It's often said that Tamil Nadu is a microcosm of India, showcasing a bit of everything from rivers and waterfalls to valleys, coastal regions, mountains, wildlife, and architecture. While the state may not be the sole attraction, you definitely won't want to miss it!
# Rocky Pallava ArchitectureThe Pallava Dynasty, which ruled from the 600s to the 900s, centered around the monumental city of Mahabalipuram and its capital, Kanchipuram, in present-day Tamil Nadu. The Pallava kings were pioneers in South Indian architecture.
The rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram are a significant contribution of Pallava architecture. Notable features include sculptured and excavated columns and monolithic pagodas, known as Rathas. The coastal temple established in Mahabalipuram by Narasimhavarman II is also noteworthy.
# Pandya ArchitectureThe Temple of Andal, an emblem of the Tamil Nadu Government, represents Pandya architecture. According to legend, Periyaazvari, the goddess of the king, constructed the temple with the clay deity who triumphed in debates at the Pandya Palace of Vallabhadeva. A prominent feature of the Sriviliputtur temple is its twelve-story tower, dedicated to Vatapatrasayee as the ruler of Srivilliputtur. The 59-meter-high temple tower is an official emblem of Tamil Nadu. The renowned Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is also a prime example of Pandya architecture.
# Chola ArchitectureThe Chola Dynasty ruled from 848 to 1280, with notable rulers such as Rajaraja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola, who commissioned temples like the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur and the Brihadeeshwarar Temple in Gangaikonds Cholapuram. These temples, known as the UNESCO World Heritage Chola Great Living Temples, are among the earliest examples of Dravidian temple architecture. The Chola rulers, including Vijayalaya Chola, were prolific builders, with many temples constructed in the Kanch and Kumbakonam regions.
# Chidambaram Thillai Nataraja TempleA remarkable example of temple architecture is the Kanaca-Sabai (Golden Phase) at the Chidambaram Thillai Nataraja Temple. This unique pagoda, entirely covered with gold tiles, differs from other Vimanas in its construction and scale. Historical records indicate that Parantaka Chola I commissioned this Vimana in the 9th century, which continues to feature its decorative gold. The Vimana Ananda Nilayam of the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala and the two golden Vimanas at the Meenakshi Amman Temple are also notable for their historical and architectural significance.
# Brihadeeswarar Temple in TanjoreThe Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjore is another prominent example of high-altitude temple architecture with its distinctive Vimana. The city's architectural landscape shifted post-independence, with the LIC Building completed in 1959 becoming the world's tallest building at the time. This change marked a transition from brick and lime to concrete columns. However, weather radar in the Chennai Port area restricts buildings over 60 meters within a 10-km radius.
The area has seen less vertical development compared to other metropolitan cities, with horizontal expansion being more common. In contrast, peripheral regions are experiencing vertical growth, with over 50-story towers being constructed, particularly in the southern and southwestern parts of the city.