Essence
Author: Gunita Kakteniece0 COMMENTS
Tamil Nadu, one of the 28 Indian states, is located in the southeast of the country. Unlike the green Kerala, one of the most prosperous states of India, Tamil Nadu historically has always been an agricultural and industrial region. Roads are lined by sprawling rice paddies but the deep-rooted tradition of textile industry could be the envy of many other parts of the country. Lion's share of the delicious fruits flooding the Kerala market is actually produced in Tamil Nadu. Most of the exquisite antiques at Keralan luxury hotels were also originally found in antique shops of the city of Karaikudi. After all, Tamil culture and art is thought to be one of the oldest in the world.
One wouldn't call Tamil Nadu a land of contrasts, and yet the diversity you will find there is considerable. To name but a few places worth paying a visit:
Pondicherry (Puducherry), also often referred to as the Oriental French Riviera, a city with a flavour impossible not to enjoy - Indian hotels, shops and cuisine with more than a touch of western spirit;
Mahabalipuram, a city on the shore of the Bay of Bengal - unique ancient stone figures and a waterfront temple;
Kanadukathan, a small town that tempts you to embark on long walks in the streets lined by houses with impossibly beautiful woodcarvings - a feast for your eyes that will last for hours;
Madurai with its little flower market, a symphony of colours and fragrances and the multi-coloured Hindu temple, one of the largest in the country. Throngs of people and bead sellers who seem almost prepared to follow you into your car. And, to crown it all, another side to the Indian charm, the inevitable blackouts in the more remote parts of the country. So, should you happen to find yourself standing in the middle of a huge puddle in complete darkness - sorry, no can do, just keep smiling and try to find your way to the hotel with a flashlight in your hand.