essay on tourist places in tamilnadu

19 Top Tourist Destinations in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu, with its distinctive ancient Dravidian culture, is a fascinating part of South India . The state draws both tourists and pilgrims alike to its towering, intricately built temples . Beaches and hill stations are popular destinations as well. Due to its culture, Tamil Nadu is a particularly hassle-free destination to visit, especially for women . Enjoy these top tourist places in Tamil Nadu.

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Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is known as the Gateway to South India. It's a sprawling and busy, yet conservative, city with deep traditions that are yet to give way to the growing foreign influence there. Unlike some other Indian cities, Chennai doesn't have world famous monuments or tourist attractions. Yet, if you take your time to explore below its surface and delve into its distinctive culture, you'll grow to appreciate it. These places to visit in Chennai will give you a feel for the city and what makes it special.

Mahabalipuram Beach

Around an hour south of Chennai, you'll find one of the top beaches on India's east coast—Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram). The beach has a thriving backpacker and surfing scene but is also popular with tourists who come to relax at the resorts there . It's known for its stone sculpture industry, and is a great place to shop for these items and see artisans at work. Other attractions are the Shore Temple, Five Rathas (sculptured temples in the shape of chariots), and Arjuna's Penance (a huge carving on the face of a rock depicting scenes from The Mahabharata ).

Kanchipuram

Popularly known as a "City of a Thousand Temples", Kanchipuram is not just famous for its distinctive silk saris . Located about two hours from Chennai, on the main road to Bangalore , it was once the capital of the Pallava dynasty. Today, only 100 or so temples remain, many of them with unique architectural beauty. The diversity of temples is particularly noteworthy. There are both Shiva and Vishnu temples, built by various rulers (the Cholas, Vijayanagar kings, Muslims and British also ruled this part of Tamil Nadu) who each refined the design.

Kanchipuram, Mamallapuram, and Chennai are often referred to as Tamil Nadu's Golden Triangle for tourists. It's one of the best places to visit near Chennai .

Pondicherry

Pondicherry, a separate union territory on the east coast of Tamil Nadu, is not really a place you'd expect to find in India. It was a former 18th century French colony and still retains a distinctly French flavor. Those who feel in need of a break from India will enjoy the taste of French culture there and the relaxed atmosphere. Sri Aurobindo Ashram attracts plenty of spiritual seekers. The French Quarter and the Promenade, bordered by the Bay of Bengal, are the most happening parts of the city. Auroville is a popular day trip.

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Ancient Madurai in Tamil Nadu is home to the most impressive and important temple in south India --the Meenakshi Temple . If you only see one south Indian temple, the Meenakshi Temple should be it. The city of Madurai is more than 4,000 years old and has remained a major center of Tamil culture and learning. During the heyday of its history, when the Nayak dynasty ruled, many magnificent temples and buildings with superb architecture were constructed. The 12-day Chithirai Festival , featuring a re-enacted celestial wedding of God and Goddess, is held in Madurai during April each year.

Thanjavur (Tanjore)

Thanjavur is best known for its astonishing Brihadeshwara Temple (known as the Big Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage Site made out of granite by Chola king Raja Raja I in the 11th century. It's an engineering marvel. However, the town is also a distinguished hub of arts and crafts in South India. Its various rulers -- from the Cholas in the 9th century to the Bhonsles in the 19th century -- all shared a common interest in patronage of the arts and crafts. Thanjavur continues to nourish artisans and performers.

Kumbakonam and Gangaikonda Cholapuram

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Interested in seeing more superb temples from the Chola era? Kumbakonam and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, northeast of Thanjavur, have two Great Living Chola Temples that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing too. The royal temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram was built not long after Thanjavur's Big Temple in the 11th century, when Rajendra Chola I relocated the Chola capital there in celebration of victory. Its design is similar to the Big Temple in Thanjavur but on a lesser scale, and it features an enormous stone Nandi (bull). The captivating 12th century Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram, near Kumbakonam, is covered in magnificent detailed sculptures. Kumbakonam abounds with temples too. Stop by the temple town of Swamimalai on the way to Kumbakonam to meet artisans who make bronze idols of gods and goddesses.

Famous for its old mansions (some of which are open to the public) and fiery meat curries, Tamil Nadu's Chettinad region is located about two hours from Madurai and Thanjavur. It can be explored on a day trip. Or, have a heritage stay at a mansion that's been converted into a hotel! The Bangala is a stately homestead located in Karaikudi, in the heart of Chettinad. The food is a highlight; seven courses are served on a banana leaf. Cooking classes and special packages for the exploration of local cuisine are also offered.

Tranquebar (Tharangambadi)

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Continue about two hours east of Kumbakonam to the Coromandel Coast and you'll come acroos the small town of Tranquebar, which was the first Danish trading post in India established in 1620. There you can see the remains of a 17th century fort, museum, and old church. The Bungalow on the Beach is an 18th century Danish colonial house that once belonged to the Governor of Danish India and has now been turned into a heritage hotel.

Pichavaram mangrove forest is one of the world's largest mangrove jungles (along with the Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal and Bhitarkanika in Odisha ). Yet, not a lot of tourists know about it. The mangrove forest is spread over 1,100 hectares and joins the Bay of Bengal, where it's separated by a lengthy sand bank. Apparently, there are more than 50 islands of various sizes, and 4,400 big and small canals! A boat will take you to explore them. Pichavaram is located about 30 minutes from the temple town of Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, which is a bit over an hour north of Tranquebar and worth visiting too. It has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in his dancing form of Nataraj and special fire ceremonies.

Tiruvannamalai

Many people say that Tiruvannamalai, and in particular Mount Arunachala, has a very special spiritual energy. The holy mountain has been called the most silent place on earth, as it has the ability to quieten the mind. It's considered by Hindus to be the embodiment of Lord Shiva. Tiruvannamalai attracts both pilgrims and spiritual seekers to its Arunachaleswar Temple and Sri Ramana Ashram. The crowd swells on full moon nights and during the Karthigai Deepam festival in November when pilgrims walk around the holy mountain.

Kanyakumari

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Kanyakumari sits on the furthermost tip of India, where the Bay of Bengal merges with the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It attracts a lot of pilgrims as it's regarded as the abode of virgin Goddess Kanya Kumari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati (the divine Mother Goddess). Goddess Kanya Kumari is believed to have done penance there to get Lord Shiva to marry her. The distinguishing feature of this spiritual town is the Swami Vivekananda Memorial and towering statue of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, located on a rocky island off the shore. The Swami meditated there in 1892, before setting out on his religious crusade. In addition, Kanyakumari is one of the best places to see the southwest monsoon arrive in India, in late May each year.

Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is a peaceful little pilgrim town, brought to life by the constant stream of people that come to bathe in its holy water, get a puja done to purify their karma ​and visit Ramanathaswamy Temple. The approach to Rameshwaram is dramatic, with two long bridges (one for trains and one for other vehicles) linking it to the mainland. Not far from Rameshwaram, the crumbled, windswept remnants of Dhanuskodi , a town destroyed by a cyclone in 1964, are eerie in their isolation. Adam's Bridge is about as remote as you can get. This chain of reefs and sandbanks almost connects India with Sri Lanka , which is only about 30 kilometers (18 miles) away.

Ooty was established in the early 19th century by the British as the summer headquarters of the Chennai government. It's a sought-after place to escape the summer heat. If you travel there during the peak season in April and May, do be prepared for it to be crowded though! Ooty's main attractions include the 22 hectare Government Botanical Gardens (a flower show is held there every May as part of the Summer Festival), boating on Ooty Lake, and climbing Dodabetta Peak for an excellent view of the Nilgiri hills. To get to Ooty, take the scenic Nilgiri mountain railway toy train from Metupalaiyam.

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Downhill from Ooty, Coonoor is where the world-class Nilgiri tea originated. The town is beginning to realize its potential as a tourist destination but remains a refreshingly quieter option than Ooty. Many of the things to do there revolve around tea. Upper Coonoor is an enjoyable neighborhood to stroll around, plus there are viewpoints and trekking spots in the area. One trail leads to the ruins of 18th century Droog Fort, used by Tipu Sultan.

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The British created Kodaikanal as an alternative to Ooty. The town is nestled into the densely forested Western Ghat mountains northwest of Madurai. While it's not as developed as Ooty and retains some old-world charm, it still attracts a lot of Indian tourists during summer. Walking, trekking, boat rides and horse rides are popular activities. For peace and quiet, ideally stay out of town at a property such as Lilly's Valley Resort with its own nature trail.

Mudumalai National Park

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One of the top national parks in India , Mudumalai isn't far from Ooty in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu on the border of Kerala and Karnataka. It's reportedly home to over 260 species of birds (including peacocks), as well as elephants, tigers, deer, monkeys, wild boar, bison, and leopards. Tree house accommodations are a popular feature at many of the properties around Mudumalai.

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One of the best places to visit off the beaten track in India , Pollachi is a relatively unexplored destination that will delight nature and wildlife lovers. It's close to the Anamali Hills and the Kerala border. The Papyrus Itineraries offers immersive trips including bird watching, nature walks, boat rides, village and farm visits, handicrafts, and tea tours . Grass Hills Tours and Travels is also a reputable company that specializes in local nature and wildlife tourism. Try to catch the annual Kongu Nadu Cattle Festival, held in January. Stay at Coco Lagoon Resort , or the cheaper Coconut County Farm Stay.

Tiruchirappalli

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Tiruchirappalli (commonly called Trichy) is among the oldest inhabited cities in Tamil Nadu. Its ancient and diverse history can be traced as far back as the Early Chola Dynasty in the 3rd century BC. The city has had about 10 different rulers who have left their mark on it, including the British. However, it really flourished in the 16th century, when it was part of the Madurai Nayak kingdom. The eclectic attractions include an old fort, temples, churches, and markets.

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39 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu

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Often referred to as Queen of hill stations, Ooty is one of the best hill stations in India and among the top places to visit in Tamilnadu . Ooty is situated at a distance of 265 km from Bangalore. At an altitude of 7,440 feet, Ooty was a popular summer retreat for the British during colonial days. The rolling hills, lush green vegetation, and misty landscapes attract a large number of tourists to this hill station. Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Wenlock Downs, and Rose Garden are among the must include places in Ooty tour packages . The toy train, known as Nilgiri Mountain Railway that runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must be experienced. The establishment of numerous tea estates made Ooty famous. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands, and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the visitors on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival (Jan) and Summer Festival (May) attract crowds in huge numbers. Ooty can also be visited along with Wayanad tour packages .

Situated on the banks of the River Vaigai, Madurai is the third-largest city in Tamilnadu and one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in India . The city is situated about 209 km from Coimbatore and 464 km from Chennai. Also referred to as Athens of the East, Madhurai is the oldest continually inhabited city in the Indian peninsula, with a history dating back to the Sangam period of the pre-Christian era. Madurai was the seat of power of the Pandyan Empire. Often considered the cultural capital of Tamilnadu, Madurai is one of the top places to visit in tamilnadu . The city is very well known for Madurai Meenakshi Temple, among the most visited temple in South India tour packages . Meenakshi Temple, also known as Madurai Meenakshi, is the biggest landmark of Madurai and is one of the largest temples in India. The temple has stunning architecture and a significant testimony for Vishwakarma Brahmins for their master architecture in sculpting this temple. Along with Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal & Koodal Alagar Temple are other important places to visit as part of Madurai tour packages .

3. Kodaikanal

Often referred to as the Princess of Hill stations, Kodaikanal or Kodai is one of the top tourist destinations in Tamilnadu tour packages and among the best hill stations in South India . It is located at a distance of about 469 km from Bangalore & 528 km from Chennai. At an altitude of about 7000 feet (2133 m) amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills, Kodai has several scenic places that are enjoyed by its visitors as part of Kodaikanal tour packages . Kodaikanal is not extensively commercialized like Ooty and it offers a pleasant experience to tourists with relatively less crowd. Kodai Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker's Walk, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, and Pillar Rocks are the top tourist places in Kodaikanal . Kodaikanal is a place you can go to take a break from the rigours of daily city life, and this hill station lets you sit back and connect with nature as you head out on biking or trekking trails or take a stroll through the vast forests surrounding the town. Dolphin's Nose, and Vattakanal are some of the top trekking places in Kodaikanal.

4. Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu as well as in India. Situated at a distance of 562 km from Chennai, the town is home to the famous Rameshwaram Temple, among the must include places in Tamilnadu Tour Packages . Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Rameshwaram Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga temples in India, and is one of the top attractions you must visit as part of Rameshwaram tour packages . It is significant for Hindus as a pilgrimage to Banaras is incomplete without a Pilgrimage to Rameswaram. This is also the place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to cleanse away the sin of killing Ravana. Rameswaram along with Dwarka, Puri and Badrinath form the four Char Dhams. Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agnitheertham, Gandamadana Parvatham, Dhanushkodi , Kothandaraswamy Temple and Erwadi are some of the most visited attractions of Rameshwaram. Sri Ramanatha Swamy Temple is renowned for its magnificent corridors and massive sculptured pillars. The third corridor of Ramanathaswamy temple is the longest one in the world.

5. Kanyakumari

Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, Kanyakumari is one of the famous pilgrimage places to visit as part of Tamilnadu tour . It is about 242 km from Madurai and 707 km from Chennai. A place of great natural beauty, Kanyakumari is one of the popular href='/tamilnadu/best' target='_blank'>Tamilnadu Tourist Places . Swami Vivekananda is said to have been lived here for a while and meditated. Situated at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean, this is the only place in India where one can enjoy the unique spectacle of Sunset and Moonrise simultaneously on full moon days. One of the main attractions in Kanyakumari is the Kumariamman Temple . Thiruvalluvar Statue, Vivekananda Rock Memorial , Gandhi Memorial, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Suchindram, Pechiparai Reservoir, Vattakottai Fort, St Xavier's Church and Udayagiri Fort are some of the top places to visit as part of Kanyakumari tour packages . Kanyakumari is also known for its spectacular beaches. Thengapattinam Beach, Sanguthurai Beach, and Chothavilai Beach are the important beaches near Kanyakumari.

6. Chidambaram

Chidambaram is a pilgrimage town in Tamil Nadu. Well known for Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram temple is one of the most celebrated shrines in South India and also one of the famous Tamilnadu places to visit . It is about 66 km from Pondicherry, and 217 km from Chennai. Also known as Thillai, the town is known for the Thillai Nataraja Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built during the 11th century, Chidambaram Nataraja Temple has a great religious as well as historic and cultural significance. This is one of the Panchabhoota Stalas signifying the five elements of wind (Kalahasti), water (Tiruvanaikka), fire (Tiruvannamalai), earth (Kanchipuram) and space (Chidambaram). Thillai Kaali Amman Temple, Pichavaram , Sattanathar Temple, Bhuvanagiri, Parangipettai, Annamalai University, Kollidam (river) and Poompuhar are the other prominent places to visit as part of Chidambaram tour packages . Brahmotsavam, Ani Thirumanjanam, Thai Poosam and Arudra Dharshan are some of the Nataraja Temple festivals that attract large crowds from far and nearby places. Natyanjali Dance Festival is a major festival held in February. Many eminent dancers give their performances during this festival.

7. Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram or Kanchi is one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu . It is situated at a distance of 75 km from Chennai. It is one of the most popular places to visit near Chennai . Located on the bank of the Palar River, Kanchipuram is one of the oldest cities in India and was served as the capital of the Pallava Dynasty. Kanchi is known for its temples and silk sarees which are woven manually. Kamakshi Amman Temple is the landmark of Kanchipuram, and among the most popular places to visit in Kanchipuram . Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Karchapeshwarar Temple, Sri Ekambarnathar Temple are the other prominent temples to visit as part of Kanchipuram tour packages . The temples of Kanchipuram are known for their grandeur and great architecture. Kanchipuram is a traditional center of silk weaving and handloom industries for producing Kanchipuram Sarees. In 2005, 'Kanchipuram Silk Sarees' received the Geographical Indication tag, the first product in India to carry this label.

Fondly called the 'Cultural Capital of India', Chennai is the fourth largest metropolis in India and the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. It is also one of the famous tourist places in Tamilnadu . Located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, the city is famous for its beaches, museums, parks, temples, and several historical places. Marina Beach, Govt Museum, Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeswaraar Temple, San Thome Cathedral, etc are some of the must include places in Chennai tour packages . There are several other attractions in the vicinity of Chennai like Elliot Beach, VGP Golden Beach, Pulicat Lake, Muttukadu, etc. Chennai is as dynamic as it is immersed in tradition. It is also the starting point of many tourist destinations including Mahabalipuram , Madurai, Coimbatore, Pondicherry , Vellore and Kanchipuram, the famous historical & pilgrimage town.

9. Tiruchirappalli

Situated on the banks of the Cauvery River, Tiruchirappalli or Trichy is the 4th largest city in Tamilnadu and among the must include places in Tamilnadu tour packages . It is located about 133 km from Madurai and 334 km from Chennai. Tiruchirappalli is home to numerous historical monuments and temples that attract tourists and pilgrims from all parts of the country throughout the year. The city played a critical role in the Carnatic Wars (1746-1763) between the British and the French East India companies. Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, one of the most famous pilgrimage centers in South India is situated near Trichy. Rockfort Temple, Jambukeshwar Temple , Uraiyur, Mariamman Temple, Government Museum and the St John's Church are some of the top places to visit as part of Trichy tour packages . Tiruchirappalli is internationally known for a brand of cheroot known as the Trichinopoly cigar. The city is very popular for its cigars, handloom saris and stone-studded jewelry, Pith models, and cheroots. According to the National Urban Sanitation Policy (2010), Tiruchirappalli was one of the ten cleanest cities in India.

10. Yercaud

Yercaud is a beautiful hill station in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu. At a distance of 31 km from Salem, and 249 km from Bangalore, it is one of the best Tamilnadu tourist places , and among the most famous places to visit near Bangalore . At an altitude of 1515 m in the Shevaroy hills, Yercaud town got its name from the Yercaud Lake located at its center. Stone-age implements have been found from the ancient shrine located near Shevaroy Hills, which is about 5 km from Yercaud Lake, among the must include places in Yercaud tour packages . Anna Park, Lady's Seat, Shevaroy Temple, Small Lake, Bear's Point, Pagoda Point, Killiyur Falls, and Botanical Garden are some of the prominent tourist places in Yercaud . Yercaud is known for its plantations majorly of coffee, orange, jackfruit, guava, cardamom, and black pepper. Summer Festival celebrated in Yercaud in the month of May is a special attraction. This festival is marked by a 7-day exhibition of flowers, dog shows, boating races, and a village fair.

11. Coonoor

Coonoor is a Taluk and a municipality in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. About 18 km from Ooty, & 71 km from Coimbatore, it is one of the must invlude places in Tamilnadu Tour Packages , and among the best places to visit near Bangalore . At an altitude of 6,000 feet above sea level, Coonoor is famous for its verdant environs and for a variety of wildflowers and birds. It is the second-largest hill station in the Nilgiri hills after Ooty. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train) is one of the oldest mountain railways in India. The train ride in the midst of the Nilgiris, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an unforgettable travel experience as part of Coonoor packages . Besides, this stunning hill station is well-known for its production of Nilgiri tea. Coonoor can be visited along with Ooty tour . Sim's Park, Lambs Rock, Dolphins Nose, St. Catherine Falls, and Law's falls are some popular tourist places in Coonoor . It is an ideal base for many trekking expeditions leading into the Nilgiris.

12. Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, also called Mamallapuram is one of the must-visit weekend getaways from Chennai for one day trip. About 57 km from Chennai, it is one of the UNESCO heritage site in Tamil Nadu and one of the best places to experience Tamilnadu Tourism . Famous for its Shore Temple built in 7th century, Mahabalipuram was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram . It is known for its historical monuments, sculptures, scenic beauty, culture and tradition. The famous Arjuna's Penance, the Krishna Mandapa, Thirukadalmallai temple, Cholamadal Artist's Village, Mahabalipuram Beach, Tiger Cave and Crocodile Bank are the must include places in Mahabalipuram tour packages . One of the prominent festivals celebrated here is the Mamallapuram Dance Festival, which is organized by the Department of Tourism every year from December - January. Mahabalipuram is one of the best places to include in your Pondicherry tour packages .

13. Thanjavur

Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, is one of the popular places of href='/tamilnadu/heritage' target='_blank'>heritage in Tamilnadu as it has a rich historical heritage and is a prism of ancient as well as the modern south Indian civilizations. It is situated about 170 km from Madurai, and 326 km from Chennai. Situated on the banks of River Cauvery, it is one of the top places to visit as part of Madurai tour packages . The city was once the stronghold of the historic Cholas. Since then, Thanjavur has been one of the chief political, cultural and religious centers of South India. Thanjavur is famous for the Brihadeeswarar Temple built by Rajaraja Chola in the year 1010 AD. Also known as the Big Temple, Brihadeeswarar Temple is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and among the most important heritage sites in India. The temple is considered to be one of the best specimens of South Indian temple architecture and among the must-visit places as part of Thanjavur tour packages . Apart from Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur and the surrounding areas have several important tourist attractions like Thanjavur Palace, Kumbakonam , Darasuram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Thiruvaiyaru, Thirubuvanam, etc.

14. Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam is an ancient temple town located amidst the two rivers Cauvery and Arasalar in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. About 235 km from Madurai, and 282 km from Chennai, it is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu , and among the popular places to visit near Chennai . Kumbakonam is known for its temples and mutts (monasteries). There are around 188 Hindu temples within the municipal limits of Kumbakonam. Adi Kumbeswarar Temple , Nageswaraswamy temple and Kasi Viswanathar temple are the prominent temples to visit as part of Kumbakonam tour packages . Sarangapani temple is the largest Vaishnava shrine present in Kumbakonam. Patteeswaram, the Oppiliappan Kovil, the Swamimalai Murugan temple and the Airavateeswarar Temple are the other temples located in the vicinity of Kumbakonam. The town is well - known for its prestigious educational institutions and carved Panchaloha idols, silk products, brass, and metal wares. The important festival of Kumbakonam is the Mahamaham festival. It takes place once in 12 years during the Tamil Month of Masi (February/March) and lakhs of pilgrims visit Kumbakonam and takes a holy bath in the sacred Mahamaham Tank.

15. Yelagiri Hills

Yelagiri is a hill region located in between the towns of Vaniyambadi and Jolarpettai in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. About 178 km from Bangalore, and 230 km from Chennai, this is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore , and among the least explored hill stations in Tamilnadu . Yelagiri is a cluster of 14 hamlets that lie between four mountains spread over an area of 30 sq km having an altitude of 3500 ft. This is one of the famous hill stations near Chennai . The highest point in Yelagiri is the Swamimalai Hill, standing tall at 4,338 ft with spectacular views. The hill provides a good number of trekking trails through thick reserved forests as part of Yelagiri tour packages . Javadi Hills, Palamathi Hills, Punganur, Velavan Temple, Jalagamparai Waterfalls and Nature Park are the other prominent tourist places in Yelagiri Hills . Yelagiri Summer festival celebrated in May end is organized by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development. Stalls from different departments, flower shows, various cultural programs, and Dog Show with a variety of dog breeds are conducted every year.

16. Hogenakkal

Hogenakkal Falls is one of the best waterfalls in India , and among the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. It is about 146 km from Bangalore and 345 km from Chennai. Also, it is one of the major waterfalls near Bangalore . Often referred to as the 'Niagara of India', Hogenakkal is one of the wonderful places to visit near Bangalore & Chennai. When the River Kaveri enters the Tamil Nadu border after winding its way through the state of Karnataka, it descends down the lofty landscape forming the Hogenakkal Waterfalls. The Carbonatite rocks found near the waterfall are one of the oldest in the world. The falls has about 14 channels with drops varying between 15 & 65 ft. It can be visited as part of Yercaud tour packages . Coracle riding is one of the main attractions here which is allowed during the monsoon and winter season. Boating is usually stopped in peak monsoons. Hogenakkal is also the good place to try out your swimming skills. Tourists can also go for trekking on the nearby surrounding hills. The water from the fall flows towards the Mettur Dam which is also known as the Stanley Reservoir. Yercaud, MM Hills, and Yelagiri Hills are some of the major tourist destinations near Hogenakkal ...

17. Vellore

Situated on the banks of the Palar River, Vellore is one of the oldest cities of South India, and among the popular places of heritage in Tamilnadu . It is located at a distance of 142 km from Chennai, and 214 km from Bangalore. Vellore is popularly known as the Fort City of Tamil Nadu. Now a very calm and understated place, it was once a battleground and has seen many wars. The name Vellore also means a City of Spears. Vellore is one of the popular places to visit near Bangalore , and among the top attractions, you must include in Tamilnadu tour packages . Vellore has many historic and religious attractions that one must visit as part of Vellore packages . Vellore Fort, Jalakandeswarar Temple, Clock Tower, the State Government Museum, the French Bungalow, Science Park, Vainu Bappu Observatory, Amirthi Zoological Park, Big Mosque, St. Johns Church, and Sripuram are the prominent places to visit in Vellore .

18. Valparai

Originally known as Poonachimalai, Valparai is one of the least explored hill stations in India . About 65 km from Pollachi, 105 km from Coimbatore, it is among the top tourist place to visit in Tamilnadu . Situated at an altitude of 3500 feet, Valparai is a little piece of heaven tucked away in the cradle of the Anamalai mountain range of the Western Ghats. Sholayar Dam, Aliyar Dam, Nallamudi Viewpoint, Loam's View Point, Balaji Temple, Monkey Falls, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnakallar Waterfalls, Birla Falls, Koolangal River, Grass Hills, Nirar Dam, etc. are some of the popular places to visit in Valparai as part of Valparai tour packages . Valparai is famed for its numerous coffee and tea plantations that are surrounded by thick forest.

19. Tirunelveli

Tirunelveli is a city situated on the banks of the river Thamirabarani in Tamilnadu. About 158 km from Madurai, 291 km from Trichy, and 623 km from Chennai, Tirunelveli is the most popular places to visit near Trichy , and among the must include places in Tamilnadu packages . Also known as Nellai, Tirunelveli is positioned close to the southern tip of India and is very eminent for various geographical features. Tirunelveli has a rich cultural and architectural heritage which is evident from the various temples, and churches located here, and are the must include places in Tirunelveli packages . Nellaiappar Temple, Venkatachalapathy Temple, Sankaranainar Kovil, Allagammai Kashi Vishvanathar, Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Mela Tiruvenkatanathapuram Temple, and Mundanthurai-Kalakad Wildlife are some of the top tourist places in Tirunelveli . The city is also famous for Tirunelveli Halwa and also known as Halwa city and Oxford of South India. The annual Car Festival of Nellaiappar Temple is the major festival celebrated at Tirunelveli.

20. Tenkasi

Tenkasi is the second largest town in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. Situated on the Madurai - Kollam highway, it is one of the popular places to visit near Trivandrum , and among the top Tamilnadu places to visit . It is situated about 109 km from Trivandrum, 132 km from Kanyakumari, and 160 km from Madurai. Tenkasi is famous for numerous waterfalls spread around the region including the famous Courtallam Falls, among the must include places in Tenkasi packages . River Chittar flows through this picturesque destination favoured amongst tourists. The Word Tenkasi means Kasi of the South referring to the Kasiviswanathar temple situated in the town. Kulasekaranathar Temple, Kannimaramman Temple, Anggalap Parameshwari Temple, and Esakki Amman Kovil are the other prominent Tenkasi tourist places .

21. Pollachi

Pollachi is a scenic town and a taluk headquarters in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu in India. About 48 km from Coimbatore, and 116 km from Munnar, it is one of the the stunning offbeat places to visit as part of Madurai tour packages . Located on the tip of the Annamalai hills and the plains of Coimbatore, the charming town of Pollachi is known for its lavish greenery and blissful sceneries. The ancient Arulmigu Subramania Thirukoil, Topslip, Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Aliyar Dam, and Masani Amman Temple are the must include places in Pollachi tour packages . Pollachi is a largely visited tourist hub along with Coimbatore as part of Tamilnadu tour packages .

22. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple - Srirangam

At a distance of 1 km from Srirangam Railway Station, 9 km from Trichy Railway Junction, 62 km from Thanjavur, 145 km from Madurai & 327 km from Chennai, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a prominent Hindu temple situated at Srirangam near Trichy. It is one of the famous temples in South India , and among the most visited places in Tamilnadu . Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu, and among the important places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu . Built across an area of 156 acres, this temple is dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Hindu deity, Lord Vishnu. This temple lies on an island formed by the twin Rivers Cauvery and Kollidam. Though the temple existing since the 2nd century BC, the archaeological inscriptions are available only from the 10th century CE. Among the must include places in Trichy tour packages , this temple is also known by other names such as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam, and Bhogamandabam. It has seven enclosures formed by thick and huge rampart walls which run around the sanctum. Apart from the 7 enclosures with massive walls, the temple complex has 21 very colorful sculpted gopuras, 50 sub-shrines, 9 sacred ...

23. Gangai Konda Cholapuram

At a distance of 42 km Chidambaram, 76 km from Thanjavur, 110 km from Trichy & 268 km from Chennai, Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a historical town situated near Chidambaram. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Tamilnadu , and among the must visit places during Chidambaram tour . Gangaikonda Cholapuram became the capital of Cholas during the reign of Rajendra Chola I in 1025 CE and served as the Chola capital for around 250 years. This historical town is home to the renowned Brihadeeswarar Temple. It was built by Rajendra Chola I, the son and successor of Rajaraja Chola. This temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Great Living Chola Temples'. Rajendra Chola I has established this temple after his great victories in Northern India. He was originally called Madurantakan and assumed the title of Rajendra during his coronation and continued to rule along with his father Rajaraja-I for a while. Gangai Konda Cholapuram is regarded as the reproduction of the Brihadisvara Temple that was built by Rajaraja Chola, father of Rajendra Chola. The temple is renowned for having the biggest Shivalingam in the Southern part of India. Among the top Chidambaram tourist places , the temple was located at the center of the Gangai Konda Cholapuram and occupies around 6 acres of ...

24. Thiruvanaikoil / Jambukeshwar Temple

At a distance of 2.5 km from Srirangam Temple and 11 km from Trichy Railway Junction, Sri Thiruvanaikoil or Thiruvanaikaval, is famous for Jambukeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built by Kochengon, one of the Early Cholas around 1800 years ago on Srirangam Island. Thiruvanaikoil Temple is one of the five major Shiva Temples known as Panchabhoota Sthala representing element of water. The sanctum has Shiva Lingam in the form of Appu lingam (water lingam). The sanctum of Lord Jambukeshwara has an underground water stream and one can see water coming out of that stream all the time. The presiding goddess is Devi Akilandeswari Amman. According to legend, Parvathi performed penance in the form of Akilandeswari in the Jambu forest. She made the lingam out of the water of river Kaveri, installed it under the Venn Naaval tree evolved out of Saint Jambu and commenced her worship. Lord Siva at last gave darshan to Devi Akhilandeswari and taught her Siva Gnana. According to Sthala Purana, there were two Siva Ganas by name Malyavan and Pushpadanta. They always quarrel with each other and fight for one thing or other. On top of all in one fight Malyavan cursed Pushpadanta to become an elephant and the latter cursed the former to become a spider. Both the elephant and the spider came to Jambukeshwaram and continued their Shiva worship. The elephant collected water from river Cauvery and conducted Abhishekam to the lingam under the Jambu tree daily. ...

25. Thirukkadaiyur

At a distance of 23 km from Karaikal , 23 km from Mayiladuthurai, 44 km from Chidambaram and 57 km from Kumbakonam, Thirukkadaiyur is a popular temple town located on the east coast of Tamil Nadu in the Nagapattinam district. The Amritaghateswarar - Abirami Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is the most famous temple in Thirukkadaiyur. The presiding deity of this temple is Sri Amirthalingeswara and his consort is Sri Abirami. Thirukkadaiyur is one of the 8 Veera Sthalas, where Yama was clashed with Lord Shiva. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Shiva protected Markandeya, son of Mrikandu, from Yama. The scar caused by the Yama's rope is visible on the Linga during abisheka times. The temple was built by Chola kings in 11th century in the traditional Chola architectural style. Spread over 11 acres, the temple has great architecture and has five enclosures, huge towers and spacious mandapas. Based on the inscriptions seen here, the main shrine (sanctum) was in existence before early 11th century. The brick walls of the temple were replaced with stonewalls and the front mandapa was constructed during the period of Kulottunga Chola I. According to legend, when devas and asuras churned milk ocean to get Amritham, they forgot to worship Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha hurt and stole the pot of Amritham and kept at Thirukkadaiyur. While there, Ganesha created a Shiva Lingam and poured some of the Amritham over it. ...

26. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

About Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

History of mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, layout of mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, 27. padmanabhapuram.

At a distance of 35 Kms from Kanyakumari, 53 Kms from Trivandrum & 700 Kms from Chennai (situated on Trivandrum - Kanyakumari road), Padmanabhapuram is an ancient historical town surrounded by a fort with an area of 187 acres. The ancient capital of Travancore might be constructed before AD 1601. The palace with an area of seven acres, is situated in the very centre on the Padmanabhapuram Fort, amidst hills, dales and rivers. The fort which was built with mud originally was dismantled and reconstructed with granite by Maharaja Marthanda Varma. The height of the walls varies from 15 ft to 24 ft according to the inclination of the ground. Entry Fee Rs 25 for Adult & Rs 10 for Children. Closed on Mondays. Fees for Foreigners : Adult Rs 200 & Children Rs 50 Video and Camera Fee are Rs 1500 & Rs 25 Respectively Separate fee for Car parking

28. Mayiladuthurai

At a distance of 37 km from Kumbakonam, 37 km from Karaikal and 42 km from Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai is a town and headquarters of the Mayiladuthurai Taluk in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. Mayiladuthurai is known for the Mayuranatha Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is one among the six temples which are compared as equivalent to the temple in Varanasi. The other 5 Shivasthalams are Tiruvenkaadu, Chaayaavanam, Tiruvaiyaru, Tiruvanchiam and Tiruvidaimarudur. This temple was reconstructed with stone in 10th century during the period of Sembiyan Mahadevi. However, the renovations from the 19th century have destroyed some of the older structures and the inscriptions. Some of the stone sculptures of Vinayakar, Natarajar, Dakshimamurthy, Lingodbhavar, Brahma, Ganga Visarjanamurthi, Durga and Bhikshatanar from the period of Sembiyan Mahadevi have been well preserved. The main diety is in the form of lingam called Mayuranathar and his consort Abhayambika appears as a peacock worshipping the Lord here. According to legend, Daksha, father of goddess Parvathi, conducted a Yagna but intentionally didn't invite Lord Shiva to humiliate him. Lord Shiva did not want Parvathi also to attend the Yagna. But Goddess Parvathi attended the function and was humiliated by Daksha. Lord Shiva in Veerabadra form and destroyed the Yagna. As Parvathi ignored Lord's advice, she was cursed to become a peacock. She came ...

29. Vaitheeswaran Koil

At a distance of 17 km from Mayiladuthurai, 27 km from Chidambaram, 45 kms from Karaikal , 54 km from Kumbakonam and 94 km from Thanjavur, Vaitheeswaran Koil is town in Nagapattinam district which is famous for the Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple. The temple is also known as Pullirukkuvelur. Vaidyanatha Swamy and Thaiyalnayaki are the presiding deities of this temple. The Selva Muthukumara Swamy shrine here is also considered to be of important. There are Shiva lingas said to have been worshipped by Rama, Jatayu, Skanda, Surya and Angaraka. It is believed that Rama and his brother Lakshmana cremated the vulture king Jatayu who was killed by Ravana when he tried to prevent the abduction of Sita at this place. There is a pond at this temple called Jatayu kundam. It is one of the Navagraha temples associated with the planet Mars (Angaraka). According to legend, Planet Mars was once afflicted with leprosy and was cured by Vaidyanatha Swamy and from then on it is treated as Angaraka sthalam. The temple has a five-tiered gopura and large enclosures. Lord Vaitheeswaran is worshipped as Shiva linga in the inner sanctum. The first enclosure around the sanctum has the image of Subramanya, worshipped here as Muthukumara Swamy. The other metal images in the sanctum are of Nataraja, Somaskanda, Angaraka and stone sculptures of Durga, Dakshinamoorthy, Surya and Jatayu. The shrine of Thaiyalnayaki who stands with the medicinal oil ...

30. Velankanni

At a distance of 1 km from Velankanni Railway Station, 31 km from Karaikal, 93 km from Thanjavur, 11 km from Nagapattinam, 161 km from Pondicherry, and 313 km from Chennai, the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health is located in Velankanni town of Tamil Nadu. Situated on the coast of Bay of Bengal, this is one of the most popular Christian pilgrimage in South India , and among the famous places to visit as part of Thanjavur trip . The Roman Catholic Latin Rite Basilica of Velankannin is devoted to Our Lady of Good Health. The Shrine of Our Lady of Velankanni is one of the most frequented religious sites in Tamilnadu . It can be traced back to the mid-16th century and is attributed to three miracles at different sites around where the Basilica currently stands. The appearance of Mary and Christ Child to a shepherd boy, the curing of a buttermilk vendor, and the rescue of Portuguese sailors from a violent sea storm are the miracles associated with this shrine. The shrine was started as a small structure in the mid-sixteenth century. The chapel was built by Portuguese sailors and became a parish church in 1771. Later in 1962 it was granted a special status of a Minor Basilica and merged with the Major Basilica of Mary in Rome on 3 November 1962 by Pope John XXIII. Representing a Gothic style of architecture, the ...

31. Emerald Lake

At a distance of 17 km from Ooty and 27 km from Coonoor, Emerald Lake, a serene lake with emerald blue waters, is located near Emerald village in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Situated amidst dense forests, it is one of the top Ooty tourist places . The lake is part of the Silent Valley National Park situated on the way to Avalanche village. The blue waters of Emerald Lake surrounded by lush green meadows and forest is simply mesmerizing. The water is crystal clear and of course cold. This is a great place to enjoy the day with breathtaking views of the slopes of Nilgiris. Emerald Lake is also a haven for a variety of birds. It is a mini paradise for bird lovers and ornithologists as they get to see and study a number of native birds. It is also notable for the scenic sun rise and sun set views near the lake. The Tea gardens is a great spot to spend some time as it gives a memorable experience. Trekking is another activity visitors can indulge in. Far from maddening crowds packed in the town, this place is untouched by regular tourists. There are no amenities around the place except The Red Hill Nature Resort which is a little further from the shore of the lake. The various facilities arranged by the resort for tourists include mountain biking, bird watching, fishing and trekking in the regions surrounding the lake. The journey to Emerald Lake (from Ooty / Coonoor ) offer ...

