Chennai:
Earlier known as Madras, Chennai is the capital of the southern Indian state Tamil Nadu. The region has been ruled by different South Indian Kingdoms, most importantly the Pallava, Chola, Pandaya, and the Vijayanagar. Portuguese were the first to arrive here in 1522 and the region passed into the hands of Dutch during the early 17th century. With the coming of British, the region was granted to the East India Company by the local chief Iyappa Nayak on August 1639 to build a factory and the place then called as Madras Patnam. By 18th century, British conquered most part around Tamil Nadu and established Madras Presidency with capital Madras. After independence, the Madras Presidency was renamed as Tamil Nadu in 1968. In August 1996, the city was renamed as Chennai. Chennai also called the Gateway to the South and offers a lot to its tourists from its golden sand beaches, historic monuments including temples, churches, forts, palaces and several buildings built during British rule.

Coimbatore:
Coimbatore is one of the most industrialised cities in the state. Popularly known as "The Textile Capital of South India" or "The Manchester of the South", the city is situated on the banks of the river Noyyal. Located in the shadow of the Western Ghats, Coimbatore enjoys a very pleasant climate the year round, aided by the fresh breeze that flows in through the 25-km long Palakkad gap.

Kodaikanal:
Located just 120 km from Madurai, Kodaikanal is one of the popular hill stations of Tamil Nadu that attracts tourist from all parts of India. Its mesmerizing water falls; beautiful lakes make it one of the charming hill stations in South India.

KanyaKumari:
Once referred as the Alexandria of the East, Kanyakumari was great centre for art, culture, civilization and pilgrimage. Kanyakumari was also ruled by Cholas, the Cheras and later by Pandayas and the Nayakas. During British rule, it was known as Cape Camorin, and was a part of Kerala state. The name of the city came from the name of goddess Kanya Devi, another form of goddess Parvati.

Madurai:
Madurai is one of the oldest cities of India and its history dates back to the Sangam Age. According to Tamil literature, it was called Nanmadakkoodal. Koodal means assembly and all the three Tamil Academies (Sangams) were established here and so it got the name Koodal. For its excellent architecture and unique town planning, the city is aptly called the 'Athens of the East'. The name Madurai is associated with 'Maduram' meaning nectar. The legend is that when Lord Shiva came here to marry Devi Meenakshi, few drops of nectar fell here and thus named as Madurai.

Mahabalipuram:
The Temple City, Mahabalipuram, lays some 60 kms far from the metropolitan city of Chennai, India. The place is abutted by Bay of Bengal and falls in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. With a coastline spread over more than 20 kms, Mahabalipuram is known for its golden sandy beaches which invite large number of tourists throughout the year. The beach, which is popular for sunbathing and other beach activities also feature several historic monuments and holy shrines. There are several magnificent historical monuments near the beach which are major source of tourist attraction.

Ooty:
Now known as the “Queen of the Hill Station”, Ooty or Udhagamandalam is the capital of Nilgari district. The history of this region goes back to the reign of Hoysalas who ruled this region during 12th century. The Nilgari region came under the control of British by the treaty of Srirangapatnam, which they had signed with Tipu Sultan in 1799.

Pondicherry:
Situated at 160 km south of Chennai, Pondicherry is a Union Territory of India. It was a colony of the French East India Company and before that, it was known as Vedapuri. Recent archaeological excavation shows that it was once a centre for maritime trade. Roman coins, jars and other Roman articles reveal Roman trading connections. It was under the rule of the Cholas, Pallavas and the Vijayanagar Empire.

Trichy:
The history of Trichy or Tiruchirapalli dates back before Christian era when it was a major political centre for Cholas and Pallavas. It was ruled by different rulers of Pallavas, Cholas, Hoyasals, Pandays and Vijayanagar Empire between 10th and mid 16th century. After the defeat of Vijayanagar Empire by the Deccan Sultans in 1565 AD, Trichy came under the Nayakas of Madurai who ruled till 1736 AD.