* The Tamil language is thought to be one of the oldest classical languages in the world. Whilst historians have been unable to provide an exact date of origin, there is evidence in the form of Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, which were found in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka suggesting it has been spoken since 500BC. Tamil was also one of the dominant languages of trade during the pre-colonial era.
* Chennai was the first Indian city to have the Wi-Fi facility in a widespread manner.
* Marina Beach, which is in Tamil Nadu, is the second longest beach in the world, after Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.
* Tamil Nadu is home to the shortest international land border in the world - a 45 metre length of shoal between India and Sri Lanka, on Adam's Bridge.