32. Thiruchendur

At a distance of 59 km from Tirunelveli, 35 km from Tuticorin and 92 km from Kanyakumari , Thiruchendur is a small coastal town in the Toothukudi district of Tamil Nadu and is a popular pilgrimage destination situated in the Gulf of Mannar. Thiruchendur Murugan Kovil is the prime attraction of the town. This temple is considered to be one of the six Padai Veedu (Battle Camps) of Lord Murugan, the others being Thiruparamkundram, Palani, Swamimalai, Thiruthani and Pazhamudhircholai. This temple is known as the second Padai Veedu of Lord Muruga. Lord Muruga won the battle with the demon Surapadma and worshipped Lord Shiva at this sacred place. It is believed that the temple existed since the Vedic period, as it is mentioned in many ancient scripts. The main entrance to the temple faces south although the sanctum faces east. The 133 feet Rajagopura, built close to the shores of Bay of Bengal, is an outstanding example of Dravidian architecture. The Gopura consists of 9 storeys there are nine Kalasas at the top of the gopuram. This is the only Murugan temple situated on the sea shore. This temple was built by three holy saints. Lord Murugan is represented in various forms in the temple, the presiding deity (Moolavar) being Balasubramanya in standing posture. The other forms are Shanmugar, Jayanthinathar, and Kumaravidanga Perumal. The temple has two large enclosures. Adjacent to the sanctum is the Panchalingam ...

33. Srivilliputhur Andal Temple

At a distance of 80 km from Madurai and 100 km from Tirunelveli, Srivilliputhur Andal Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated at Srivilliputhur in Virudhunagar district of Tamilnadu. This is one of the popular temples in Tamilnadu and also one of the 108 divya desams of Lord Vishnu. The 11 tier Raja gopuram is the tallest in Tamilnadu and is also the Emblem of Tamil Nadu Government. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as Vatapatrasayi and his consort Lakshmi as Andal. It is believed to be the birthplace of two of the Alwars, namely Periazhwar and his foster daughter Andal. The Alwars lived in 8th century, so that the existence of the temple can be traced even before. Vatapatra Sayanar Temple was constructed by the King Villi who ruled the place. The tall temple tower was constructed by Peria Alwar with the help provided by the Pandian king Vallabadevan (765-815 AD). The Andal Shrine had been constructed by different kings of Pandya dynasty at different times. King Thirumalai Nayak had done many renovations. Srivilliputhur Temple is associated with the life of Andal, who was found under a Tulsi plant in the garden inside the temple by Periazhwar. She is believed to have worn the garland before dedicating it to the presiding deity of the temple. Periazhwar, who later found it, was highly upset and stopped the practice. It is believed Vishnu appeared in his dream and asked him to dedicate the garland worn by Andal to him daily, which is a practice ...

34. Kotagiri

At a distance of 20 km from Coonoor, 29 km from Ooty, and 72 km from Coimbatore, Kotagiri is a small hill station in the Nilgiris district of Tamilnadu. It is one of the lesser-known hill stations in tamilnadu , and among the top tourist places to visit near Ooty . Situated at an altitude of 1793 m, Kotagiri is the oldest and the third largest hill station in the Nilgiris after Ooty, and Coonoor. The name Kotagiri literally means mountains of the Kotas that refers to the Kota tribe who lived here in the past. It is one of the top attractions you must include in Ooty tour . Kotagiri was the first British settlement in the Nilgiris and preferred summer retreat, till a road was built from Mettupalayam to Coonoor. The region was discovered by two civil servants of the Madras government in pursuit of outlaws. They called the region Kotacherry. John Sullivan, the then collector of Coimbatore, visited Kotagiri and was so drawn to the place that he built a home here making him the first European to reside in Kotagiri. Kotagiri is famous for its breathtaking scenic beauty. The first coffee plantation was planted here in 1843 which was followed by many more plantations. However, the first tea plantation in the late 19th century by the daughter of MD Cockburn, tea slowly started taking over coffee ...

35. Vaideki Waterfalls

At a distance of 35 Kms from Coimbatore Railway Station & 533 Kms from Chennai, Vaideki Falls are located near Narisipuram town. The falls is very beautiful and has a naturally formed slope. It is located inside the forest and one must obtain permission before entering the forest. Visitors are only allowed by being escorted by a forest guard into the forest. This area of forest has lot of animal movements; especially elephants. There are lot of incidents of elephants attacking humans, so it is always advisable to obtain permission and get some guards accompanying while entering the forest. About 5 Kms trek through forest is required to reach the falls from nearest road point. One can get private vehicles to reach forest trek point from Narisipuram town.

At a distance of 41 kms from Kodaikanal, 108 Kms from Coimbatore & 487 Kms from Chennai, Palani is one of the padi veedu for Lord Muruga and is an important pilgrim centre for Hindus. Palani is one of the popular pilgrimage sites in Tamilnadu and another popular attraction not to miss in a Kodaikanal tour package . Puranas have a story that Lord Muruga disappointed for Gnanapazham came here to stay alone. Lord Shiva & Goddess Uma Devi convinced him by saying that he itself is the fruit of knowledge (Gnanapazham) and called him as Pazham Nee. Thus the town got its name 'Pazhani'. The temple of Pazhaniandavar is situated in the Palani Hills at the height of about 1400 feet from the sea level. From the temple prakaram one can see the Idumban Hill, the Kodaikanal Hills, the rivers flowing around Palani, the greenfields and even the Kurinjiandavar temple in Kodaikanal hills on a clear day.

37. Topslip

At a distance of 35 km from Pollachi and 76 km from Coimbatore, 5 km from Parambikulam , Topslip is a protected tiger reserve located in the Annamalai mountain range of the Western Ghats in Tamilnadu. It is one of the must include places in Pollachi Tour Packages. Situated at an altitude of 240 m, Topslip is the tourist zone and main birding area of the Annamalai Tiger Reserve, which is separated from the Nilgiri Hills by Palghat Gap in the north. It stands majestically with Green Spread Mountains and forest all around. The place got its name during the British era, as lots of its timber slipped down to the plains below. Topslip is blessed with a gentle altitude, a salubrious climate, and a variety of flora and fauna. Its picturesque location and fabulous scenery have made it a popular location for several movie sequences. It is also famous for the elephant camp. It is the best gateway for a wonderful wildlife experience of the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. The unique teak forests, Bamboo forests, rich exotic species of plants, and wild animals are the major attractions of Topslip. It is also a wonderful destination for bird watching as it is home to 250 species of birds. MT Stuart block is another attraction which is located 3 km from Topslip. It has an ancient forest bungalow along with the grave of Hugo Wood, a British officer with an environmental conscience who emphasized that ...

38. Thiruttani

At a distance of 13 km from Arakkonam, 44 km from Kanchipuram, 86 km from Chennai and 65 km from Tirupati, Thiruthani is a holy town located in Tiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu and is famous for the Murugan Temple. This temple is one among the six Padai Veedus (Battle Grounds) of Lord Murugan, other five are Palani, Swamimalai, Tirupparangunram, Pazhamudircholai and Thiruchendur. This place represents the site where Subramanya stayed after destroying the demon Surapadman. Tiruttani is also said to be the place where the Lord Subramanya married Valli - one of his two consorts. This temple has been mentioned in the Sangam period work Tirumurugaatruppadai composed by Nakkeerar. According to legend, Devayani, daughter of Indra married Lord Murugan and was presented Indra's elephant Airavatam as part of his dowry offering. Upon Airavatam's departure Indra found his wealth waning. Lord Subramanya is said to have offered to return the white elephant, however Indra refused to accept a gift that he had made and instead requested that the elephant face his direction, hence the image of the elephant in this temple also faces the east. The hill temple is reachable by a motorable road and is also accessed through a plight of 365 steps. The temple has 4 enclosures and a series of temple towers. There is a shrine to Aapat Sahaaya Vinayakar who helped the Murugan in winning Valli's hand in marriage. The processional image of Murugan is housed in a Rudraksha tower. The large ornament ...

39. Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

At a distance of 12 km from Papanasam, 58 km from Kalakkad, and 60 km from Tirunelveli, Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is located in the Southern Western Ghats in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu. This is the second-largest protected area in Tamil Nadu and among the best places to visit as part of your India wildlife tour. The Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve was created in the year 1988 by combining Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary (251 km�) and Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary (567 km�), both established in 1962. This sanctuary covers an area of around 817 sq. km, out of which 459 sq. km falls under the core zone, and the remaining 358 sq. km comes under the buffer zone. Nestled between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Agastya Malai Hill Range forms the core area of the sanctuary and is part of one of the world's 18 biodiversity hotspots. It is also under consideration by UNESCO as a world heritage site. wildlife sanctuaries near Madurai . The Reserve is home to a wide variety of animals and plants. The fauna includes around 150 endemic plants, 33 fish, 37 amphibians, 81 reptiles, 273 birds, and 77 mammal species. One can spot Elephant, Gaur, Bonnet, Macaque, Common languor, Tigers and Leopards, Chital, Dhole Panther, Sloth Bear, Python, Barking deer, Four-Horned- Antelope, Otter, Crocodiles (mugger), giant flying squirrel, Sambar, Hyena, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Mouse ...

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Most Asked Questions on Tamilnadu

It usually takes minimum 5 days to visit top destinations in different circuits of Tamilnadu. It is difficult to cover all top places in Tamilnadu in a single trip, as the state is quote big. One can start from Chennai and visit Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Vellore & Yelagiri. Starting from Madurai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari & Thanjavur can be visited. Another popular circuit includes Ooty, Coonoor, Kodaikanal and near by places can be visited from both Bangalore & Coimbatore.

Tamilnadu can be vistited through the year, however, winter from October to Martch is the best season to visit Tamilnadu. It is also the busiest season and hotels are usually very expensive in this season. Popular Places like Madurai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Kodaikanal & Thanjavur attract large crowds in winter season.

Budget of Tamilnadu trip depends on the trip duration and category of hotel you choose for your stay along with the kind of vehicle you prefer. Tamilnadu tour packages offered by Trawell.in start from as low as INR 13100 per person for a 5D/4N trip and from INR 22750 per person for 8D/7N vacation.

Ensure to cover most important places to visit in Tamilnadu like Ooty, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Yelagiri, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Thanjavur, Kanchipurm, etc. Ooty, Kodaikanal, Madurai, Rameshwaram & Kanyakumari are most visited destinations in Karnataka.

Tamilnadu is one of the safest states in India and people are very liberal in nature. It is very safe for domestic & foreign tourists as well as single women to visit the state.

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• 50 Best Tourist Places In Tamil Nadu Of 2024 For The Most Awesome Vacay

23 Mar 2023

Have you ever been to the south? If yes, you’d know what a gem Tamil Nadu is. If you haven’t, it’s time you think about taking a trip now because the state is home to a lot of beautiful places. In fact, even drop dead gorgeous would be an under expression to describe the beauty of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu . These places are brimming with beautiful temples, serene beaches, spectacular forts & waterfalls, and more, which only means that there are multiple excuses for you to pack your bags and head for a tour! 

50 Best Tourist Places In Tamil Nadu Of 2024

There are numerous places in the state of Tamil Nadu. However, when looking for some of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu, you can use this list below and choose the best for your next trip.

1. Chennai – Cultural Centre

Being the capital of the state and home to beautiful temples, churches, and beaches, Chennai is best tourist place in Tamil Nadu that would let you have a real glimpse of South India and its lifestyle. With numerous places to visit in Chennai , such as Marina Beach, Museums, Kapaleeshwara temple, and much more, this place is one of its kind. If culture, history, or art lies anywhere under your interest list, this is a place you should definitely consider visiting! So, if you are thinking what to do in Chennai, just escape to Chennai, among the top 10 tourist places in Tamil Nadu.

Best Time to Visit Chennai: November to February Ideal duration: 3-4 days Places to visit: Marina Beach, Government Museum, Fort St. George, Edward Elliot’s Beach, Ashtalakshmi Temple, Mylapore, Valluvar Kottam Things To Do in Chennai:

• Shop for sarees, jewelry, and other handicrafts at Pondy Bazaar, Anna Salai, or Mylapore
• Spend time at Marina Beach
• Indulge in the famous local food, and party at The Westminster or 10 Downing Street

How to reach : Flights, Railway and Bus

Must Read: Airports In Tamil Nadu

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2. Pondicherry – French Colony

Also known as Puducherry, this is an ideal place for explorers, beach lovers, and experience-seekers interested in French culture and architecture. With an extensive number of romantic places in Pondicherry, this Union Territory reeks of excitement and vibrancy. If you have had too much of Goa already or even if you haven’t, it’s time you witness the charm of Pondy! In addition, traveling from Chennai to Pondicherry has been made much more easier and this is what attracts the young crowd to one of the best tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu and the land of beautiful beaches to rejuvenate and relax. If you are looking for low budget tourist places in Tamil Nadu, visit this amazing place to have an adrenaline-filled experience.

Best Time to Visit Pondicherry: October to March Ideal duration:  4 days Places to visit: Sri Aurobindo Ashram , Promendade Beach, Arulmigu Manakula, Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Paradise Beach, Auroville Things to do in Pondicherry:

• Visit the famous Aurobindo Ashram
• Indulge in water sports at Paradise Beach
• Savour croissants, baguettes, and other famous French cuisine

3. Mudumalai – Ancient Hills

Located in the Nilgiri hills, Mudumalai is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu, which is known for its wildlife persona. For anyone who loves an encounter with nature in the most unique way, the national park here is a must visit. In Tamil Nadu tourism, this is the major attraction that one should not miss and count it on the top.

Best Time to Visit Mudumalai: October to May Ideal duration: 2-3 days Places to visit:  Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Madumalai National Park, Gopalswami Hills, Needle Rock View Point Things to do:

• Spot tigers, leopards, golden jackals, and more at Mudumalai National Park
• Capture the beautiful landscapes
• Interact with elephants at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp

How to reach : Railways then taxi, bus or public transport

Suggested Read: Kolli Hills

4. Dhanushkodi – Beautiful Abandoned Town

If you are someone who’s on a constant lookout for places that are away from the city life, Dhanushkodi is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. This beach town’s grandeur and beauty make Dhanushkodi one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu for your next refreshing getaway!

Best Time to Visit Dhanushkodi: October to February Ideal duration: 2-3 days Places to visit: Dhanushkodi Beach, Gulf Of Mannar Marine National Park, Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Shri Ram Setu View Point Things to do:

• Unwind and relax at the Dhanushkodi Beach
• Savor the gorgeous views from the Adam’s Bridge
• Visit the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

5. Hogenakkal – Gorgeous Waterfalls

Of all the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu, Hogenakkal is a hometown of gorgeous waterfalls. Situated in Dharampuri, this small village is an absolute hotspot for romantic getaways, a short family vacay, and even an offbeat trip with your friends.

Best Time to Visit Hogenakkal: September to March Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit:  Hogenakkal Waterfalls, Hanging Bridge, Crocodile Park, Hogenakkal Falls View Point Things to do:

• Be spellbound by the famous Hogenakkal Falls
• Visit the Melagiri Hills
• Go temple hopping, and explore the Pennagram Village

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In South India In August

6. Tuticorin – Stunning Beaches

This is one place in South India that lets you witness the best of everything at one place. From boasting a beautiful beach and a spectacular wildlife sanctuary to numerous temples & churches, Tuticorin is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu that makes sure that every moment of your holiday outshines the previous one. There are an array of things to do here that invite you to refresh your mind, body, and soul, making it one of the reasons for tourism in Tamil Nadu.

Best Time to Visit Tuticorin: November to March Ideal duration: 2-3 days Places to visit in Tuticorin: Baisilica of Our Lady of Snows, Hare Island, Muthu Nagar Beach, Thiruchendur Murugan Temple  Things to do:

• Visit the Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary
• Explore the temples, and unwind on the beaches
• Relish sweets like Tuticorin macaroons

How to reach : Flights, Railways, Bus, Taxi

7. Kanyakumari – Southernmost Tip Of India

Famous for being one of the most exotic places to visit in Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari is a paradise for experience-seekers. The art, architecture of temples, and even the local cuisine along with so many places to see in Kanyakumari that reflects every bit of its culture will leave you fascinated! It is also a great destination to observe some of Tamil Nadu’s popular annual festivals . 

Best Time to Visit Kanyakumari: October to March Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit in Kanyakumari: Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari Beach, Sarvani Shaktipeeth Shri Bhagavathy Temple, Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam, Our Lady of Ransom Church Things to do in Kanyakumari:

• Go on an excursion tour to Kumari Amman Temple or to the Vattakottai Fort.
• Relax at Sanguthurai Beach, the Sothavilai Beach. or the Kanyakumari Beach.
• Visit the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Suggested Read: Best Waterfalls Near Chennai

8. Trichy – Historical Temples

Trichy is one of the fastest emerging cities in Tami Nadu that can be easily explored in a weekend. It offers multiple places for tourists to visit, like temples, churches. Each brings an amazing uniqueness with it that will be etched in your heart for a long time. It is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu.

Best Time To Visit Trichy: October to February Ideal duration: 5-6 days Places to visit in Trichy: Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Thayumanaswami Temple, Jambukeswarar Temple, Kallanai Things to do :

• Explore the gorgeous Puliyancholai Waterfalls
• Visit the ancient Kallanai Dam and enjoy the mesmerizing view

9. Nagapattinam – Renowned Pilgrimage Site

Nagapattinam is a renowned pilgrimage center with several places of historical significance. The place has many temples, churches and mosques spread all over which attracts tourists from far across the globe and makes it one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. It is also one of the best places to explore during the Monsoon in Tamil Nadu. 

Best Time To Visit Nagapattinam: October to February Ideal duration: 2-3 days Places to visit:  Nagapattinam Beach, Soundararajaperumal temple, Nagore Sharif Dargah Khadar vali, Kayarohanaswami Temple Things to do:

• Spend some peaceful time at the long stretch of beach
• Enjoy Divya Desam, the Sapta Vidangar and the sacred town of Velankanni nearby
• Explore the beautiful architecture at the Dutch Fort

How to reach : Railways then buses and taxi

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Madurai

10. Vellore – The Fort City

Primarily known for two premier institutions, Christain Medical College and Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore is an ancient city located in the northeastern part of Tamil Nadu. The city has been aptly named the Fort City due to the enchanting fort located in the heart of the city. There are some great hotels in Vellore too where one can stay during the trip here. This is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu with family.

