Chennai (Madras), the capital city, is rich in history, from temples of south India and shrines to forts and palaces, where the past lives harmoniously with the present. Chennai is the fourth largest city in India and the capital of Tamil Nadu. Retaining much of its traditional charm, this 350-year-old city is the gateway to the South, providing many a fascinating vignette of southern heritage. 

Kanchipuram, the town of thousand temples is one of the seven sacred cities in India. 71 kms from Chennai it was the capital of the Pallavas and Cholas from the 7th to 13th century AD. A seat of learning and a centre of culture, since early times, it was at Kanchipuram that Adi Shankaracharya established his religious order.Kanchipuram is famous for its hand woven silks in the form of saris, dhotis and yardage. The timeless appeal of vibrantly coloured silks makes them prized collections.

Pondicherry a quaint enclave in Tamil Nadu, 120 kms from Chennai is Pondicherry, once a possession of the French. It joined the Republic of India in 1960. The town, which rose phoenix - like after the British literally razed it to the ground in the 18th century, is home to the much acclaimed philosopher Shri Aurobindo. His Ashram is in Pondichery.

Thanjavur, the pride of the Chola dynasty, was the capital of the powerful Chola Empire. The crowning glory of this Empire is the Brihadeeshwara temple completed in 1018 AD, with its 66.5m high 'Sri Vimana' dominating the city. The monolithic granite block that forms a cupola on the top, weighs 81.3 tons, reflecting the architectural prowess of the Chola builders.

Tiruchirapalli This ancient citadel, situated on the banks of the Cauvery River, provides a perfect blend of history, tradition and religion. Trichy's landscape is dominated by the Rock Fort. Once the citadel of the early Cholas, this city was also ruled by the Pallavas and then the Pandyas. The present fort was built by the Nayak rulers of Madurai in late 17th century.