The south Indian state of Tamil Nadu is surrounded by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in the north and Kerala in the west. Tamil Nadu's eastern and southern coasts are washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean respectively. The eastern and western tips of the state are defined by the Point Calimere and Mudumalai wildlife sanctuaries while the northern extreme is Pulicat lake and the southernmost tip is Cape Comorin or Kanniyakumari - where India's land ends.
Traditionally, the land of Tamils has been divided into 5 major physiographic divisions - the Kurinji or mountainous region, the Mullai or forest region, the Palai or arid region, the Marudham or the fertile plains and the Neidhal or coastal region.The Eastern and Western ghats of India meet in Tamil Nadu and run along its eastern and western borders. The 25km wide Palakkad gap and Shencottah gap are the only breaks into the long chain of hills that border western Tamil Nadu.
Land in Tamilnadu
Rich Flora and Fauna
Tamil Nadu is rich in flora and fauna and some of its major wildlife sanctuaries like Mudumalai, Anaimalai, Madras Crocodile Bank trust, Guindy national park, etc, are situated in the hills of the Western ghats providing home to elephants, tigers, bisons and a variety of monkeys and deers. There are more than 3000 plant species found in Tamil Nadu, out of which a majority are found in the mixed deciduous forests of this region.
Tropical Climate
The climate of Tamil Nadu is tropical with little deviation in temperature in summer and winter. April and May are the hottest months with the temperature going above the 40ºC mark. The coastal regions get uncomfortably warm and humid during these months but the nights are usually cool, due to the sea breeze that sets in during the afternoon. Summer temperatures are quite temperate in the foothills of the Ghats.Minimum temperature in the plains rarely drops below 20º C, while in the hills the mercury may drop to 5º C or below.
Bewitching Beaches
Tamil Nadu, the southern state of India, has some of the most exotic beaches in India, which have their own charm. The Marina beach is the second longest beach in the world and is a must visit. Another beach called the Elliot's Beach is now a favorite shooting location for Tamil movies in Chennai. Apart from these there are many mesmerizing beaches like the Covelong beach, Kanyakumari beach, Rameshwarm beach, etc.