Best Time To Visit Vellore: October to February Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit in Vellore: Vellore Fort, Jalakandeswarar Temple, Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, Ratnagiri Murugan Temple, Balamathi Hills Things to do in Vellore:

• Visit the marvelous fort and St. John’s church
• Spend some quality time at Periyar Park

How to reach : Trains, Railways, Buses and Taxi

11. Pollachi – Popular Tollywood Destination

One of the most offbeat Tamil Nadu tourist places, Pollachi is located down south in Coimbatore. It is a famous filming spot because of its blissful scenery. This is the best tourist spot in Tamil Nadu that attract travellers because of the famous attractions like Topslip Tiger Reserve and Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best Time To Visit Pollachi: December to February Ideal duration: 3 days Places to visit: Arulmigu Masani Amman Temple, Pollachi Mahalingapuram Arch, Pollachi Ayyappan Temple, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Things to do:

• Jungle trekking and bamboo rafting at the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
• Visit dams and adorn jaggery, coconut, and vegetable fields

Suggested Read: Festivals Of Tamil Nadu

12. Yanam – Unique Culture And History

Yanam is a small city in the district of Puducherry, India and is one of the best amongst all offbeat Tamil Nadu tourist places. The historical place in Tamil Nadu is famous for its interesting history and culture. One can enjoy the sunrise and sunset view from the viewpoint and visit a few holy temples spread around the city. The city also has some old churches with a touch of French architecture. It is also surrounded by some of the best honeymoon places in Tamil Nadu . 

Best Time To Visit Yanam: June to September Ideal duration: 4 days Places to visit:  Yanam Tower, Jesus Statue Church, Yanam Botanical Garden Things to do:

• Explore the history and the unique culture
• Visit the Rajiv Gandhi Beach for amazing sunrise and sunset views

13. Tranquebar – A Tranquil Beach Town

Tranquebar is a tranquil destination known as the land of the singing waves and is perfect for a one day trip in Tamil Nadu. This tiny beach town dates back to the 14th century with the establishment of the Shiva Temple built in 1306. The place has definitely a lot of history to learn, amazing architecture to adore, and a lot of activities to enjoy in one of the best Tamil Nadu tourist places.

Best Time To Visit Tranquebar: November to March Ideal duration: 1-2 days Places to visit:  Dansborg, New Jerusalem Church, Tharangambadi Maritime Museum, Danish Fort, New Masilamani Iswaran Temple Things to do:

• Visit the Fort Dansborg
• One of India’s first printing presses at Ziegenbalg Museum Complex on Admiral Street

Suggested Read: Places Near Yercaud

14. Chettinad – Every Food Lover’s Paradise

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Sitting just a few kilometres from Madurai, Chettinad is a hidden region that is known for its ancient and old mansions, lip-smacking meat curries, and rich heritage. This region is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu with family for those who are seeking an amazing day-out experience. With plenty of places to witness and ample dishes to relish, Chettinad is a foodie’s paradise. It is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu.

Best Time To Visit Chettinad: October to March Ideal duration: 1 day  Places to visit:  Chettinad Palace, Chettinad Museum, Soorakudi, Pillaiyarpatti, Athmanathaswamy Temple Things to do:

• Unravel the tales of the beautiful Chettinad Palace.
• Indulge in the local cuisine, especially fiery meat dishes, and make your tongue crave for more.
• Experience the village life of Chettinad and witness the beauty of it.

15. Courtallam – Spa Town Of Tamil Nadu

Often tagged as the ‘Spa of South India’, Courtallam is that charming destination sitting in the Western Ghats that makes has the power to distress and rejuvenate travelers in an instant. Blanketing waterfalls, museums, temples, dams, eco-parks, and much more, this town is one of those awesome places in Tamil Nadu that offers an absolute experience to its guests. Courtallam is a must-visit town when going for Tamil Nadu tourist places all thanks to the modern touch amalgamated with the tribal tales, making it one of the beautiful places. If you are looking for the best place for 2 days trip in Tamil Nadu, this is an ideal destination.

Best Time To Visit Courtallam: June to September Ideal duration: 3 days Places to visit:  Five Falls, Courtallam Main Falls, Tigar Falls Road,  Things to do:

• Take a dip in any of the famous waterfalls sitting in Courtallam including Main Falls, Five Falls, Tiger Falls, and more. 
• Take a stroll in the beautiful temple and pay some respects in the Chitra Sabhai Temple. 
• Shop for some beautiful handicrafts, sarees, artifacts, souvenirs, and more.

How to reach : Railways, buses, and taxi

Suggested Read: Resorts In Kanyakumari

Historical And Religious Tourist Places In Tamil Nadu

Discover the best pilgrimage sites and religious temples in Tamil Nadu. Known as the temple city of India, there are various significant temples. These tourist places in Tamil Nadu are a must-visit. 

16. Madurai – Stunning Architecture

Image Courtesy: Daiwikhotels.com

Constructed like a lotus, Madurai City is mostly popular for its Meenakshi Temple. While visiting here, you can marvel at the intriguing architecture or explore its numerous tourist attractions. To witness the best of the city, you must plan at least 2-day trip to Tamil Nadu.

Best Time to Visit Madurai: December to February Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit in Madurai: Meenakshi Amman Temple, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Koodal Azhagar Temple Things to do in Madurai :

• Go temple hopping, and spend time at the famous Meenakshi and Thiruparankundram Temples
• Explore the Gandhi Museum
• Visit the Vaigai Dam

How to reach : Airport, Railways, Buses and Taxi

17. Chidambaram – Gorgeous Temple Town

A beautiful temple town, Chidambaram is situated in the eastern part of Tamil Nadu. The glorious history, rich culture, and diverse traditions of this city have the magic of leaving anyone in awe. One of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu for 2 days trip, this town  is perfect if you’re a history buff or have a thirst for knowledge. This place can be reached by any of the airports. 

Best Time to Visit: October to March Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit:  Thillai Nataraja Temple, Govindaraja Perumal Temple, Pasupatheswarar Temple, Tirukkazhippalai Palvannanathar Temple Things to do:

• Visit the Pichavaram Backwaters and Mangrove Forests
• Indulge in delectable Tamil cuisines like idli, vadai, and more
• Visit the famous Nataraja Temple

How to reach : Flights, trains, buses, and taxi

Suggested Read: Cottages In Ooty For Couples

18. Mahabalipuram – Magnificent Carved Temples

Popular for its intricately carved temples and caves, Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu is another gem to marvel at. Located just a few kilometres from the capital city, traveling from Chennai to Mahabalipuram is not at all a hassle. The city has beautiful beaches, magnificent architecture, soothing weather, and offers a refreshing experience to every kind of tourist. It is recommended as one of the best places in Tamil Nadu, for those who are seeking a peaceful atmosphere on their next visit. While engaging in thrilling adventures and exploring the beautiful district in Tamil Nadu, visitors can have over-the-top experience.

Best Time to Visit Mahabalipuram: November to February Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit Mahabalipuram: Shore Temple, Descent of the Ganges, Pancha Rathas, Varaha Cave Temple, Thirukadalmallai Things to do in Mahabalipuram:

• Rejuvenate on the Mahabalipuram Beach
• Visit the famous Five Rathas and Shore Temple
• Explore Kovalam and Sadras, the fishing villages turned into exotic beach resorts

How to reach : Railways, Buses and Taxi

19. Rameshwaram – Temple Hopping

Image Courtesy: Rameswaramtourism.com

Situated on an island, this is one of the most religious places in India . The town is separated by a Pamban bridge from Sri Lanka, and is the best tourist spot in Tamil Nadu to explore if temple hopping is the sole purpose of your trip. Besides this, there are a plethora of hotels in Rameswaram, offering travellers the unique places to visit in Tamil Nadu.

Best Time to Visit Rameswaram: October to April Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit: Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple, Arulmigu Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Villoondi Tirtham, Lakshmana Tirtham Things to do:

• Visit the famous five-faced Hanuman Temple
• Witness the poojas at Agniteertham
• Visit the Dhanushkodi Temple and Beach
• Visit the beautiful  Rameshwaram Temple  and the  Rameshawaram Beach

Suggested Read: Kodaikanal vs Ooty For Honeymoon

20. Thanjavur – Centre Of Art

Of all the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur has a lot to offer when it comes to experiences. This city of temples boast paintings, antiques, handicrafts, textiles, and sarees, which are amongst the popular things to be admired around. Explore the best district in Tamil Nadu and soak yourself with the rich culture and history.

Best Time to Visit Thanjavur: October to March Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit: Thanjavur Maratha Palace, Saraswathi Mahal Library, Brihadeeswara Temple, Schwartz Church, Thanjavur Palace Things to do:

• Visit the popular Brihadeeshwara Temple
• Explore the Siva Ganga Garden, Palace & Saraswathi Mahal Library
• Admire the grandeur of the Vijayanagar Fort

How to reach : Railways, Buses, and Taxi

21. Velankanni – Beautiful Coastal Town

While you may not have heard of Velankanni before like most of the other cities in the state, this place is absolutely worth your time and visit. It is a gorgeous coastal town popular for a spectacular church that was built in the honor of Mother Mary. The distance that one needs to cover from Pondicherry to Velankanni is around 160 kilometres and one can easily find road transport to cover this path.

Best Time to Visit: October to March Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit:  Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni Church, Velankanni Beach, Morning Star Church Things to do:

• Visit the famous Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health
• Unwind and relax at the Velankanni Beach
• Explore the town and the museum at Holy Path

Suggested Read: Beaches Near Coimbatore

22. Kanchipuram – Pretty Kanchipuram Sarees

Kanchipuram is also known as the Golden City of a thousand temples. This popular tourist attraction is known for its beautiful ‘Kanchipuram sarees’. Tourists who are interested in Hinduism or just want to catch a glimpse of the beautiful South Indian architecture, visit this place. Kanchipuram, among the famous cities in Tamil Nadu, is an ideal place for art & literature, architectural, and adventure enthusiasts.

Best Time To Visit Kanchipuram: October to March Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit: Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, Tiru Parameswara Vinnagaram, Thiru Ekambaranathar Temple Things to do:

• Visit Kanchi Kamakshi Temple and Kailasanathar Temple
• Attend South Indian classical music concerts in the evenings
• Indulge in shopping of Kanchipuram sarees

23. Coimbatore – A Major Textile Hub

Coimbatore is one of the largest cities of Tamil Nadu, famous for its industry, textiles and manufacturing. For a perfect holiday experience, the place offers you gorgeous waterfalls, breathtaking mountains, and temples in Coimbatore are a must-visit by all the travelers.

Best Time To Visit Coimbatore: July to March Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit: Marudhamalai, Dhyanalinga, Siruvani Waterfalls, Gass Forest Museum, Arulmigu Eachanari Vinayagar Temple,  Things to do:

• Visit the the Maruthamalai Murugan Temple, Eachanari Vinayagar Temple, the Sree Ayyappan Temple
• Enjoy exciting trekking trails such as the Vellari Mala, the Dhoni Hills, the Perumal Peak, and the Thalaiyar Falls trek
• Visit the famous 112 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva, known as the Adiyogi Shiva Statue

Suggested Read: Mahabalipuram Resorts

24. Tirunelveli – Scenic Beauty

Located on the west bank of the Thamirabarani River, Tirunelveli offers many exciting tourist attractions like breathtaking waterfalls, scenic beauty, temples and much more. Along with many religious places, the city also has some wonderful delicacies you can try.

Best Time To Visit: October to February Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit: Nellaiappar Temple, District Science Centre, Sri Subramania Swamy Temple, Holy Trinity Cathedral Things to do:

• Visit Nellaiappar Temple and Nellaiappar Temple
• Enjoy the scenic beauty at Nainar Kulam Lake

25. Kumbakonam – Historic Beauty

Kumbakonam is a beautiful temple town in the Thanjavur district. It is a must-visit place for history lovers to understand the depth of India’s culture and Hinduism. This is also one of the oldest towns in the Indian history known for its famous temples.

Best Time To Visit: December to February Ideal duration:  1-2 days Places to visit: Airavatesvara Temple, Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Mahamaham tank, Swamimalai Temple, Kasi Viswanathar Temple Things to do:

• Visit the grand festival called Mahamaham festival which is celebrated every twelve years at the Mahamaham Tank
• Shop in the town for indigenous products
• Visit the various famous temples such as Adi Kumbeshwara Temple

Suggested Read: Romantic Things To Do In Kodaikanal

26. Tiruvannamalai – Town With Spiritual Significance

Home to one of the most famous and mighty Mount Arunchala, Tiruvannamalai has spiritual importance latched to itself. With the mountain being tagged as the most silent place in the entire world, Tiruvannamalai is a great escape for those who are seeking to run away from chaos and embrace tranquility. Home to various temples and ashrams, this destination attracts numerous pilgrims and spiritual seekers.

Best Time To Visit: October to March | June to September Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit: Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Virupaksha Cave, Agni Lingam, Sri Ramanasramam Things to do:

• Explore one of the largest temples of India- Arunachaleshwara Temple.
• Conquer the mighty Mount Arunachala along with other pilgrims.
• Try the healthy, scrumptious dishes served at the Dreaming Tree restaurant.

27. Dharmapuri – City Of Places Of Worship

Dharmapuri, a city often tagged as the land of churches and temples, is one of the greatest places to see in Tamil Nadu. Along with enveloping various places of worship, this town is also home to some of the marvelous wonders of mother nature such as waterfalls, rivers, and more. For those who are seeking to get closer to mother nature and the higher power above us, this place is definitely a steal!

Best Time To Visit: November to March Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit: Kalabairavar Temple, Shri Theerthagirishwarar Temple, Dharmapuri Archaeological Museum, Chenraya Perumal Temple Things to do:

• Take a ride on the boat in the pond near the Dharmapuri Falls.
• Try the oil massages that are offered in this town and get relieved of all the stress, even if it is just for a little while.
• Head to the various temples and churches covering the floors of Dharmapuri and offer homage.

How to reach : Flights then buses and taxi

Suggested Read: Hotels In Coonoor

Best Hill Stations In Tamil Nadu Of 2024

Check our pick of the best hill stations along with an ideal time to visit.

28. Ooty – Queen Of Hill Stations

Situated in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, Ooty is one of thecool tourist places in Tamil Nadu It has a gorgeous backdrop of the hills and greenery, which makes it a great destination for both honeymooners and family.Ooty sightseeing is everything one needs to rejuvenate and simply relax on their escape to Tamil Nadu. When traveling from Ooty to Kodaikanal, one needs to cover the distance of 250 kilometres that is best covered by a cab or taxi. Cover all the major places to visit in Ooty on your trip here.

Best Time to Visit Ooty: March to June Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit:  Government Rose Garden, The Tea Factory & The Tea Museum, St. Stephen’s Church, Tiger Hill Things to do:

• Visit the popular Ooty Lake
• Take a scenic toy train ride
• Explore the Botanical Gardens

29. Kodaikanal – Breathtaking Natural Beauty

Adorned with dense forests, huge rocks, beautiful waterfalls, and plenty of other places to visit in Kodaikanal, this destination is a perfect romantic tourist place to visit with your loved one. We can bet that the picturesque beauty and romantic things to do in Kodaikanal would add stars to your holiday experience, making it only more memorable!

Best Time to Visit: March to June and December to February Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit in Kodaikanal: Coaker’s Walk, Kodaikanal Lake, Silver Cascade Falls, Bryant Park, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Bear Shola Falls Things to do:

• Indulge in boating at Kodai Lake
• Enjoy horse riding while you savour the scenic views
• Visit the Pillar rocks and the Palni Hills

How to reach : Flights, trains – then buses and taxi

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Coimbatore 

30. Coonoor – Thrilling Joyride

Situated at an altitude of 1,930 metres, Coonoor is gradually becoming one of the top cool tourist places in Tamil Nadu. It offers a panoramic view of the Nilgiri Hills and the Catherine Falls, which makes it an ideal hotspot for those whose heart belong in the hills! Moreover, when traveling from Coonoor to Ooty, one can take a train that runs on a regular basis and exhibits some beautiful landscapes of the surroundings. 

Best Time to Visit: October to March Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit: Sim’s Park, Hight Field Tea Estate, Droog Fort, Tiger Hill Cemetery, Lamb’s Rock, Wellington Lake Things to do:

• Savor the breathtaking views from Dolphin’s Nose
• Trek to the famous Doddabetta Mountain
• Visit the beautiful Sim’s Park

31. Yelagiri – Exciting Adventure Activities

Image Courtesy: Mouthshut.com

Trekking in the hills has its own joy and fun. Situated at an elevation of 4,626 feet, Yelagiri Hills is a perfect tourist place in Tamil Nadu surrounded by green valleys, orchards, and rose gardens. This is an ideal place to visit with a loved one, and even your friends if adventure is on your mind!

Best Time to Visit Yelagiri: May to June and November to February Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit: Swamimalai Hills, Yelagiri Lake, Yelagiri Nature Park, Murugan Temple, Stellar Cave Things to do Yelagiri:

• Trek to Swami Malai Hills through the lush green forests
• Visit the Jalagamparai Falls
• Indulge in paragliding, mountain climbing, etc.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Rameshwaram 

32. Yercaud – Ooty Of Poor People

Situated close to the Eastern Ghats, Yercaud is a gorgeous hill station in Tamil Nadu. This place is a must visit for its vast evergreen forests, rich coffee plantations, and unique flora and fauna. From trekking to admiring the beauty of the famous attractions, there are many things to do in Yercaud that will keep you on your toes.

Best Time to Visit Yercaud: October to June Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit: Kiliyur Falls, Lady’s Seat, Shevaroy Hills, Shevaroy Temple, Karadiyoor View Point, Manjakuttai View Point Things to do:

• Visit the popular Emerald Lake
• Take a tour of attractions like Anna Park, Japanese Park, Bear’s Cave, and more
• Enjoy the gorgeous view of the hills from the Lady’s Seat

33. Kotagiri – Captivating Waterfalls

Image Courtesy: Self Drive Trips

Situated in the Nilgiris, this place is a small town known for having one of the best climates in the world. With captivating waterfalls and rich wildlife, Kotagiri is one of the summer tourist places in Tamil Nadu you must visit during your trip to the state.

Best Time to Visit Kotagiri: November to May Ideal duration:  2-3 days Places to visit: Catherine Water Falls, Lamb’s Rock, Ralliah Dam, Kodanad View Point, Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar Things to do:

• Visit the mesmerizing Elk Falls
• Wildlife spotting at Longwood Shola
• Indulge in a picturesque trekking trail from Kotagiri to Kodanad

Suggested Read: Best Homestays In Yercaud

34. Valparai – Beautiful Hill Station

Valparai is a beautiful hill station, situated in the mesmerizing Anamalai Hill Range. Apart from being a part of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, the town also has a decent number of tea and coffee estates surrounded by forests. It’s an awesome tourist attraction in Tamil Nadu for the travellers who wants to get closer to nature. One can take a flight to travel from Chennai to Valparaiand cover the distance of approximately 587 kilometres in a feasible manner. 

Best Time to Visit: September to March Ideal duration:  2-3 days Places to visit: Anaimalai Hills, Monkey Falls, Solaiyar Dam, Nirar Dam, Nallamudi View point, Chinnakallar Falls Things to do:

• Go on a backpacking tour to the famous Anamalai Hills
• Visit Nallamudi Viewpoint
• Explore the Sholayar Dam, Monkey Falls, Balaji Temple, and more

35. Theni – The Magical Land

No matter what time of the year it is, Theni is that town in Tamil Nadu that one would always find nestled amidst the foggy mist, making it look like a fairyland. Theni is the best tourist place in Tamil Nadu for those who are seeking to avoid the beaten paths and take the roads less taken. Sitting on the Western Ghats, Theni covers some fragrant plantations, velvety green landscapes, colorful markets, magical waterfalls, and much more.

