Ancient History (1st to 9th centuries) – Tamil Nadu was ruled by Early Cholas between 01st to 04th century. During later half of 04th century Pallavas emerged into prominence and dominated for 400 years. Medieval History (9th to 15th centuries) – Cholas rose as a strong power in 09th century. Pandyas emerged in early 14th century and in later 14th century a new kingdom was built called Vijayanagr empire. Modern History (17th -19th century) -The British, under the British East India Company, established a settlement further south, in present day Chennai, in the year 1639.

1. Temples & Treasures of
South India…
By - Lalit & Manish

2. History of Tamil Nadu
• Ancient History (1st to 9th centuries) – Tamil Nadu was ruled by Early Cholas
between 01st to 04th century. During later half of 04th century Pallavas emerged into
prominence and dominated for 400 years
•Medieval History (9th to 15th centuries) – Cholas rose as a strong power in 09th
century. Pandyas emerged in early 14th century and in later 14th century a new kingdom was
built called Vijayanagr empire .
•Modern History (17th -19th century) -The British, under the British East India
Company, established a settlement further south, in present day Chennai, in the year 1639.

4. What is a Gopuram ?

6. Major Dynasties contributed to Temple
architecture
•Pallava (600-900) -Greatest accomplishments of Pallava architecture are the rock- cut of
temples at Mahabalipuram
•Chola (900-1150) -Chola architecture achieved its peak at Thanjavur. The temples have
rising pyramid towers crowned with dome-like roofs. Sculptures and paintings adorn the
walls. Bronze sculptures of this era are the finest in southern India. Cholas built temples such
as Bridaeshvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram
•Hoysala (1100-1350) – These temples are famous for most intricate work done in the
temples. The soft soap-stone type material used by the Hoysala architects . Belur & halebid
Temples were built by this dynasty. Star Shaped Basement is there in this type of
architecture.
•Vijayanagara (1350-1565) -The characteristic feature of this period is the development of
the temple complex: concentric series of rectangular enclosure walls with
the gopuras (towered gateways) in the middle of each side. Like Vittal & Virupaksha Temple
in Hampi

7. Five Rathas, Mahabalipuram Brideshawara , Thanjavur
Belur Vittal Temple, Hampi

8. About Tamil Nadu
Capital : Chennai
Monsoon : June, July & October & November
No. of Districts : 32
Population : 67.86 Million
Language : Tamil & English
Main Crops : Rice, Maize, Cotton
2nd Longest Beach in the world : Marina Beach

9. Itinerary of the trip
13 June– Arrive Chennai - Hotel Visits + Sightseeing
14 June -Chennai - Cholamandalam- – Dakshinchitra – Mahabalipuram (65 Kms – 01 ½ Hrs drive)
15 June: Mahabalipuram -Pondicherry (99 Kms – 02 Hrs drive)
16 June: Pondicherry - Chidambaram– Gangai Kondacholapuram – Darasuram – The Mantra
Kumbakonam (166 Kms -04 Hrs drive)
17 June – Kumbakonam – Thanjavur–– Trichy (108 Kms – 2 ½ Hrs drive)
18 June – Trichy –Chettinad (91 Kms – 02 ½ Hrs drive)
19 June – Chettinad – Madurai (90 Kms – 02 Hrs drive)
20 June – Madurai –– Coonoor (285 Kms -06 Hrs drive)
21 June – Coonoor –– Ooty – Madumalai -bandipur– Hotels – Mysore (163 Kms – 06 Hrs drive)
22 June – Mysore – Srirangapatnam + Mysore sightseeing
23 June – Mysore – Kabini –Bylakuppe -Coorg (163 Kms -04 Hrs drive)
24 June – Coorg – Sightseeing + Hotels
25 June – Coorg – Belur - Chikkamangalur Hotels – Hassan (216 Kms – 05 Hrs drive)
26 June – Hassan - Hotels – Halebid -Hampi (341 Kms -07 hrs drive)
27 June – Hampi - Overnight Train
28 June – Arrive Bangalore – Hotels & fly to Delhi

