill here. The ashram of Sri Ramana Maharishi is only 3 kms from this temple.

     Gingee, one of the finest forts in India, is built on 7 hills and still houses several interesting structures.

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     Also known as Tranquebar, this former Danish settlement, contains the fairy tale-like remains of a 400-year-old fort on the seashore.

     On confluence of River Cauvery with the Bay of Bengal lies this ancient historic port city of the Chola dynasty. Also known as Kaveripoompattinam.

     The healing powers associated with the Basilica of Our Lady of Health here, draws pilgrims across all religions and faiths.

     Famous for the Sarangapani, the Kubereshwara, the Nageswara and the Ramaswamy temples. The Mahamagam congregation takes place once in 12 years.

     Thanjavur rose to glory as a centre of learning and culture during the Chola reign between the 10^th and the 14^th centuries. Renowned for its 11^th century Brihadeswara temple, the finest of its kind in South India. Moreover, the Fort Serfoji Museum holds the richest collection of Chola bronzes.

     The Hazrat Meeran Sultan Sayed Shahabdul Hameed Dargah, attracts devout Muslims from far and wide.

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