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year Ideal duration: 1-2 days Places to visit:  Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Suruli Falls, Gowmariamman Temple Things to do:

• Visit the Kolukkumalai Tea estate, world’s highest organic estate.
• Shop for various exotic spices and condiments, handloom products, agricultural products, and much more.
• Plan a picnic to the Vaigai Dam and spend some quality time with your family

Suggested Read: Picnic Spots In And Around Chennai

36. Vedanthangal – Paradise For Bird Lovers

You must have heard about Vedanthangal for its bird sanctuary which makes it one of the top places to visit in Tamil Nadu. If you visit the sanctuary during the migratory season, then you can witness around 30,000 birds like spoonbills, herons, and storks. So, if you are a bird lover then make sure that you include this place in your itinerary.

Best time to visit: November to February Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit:  Madurantakam Lake, Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary Things to do:

• Visit the bird sanctuary.
• Admire the view of Vedanthangal covered with thousands of birds.

37. Tharangambadi – The Land Of The Singing Waves

Counted among the top tourist places in Tamil Nadu, Tharangambadi is a tiny beach town. The history of this place can be dated back to the 14th century. The name of this town literally translates into ‘the land of the singing waves’. The town overlooks the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and Kaveri River. The place is known for its tranquility which is why it is visited by hundreds of tourists every year.

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal duration:  2-3 days Places to visit:  Shri Murugan Temple, Tharangambadi Maritime Museum, New Masilamani Iswaran Temple, Danish Fort Things to do:

• Explore Dansborg Fort where you can witness a mixture of German, Danish, and French colonies.
• Visit the Zion Church that stands still since the year 1701.

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Madurai 

38. Salem – Explore The Bucolic Nature

A visit to Tamil Nadu will remain incomplete if you do not visit its fifth largest city, Salem. That may not be a great fact but it being a home to natural vistas is a great fact. Not only this, there are several ancient temples in Salem that are a must visit. So, make sure to include it in your Tamil Nadu vacation itinerary.

Best time to visit: October to February Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit: Anna Park, Pagoda Point Road, Yercaud Lake, Kurumbapatty Zoological Park, Eco Tourism Park Things to do:

• Explore the churches and temples here.
• Get ready to soak in some amazing nature views.

39. Kolli Hills – Ride Through The Bent Curves

Popular as the ‘Mountain of Death’, Kolli Hills is located in the Namakkal District which is untouched by industrialization and retains most of the natural beauty. If you are looking for one of the best places to see in Tamil Nadu then you must include Kolli Hills in your itinerary as several tourists head to this place and watch nature at its best.

Best time to visit: December to February Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit:  Kolli Hill Forest, Puliansolai R.F, Nayinarmalai Forest, Rasipuram Things to do:

• Admire the natural magnificence.
• Visit the famous Lord Shiva’s Arappaleshwar Temple.

How to reach : Trains, buses, and taxi

Suggested Read: Best Resorts In Yelagiri

40. Palani – Wrapped Within Two Hills

Another amazing place to explore in Tamil Nadu is Palani which is blanketed with two hills – Sakthigiri and Sivagiri. So, where you look, you will get to see these majestic hills creating a beautiful scenery. While exploring Palani, you will come across several lakes that eventually flow to the Shanmuga River at the foothills.

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal duration:  3 days Places to visit:  Palani Hill Temple, Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy, Thiru Aavinnankudi Temple, Thanga Ther, Idumban Temple Things to do:

• Explore the lakes making their way through the whole Palani.
• Visit the temples that are famous here.

41. Dindigul – A Historical City

If you are planning a vacation to Tamil Nadu then your trip will remain incomplete without Dindigul as it is one of the famous places in Tamil Nadu. It is a historical city that is wedged between Sirumalai Hills and Palani Hills. One of the must-visit place here is Dindigul Fort which has attracted several tourists to this place.

Best time to visit: October to March Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit:  Dindigul Rock Fort, Soundararajaperumal Temple, Sri Bhaktha Anjaneyer Temple, Murugan Temple Things to do:

• Explore the popular Dindigul Fort on your visit.
• Dig deep into the culture and history of this place.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Salem

42. Mayiladuthurai – The Peacock Town

Another one listed in the places to visit in Tamil Nadu is Mayiladuthurai which is a temple town famous for Mayura Natha Swamy Temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The place was ruled by the Chola dynasty and it still holds reminiscents of that. While traveling on the roads here, you will witness coconut trees lining along the roadsides.

Best time to visit: October to March Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit:  Mayuranathaswami Temple, Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple, Mahalakshmeeswarar Temple, Thirupariyalur Veeratteswarar Koil Things to do:

• Admire the Dravidian architecture on your visit.
• Explore the famous Shiva temple.

43. Thiruvarur – A Blend Of Cultures

The list of tourist places in Tamil Nadu also includes Thiruvarur which is popular for its antiquity as it was ruled by several groups like VIjayanagar Empire, Marathas, Medieval as well as Later Cholas, and the British. Apart from this, it is home to three rivers namely Sukumar, Valaiyar, and Odambokki rivers which add to the beauty of this place.

Best time to visit: December to March Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit:  Thyagaraja Temple, Sivan Temple, Perumal Kovil, Kariviranathan Temple, Akshyalingaswamy Temple Things to do:

• Visit the famous Thyagaraja Temple.
• Dig into the rich history of Thiruvarur.

Suggested Read: Airports In Kerala

44. Pulicat – For Bird Watchers

One of the bestplaces to visit in Tamil Nadu is Pulicat which is home to the Pulicat Lake. This is that famous place where thousands of birds migrate here between the months of October & March. You can witness several species including Flamingos.

Best time to visit: October to March Ideal duration:  2-3 days Places to visit:  Thirupalaivanam Sivan Koil, Perumal Temple, Jadarayar Temple, Chindamaniseswarar Temple Things to do:

• Visit the famous Fort Geldaria.
• Bird watchers must explore this place

45. Bodinayakkanur – Cardamom Capital Of India

One of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu for all serenity lovers, Bodinayakkanur is a quaint town. With its beautiful surroundings, this town will leave you in awe. This town is famed as the Cardamom capital of India and you must visit it on your vacation. You can observe pleasant weather in Bodinayakkanur at all times and it was called South Kashmir by Jawahar Lal Nehru.

Best Time To Visit: October to February Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit: Vaigai Dam, Bodi Hill. Things to do:

• Buy the best quality Cardamom
• Explore the town

Suggested Read: Wayanad In Summer

46. Javadi Hills – An Unexplored Charm

The Javadi Hills is one of the most popular trekking destinations among travelers that is a stretch of sprawling green landscapes between the Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts. From a diverse variety of flora and fauna to observatories and trails that give a panoramic view of the area, it is among the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu for one day trip.

Best Time To Visit : March to September Ideal duration: 1 day Places to visit: Shevaroy Hills Things to do:

• Birdwatching

47. Sirumalai – A Serene Valley

Nestled amidst the green outskirts at a distance of 90 kilometers from Madurai, the Sirumalai region is the last mountain range in the Eastern Ghat. If you are a nature lover and want to explore the far stretches of Tamil Nadu, this place is perfect for a wild weekend getaway. 

Best Time To Visit: March to September Ideal duration: 3 days Places to visit: Kolli Hills Things to do:

• Sightseeing

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Chennai

48. Devala – A Hidden Gem

A quaint town located in the Nilgiris district, it is one of those small towns that give off the real essence of Tamil Nadu’s local suburban culture. If you are traveling to the state and looking to stay with a family for some cultural tourism experience, this is where you can feel warm and welcome for an exploration of your own. 

Best Time To Visit: April to October Ideal duration: 1 day Places to visit: Wild Planet Resort Things to do:

• Local food tasting

49. Ambur – Quaint Escape

From being the home to a popular leather industry to hosting some of Tamil Nadu’s dense residencies, Ambur is an edgy, suburban town situated on the banks of the Palar River. But more than that, it is popular for a spicy non-vegetarian biryani that is known across India for its unique taste. Another much-recommended food item is Makkhenpeda, a traditional sweet that is known for its classic flavors. 

Best Time To Visit: March to October Ideal duration: 1 day Places to visit: Kasi Vishwanath Temple Things to do:

Suggested Read: Seaports In India 

50. Idappadi – The Best Kept Secret

Located in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, Edappdi was once a popular town for its power loom industry. The riverside landscape of this town is rocky and surrounded by lakes like Periyayeri, ChettiYeri, and Punka-yeri. If you are looking for an escape in Tamil Nadu where you can enjoy a long-stay, do some sightseeing, enjoy nature walks and observe the local life, Idappadi is the place to be. 

Best Time To Visit: April to October Ideal duration: 3 days Places to visit: Wild Planet Resort Things to do:  Arulmigu Kailashanathar Temple

Further Read: New Year Parties In Chennai 

While these best tourist places in Tamil Nadu are famous for their own attractions, each one of them is worth your time, money, and visit to experience the best of the south! Plan your trip to Tamil Nadu right away and have an awesome vacation. While you have a wonderful trip to this amazing place, do not forget to share your experience with us!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Tourist Places In Tamil Nadu

Which is the coolest place in Tamil Nadu?

There are numerous cool places in Tamil Nadu but the following are the most popular among them: 1. Ooty 2. Yercaud 3. Yelagiri 4. Kodaikanal 5. Coonoor 6. Kotagiri 7. Kolli Hills 8. Anamalai Hills 9. Meghamalai 10. Velliangiri Hilla

Which is the most beautiful place in Tamil Nadu?

Tamil Nadu is home to numerous beautiful places that offer something unique to its visitors. The most popular beautiful places in Tamil Nadu are: 1. Chennai 2. Pondicherry 3. Mudumalai 4. Dhanushkodi 5. Hogenakkal 6. Tuticorin 7. Kanyakumari 8. Madurai 9. Chidambaram

What should I buy in Tamil Nadu?

If you are planning a visit to Tamil Nadu then you must know that Chennai, the capital city is a hub of shopping. The following are the most popular Chennai shopping items- 1. Pure mulberry silk 2. Classical dance accessories 3. Cool cotton fabrics 4. Pandian bangles and accessories 5. Handbags 6. Ladies’ ornaments

Which is the best city in Tamil Nadu?

There’s not just one but a number of cities that are considered the best in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. These are the ones that are renowned as the best here: 1. Coimbatore 2. Madurai 3. Tiruchirappalli 4. Chennai

Which is the best hill station in Tamil Nadu?

There are a number of hill stations in Tamil Nadu that are: 1. Yelagiri 2. Ooty 3. Kolli Hills 4. Coonoor 5. Kotagiri 6. Yercaud 7. Velliangiri Hills 8. Kodaikanal

Which is the best place for a honeymoon in Tamil Nadu?

There are a number of tourist spots in Tamil Nadu that are ideal for a honeymoon vacation. Some of them are: 1. Chennai 2. Ooty 3. Meghamalai 4. Kodaikanal 5. Kanyakumari

Which place in Tamil Nadu is famous for the mangrove forest?

The floors of Tamil Nadu are covered with the mangrove forest in many regions. But the most famous place in Tamil Nadu is Pichavaram.

Is Tamil Nadu beautiful?

Tamil Nadu is one of the most beautiful places to visit in South India. It is home to waterfalls, lush greens, trekking trails, beautifully carved temples, picturesque landscapes, and much more, this state of India is one of a kind.

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15 Best Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu, South India

Home / Blog / 15 Best Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu, South India

Tamil Nadu is adorned with a diversity of heritage and religious tourism. Tamil Nadu is well-known for its carved temples, festivals, and celebration of the arts and hence make a must part of the South India tour. A treasure for history buffs, culture explorers, spirituality seekers, and nature enthusiasts, Tamil Nadu stands out as one of the distinctive states in India that offers a unique experience to its visitors. It is the people who make the state come alive; thus Tamil Nadu is as calm in its crowd just as the people here. With its extensive coastline, Nilgiri mountain ranges, and Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu offers a serene connection with nature. Additionally, its cities and towns narrate ancient tales through their culture, traditions, and architectural marvels.

Undoubtedly, Tamil Nadu ranks among the top pilgrimage destinations in India, featuring revered cities like Rameshwaram and Kanchipuram, as well as historical towns like Madurai and Kanyakumari, all of which embody the rich heritage of South Indian culture. While exploring these sites, make sure not to resist the temptation of indulging in mouth-watering South Indian cuisines and sweets. Dishes like Dosa, Idli, Sambar, and various curries are bound to linger in your memory long after your unforgettable holiday in Tamil Nadu.

Top 15 Must Visit Tourist Destinations in Tamil Nadu-

Mahabalipuram, kanchipuram, chidambaram.

Popularly known as “Detroit of India ”, Chennai is the capital of the southern state Tamil Nadu. Home to beautiful temples, churches, British-era museums, monuments, culinary delights and beaches, Chennai is the best place to visit in Tamil Nadu that gives you a glimpse of South India and its culture. If you are planning to visit Chennai, then the ideal time is from November to March. During this period, you can enjoy the best of the winters with a slight dip in Mercury.

Best Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Chennai

• Marina Beach
• Government Museum
• Fort St. George
• Edward Elliot’s Beach
• Ashtalakshmi Temple
• Valluvar Kottam

Famous for its beautifully carved temples and caves, Mahabalipuram is the home to the dynasty of Pallavas. This small quaint town, Mahabalipuram is a short drive from the capital city, Chennai.The town is a perfect amalgam of culture and history offering magnificent architecture from the Pallavas Dynasty, giving a rejuvenating experience to tourists. This is the reason why it is the best place to explore in Tamil Nadu.If you are planning to visit Chennai, then the ideal time is from November to February.

Best Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

• Shore Temple
• Descent of the Ganges
• Pancha Rathas
• Varaha Cave Temple
• Thirukadalmallai

Kanchipuram has secured a spot in the world for its beautiful ‘’Kanchipuram sarees’. The culturally rich city also known as the Golden City of a thousand temples, attracts tourists from all over the world. If you are intrigued by knowing the rise of Hinduism or just want a glimpse of the beautiful South Indian architecture, then you must visit Kanchipuram. It is one of the top heritage destinations to visit in Tamil Nadu.The ideal time to plan your visit to Kanchipuram is from October to March when the summers are bearable.

Popular Tourist Attractions and Places to Visit in Kanchipuram

• Ekambareswarar Temple
• Kailasanathar Temple
• Kamakshi Amman Temple
• Tiru Parameswara Vinnagaram
• Thiru Ekambaranathar Temple

Situated on an island, Rameswaram holds religious significance from the Ramayana period. This town will make you feel closer to Lord Ram when you explore the evidence of his existence. This pilgrimage tourist destination in Tamil Nadu is separated by a Pamban bridge from Sri Lanka.If you are planning to visit Rameswaram, then the ideal time is from October to April.

Popular Tourist Places & Attractions to Visit in Rameshwaram

• Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple
• Arulmigu Ramanatha Swamy Temple
• Villoondi Tirtham
• Lakshmana Tirtha
• Five-faced Hanuman Temple
• Dhanushkodi Temple
• Rameshwaram Beaches

Thanjavur is a center of South Indian religion, art, and architecture. Abode to the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments, are located in and around Thanjavur. This city of temples boasts paintings, antiques, handicrafts, textiles, and sarees, which are quite popular among tourists. It is one of the best heritage tourist places to explore in Tamil Nadu sightseeing Tour.The ideal time to visit the city is from October to March.

Popular Tourist Places & Attractions to Visit in Thanjavur

• Thanjavur Maratha Palace
• Saraswathi Mahal Library
• Brihadeeswara Temple
• Schwartz Church
• Thanjavur Palace

Yelagiri Hills is one of the top hill stations in Tamil Nadu that is situated at an elevation of 4,626 feet. Yelagiri hills are known for trekking as it is surrounded by lush green valleys, beautiful orchards, breathtaking panoramic views of the hills, and rose gardens. One can indulge themselves in various activities such as paragliding, mountain climbing and trekking. To beat the scorching heat of summer, you can plan a visit from May to June and November to February to enjoy the pleasant winters.

Top Places & Tourist Attractions to Visit in Yelagiri

• Swamimalai Hills,
• Yelagiri Lake
• Yelagiri Nature Park
• Murugan Temple
• Stellar Cave

Kanyakumari

The southernmost town of India’s mainland, Kanyakumari is also known as ‘The Land’s End’. The Kanyakumari district is famous for its majestic hills, pristine rivers, virgin beaches and meandering brooks. It has an essence of architecture, culture and customs of neighbouring states Kerala. It is globally famous for its remarkable sunrise, sunset and moonrise from the 41-metre (133 ft) Thiruvalluvar Statue and Vivekananda Rock Memorial off the coast, and also as a pilgrimage tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. One can plan the visit to Kanyakumari from October to March.

Best Places & Tourist Attractions to Visit in Kanyakumari

• Vivekananda Rock Memorial
• Kanyakumari Beach
• Sarvani Shaktipeeth Shri Bhagavathy Temple
• Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam
• Our Lady of Ransom Church

Ooty is located in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. A quaint town established as a British Raj summer resort. It is one of the most beautiful hill stations to explore in Tamil Nadu. Ooty is most famous for its tea plantations. Connoisseurs will find plenty to choose from: dust and leaf; black, green, black and white varieties; and flavors such as masala, jasmine, cardamom and even chocolate. Ooty has a picturesque sight of the hills and lush greenery and is a perfect romantic getaway for both honeymooners. One can enjoy a scenic toy train ride established in the British era. The ideal time to visit Ooty is from March to June.

Best Tourist Places & Attractions to Visit in Ooty

• Government Rose Garden
• The Tea Factory & The Tea Museum
• Stephen’s Church

Kodaikanal is a hill town of Tamil Nadu that is festooned with dense forests, huge rocks and pristine waterfalls. Set in an area of granite cliffs at 2,000 meters above sea level, the town centers around man-made, star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake, adjoined by an evergreen grove. Abundant in natural beauty, Kodaikanal is a suitable location for a family holiday in Tamil Nadu. It is also one of the most favorite places visited by honeymooners, adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The best time to visit Kodaikanal is March to June and December to February.

Best Places & Tourist Attractions to Visit in Kodaikanal

• Coaker’s Walk
• Kodaikanal Lake
• Silver Cascade Falls
• Bryant Park
• Kurinji Andavar Temple
• Bear Shola Falls

Being one of the largest cities of Tamil Nadu Coimbatore is famous for its industry, textiles and manufacturing. That’s why it is known as the ‘Textile capital of South India’. Coimbatore is not just about the industry, it is a home for the colorful and intricately carved temples, untouched waterfalls and scenic mountains. It is indeed a must visit place in Tamil Nadu.One can plan a visit to Coimbatore from July to March.

Top Places & Tourist Attractions to Visit in Coimbatore

• Marudhamalai
• Dhyanalinga
• Siruvani Waterfalls
• Gass Forest Museum
• Arulmigu Eachanari Vinayagar Temple
• Famous 112 Feet Tall Statue of Lord Shiva (Known as the Adiyogi Shiva Statue)

Situated at a height of 1,930 meters, Coonoor has emerged as one of the top hill station places in Tamil Nadu. Not only does it present a spectacular view of the Nilgiri Hills and the Catherine Falls, but also makes it a perfect destination to whom “mountains are calling “. Coonoor is also popular for its tea estates in the Nilgiri hills. Coonoor gives a perfect environment for activities like trekking and hiking.One can enjoy the lap of nature in Coonoor from October to March.