10. Tamil Nadu Map

11. Karnataka Map

12. About Chennai
-All dynasties ruled Cholas, Pallavas, Pandyas, Vijaynagara
-Portuguese, Dutch & Britishers ruled the city
-Madras name took from Madrasapatnam
- After independence city was declared capital of Madras state which
was renamed as Tamil Nadu in 1969
-Today 04th largest city of India and leading commercial center of
India

13. History of Tamil Nadu
Sightseeing – Kapaleeswarar temple
•Original temple built in 07th century by Pallavas
•Temple was demolished by Portuguese
•Present temple built in 16th century by Vijaynagar
According to Puranass, here Lord Shiva plucks off
one of head of Brahma.
Kapal means Head and Eshwarar the god

14. History of Tamil Nadu
San Thome Church
12 Peoples are blessed by Jesus
and St. Thomas was one of
them . He was killed by Tamil
Brahmin. His nails & few
bones are in this church. Body
was kept in Vatican city .
Temple was built in Gothic
architecture and beautiful
architecture .

15. History of Tamil NaduHotels visited in Chennai……
•Radisson GRT
•Trident
•ITC Grand Chola
•Courtyard by Marriott
•The Accord
•The Residency Towers
•Vivanta by Taj Coromandel
•Vivanta by Taj Connemara
•Hyatt Regency
•The Pride
•Sarovar Portico
•Crowne Plaza

16. History of Tamil Nadu
Chennai – Cholamandalam (22 Kms) – Dakshinchitra (12 Kms) –
Mahabalipuram 23 Kms

17. Cholamandalam
Location – Appx 20 Kms from Chennai and 35 Kms from
Mahabalipuram
Timings – 0930 till 0630 PM
Entrances – INR 20 Per Person
It is Largest self supporting artist village. Artists live around
the cholamandalam .
K.C.S Paniker was founder of this place .
Here one can see the paintings, sculptures made of granite,
wood & copper

18. -A Unique Heritage center
-27 Kms from MAA and 25 kms
from Mahablaipuram
-Offers authentic insight into
lifestyle of the south Indian peoples
-- Traditional houses from different
regions have been prurchased,
dismantled and relocated here.
-Promote Craft through hands.
-Craft shops & Bazar
Dakshinchitra

19. -A Unique Heritage center
-27 Kms from MAA and 25 kms
from Mahablaipuram
-Offers authentic insight into
lifestyle of the south Indian peoples
-- Traditional houses from different
regions have been prurchased,
dismantled and relocated here.
-Promote Craft through hands.
-Craft shops & Bazar
-A Tamil Nadue House. The house belongs to a Chettiar family.
-House dates back to 19th cnetury
.

20. Kerala House
Less Height as compared to Tamil Nadu . Open courtyard is not there. More wood is used.

21. The Chikmagalur House

22. Andhra Coastle House
Andhra Ikat House

23. Mahabalipuram

24. Five Rathaas
07th century monolithic rock cut temples
Built from one stone.
World Heritage site
Five Rathas also called as Temple Chariots
Named After Five Pandyas

25. One of the Simplest Ratha.
It is in the hut shape.
Dedicated to Durga
Draupadi Ratha

26. History of Tamil Nadu
This chariot
dedicated to
Lord Shiva.
It has images
of a Royal
Couple, Shiva
Leaning on his
nandi.
Arjuna Ratha

27. One of the Simplest Ratha.
It is in the hut shape.
Dedicated to Durga
Bhima Ratha
Architecture like Buddhist Monastery.
Named after Bhim for its strength.
Lower part is unfinished.
Decorations on external faces of Rathas

28. Dharmaraja Ratha
•Most tallest
& largest
Ratha.
Crowned by
Octagnel
dammed roof
•Sculptures
like Harihara
(vishnu / shiva)

29. Nakula Sahadeva Ratha
•It is in curved shape. Appears like backside of
Elephant. Large Elephant is next to Ratha .
•It is believed that temple may be diedicated to
Lord Indra.

