Mamallapuram
Mamallapuram, 60 Kms., South of Chennai, nestling on
the shore of the Bay of Bengal, was a port of the Pallavas.
The Pallavas have created many marvellous monuments
with Sculpture Panels, Caves Monolithic Rathas and Temples.
Once a thriving port trading with many distant nations,
Pallava Chisels have breathed life into stone. The Pallavas
art at this place emphasises robust earthly beauty,
imbibed with life. These monumental spendours and sunny
beach resorts attract tourist from all over the world.
Vedanthangal
Vedanthangal is one of the largest bird sancturies in
India. It is a marshy, 30 hectare park with lake visited
by over 1,00,000 migratory birds every year. The majority
of these birds can be seen between November and February.
The variety of birds include Herons, Darters, Spoonbills,
Pelicans, Sandpipers, White Ibis, Cormorants, Blue winged
teals and Swans.
Crocodile Bank
44 kms.) Not far from Mamallapuram, this crocodile breeding
and research centre is run by Romulus Whittaker. Here
several species of Indian and African crocodiles and
alligators are bred in captivity.The reptiles are kept
in their natural habitat in open pools and can be viewed
from safe proximity. This farm breeds crocodile to augment
the crocodile population of the wildlife sanctuaries.
Muttukadu
(36 kms) The backwaters of Muttukadu have been developed
by the Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation to
serve as a scenic picnic spot and a centre for watersports.In
February every year, a windsurfing regatta is organised
in Muttukadu.Competitions in windsurfing and other watersports
are also held. Training and demonstration programmes
are held for youth.
Covelong
(48kms) The remains of the Fort have now been converted
into a luxury beach resort which offers facilities for
windsurfing and swimming. An ancient Catholic Church
, a mosque and the ruins of the Fort make interesting
viewing from this 5 Star hotel
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