Best Tourist Attractions and Places to Visit in Coonoor

• Hight Field Tea Estate
• Tiger Hill Cemetery
• Lamb’s Rock
• Wellington Lake

Constructed as a lotus, Madurai City is the epitome of great architecture and culture. The city skyline is overseen by the 14 colorful gopurams (gateway towers) of Meenakshi Amman Temple. The most popular Meenakshi Temple is made in the Dravidian-style Temple and covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods. The vibrant culture and delightful hustle and bustle make it one of the top travel destinations to explore with family in Tamil Nadu.The perfect time to plan your trip to Madurai is from December to February.

Top Places & Tourist Attractions to Visit in Madurai

• Meenakshi Amman Temple
• Gandhi Memorial Museum
• Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
• Koodal Azhagar Temple

Located in the adorned Nilgiri Hills, Mudumalai is a tourist attraction of the first national park of South India. Mudumalai National Park is in close vicinity of Bandipur National Park which gives visitors an opportunity of visiting both places together, in between them, they house more than 500 species of animals, birds, reptiles and even more species of insects.Needless to say, Mudumalai has breathtaking and fascinating views to offer along with the jungle safari and camping.The favorable months to visit the Mudumalai is between October to May.

Chidambaram is a beautiful temple town located in the eastern part of Tamil Nadu. The grand history, rich culture, and traditions is a perfect destination for a history buff. Because of the Dravidian culture and magnificent architecture, Chidambaram has become a prominent pilgrimage destination in Tamil Nadu. Not only does this little town offers the best combination of history and culture, one can rejuvenatein the Backwaters of Pichavaram in the midst of Mangrove Forests. Plan your trip to Chidambaram from October to March which is considered the ideal time.

Top Places & Tourist to Visit in Chidambaram

• Thillai Nataraja Temple
• Govindaraja Perumal Temple
• Pasupatheswarar Temple
• Tirukkazhippalai Palvannanathar Temple

Vellore, popularly known as the leather hub of India. This city is home to hundreds of leather and tannery facilities. Enchanting visitors from every corner of the country, Vellore has attracted tourists because of its cultural-historical background. If you are interested in knowing the history of independent India, then it is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu.You must plan your trip to the city from October to February.

Best Places & Tourist Attractions to Visit in Vellore

• Vellore Fort
• Jalakandeswarar Temple
• Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple
• Ratnagiri Murugan Temple
• Balamathi Hills

We hope that this blog will help you in planning a wonderful trip to Tamil Nadu. While top visiting places in Tamil Nadu are famous for their heritage and religious tourism, you will also find solace and delight in its pleasing hill stations. Let the bliss begins. Plan your trip to Tamil Nadu today and have an incredible vacation. Like & follow us on our following official social media channels

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Really it’s a fantastic blog, I’ll definitely visit those places one day. Good work, Keep going.

I am intrested in tamilnadu trip. 7 nights 8 days. You can plan trip such a way we don’t have to travel too long between one place to other.i am looking for 2 nd November . Trip start from Mumbai and finish at last destination.flight need Mumbai to Mumbai.Need around four star hotel and car.

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Tamil Nadu Tourism and Travel Guide

All You Need To Know About Travelling To Tamil Nadu

Must Visit Places In Tamil Nadu

Start Planning: Find Where To Stay in Tamil Nadu

When in Tamil Nadu, Don't Miss These Unique Travel Experiences

Your Ultimate Food Guide For Tamil Nadu

Take a Virtual Tamil Nadu Tour: The State In Pictures & Videos

Post About Your Tamil Nadu Trip & Make it to Editor's Picks

Best Time To Visit Tamil Nadu

Peak Season is from November to March. During October, the days are warm and dry, and towards the end of the month, the evenings start getting chilly making way for the winters.

Off-season : March to October are the months when the tourists start thinning out. Henceforth, the accommodation costs reduce and though the weather is hot and humid, it’s the ideal time to explore the state away from the chaotic crowds.

Budget For Tamil Nadu

For Budget Travellers: INR 600 - 1000 a day

• Accommodation in hostels and basic rooms in guesthouses: INR 200-500
• Food in local shops and street eateries: INR 30-200
• Public Transport in auto-rickshaws and buses: INR 10 - 100
• Sightseeing (Entry-tickets & shows): INR 10 - 100

For Mid-range Travellers: INR 1000 to INR 3000 a day

• Accommodation in mid-range hotels and homestays: INR 600 - 1500
• Food in mid-range cafes and restaurants: INR 300 - 600
• Local transport in trains and local taxis: INR 200 - 1000
• Sightseeing & Tours: INR 10 - 1000

For Luxury Travellers: INR 6000 and upwards

• Accommodation in 4* or 5* hotels: INR 3000 and upwards
• Food in upscale restaurants and bars: INR 1000 and upwards
• Local transport in cabs: INR 400 and upwards
• Sightseeing, Guided Tours: INR 1000 and upwards

32 Top Tourist and Pilgrimage Places to visit in Tamil Nadu

If you want to explore the diverse aspects of the South Indian state , the plethora of treasures opens in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu, a state in the Southern part of India, has plenty of places to visit in Tamilnadu that no matter how you plan your trip, it will be an eventful and happening trip.

The state extends its tourists a fortune to experience all kinds of adventures. From Asia’s longest beach to some cool hill stations, where you can enjoy your vacations in nature’s lap in all weather conditions. Not only to treat your eyes with some beautiful sceneries, but Tamil Nadu also has a lot of treasure to provide you inner peace. It is an excellent Pilgrimage destination with plenty of temples presenting the rich culture and vibrant life of South India.

If you are a shopaholic, just step out of any temple and enter the city, the shopkeepers are waiting for you. The variety of some of the best silk sarees, decorative items, handicraft, stonework items, and wooden work items; there are plenty of options to shop.

Tourist Places to visit in Tamilnadu

There are numerous tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu, offering you beaches with the blue sea in the backdrop of palm trees, a road-trip on the smooth East Coast Road (ECR), tranquil hill stations far away from the coastal reason to give you some reprieve from the hot weather in summers, and temples and churches that are marvels of architecture to give you inner peace and reduce stress. Every place in Tamil Nadu has something to offer to visitors and travelers.

If you wish to feel the true Tamil culture and douse into its savoir-faire clubbed with a solid cutting edge cosmopolitan impact, a visit to Chennai must be included in the list of places to visit in Tamilnadu. From praying at some of the famous historical holy pilgrimage places to going for a comfortable walk at the longest seashore in Asia, the city makes you relive the days of history at its many historical places. The visit through Chennai will leave you requesting more.

Kanchipuram

The Golden City of Thousand Temples, Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, is an ideal tourist destination for pilgrims and history lovers. The Pilgrims can have the best time exploring the temple city, but nature lovers and history fans can enjoy the forts and sanctuaries in Kanchipuram.

Kanyakumari

If you love traveling, Kanyakumari is the ideal place for you. A pilgrim, nature lover, traveling with family, or a solo traveler; no matter who you are, you will love visiting this coastal city in Tamil Nadu. The destination presents picture-perfect sunsets, fascinating full-moon nights, delicious sea-food, walk on the beach with the beautiful blue sea around while holding your loved one’s hand, or enjoy the thrill to see the southern end of India.

Kodaikanal is one of the popular tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu. It is an ideal place for tired people looking for a break from their monotonous life. You can plan for a solo trip to enjoy some time in peace, go for a family vacation, or plan for your honeymoon; Kodaikanal will not let you down with plenty of options to have fun.

A small town showing its visitors the true colors of Tamil culture. With many famous temples and churches, busy and small streets, and colorful markets; Madurai is a must visit place in Tamil Nadu.

Thousands of travelers visit Ooty to relax in the hills and escape from the soaring temperature in the summers. Right from lakes, to mountain viewpoints to trekking trails, waterfalls, churches, and temples; the choices are numerous to see in Ooty.

Chidambaram

With the mangrove forest around the city, waterways, exotic birds to watch, seafood, and outstanding architecture of the temples; Chidambaram gives a mix of both spirituality and nature to its tourist.

Astonishing waterfalls, temples, and other places; there is something to embrace in this small tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. A trip to Courtallam leaves a never-fading memory in the heart and mind of every visitor. The people rightly call this place as ‘Spa of South India’, which is situated in the Western ghats of India.

Dharampuri was previously known as Thagadur, the name in Tamil, which means iron place. It is an oasis to kill the thirst of pilgrims, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. There are plenty of tourist places to see in Dharampuri; churches, temples, waterfalls, and picnic spots.

The seventh-largest urban cluster in the state, after Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, Salem, and Tirunelveli. A bustling city on the banks of the Bhavani and Cauvery rivers. The city is famous for the turmeric and textile industry. If you are missing something in your wardrobe or there are one missing essential ingredients in your dish, head towards Erode.

Krishnagiri

Chandira Choodeswarar Temple, Shree Parshwa Padmavathi Shaktipeet Tirth Dham, Shree Venkateshwara Swamy temple, Dakshina Tirupati, Sri Kattu Veera Anjaneya Temple, and Krishnagiri Reservoir Dam or KRP Dam are some of the major tourist attractions in Krishnagiri. The land of black stones or Black Mountain as the literal meaning of the name Krishnagiri, the travelers have a lot of options to enjoy nature and get some time in peace.

Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is a small town in the Chengalpattu district in Tamil Nadu. At a distance of just 56 km on the ECR, Mahabalipuram is a perfect picnic spot to spend a Sunday with your family or friends. With many architectural wonders, the town is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nagapattinam

If you want to take a sunbathe, walking on the beach, or playing with the seawater; then Nagapattinam welcomes you with the warm sand and blue water of the Bay of Bengal.

The city is famous for the textile and technology hub of South India. The city still admires a lot of travelers visiting South India. This hill station is a perfect mixture of tradition and modern lifestyle and one of the most visited places in South India. The Noyyal river flowing with cool water and Nilgiri hills in the background forms a picture-perfect scenery. There is no doubt that it is a paradise and an ideal tourist place for nature lovers.

Vellore is a majestic town having numerous historical monuments and pilgrimage sites. It is one of the most sought tourist places in Tamilnadu and is famous as the Fort City of Tamil Nadu. The city was once home to numerous great dynasties, such as the Pallavas, Cholas, Carnatic Empire, and the Vijayanagar Kingdom. Vellore has various historical monuments, religious sites, and hill stations.

Even after knowing that they have to cross the snake-shaped roads, the tourists keep trooping in to explore the charming sights of Yercaud. This hill station contains a lot in its bucket, from some family time well spent at Deer Park, sightseeing at Arthur Seat, and visiting Beer caves, to spending some cool time on a picnic at Yercaud lake.

The land famous for its mention in the Hindu epic Ramayana, Rameswaram is the prominent Pilgrimage destination of Tamil Nadu. The famous Pamban Bridge, Ramanathaswamy temple where lord Ram after his victory in Lanka offered prayers to Lord Shiva, ruins of religious shrines, and miles of shorelines; Rameshwaram is definitely worth a visit to all kind of travelers.

Other Lesser-known Tourist Places to visit in Tamilnadu

Tamil Nadu is full of surprises with pocket full of pilgrimage sights, beautiful beaches, and lovely trails across Nigiri hills and Western Ghats; there are a bag full of tourist places to visit in Tamilnadu. The below list is curated of the places which are lesser known to most of the world, but offers a lot to their visitors. If you are thinking or planning a trip to South India, you must include these places in your list of places to visit in Tamil Nadu.

• Virudhunagar
• Tirunelveli
• Thoothukudi
• Tiruchirappalli
• Thiruvannamalai
• Pudukkottai

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Top 20 Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu means The Land of the Tamils or the Tamil Country. It is the 11th largest state of India. This state is a treasure trove for tourists who want to explore southern India. Tamil Nadu offers an excellent chance to enjoy the best beach vacations. Besides, here you will see several beautiful hill stations.

The beautiful view of the Eastern Ghats and the Nilgiri Hills will provide the best traveling experience. This state is also famous as a pilgrimage destination. Here you can experience both the vibrant life and rich culture.

Table of Contents

Here is the list of the 20 Best Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu:

1. pondicherry.

This place is also known as Puducherry. Pondicherry or Puducherry is a perfect destination for explorers, experience seekers, and beach lovers. Here you can explore French culture and beautiful architecture.

Here, you can visit several romantic places that will surely captivate you. Apart from Goa , if you want to explore the beautiful beaches of Southern India, you must visit Pondicherry.

Click the itinerary for 3 Nights 4 Days Pondicherry Itinerary from Chennai .

• Pondicherry Famous Places
• Museums in Pondicherry
• Visit Places Near Pondicherry
• Pondicherry Popular Beaches
• Famous Temple in Pondicherry
• Pondicherry Famous Restaurants

2. Mudumalai

This beautiful tourist destination is located in the Nilgiri hills and is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. Mudumalai is well known for its wildlife persona. People who prefer to encounter nature uniquely must visit this destination in Tamil Nadu.

You can visit this place during the months between October to May. When you come to Mudumalai, make sure to visit the Mudumalai National Park, Needle Rock View Point, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, and the Gopalaswamy Hills.

It is the state’s capital and home to beaches, beautiful temples, and churches. If you want to explore the authentic South Indian culture and lifestyle, you must visit Chennai . Here, you can spend some quality time at Marina Beach.

Also, here you can see the famous Kapaleeshwara temple and the museums. The months from November to February are the best time to visit this city. Indeed, you will be captivated by the culture and history of this place.

Chennai Tour Package:

• 2 Days Tirupati Tour from Chennai
• 5 Nights 6 Days Chennai Tirupati Madurai Rameshwaram Kanyakumari Tour
• Chennai Best Places to See
• Famous Temples in Chennai
• Visit Places near Chennai in April
• Historical Places in Chennai

4. Hogenakkal

This place is the hometown of the gorgeous waterfalls and one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. This small village is situated in Dharmapuri, and it is the perfect hotspot for romantic getaways. If you are looking for an ideal family holiday destination , then Hogenakkal will be the perfect destination for you.

You can visit this place from September to March. When you come to Hogenakkal, you can visit the Crocodile Park, Hanging Bridge, Hogenakkal Waterfalls, etc.

5. Kanyakumari

This place is famous for being one of the most exotic destinations in Tamil Nadu. If you are an experience-seeker, you must visit Kanyakumari . The architecture, art, atmosphere, everything will draw you again and again towards this place. Besides, here you can experience the authentic local cuisine of Southern India .

The whole place will leave you fascinated. You can visit Kanyakumari from October to March. When you come to Kanyakumari, make sure to visit the Kanyakumari Beach, Vivekananda Rock Memorial , Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam, etc.

Read articles on Kanyakumari:

• 10 Best Places to Visit in Kanyakumari
• 7 Famous Things to Buy from Kanyakumari

6. Dhanushkodi

If you are looking for a destination that will take you away from the hustle-bustle of busy city life, you can plan a trip to Dhamushkodi. It is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu for its outstanding natural beauty.

The beauty and grandeur of this place will captivate you surely. When you come to Dhanushkodi, you must visit Dhanushkodi Beach, Shri Ram Setu View Point, Kothandaramaswamy Temple, etc.

7. Tuticorin

This place lets you witness the best of everything. From spectacular wildlife sanctuaries to beautiful beaches, you can explore almost everything. Also, you can explore several temples and churches at Tuticorin.

Hare Island, Basilica of Our Lady of Snows, Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, Muthu Nagar Beach, etc., are some famous destinations that you must visit here. The months from November to March are the best time to visit this place.

It is one of the fastest emerging cities in Tamil Nadu. You can easily explore this city on the weekend. Trichy offers several places for tourists. Here, you can explore several temples and churches. The overall beauty of this place will captivate you for a long time.

Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Jambukeswarar Temple, Thayumanaswamy Temple, Ucchi Pillayar Temple, etc., are significant places to visit. The months from October to February are the best places to visit Trichy.

Vellore is famous for its Christan Medical College, premier institutions, and Vellore Institute of Technology. This city is located in the northeastern part of Tamil Nadu. It is also considered the Fort City as a beautiful fort is situated in the middle of the city.

Here, you will get some excellent accommodations in Vellore. Vellore Fort, Ratnagiri Murugan Temple, Jalakandeswarar Temple, Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, and Palamathi Hills are significant places to visit here.

It is a small city in the district of Pondicherry and one of the best offbeat destinations of Tamil Nadu. Yanam is famous for its exciting culture and history. Jesus Statue Church, Yanam Tower, and Yanam Botanical Garden are significant places to visit here.

Here you can enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunset from the viewpoint. Yanam can also be a suitable honeymoon destination. You can visit this place during the months from June to September.

11. Courtallam

This place is reckoned as the Spa of South India . This charming destination is set in the Western Ghats that perfectly rejuvenates the travelers. It is the most fabulous place in Tamil Nadu. When you come to Courtallam, make sure to explore the beautiful temples, waterfalls, dams, eco-parks, etc.

Here, you will get the best traveling experience. Courtallam Main Falls, Tigar Falls Road, Five Falls, etc., are some significant places to visit in Courtallam.

12. Madurai

Madurai city looks like a lotus, and it is primarily famous for the famous Meenakshi Temple. When you come to this city, make sure to visit this temple. The ambiance and excellent structure of this temple will leave you spellbound. Find more details on Interesting facts about Meenakshi Amman Temple .

When you come to Madurai , make sure to visit Gandhi Memorial Museum, Meenakshi Amman Temple, Koodal Azhagar Temple, and the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal. You can see this city from December to February. Read more:  Top 10 Most Famous Places to See in Madurai .

Plan the trip to 11 Nights 12 Days South India Temple Tour Itinerary: Mumbai – Bangalore – Puttaparthi – Tirupati – Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Madurai – Kanyakumari – Trivandrum – Mumbai .

13. Mahabalipuram

This city is famous for its intricately carved caves and temples. Mahabalipuram is an excellent place to visit in Tamil Nadu for its spectacular architecture. This city is located just within a few kilometers from Chennai’s capital.

Here you must visit the Descent of the Ganges, Pancha Rathas, Varaha Cave Temple, Shore Temple, etc. Besides, you can explore the beautiful beaches, magnificent architecture, pleasant weather, etc.

View the itinerary for 3 Nights 4 Days Tamil Nadu Tour Package: Chennai – Tirupati – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram – Chennai .

14. Rameshwaram

It is situated on an island and one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. Rameshwaram is separated from Sri Lanka by a Pamban bridge. If you want to explore the beautiful temples of Southern India , Rameshwaram will be the best destination for you.

The beautiful architecture of the temples will draw you again and again towards this place. Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple, Villoondi Tirtham, Arulmigu Ramanatha Swamy Temple, and Lakshmana Tirtham are significant places to visit Rameshwaram.

15. Kodaikanal

It is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu for its marvelous scenic beauty. Kodaikanal is situated amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills. The climate is excellent here throughout the year. The mist-covered manicured cliffs, beautiful waterfalls, everything will captivate you undoubtedly. Read also:  5 Famous Hill Stations Near Kodaikanal .

The beautiful surroundings will create a wonderful setting for a perfect getaway. If you want to run away from the hustle-bustle of city life, it will be the ideal destination. Also, read  How to Reach Kodaikanal from Major Cities By Flight, Train, and Road .

Check out the itinerary for the Kodaikanal 3 Nights 4 Days Tour Package .

16. Kanchipuram

This place is renowned for its exquisite Kanchipuram sarees. Kanchipuram is also reckoned as the golden city of a thousand temples. For several attractions, this city is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu.