30. Shore Temple
It is one of the oldest structural stone temple. It is five storied rock cut
structural temple. Exclusive combination of history & nature splendor. World
Heritage site. Three shrines – two dedicated to Shiva and one to Vishnu.
First ray of sun falls on shivling

31. Arjuna’s Penance

33. Krishna Mandapa
It is one of the oldest cave cut temple. Here the Govardhan story is prescribded
that how lord krishna save the villagers from the storm by lifting the mountain

34. It is a monolithic granitic rock.
It weights over 250 feet and stands
on a extremely slippery area on less
than 04 feet area.
Krishna’s Butter ball

35. History of Tamil NaduHotels visited in Mahabalipuram…….
• MGM Beach Resort
• Vivanta by Taj Fisherman’s Cove
•Ideal Beach Resort
•Chariot Beach Resort
•Indeco Mahabalipuram
•Grand Bay Resort
•Radisson

36. History of Tamil Nadu
Pondicherry
99 Kms – 02 ½ Hrs from Mahabalipuram
•Pondy came in to lime light after arrival of
French in 1674 Francois Martine was
administrative head .
•Om 1750 there was war between French &
Britishers. In 1970’s Dutch came and did proper
planning.
•Pondy finally came back in to the hands of
French in 1814 till 1954.

37. History of Tamil Nadu
Pondicherry
.
•Pondichery have mixed culture as Dutch,
Britshers & French ruled here.
•Famous for old French buildings

38. History of Tamil Nadu
Aurbindo Ashram
In 1910 Aurbindo came to Pondy.
•Mirra alfassa (mother) came to Pondy
and became follower of Aurbindo.
•She build Ashram in 1926
•Ashram includes the house of mother &
aurbindo. It was build with puropose to
provide shelter who interested in Yoga and
meditation

39. History of Tamil Nadu
Meaning city of dawn. It is an spiritual community set up
with the objective of human unity.
It was founded by mother in 1968. Total area of
Aurovile is appx 2000 acres and appx 2100 are living from
43 countires.
Matrimandir started in 1971 and completed I 2008.
This temple is for those want to concentrate. 54 Kg
of gold is used in 1500 gold panels.
Inner chamber is completely white and a crystle glass
globe.
Auroville
Remains closed from 1230 till 1400 Hrs

40. History of Tamil Nadu
Hotels visited in Pondichery….
• Le Pondy
•Windflower
•Atithi
•Ananda Inn
•Ocean Spray
• Masion Perumal
•Accord
•Promenade
•Le Duplex
•Palais De Mahe

41. istory of Tamil Nadu
Kumbakonam hotels
Chidam
Chidambaram Temple
•Chidambaram is one of the five holiest Shiva temples
•Temple is associated with Nataraja, or Shiva in his
Ananda Tandava pose (the Cosmic Dance of bliss)
•Lord Shiva is in Three Forms

42. istory of Tamil Nadu
Kumbakonam hotels
•The demon :under Nataraja's
feet signifies that ignorance is
under his feet
•The Fire :in his hand (power of
destruction)
•The raised hand signifies that
he is the saviour of all life.
•The Ring at the back signifies
the cosmos.
•The drum in his hand signifies
the origin of Life.

43. istory of Tamil Nadu
Kumbakonam hotels
Four most honoured
Saivite Saints
:Appar, Sundarar,
Sambandar and
Manikkavacakar
All ritual duties in
the temple are
performed by
Deekshithar

44. History of Tamil Nadu
Gangaikondacholapuram Temple
Rajendra Chola-I (1012-1044
A.D) son of Great Rajaraja-I,
build this temple
The name means The town of
the chola who brought Ganga

45. History of Tamil Nadu
Darasuram Temple
•Bulid by Rajaraja Chola II (1146-63), is a superb example of 12 Century
Chola architecture.
•Stories from epics and Hindu mythology are depicted
•The sanctum is in the form of a chariot

