Currency: Indian Rupees

Official languages: Tamil

Cheras. The Cheras were an ancient Dravidian royal dynasty of Tamil origin who ruled in regions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in India. Together with the Chola and the Pandyas, it formed the three principal warring Iron Age kingdoms of southern India in the early centuries of the Common Era. The region of Tamil Nadu or Tamilakam, in the southeast of modern India, shows evidence of having had continuous human habitation from 15,000 BCE to 10,000 BCE. Throughout its history, spanning the early Upper Paleolithic age to modern times, this region has coexisted with various external cultures. 

Tamil Nadu is a southern state of India which is supremely rich in culture and heritage. Known to be one of the oldest civilisations in the world, the people of Tamil Nadu belong to the prestigious Dravidian Family. Tamil Nadu is a place that is close to nature and has a very simple and classy culture and lifestyle. They love spicy food and are very fond of coconut products. People are really very talented and have some extraordinary talent in them like dancing, painting, art, sculpturing, carving, etc.

Under the greater part of Tamil Nadu falls under Tropical savanna climate and a smaller portions of the state falls under Humid subtropical climate; the climate of the state ranges from dry sub-humid to semi-arid.

Citizens of most countries, including the United States, need a visa to visit India which should be arranged in advance. Full details can be found at The Government of India website (http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/). Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa, while some nationalities may get them upon arrival.

The roads within Tamil Nadu are generally better than in the rest of India. Smoother and better maintained and with better conveniences. Public transport like buses, both State and privately operated, and rail services have a comprehensive network. Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore and Tiruchirapalli have airports. It is possible to hire a long distance cab or rent a car or a motorcycle at the cities from where you can explore the rest of this beautiful area at your pleasure and convenience.

Before you leave on your holiday, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.

Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.

Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

We recommend avoiding packing any plastic bags in your luggage before flying to Kenya. You should also remove any items purchased at departure airports from their bags before boarding. Double check your luggage before disembarking in Kenya and leave any plastic bags on the plane.

Don’t purchase air/rail/bus tickets through strangers or unauthorized travel agents / tour operators.

Don’t point your finger at any person. It is taken as a sign of annoyance.

One must carry proper maps of the places proposed to visit.

Book your hotels in advance. Hotels and accommodations systems are well defined to suit every pocket. Contact a tour operator or a tour guide, who will make your tour easy and comfortable.