This gorgeous state boasts beautiful temples, historic rock carvings and a stunning holy mountain, amongst other memorable sites. Tamil Nadu is in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and has many picturesque beaches and coasts.
Travelling in Tamil Nadu is an amazing experience.
In Mamallapuram you’ll discover the amazing Pallava style rock carvings, a seventh century UNESCO world heritage site that draws many a traveller! The structures here, mostly carved straight out of granite, are among the oldest existing examples of Dravidian (South Indian) architecture.
One of the most stunning carvings here is Arjuna’s Penance, a huge bas-relief depicting Hindu fables, deities and animals.
The temple in Madurai, Sri Meenakshi, is another fabulous, historic attraction.
There are over 33,000 sculptures (with history and stories behind each) within the huge 6-hectare temple complex. Do beware visiting this temple though, as Meenakshi is the goddess of fertility and women from all over the state visit to pray for a child (and sometimes a husband)!
The international community of Auroville is a truly unique place in the world.
The population is about 2,300 made up of people from all over the world (currently 48 countries) and continues to grow. The aim of this community is unity among all. Auroville is the first and only internationally recognised ongoing experiment in human unity and transformation of consciousness. Research in to sustainable living is also a high priority in this special place.
If you look behind the covers of Tamil Nadu you’ll be lucky enough to discover a beautiful Hindu Nun’s Orphanage and school. They open their doors to you and you can’t help but open your heart to them. You’ll be able to tour the classrooms where the kids will eagerly show you what they have learnt (often with a song!). After exploring the beautiful grounds, a traditional lunch with the Hindu nuns will show you true hospitality and delicious food! It’s a truly enriching experience.
And then there is the holy mountain Arunachala, located in Thiruvannamalai.
Arunachala is one of the five main shaivite holy places in South India. It is also an important place for the followers of Sri Ramana Maharshi; his wonderful Ashram is located at the base of the holy hill. Every full moon many thousands of pilgrims flock to the town to circumnavigate the mountain. The energy is quite magical.
If you’d like to discover this part of South India for yourself then come and join us on one of these wonderful tours:
‘Vinyasa Yoga and Wellbeing’, ‘Heart of the South’, ‘Body Mind Spirit’ and ‘Living the Ayurvedic Way South’
Contact us on 1300722932 or info@touchofspirittours.com.au
For our full list of season tours click here
See you next week!