46. History of Tamil Nadu
Yali

47. istory of Tamil Nadu
Kumbakonam hotels
Hotels visited in Kumbakonam
•Quality Inn
•Indeco Swamimalai
•Paradise Hotel
•Mantra Veppathur

48. History of Tamil Nadu
kumbakonam – Thanjavur ( Approx – 40 Kms) ) – Trichy ( Approx –
63 Kms)

49. History of Tamil NaduThanjavur Sightseeing
•Brihadeeswarar Temple ( Big Temple)
• Thanjavur Art Gallery

50. History of Tamil NaduBuilt by emperor Raja Raja Chola I
and completed in 1010 AD
Vimana height is 216 feet (66m)
and it is one among the tallest
towers in the world
The big statue of Nandi present at
the entrance.
Brihadeeswarar Temple ( Big Temple)

51. istory of Tamil Nadu
Kumbakonam hotels
Vimana
Horse-drawn chariot structure

52. History of Tamil Nadu
Thanjavur Palace & Museum
The gallery represent the
collection of stone sculpture
from the Pallava, Chola,
Pandya and Nayaka periods

53. istory of Tamil Nadu
Kumbakonam hotels
Thanjavur Hotels
•Ideal River View
• Sangam Hotel
•Star Residency
•Hotel Parisutham
•Lakshmi Hotel

54. History of Tamil Nadu
Tiruchirappalli
•Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
•Jambukeswarar Temple
•Rockfort Temple

55. Sri Ranganathaswamy Dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining
form of Lord Vishnu
Largest functioning temple complex in
the world
Temple Complex has 21 Gopurams, 50
sub shrines, 9 sacred pools,

56. istory of Tamil Nadu
Kumbakonam hotelsJambukeswarar Temple
Built by Kochenga Chola
This Temple represent one
of the Panchabhoota
Sthalams - Water
The entrance on the
sanctorum is only 4 foot
high and 2.5 foot wide

57. istory of Tamil Nadu
Kumbakonam hotelsRockfort Temple •Two Hindu temples inside the Rockfort, The
UchchiPillaiyar Koil and The Siva Temple
•273-foot high rock.

58. istory of Tamil Nadu
Kumbakonam hotels
Trichy Hotels
•Breeze Residency
• Grand Gardenia
• Sangam
• Hotel SRM

59. History of Tamil Nadu
Chettinad
Distance – 77 Kms from Trichy
The Chettinad region is well known for its
18th century mansions, whose wide
courtyards and spacious rooms are build
with marble and teak wood. Construction
materials, decorative items and
furnishings were mostly imported from
East Asian countries and Europe
Nattukottai Chettiars (Nagarathar), a
prosperous banking and business
community. It is also known for its local
cuisine, architecture, and religious temples

60. istory of Tamil Nadu
Kumbakonam hotels
Hotels visited in Chettinad
•Hotel Vislam
•Chettinad Mansion
•Chidambra Vilas
•Chettinad Court
•The Bangla

61. History of Tamil Nadu
Madurai – City of Temples / Athens of the East
(90 Kms – 02 ½ Hrs drive from Chettinad)

62. History of Tamil Nadu
Meenakshi Temple Temple is dedicated to Lord Sundershwara &
Meenakshi.
Lord Shiva appeared on earth to marry
Meenakshi incarnation of Parvati.

63. History of Tamil Nadu
Total 14 Gopurams. Tallest is the southern one with height of 170 Feet.
Each gopuram have thousand of sculptures. In every 12 years these are painted.