This place attracts a lot of tourists all across the world. If you are interested in Hinduism, visit this place in Tamil Nadu. Here you can explore the authentic and spectacular South Indian architecture.

Check the package for 5 Nights 6 Days Tamil Nadu Tour Itinerary: Chennai – Tirupati – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Chennai .

17. Coimbatore

Coimbatore place is also reckoned as the Manchester of South India. It is the second-largest city in Tamil Nadu and one of the best places. This city is situated on the banks of River Noyyal. This city is also known as Kovai.

The excellent backdrop of this city makes it more beautiful. The breathtaking mountains, jaw-dropping waterfalls, everything will fascinate you. Besides, here you can enjoy the delicious cuisine of Tamil Nadu.

• 10 Best Places to See in Coimbatore
• 10 Places to Visit near Coimbatore within 100 Km

18. Coonoor

It is a beautiful Nilgiri hill station of Tamil Nadu and the second largest hill station of the Western Ghats. Coonoor is situated at an altitude of 1930 meters from sea level. This city is quite close to Ooty.

Here, you can explore the beautiful tea plantations. Besides, the chilly weather will please you. If you are looking for a perfect family retreat, you must visit this place. The panoramic view of the Nilgiri Hills will mesmerize you surely. Read more: Top 10 Places to Visit and See in Coonoor .

19. Nagapattinam

This town is situated on the coastline of the Bay of Bengal, and it is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu for its historical significance. Nagapattinam is renowned as the pilgrim center with Divya Desam of Velankanni.

Also, here you can see several temples and mosques all across the town. When you come to this town, you must experience this place’s cultural and historical significance.

20. Bellikkal

This place is ideal for relaxation. So, if you are looking for a family holiday destination, it will be the perfect place to visit in Tamil Nadu. The breathtaking view of the mountains will steal your heart away, and the serenity and calmness of this place will take you far away from the hustle-bustle of city life.

These are the twenty best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. If you want to explore South Indian culture, visit these mentioned destinations. Also, don’t forget to try out the authentic, delicious South Indian cuisine. So, pack your bags and head to Tamil Nadu ASAP.

• Tamil Nadu Famous Waterfalls
• The Architecture of Tamil Nadu
• Tamil Nadu Honeymoon Places
• Famous Temples in Tamil Nadu
• Tamil Nadu Popular Hill Stations
• Popular Folk Dances of Tamil Nadu

About The Author

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Best Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu

Here is my list of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. In general when you are planning a trip to any part of… Read More

Last Updated on January 13, 2024

Here is my list of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu . In general when you are planning a trip to any part of India, prepare to be enthralled with an explosion of colours, music, food, and culture. While most tourism agencies will recommend the same tourist spots, it always helps to experience a personal touch. My experiences exploring the captivating state of Tamil Nadu in southern India are worth sharing. Having visited this beautiful place multiple times, I have discovered a variety of attractions and activities that cater to different interests and preferences. Without further ado, let us travel through Tamil Nadu together

Table of Contents

Why Tamil Nadu is the perfect place to visit for history & ARCHITECTURE buffs?

Tamil Nadu is a haven for historians and cultural enthusiasts, with its rich and diverse historical heritage that spans centuries. The state boasts an incredible array of ancient temples, each with its unique architectural style and cultural significance. From the grandeur of the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur to the intricate carvings of the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai , these temples offer a glimpse into the artistic and architectural achievements of the Chola and Pandya dynasties. Furthermore, Tamil Nadu is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Mahabalipuram. Its rock-cut monuments, temples, and the iconic Shore Temple are a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Pallava dynasty. Don’t forget to explore the famous Arjuna’s Penance, a massive open-air bas-relief that depicts scenes from Indian mythology. The state’s historical sites, including Chettinad mansions, colonial-era buildings, and rock fortresses, provide a window into the evolving style of architecture as well as the recorded history of Tamil Nadu, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts.

What can nature enthusiasts enjoy in Tamil Nadu?

Tamil Nadu is known for its incredible natural beauty. The state offers a perfect playground for outdoor travelers and nature enthusiasts. For those who appreciate the great outdoors, head to Ooty, also known as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations.’ This picturesque hill station offers lush tea plantations, serene lakes and beautiful gardens. You can take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. You can explore the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, where verdant tea plantations, dense forests and cascading waterfalls await.

The tranquil Yercaud and its emerald lake offer opportunities for boating, while the beaches along the Tamil Nadu coast, especially in places like Rameswaram and Kanyakumari, are perfect for water sports. Birdwatchers can flock to the mangroves and wetlands in places like Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary and Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary. The Mudumalai National Park is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Take a jeep safari to spot elephants, tigers, and various other animals in their natural habitat. It’s an unforgettable experience for all nature and animal lovers.

Are there Beach Holidays in Tamil Nadu?

If sun, sand, and sea are what you seek, Tamil Nadu has got you covered. Marina Beach in Chennai is the second-longest urban beach in the world. And from the bustling Marina Beach in Chennai to the serene shores of Mahabalipuram, there’s a beach for every mood. Engage in beach activities like swimming, beach volleyball, or simply soaking up the sun. Don’t miss the delectable local seafood offered by the beachside stalls.

For a more peaceful experience, catch the spectacular sunrise or sunset views at destinations like Kanyakumari. Engaging in watersports such as surfing, snorkeling, or boating in places like Rameswaram can add excitement to your beach holiday. Also, be mindful of the cultural significance of some coastal areas, like the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram. In essence, a Tamil Nadu beach holiday offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration along its beautiful coastal stretches.

LAND OF TEMPLES IN TAMIL NADU

Tamil Nadu is known as the “Land of Temples,” and it’s a great destination for spiritual travelers. Kanchipuram, known for its temples and silk sarees, is a pilgrimage site. The Ekambareswarar Temple and Kailasanathar Temple are remarkable examples of Dravidian architecture.

The state is home to some of India’s most revered temples, each steeped in history and spirituality. From the majestic Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai to the tranquil Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, these sacred sites offer a unique opportunity for spiritual introspection and devotion. Tamil Nadu’s numerous pilgrimage destinations cater to a wide spectrum of faiths and beliefs, making it a diverse spiritual landscape. The meditative ambiance of ashrams like the Isha Yoga Center and the Ramana Ashram in Tiruvannamalai offers seekers a serene escape from everyday life. The annual festivals, like the Chariot Festival in Puri or the Natyanjali Dance Festival in Chidambaram, provide a chance to witness and participate in age-old spiritual traditions.

BEST PLACES TO VISIT TAMIL NADU FOR CULTURE AND ART

Tamil Nadu is a treasure trove of ancient traditions, classical arts, and architectural wonders. Its grand temples, such as the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur and the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, are architectural marvels that stand as testament to the state’s rich history. The vibrant and intricate dance forms like Bharatanatyam and classical music traditions are celebrated through numerous cultural festivals and performances. The Chettinad region showcases unique heritage mansions, while the colonial-era architecture in places like Chennai and Pondicherry adds a distinct flavor to the state’s cultural tapestry. With its diverse cuisine, silk weaving traditions and colorful festivals, Tamil Nadu offers a burst of culture at every corner.

One of the best cultural experiences I’ve had in Tamil Nadu is when I attended a traditional Bharatanatyam dance performance. Chennai has various cultural centers and theaters where you can witness this classical dance form.

If you’re a fan of arts and crafts, a visit to Dakshina Chitra is a must. This living museum showcases the art, architecture, lifestyles and crafts of South India. It’s an enriching experience for anyone interested in the region’s heritage.

BEST PLACES TO VISIT TAMIL NADU FOR MOUTH WATERING FOOD

Tamil Nadu is a food lover’s paradise. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor authentic South Indian cuisine.Food enthusiasts can savor iconic South Indian dishes like dosa, idli and vada, often accompanied by an array of chutneys and sambar, for breakfast. The exquisite biryanis of Chettinad and the delectable Chettinad chicken curries are a must-try for those seeking an explosion of flavors. Seafood lovers can relish the freshest catch from the Bay of Bengal, while those with a sweet tooth can indulge in Tamil Nadu’s famous Mysore pak, halwa and filter coffee. If you’re in the mood for street food, you can explore bustling local markets and relish snacks like crispy bondas and spicy bajjis.

When in Chennai, head to a local eatery to relish a traditional South Indian thali. The combination of rice, curries and condiments will give your taste buds a delightful tour of regional flavors.

Where can we find the thrill of adventure in Tamil Nadu?

Tamil Nadu isn’t just about temples and culture; it’s also a hidden gem for adventure seekers.. Trekkers can explore the Western Ghats, where lush forests and towering peaks provide breathtaking trails. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy thrilling activities like surfing in Mahabalipuram, snorkeling in Rameswaram, or jet skiing in Marina Beach. Try your hand at windsurfing, scuba diving, or even go on a catamaran ride. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique and scenic train journey through tea gardens, perfect for train enthusiasts. Yercaud and Yelagiri in the Eastern Ghats are ideal for trekking and adventure activities like ziplining. Wildlife enthusiasts can explore the abundant national parks and sanctuaries, such as Mudumalai and Kalakkad Mundanthurai, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Shopping in TAMIL NADU

When in Tamil Nadu, you can’t miss the opportunity to shop for exquisite silk sarees, with Kanchipuram being the ultimate destination for these finely woven marvels. Each saree tells a story of intricate craftsmanship and vibrant colors. Another must-buy is the iconic Tanjore paintings, known for their detailed work and use of gold foil. For handcrafted bronze statues and traditional jewelry, a visit to Swamimalai is a must. The bustling markets of Chennai, like T. Nagar and Pondy Bazaar, offer everything from clothing and accessories to electronics and home decor. Explore Chettinad’s antique stores for unique finds, and when it comes to spices, the markets in Madurai are a spice lover’s paradise. Don’t forget to haggle for the best deals!

Tamil Nadu is a diverse and vibrant destination with something to offer every type of traveler. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, spirituality, culture, food, adventure or shopping, Tamil Nadu has it all. I hope my experiences and recommendations help you plan your trip to this incredible part of India. Remember to embrace the local culture and immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of the Tamil people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the best peaceful places in Tamil Nadu? For a peaceful weekend getaway in Tamil nadu, some of the most peaceful destinations in the state include Ooty, Yercaud, Kotagiri, Coonoor, Yelagiri, Kolli Hills and Kollukkumalai, among others. But the most popular holiday destination is Ooty.

Q. Which is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu? The oldest city in Tamil Nadu is Madurai. Situated by the Vaigai River, Madurai holds historical significance, due to it being the capital of the royal Pandya Dynasty.

Q. Which is the lost city of Tamil? There was an ancient port city in Tamil Nadu known as Poompuhar, which was lost to the sea. It was considered 2,500 years old, back when the Chola kings had set sail to conquer distant lands.

Q. Which city is known as Hollywood in Tamil Nadu? The town of Kodambakkam houses many film studios, giving it the reputation and status of Hollywood of the Tamil film industry.

Q. What is the first Tamil Movie? The first-ever Tamil Movie was Keechaka Vadham, a silent film directed by R. Nataraja Mudalier in 1918. But the first ‘talking’ movie in Tamil film industry history was Kalidas, directed by H.M. Reddy in 1931.

About Harsh Sonawala

Harsh Sonawala is the co founder of India Someday and since his childhood, he has travelled to different parts of India and the world. The thrill of travelling and sharing his experiences with others was the reason behind starting India Someday. Other than the office where he is conjuring up marketing ideas, he can be found scuba diving in the Andamans or relaxing in a chalet in the Himalayas.

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Places of Interest

Amaravathi Reservoir

Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge

Bethesda International Prayer Centre

Bhavani Sagar Dam

Coaker’s Walk

Devil’s Kitchen

Dolmen Circle

Green Valley View

Jain Circuit, Ariattapatti

Karaiyar Dam

Kodiveri Dam

Krishnagiri Dam

Kukkal Caves

Lake Boat House

Lighthouse, Chennai

M & N Chocolate Museum, Ooty

Mamallapuram Lighthouse

Mamallapuram Tiger Cave

Manjalar Dam

Mannavanur Lake

Mathoor Aqueduct & Hanging Bridge

Pamban Bridge

Parsons Valley Reservoir

Rose Garden Kodaikanal

Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History

Shooting Point, Ooty

Stone House

Tea Museum / Tea Factory, Ooty

The Mettur Dam

Western Catchment

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Top 20 Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a place which is definitely considered the shinning gem of the southernmost part of the Indian peninsula. It is a state incorporating every kind of paradise that a traveller can wish for at one place from indulging in some spiritual walks in various Tamil temple towns to feeling romantic at the stunning beaches of Chennai. From living a modern Indian dream in Chennai to rocking the bohemian culture in Puducherry. From beating the heat in Kanyakumari to spending some time in total seclusion high up in the mountains of Ooty.

Before booking a holiday package to Tamil Nadu , scroll down through this list of top 20 places to visit in Tamil Nadu once.

1) Pondicherry

Pondicherry, which is also called as Puducherry, is one of the most beautiful towns of India where one is believed to be walking through India’s very own French world. The town is filled with tree-lined streets, mustard-coloured villas, and chic boutiques. This small town is also considered the best alternative to Goa since many travellers would want to spend some time away from crowd and chaos, then instead of heading to Goa, they prefer wandering their way through Pondicherry.

Only 8 km ahead of Pondicherry, you can also go to Auroville (City of Dawn) which is for its famous temple (Matrimandir), where one can join various spiritual activities to detox themselves from all the negative thoughts surrounding their world.

Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu, but it is the most vibrant city of all the other cities of India. A city which has everything from temples to beaches, churches, and some famous architectural sites to offer to every tourist who comes its way. This city is also home to a 17th – century Angelic church called as St. Mary’s and a very popular St. George fort, which is dated back to 1644.

The city may not pose as a potential traveling destination to most of the young traveller who would rather want to see a place which hardly has a city bone in them. But, if you get stuck in this city for one day, then it’s worth to check out the museum, some famous temples, South Indian delicacies, and a sunset walk along the Marina beach.

3) Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is a yet another jewel that is stretched on the strip of land between the Great Salt Lake and the Bay of Bengal. The city has some impressive temples and rock-cut caves to present it to every traveller who wishes to explore this town. The seafront Shore temple is the most popular site and is often visited by thousands of tourists every day who thrive for an architectural beauty with a beautiful view of the sun finding homage in the sea.

The city is famous for its 7th and 8th century temples and monuments built by the Pallava dynasty. One can also saunter along the beautiful sandy beaches and can also have the exotic South Indian shopping experience in a most soothing environment.

4) Mudumalai

Mudumalai is one of those few places where one can experience the wildlife culture in India. The place is majorly famous for its Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located on the Nilgiri Hills. It is about 150 km away from Coimbatore in the north direction.

The wildlife reserve is home to approximately 570 tigers which is why it is declared as tiger reserve also. It is a must-visit place for all those people who would want their kids to reconnect with nature and make them experience the wildlife culture in India.

5) Thanjavur

Thanjavur was once the capital of Chola dynasty and it had been ruled by many dynasties over the centuries. The city has many temples which are dated back to the 11th century also, like Brihadeeswarar Temple, a Chola dynasty–era complex which was built to pay homage to Lord Shiva and it is now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage site.

There are many other famous places like Thanjavur Maratha Palace, Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, and Saraswathi Mahal Library worth visiting in this city.

6) Chettinadu

Chettinadu is the homeland to all the Chettiars who once ruled this town on their own terms. Somewhere around the 19th century, most people of this town earned big cash by posing as financers and entrepreneur that they almost built 10,000 lavish mansions from that cash. But after WWII, their business crashed down which more or so forced many Chettiars to leave their town and settle somewhere else. However, who knew that one day, this town would get recognized by UNESCO, and all those mansions would once again revive the business.

Many of those mansions are now converted into lavish hotels and they have now visited by thousands with a hope to live some days in a luxurious way.

7) Rameswaram

Rameswaram is a small town situated on the Pamban Island of Tamil Nadu. This town is famous for its Ramanathaswamy Temple, which attracts thousands of devotees from all over the India. This temple is a major pilgrimage site which showcases its ornate corridors, a chakra which is believed to have the foot imprints of lord Rama, and very huge sculpted pillars.

Around thousands of devotees visit this temple every day in order to pay homage to sculpture of Lord Rama and to bathe in the holy river with a wishful thinking of getting rid all the wrong deeds.

Madurai is the third largest city of Tamil Nadu which is situated on the banks of river Vaigai. The city is famous for its Meenakshi shrine built by Pandyan and Madurai Nayak kings in the Dravidian architectural style. It is also known as lotus city because of all the 14 colourful gateway towers of Meenakshi temple which have dominated the city’s skyline in a way a lotus does.

You can also visit the old museum in Madurai showing the artifacts of various freedom fighter and bloodstained dhoti of Gandhi.

Yercaud is a very popular hill station in Salem district of Tamil Nadu. If someone looking to spend some time up in the mountains in a very South Indian style, then this is the place for you. And it is also less crowded than the most other hill station in India. The hill station has a Servaroyan Temple, which is located on the highest point where one can live an amazing view of the nature and can also breathe the most blissful air.

It could a best place for those romantic who are on the lookout of the places where they cuddle with their beloved amidst the enchanting nature.

10) Dhanushkodi

Dhanushkodi is deserted town located in the south-eastern tip of the Pamban Island. The town became uninhabited when the 1964 Rameswaram cyclone hit and very much destroyed every kind of life from it.

This town is now mostly visited by travellers who are on the lookout of wandering the most uninhabited places on earth. The town is home to some famous beaches and Gulf of Mannar National park where one can go see some estuaries, mudflats etc. Adam’s bridge is a very famous tourist spot in Dhanushkodi since it is a natural bridge that connects India with Sri Lanka.

Ooty is a very famous all-time hill station among the honeymooners in India. It is located in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. This hill station is adorned with a beautiful tea garden, mesmerizing greenery, and an amazing skyline. This hill station is famous among India for ages and it is one of the most travelled tourist destinations in India. Ooty doesn’t need some fancy words to attract tourist, everything beautiful can be imagined from its name only.

12) Coonoor

This spellbinding hill station is only 18 km away from Ooty, so if you are making your way towards Ooty then why not travel some extra miles to visit another exquisite place. This place is small and quiet than Ooty, and it has some fantastic heritage guest houses and hotels in line with a beautiful view of the mountains.

So, it is a must-visit place for those who are looking for journeys to detox themselves from all hustle life they have been living till now.

13) Kodaikanal

This hill station is situated at an altitude of 7000 feet on the Palani hills. It is often known as ‘Princess of Hill Stations’, has a perfect blend of culture and nature to offer its visitor. So, all those people looking for a romantic getaway then this place is for you, where you can see mist covering cliffs, cloud crowding the mountains, and beautiful lakes.

This town has popular tourist spots like Kodai Lake, Coaker’s walk, Bryant Park, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Pillar Rocks etc.

14) Tuticorin

It is like a small India in one place itself that has everything from stunning beaches to beautiful temples, from a spectacular wildlife sanctuary to Dravidian style churches. This small town located 590 km south of Chennai, is also known as Pearl City because of its pearl fishing.

This place is like a whole country in one place in itself and is able to attract many travellers because of its beautiful beaches.

