India, Sept. 18 -- Chennai is a gateway to the diverse landscapes, rich history, and layered culture of Tamil Nadu. Venture beyond the city, and in just a few hours, the state unfolds in striking contrasts: sun-drenched coasts that once hosted bustling ports, rolling hills that have long offered refuge and reflection, sacred towns where devotion has flourished for centuries, and lagoons alive with flocks of migratory birds. Each journey reveals stories of dynasties that built monumental temples, artisanal communities preserving silk and craft traditions, colonial influences etched into streets and architecture, and landscapes that nurture both calm and adventure. From coastal roads kissed by the Bay of Bengal to misty hill stations and se...