64. History of Tamil Nadu
Thousand Pillar hall

65. History of Tamil Nadu
Shiva shrine located in
middle of temple. Both
the shrines have golden
vimana
Shiva & Meenakshi shrines

66. History of Tamil Nadu
Shiva & Meenakshi shrines

67. History of Tamil Nadu
esAarti ceremony at Meenakshi

68. History of Tamil NaduHotels visited in Madurai..
•Poppy’s
• Fortune Pandiyan
• GRT
•SPK
•Star Residency
•Royal Court
•Sangam
•Astoria by Sparsa
•Heritage
•The Gateway
•Germanus

69. History of Tamil Nadu
Coonoor…

70. History of Tamil NaduHotels visited in Coonnor
•Kurumba Village
•Tea Nest
•The Gateway

71. History of Tamil Nadu
Ooty….

72. History of Tamil Nadu
Sightseeing in Ooty….

73. History of Tamil Nadu
Tea Factory Ooty

74. Ooty Hotels
•Taj Savoy
•Fortune Sulivan Court
•Gem Park
•Highland
•Sinclaires Retreat

75. Ooty - Madumalai ( approx – 50 Kms ) – Bandipur (approx – 22
Kms) – Mysore (approx – 77 Kms )

76. Bandipur National Park
Mudumalai National
Park
Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, gaur and
Indian leopard and 266 species of birds
in the sanctuary
Earlier it was a private hunting
reserve for the Maharaja of the
Kingdom of Mysore. Now it is
upgraded as Bandipur tiger reserve
Established in 1974

77. Madumalai Hotels
•Jungle Retreat
•Monarch Safari Park
Bandipur Hotels
•The Serai
•Wind Flower

78. Mysore Sightseeing
•Mysore Palace

79. Mysore Palace Architectural : Indo-Saracenic
Build by Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV
Inside the palace unique rooms
like : Public Durbar hall, Private
Durbar,Kalyana Mantapa

80. Public Durbar Hall
Mysore Palace
Private Durbar or Ambavilasa
Palace

81. Mysore Palace
Kalyana Mantapa Wrestling Courtyard

82. Srirangapatna Sightseeing
•SRIRANGANATHA SWAMY TEMPLE
•SITE OF TIPPU’S DEATH
•MASJID-E-ALA
•DARIA DAULATH BAGH
•GUMBAZ

83. MASJID-E-ALA
Srirangapatna Sightseeing
SRIRANGANATHA SWAMY
TEMPLE

84. Srirangapatna Sightseeing
GUMBAZ
SITE OF TIPPU’S DEATH

85. Srirangapatna Sightseeing
DARIA DAULATH BAGH
Garden of the Wealth, made of Teakwood
Every inch of the space in the walls, pillars, canopies and arches is
painted colorfully and artistically.

86. Mysore Hotels
•Regalis
• Radisson
• Fortune JP Palace
•Windflower
• Royal Orchid Metropole
•Sandesh The Prince
•Country Inn & Suites, Mysore

87. History of Tamil Nadu
Mysore – Nagarhole (90 Kms -02 1/2 Hours) – Bylakuppe (72 Kms -02
Hours) – Coorg (40 Kms – 01 ½ Hrs)

88. History of Tamil Nadu
Nagarhole National Park
Park stretches 643 Sq. Km in
between coorg & Mysore districts.
The Park has healthy number of
Tiger, elephants, Deer, sambar etc.
Kabini River separates the Bandipur
& Nagarhole Park

89. Nagarhole Hotels
•Orange County
• Red Earth Kabini
• The Serai

90. History of Tamil Nadu
Bylakuppe
2nd Largest Tibetan settlement outside
Tibet.
After China took over Tibet, refugees
were settled in Bylakuppe.
There are about 10000 tibetan living in
this temple.
Foreigners can visit temple but in order
to visit monastery they need special
pass issued by home ministry.
Inside temple 03 golden statue, Lord
Budha, Padmasambhava and Amitayus

91. History of Tamil Nadu

92. History of Tamil Nadu
2nd Largest Tibetan settlement outside
Tibet.
After China took over Tibet, refugees
were settled in Bylakuppe.
There are about 10000 tibetan living in
this temple.
Foreigners can visit temple but in order
to visit monastery they need special
pass issued by home ministry.
Inside temple 03 golden statue, Lord
Budha, Padmasambhava and Amitayus
Coorg Coorg earlier name – Kodagu means dense forest. Also known as Scotland of
India. It is located on western Ghats and lowest height is 900 meters &
highest is 1750 above sea level. Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations.

