Tamil Nadu

Running about 800 km (500 mi) along the Bay of Bengal, Tamil Nadu is the heartland of South India. From Tamil Nadu's coast, with its gorgeous, bright-green rice fields and coconut and banana trees, the land rises through the low-lying Eastern Ghats (mountains) up to tea, coffee, and spice plantations in the Nilgiri Hills, and finally to the higher Western Ghats.

A rich oral tradition, 2,000-year-old religious texts and literature, and Jain and Buddhist influences have made South Indian Hinduism a distinct, vibrant, evolving religion—one that pervades Tamils' lives, beliefs, philosophy, and behavior. The Tamils have survived incursions from North Indians and foreigners alike, but neither the Portuguese nor the French nor the British, who ruled Chennai (then Madras) for 300 years, made more than a superficial dent in the soul of Tamil culture. Majestic South Indian temples dominate the Tamil landscape, just as faith permeates Tamil life. A visit to at least a couple major temples is key to understanding this part of India.

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