12 Top Tourist Places in Tamilnadu

Arignar Anna, Zoological Park: Chennai, the then Madras had the distinction of having the first zoo in India, started in 1855. Factors like air and sound pollution, insufficient place for accommodating the animals and highly dense human population around the corporation zoo became health hazards to animals of the zoo. Hence it was decided to shift the zoo from Moore market area to Vandalur Reserve Forest in the out-skirts of Chennai city. Works for the establishment of the zoo was started in 1976 and Arignar Anna

Zoological Park was opended to public in 1985. It is one of the largest zoos in South East Asia sprawling over an area of 602 ha. The existing landscape was utilized as it is and all the animals are exhibited in large open moated island type enclosures with simulated environment. The entire area of 602 ha. has been clothed with vegetation both by natural and some artificial regeneration.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park is one of the modern and scientifically managed zoos of the country with 257 full time staff apart from petty contract workers. The Zoological Park is the pride of the State and has attained excellence in the Conservation Breeding Programme for endangered species and creating awareness about the conservation of natural resources. Location:Chennai

Chidambaram Temple Chidambaram Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram,Tamil Nadu).The temple , 78 km south of Pondicherry and 235 Km from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu state of southeastern India. The Sangam classics refer to Viduvelvidugu Perumtaccan, respected clan of traditional Vishwakarmas, as being the chief architect of the temple renovation. There have been several renovations in its history, particularly during the days of Pallava/Chola emperors in ancient and pre-medieval periods.

Chidambaram is one of the five holiest Shiva temples, each representing one of the five natural elements; Chidambaram represents akasha (aether). The other four temples in this category are: Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara,Trichy (water), Kanchi Ekambareswara (earth)Kanchipuram, Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire),Thiruvanna malai and Kalahasti Nathar (wind),Kalahasti The temple complex spread over 50 acres in the heart of the city. It is an ancient and historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva Nataraja and Lord Govindaraja Perumal, one of the few temples where both the Shaivite and Vaishnavite deities are enshrined in one place.To the followers of Shaivism (Saivism) or the saivaite, the very word koil refers to Chidambaram. In the same way, to the followers of Vaishnavism it refers to Srirangam or Thiruvarangam.

Location: Chidambaram