93. History of Tamil Nadu
Coorg Sightseeing points Omkerashwar Temple
Dedicated to Lord shiva. It has a mix of Islamic and
gothic architecture. On top there is a golden ball
Raja’s seat
It is a famous sunset point. It is believed that king
used to come there to enjoy the sunset and beautiful
views

94. History of Tamil Nadu
It is 08 Kms from town and a beautiful waterfall . It is situated in
the middle of coffee plantations . Water flows from a height of appx 70
feet.
Abbey Falls

95. History of Tamil NaduHotels visited in Coorg…
•Heritage Resort
• Coorg International
•Vivanta by Taj
•Windflower

96. Coorg – Hassan ( approx - 110 Kms) – Belur (approx - 40 Kms ) –
Halebeedu – (approx – 26 Kms )

97. Chennakesavra Temple (Belur)
Build by Vishnuvardhana Hoysala in 1117
AD
Vishnuvardhana's conversion from Jainism
to Vaishnavism
40 kms From Hassan City

98. Inside the hall there are 48 pillers
Darpana Sundari
Sala

99. Halebidu Temples
Two Shivalingas present at
the Halebidu temple namely
Hoysaleshwara and
Kedareshwara.
Halebidu Temples – Ruin
City

100. History of Tamil Nadu

101. History of Tamil Nadu

102. Hassan Hotels
•Hoysala Village
•Ashok Hassan
•Southern Star
•Malligi
•Rama Hotel
Chikmanglur Hotels
•The Gateway
•The Serai

103. Hampi
335 Kms from Hassan –
06-07 hrs drive
Hampi founded by Hakka & Bukkka
04 dynasties ruled from 1336 till 1565
It become a major trading center
King Krishnadeva raya was most succesfull king
All come to an end in 1565 during the battle of Deccan sultants

104. Hampi Ruins

105. Vittala Temple Temple is built in form of a temple complex with compound wall &
towers. Built in 15 century. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Highlight of
temple is pillared halls & stone chariot

107. Virupaksha Temple One of the oldest temple of
hampi.. Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Gopuram is 09 storie tower with
cow horn like projection on the
top
Virupaksha Temple

108. Virupaksha TempleHighlight of this Mahal is the architecture.
Archways resembles petal of Lotus.
Structure in Indo – Islamic architecture.
Base is Vijayanagar and 09 pyramid town is
Islamic
Lotus Mahal

109. Virupaksha TempleQueen’s Bath.
It was used as a private bathing chamber of
King & Queen. It was built in Indo-Islamic
architecture.

110. Virupaksha TempleRoyal Enclosure. Mahanavami Dibba. Pushkarni
Monolithic doorSecret Chamber

111. Monolithic door
Hazara Rama Temple Located in Royal Enclosure. Dedicated to Lord vishnu in his
aspect of Lord Rama. Scultupres
from Ramayana can be seen here.

112. Virupaksha Temple
Monolithic door
Narasmiha Statue Sitting on the coil of a seven headed
snake. This form as Ugra Narsimha.
Stands at a height of 6.7 meters.
Narsimha means half man & half lion

113. Monolithic door
Badaviling Temple
03 Meter high shilling. One of
the biggest. Built by a poor
lady. Next to Narsimha.

114. 03 Meter high shilling. One of
the biggest. Built by a poor
lady. Next to Narsimha.
Ganesha Statue

115. History of Tamil Nadu
Hotels in Hampi…
•Krishna Palace
•Mailligi
•Heritage Resort
•Royal Orchid Kreeeti

116. History of Tamil NaduHotels visited in Bangalore…
•Royal Orchid KG Golf course
•The Pride
•The Oberoi
•The Park
•The Chancery Pavilion
•The Gateway
•Royal Orchid Central
•ITC My Fortune
•Regalis
•The Chancery
•JW Marriott
•ITC Gardenia

117. History of Tamil Nadu
THANK YOU…..