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Guide to Tamil Nadu

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Getting There

British Airways, Lufthansa, Air India, and Air France have flights from major U.S. cities to Chennai International Airport via European or Indian connections.

When to Go

Tamil Nadu's weather is best from January to April. In summer, temperatures can rise above 100 degrees.

Where to Stay

The Bangala Great Value . Doubles from $179.

Fisherman's Cove A seaside resort with 88 rooms. Doubles from $253.

Taj Coromandel Doubles from $314.

Taj Garden Retreat Great Value. Doubles from $150.

What to Do

Rules and hours at Tamil Nadu's numerous temples and museums vary. In some cities, the temple is essentially the town. Visit tamilnadutourism.org.

Brihadishwara Temple Thanjavur; 91-4362/31421.

Chettinad Museum Kanadukathan, Chettinad; 91-4573/221-371.

DakshinaChitra Near Chennai, a village of reconstructed houses typical of southern India, where Muslim silk-mat weavers practice and sell their craft. E. Coast Rd., Muttukadu; dakshinachitra.net; 91-44/2747-2603.

Government Museum 486 Pantheon Rd., Egmore, Chennai; 91-44/2819-3238.

Meenakshi Sundareswara Temple Madurai; 91-452/ 234-4360.

Ranganathaswamy Temple Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli; 91-431/243-2246.

St. Andrew's Church A British colonial church built in 1821, modeled on London's Church of St.-Martin's-in-the-Fields. 37 Poonamallee High Rd., Egmore, Chennai; thekirk.net; 91-44/2561-2608.

Shore Temple Mamallapuram; 91-44/2846-1459.

Thanjavur Royal Palace and Museums Thanjavur; 91-4362/31421.

Victoria Technical Institute Opened in 1887 for the Queen Empress's jubilee; particularly fine goods are in the South Indian Women's Work Room. 765 Anna Salai, Chennai; 91-44/2852-3141.

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