15) Kanyakumari

This place should be among the top 10 places to visit in Tamil Nadu, yet it falls down to number 15 since many other beautiful places came into light few years ago. This place has perfectly blended its culture into its art, architecture, and also in the texture of their scrumptious food.

But, the main attraction about this place is the journey to this place, which take you through an actual paradise where your eyes will never leave the beautiful scenery outside the vehicle. The place has some pretty stunning beaches to finally soak yourself in the mesmerising environment when one can.

16) Coimbatore

Coimbatore is a yet another place to live the modern city life in India but it has some less busy streets. The city is situated on the banks of river Noyyal, has some beautiful sightseeing places like old temples, churches, dams, and lakes to see.

One can visit places in Coimbatore as Vaidehi falls, Monkey Falls, Kovai Kutralam falls, Kodiveri Dam, Amaravathi dam, Ayyappan temple, Infant Jesus Church, Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple, and Dhyanalinga Yogic temple.

17) Chidambaram

Chidambaram is a very quaint town in the eastern part of Tamil Nadu and only 250 km away from Chennai. This place holds a very traditional significance among the people of the south and has some amazing architectural beauty to offer. Lord Nataraja temple is one of the visited temples in this town and a must-see place for those who would want to walk some steps through history.

18) Velankanni

Velankanni is a very beautiful coastal town located in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. This town is famous for its church which is dedicated to Mother Mary and it is often presumed that it was this place where Mother Mary helped people who were facing trouble. It is evident that this place receives thousands of traveller every day who come here to worship.

19) Yelagiri

Yelagiri is a famous town for all those adventure seekers looking for places in India where one does trek along the high mountain. This place is also for those young and old romantics looking for a magical getaway. Here, one can go for a lazy walk along those green valleys, rose gardens and can also opt for an adventurous day by indulging in various sports activities available in this town.

20) Tranquebar

There is no hustle and bustle in this town, it only breathes a very lazy air throughout the day. The place incorporates various kind of lifestyles from around the world like German, French, and British colonies where one is supposed to be living its abroad dream since the place doesn’t pose anyway nearer to the Indian style. Here, one can easily finally find solitude and seclusion.

With this list of 20 best places to visit in Tamil Nadu, one is bound to experience a very exciting as well as an adventurous journey while touring in the South. Every city in the south has its own worth and journey to offer, so it is evident that one may witness many different cultures at one place in the South.

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Discover the diversity: 10 must-visit places in Tamil Nadu

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Fascinating culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu

The rich culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu brings to life incredible pilgrimage and eco-tourism sites and creates a destination that is distinctive in every way

Tamil Nadu’s development is not linked with economic growth alone. The state’s development is inseparable from the culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu .

The state is home to the world’s oldest cultures, historical monuments, and sites, some of the most outstanding temple architecture, and has two clusters of World Heritage sites.

With its distinctive and ancient Dravidian culture, plus its myriad attractions, the culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu draw tourists, pilgrims, and business travellers.

Beaches, Hills and Wildlife

Tamil Nadu is home to some of South India’s best beaches.  Marina Beach is a 12-km long stretch of fine sandy shore and is known as the Pride of Chennai; Kovalam Beach offers solace while Elliot’s Beach is the preferred destination for many; Mamallapuram Beach is famous for its stone sculpture, especially Arjuna’s Penance and the Five Rathas, which are an ode to the culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu.

For tourists with a yen for the hills, Tamil Nadu offers excellent hill stations in Ooty, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Yelagiri, Javvadhu Hills, Kolli Hills, Sirumalai Hills, Valparai, Top Slip, Kalrayan Hills and Pachamalai Hills.

Ooty’s most popular attractions include the 22- hectare Government Botanical Gardens, boating on Ooty Lake, and climbing Dodabetta Peak for an excellent view of the Nilgiri Hills.

Adding another feather in its cap owing to its diverse natural heritage, Tamil Nadu’s wildlife tours and national parks are a rage among tourists.

A glimpse of Tamil Nadu’s diverse wildlife can be obtained by a stopover at some of the following sanctuaries – The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park houses a range of wild animals, including the macaque, tiger, panther, elephant, gaur, etc. Other sanctuaries include Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Mukkurthi National Park, amongst others.

There is a wonderful network of eco-tourism attractions with many integrated facilities at the hill stations, waterfalls, forests, bird sanctuaries, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to woo tourists.

Awesome Heritage

The rich culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu is a major draw. The state is blessed with five World Heritage Sites, the highest for any state – The rock-cut monuments at Mamallapuram, the Big Temple at Thanjavur, the Iravadiswara Temple at Darasuram, the Brahadeeswarar Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram, and the Nilgiris Mountain Railway.

Heritage building owners are encouraged by the Tourism department to convert heritage buildings into heritage hotels.

Kanadukathan, a Chettinad village, 15 km from Karaikudi, is a heritage village, with unique architecture, expansive courtyards, intricate woodwork and a peaceful ambience. Chettinad Mansion offers a variety of rural activities, including distinctive Chettinad cuisine, plus a cycle or bullock cart ride and to see the 170-odd mansions in the Chettinad area.

As many as 48 tourist places in Tamil Nadu are Heritage Places. Many of these are linked with temples in Trichy, Madurai, Chidambaram, Rameswaram, Tiruvannamalai, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Nagapattinam, Tirukadaiyur, Gunaseelam, and six abodes of Lord Muruga. No wonder culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu draw not only the spiritual but the history and cultural buffs.

Tiruvannamalai expends a profound spiritual energy, attracting both pilgrims and spiritual seekers. Rameshwaram is a peaceful little pilgrim town, where devotees pay obeisance at the Ramanathaswamy Temple.

Ancient Madurai in Tamil Nadu is home to the most impressive and important temple in South India – the Meenakshi Temple. Kanyakumari, located on the furthermost tip of India, houses the Swami Vivekananda Memorial and the towering statue of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, located on a rocky island off the shore.

Kanchipuram, the “City of a Thousand Temples,” is a tribute to the ancient culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu. It is also famous for its handicraft and silk weaving industry and its amazing silk saris. Kanchipuram, Mamallapuram, and Chennai are often referred to as Tamil Nadu’s Golden Triangle for tourists.

Adventure Activities

There are wonderful opportunities for adventure activities. Trekking in low altitude hill areas, paragliding in Yelagiri, water sports offered by Muttukadu and Mudaliarkuppam Boat Houses are some of the excellent sports activities you can enjoy.

Refreshingly Rural

Go for the unknown, off-beat places that are in picturesque rural areas like Navabashanam, Theerthamalai, Vadanemmeli, and Tirupudaimaruthur. These villages are ideal destinations to enjoy rural life, savour rural cuisine, see the culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu, explore nature, trekking, and visiting temples.

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Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu

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Tourist Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu

Here is a list of places to visit in tamil nadu:.

Buzzing streets, stunning heritage temples, shopping arcades, and striking beaches are the elements that certainly allure the travel enthusiasts to visit Chennai. Located on the coast of Southeastern India, Chennai is one of the biggest cities in Tamil Nadu. It is also home to thriving technology, which makes it one of the largest IT parks in Asia. With Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram in its vicinity, it is pacing up as the cultural hub of India. This city has truly preserved its charisma all through its journey of becoming Chennai from Madras. Chennai is widely recognized for its bold flavors, warm hospitality, and colorful culture that never fails to impress the travelers. Whether you’re seeking for spiritual bliss, party frenzy atmosphere or mind boggling fun activities Chennai has so much in store for the tourists that it offers something for everyone. You can marvel at the beautiful expanse of the world famous Marina Beach or you can engage into the trekking activities that are organized close to the waterfalls. You can also buy souvenirs from the shopping arcades and try the lip smacking cuisines of Chennai to make your entire trip memorable. The magnificently built temples of Chennai also attract tourists to visit this city.  Chennai is not only the city of beaches and temples. This city offers you the provision to fly in the vast sky and sail in the water currents through the expansive sea. If you’re daring and have enough courage then get tied to the harness and jump from the highest mountain peak. Yes paragliding is a must try thrilling activity over here. Apart from this several other adrenaline rushing activities like river rafting, surfing and scuba diving are lined up for the tourists in Chennai. You can also indulge into rock climbing and camping session to test your adventurous streak.  The ideal time to visit Chennai is the winter and pre-monsoon season between February and October. During this time of the year, the weather is quite pleasant, which gives you a chance to explore this city at its best. Summers can be scorching and intensely harsh as the temperature rises up to 40 degrees Celsius, so it’s best not to visit Chennai during this season. During the winter season, the temperature hovers between 20-25 degrees Celsius and cool breezes flow from the sea, providing relief from the otherwise humid weather. The months between September to July constitute the monsoon season, which is accompanied by strong winds and heavy rainfall.

From nature walks in gardens that makes one wonder whether Paradise, as depicted in scriptures of various cultures, have actually been derived from such sensory experiences to relaxing over a cup of tea from the tea plantations dotting the hillside, only to realize most humbly of nature’s gifts as a bountiful provider, the tourist places in Ooty can be expected to resuscitate the soul, depleted of its spiritual reserves through the trials of everyday existence. 

Ooty, once the summer capital of Madras Presidency under the British, can be safely regarded as “India’s Switzerland”. John Sullivan, the then collector of Coimbatore had noted the same in his elaborate report on the region, way back in the 19th century. After independence, Ooty was developed into a major tourist destination and understandably so, given its qualification for the same, owing to nature’s abundant blessings in terms of climate, scenic splendour, local sights and sounds, its wealth of birds and beasts and of course its homegrown beverages of tea and coffee.

The majestic “Queen of the Hills” forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, reputed for its fragile and exquisite ecosystem. In the ecological parlance, it is best known as a “hotspot”, the label justifying the designation of the section of the Western Ghats as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ooty has been developed to offer a rare glimpse to tourists of the essence of the rest of the reserve, much of which are out of bounds as part of conservation efforts.

The wooded hills of the Western Ghats with its canopy of unkempt, untouched shola vegetation interspersed with maintained and cultivated tea gardens offer a rare view of the symbiotic existence of man and nature where one can see and learn what sustainable use of natural resources should ideally look like. The botanical garden and rose garden curate much of the bounty of nature at Ooty to mesmerizing effect. One has to see the tourist places in Ooty it to believe in the gifts of life, otherwise often conveniently overlooked.

• Pondicherry

A love child of the French and Indian cultures, Pondicherry (Pudducherry) is a beach-side union territory located in Tamil Nadu. Previously until 1954, Pondicherry was French settlement. Now the old Bouganvellia-draped French-style houses, churches and even the newly built French-style shops, bright coloured cafes and restaurants give Pondicherry an exotic character to it.   

This French capital of India will definitely make you feel like you are someplace out of India when you visit places like the Rock Beach, Pondicherry Beach, Serenity Beach or the Botanical Gardens. And the best place to see Pondicherry with the same notion is to visit Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram where people from all over the world come to seek spirituality through yoga and meditation. 

Pondicherry is such a place, which will never cease to surprise you with its unique style. There are several cafes and restaurants that serve impeccable French cuisine along with some lip-smacking international cuisines as well. As a popular beach-town, Pondicherry also offers you with the amazing nightlife through numerous clubs and beach-parties offering great music and delicious cocktails. There is so much to do and explore here, that you will not want to go back and experience more and more of this quaint French town of India. 

Kodaikanal, the princess of hill station, is mainly known for being honeymoon destinations among other places in India. This is the most suitable and beautiful destination in the south of India because of its scenic beauty which leaves the visitors awestruck with memorable experiences.The meaning of tourist places in Kodaikanal is the gift of the forest and it contains some dense forest with enormous varieties of trees, enchanting waterfalls and huge rocks. Situated in the hills of Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu, the Kodaikanal contains a huge history as a retreat and popular tourist destination. There are many locals name that are given to this beautiful town, but the most popular is “place to see in summer”.The queen of mountain destinations is also known as the “gift of God” because of its gifted lakes and hills.The beautiful place of Kodaikanal welcomes you with a fall in the temperature accompanied by scenic beauty. The Switzerland of the east is home to varieties of adventures and exciting things to do and places to visit. Kodaikanal, the town of romance, gives you a new feeling every time you go sightseeing to different places with its pure and untouched nature’s beauty and makes you feel a step closer to the glory of Mother Nature. Kodaikanal attracts a huge number of tourists and travellers along with adventurers both national and international every year. The king of romantic places, Kodaikanal is one of the best places to visit in the south region. We all know Tamil Nadu is the king of South India and hence the town of Kodaikanal adds a little more litter into its glory. The town is not only just meant for newly married couples but also you can visit the tourist places in Kodaikanal town with your family and enjoy the various sports and adventure provided by this mesmerizing and beautiful town.

The beautiful hill station of Yelagiri is situated in the Vellore district of the Tamil Nadu state, off the Vaniyambadi Tirupattur road. The Yelagiri village, also sometimes spelled as the Elagiri Village, is located at an altitude of 1,110.6 meters above the sea level. It is surrounded by eye catching orchards, rose gardens, and a lush green valley, thereby comprising the most amazing Yelagiri Tour Packages . The hill station of Yelagiri is mainly a cluster of fourteen hamlets, with Athanavur as its main and capital town. Yelagiri is among the most famous places in India that is known for many trekking,  climbing and other adventure activities as it has some beautiful hills and mountains to climb on. The highest point in the village of Yelagiri is the Swamimalai Hill which is 4,388 ft in height blessed with some mesmerizing views and places that will make your trek a memorable one.

There is no doubt that a traveller or an adventurer will find plenty of places and sites to explore as the beautiful hills and valleys of the district allows you to give a treat to your eyes with its exotic locales. One of the most amazing and mind boggling place is the man made Punganur Lake in the region which attracts many tourists and visitors every year. It is also one of the many places to visit in Yelagiri while you stay. Every year during the months of summer, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department celebrates the Summer Festival in the Yelagiri district which showcases different cultural heritage and arts from across the country, which are considered to be the best in Yelagiri Tour. They organize several kinds of cultural programs like the flower show, the dog show, and much more. All of this festivity is conducted every year in which people from different parts of the state and country come down to take a part and is a perfect opportunity to know more about the people and past of Yelagiri.

Making every small detail stand out in India and setting a hard-hitting impression in the travelers’ mind comes another place lying in the state of Tamil Nadu . This place called Coimbatore is also known to many as Kovai. Coimbatore or Kovai occupies the most of South and has a lot to offer to its visitors. There is no justice that you can do while you’re at this place except for appreciating the beauty and magnificence of the place. The green hills, broad ghats and the beautiful waterfalls – it is one the most popular destinations in Coimbatore. This city sets itself apart in terms of its culture, education, geography and ethnicity. Charming its way through – the city has endless amounts of activities to offer at every nook and corner of the place. The city is surrounded by the river Noyyal on its South west region and covers an approximate area of 642.12km. The Western Ghats make up for the most region on the North and the West and the important location of the place is the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which lies in the north. There are eight other major tanks and wetland areas that comprise Coimbatore. These are: Kumaraswami, Krishnampathi, Selvampathy, Singanallur, Selvachinthamani, Valankulam, Ukkadam Periyakulam. The place is blessed with an extremely pleasant climate especially given the presence of luscious green forests in the north.  As far as the culture is concerned, Coimbatore and its people have set themselves a reputation for getting recognized in the world for their dominance in entrepreneurship. The place is considered as the traditional capital of India and holds great respect in the minds of all those who have already visited the place.

A less explored and undiscovered treasure perched in the Eastern Ghats in the Shevaroy Hills, Yercaud is a rejuvenating hill-station in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu. It is situated around the Emerald Lake, which is also known as the Yercaud Lake. The emerald green hue of the beautiful natural lake is also where the hill-station gets its meaning from. In the local language, the word, Yercaud translates to ‘The Lake Forest’, which it, indeed, is. This Tamil Nadu weekend destination is all that an ideal getaway is about – green landscapes, fog covered hill-tops, fresh breeze, and a soulful experience.  Steeped in raw natural attractions and a rustic aesthetic, the destination is set at an altitude of 4970 ft above sea level. From flora and fauna to an air of freshness and purity, Yercaud is also called the Ooty of the Poor, given its low cost tourism. The hill-station is seemingly enveloped under picturesque skies above dense forests that grow coffee, spices and fruits, with oranges in abundance. It houses some famous parks and gardens proffering floral masterpieces, like Anna Park and Rose Garden to name a few. Yercaud, discovered in the 19th century by the Britishers, also boasts of some stunning vantage points that help tourists soak in the beauty of the town.   Due to its unspoiled and pristine nature, Yercaud is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers and adventurers, with various trek tours that take you to spots like Kiliyur Falls and Tipperary Point. It sees less crowd than most hill-stations, which is why it remains fairly raw and thereby, cost-effective. Moreover, Yercaud is a compact destination, easily explorable in a day or two. Beautified by fruit orchards and spice & coffee plantations, the hill also reaps in its merit from its flora and fauna that intrigues all kinds of vacationers. Epitomized as the Jewel of South India, the untouched charm of this lake hill-station and its quaintness, undoubtedly, makes it one of the topmost places to visit in Tamil Nadu.

Masinagudi is a beautiful hill station and a well-established tourist hotspot nestling amidst the Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri district. Situated at a drive of just one hour from the hill station of Ooty, Masinagudi forms a part of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Lush green forest cover, stunning waterfalls, gushing rivers and rivulets, and picture-perfect landscapes all boost the Masinagudi tourism multifold. This is an ultimate weekend retreat for all those who love wildlife safaris and want to remain surrounded by wildlife. Nature lovers and wildlife photographers will genuinely fall in love with the beauty of this place.  The town is loaded with some attracting tourist spots such as Pykara Falls, Mudumalai National Park, Maravakandy Dam, and Moyar River. Jeep Safari is the best way to explore the nooks and corners of this famous town of Masinagudi. You can start your day at Masinagudi adventure early with the Moyar River hydroelectric project and then explore other nearby regions. Sightseeing is the foremost thing to be enjoyed here with great chaos. The Mudumalai National Park is a hub for the local flora and fauna. Hence, wildlife photographers and lovers will surely have a busy schedule here. Wildlife spotting, adventurous jungle stay, fishing and boating at the Moyar River, and Masinagudi camping are other adventures to explore here. As Masinagudi is perched atop a height of 950 metres above the sea level, this spot features a tropical climate. January is the driest month of the year while April accounts as the warmest month here. To have a relaxing break, you can plan your Masinagudi visit anytime between late winters and the onset of the summer season. The climate of Masinagudi remains favourable throughout the period between October to May.

Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the tourist places in Tamil Nadu . You can visit this place to experience the wild life and exotic flora and fauna. You can also trek in a few areas in this reserve. Many endangered species are  reside in this reserve. It is on the border of Karnataka and Kerala and shares its importance with the other wild life sanctuaries in the nearby locations. You will find more than 200 species of birds, 34 species of reptiles, and many other animals and birds in this wild life sanctuary. Mudumalai is popular for sightseeing and wild life tours. You can get the best of scenic view when you walk by the streams, rivers, waterfalls, and take a stroll in the deep valleys.

Close to Mudumalai you can also visit the Tiger Reserve and the Bandipur National Park. You can experience the best of eco tourism in Mudumalai. Summers in Mudumalai are hot, and monsoon and winters are cooler. Throughout the year except for the month of April and May, you can visit this sanctuary and take safaris to get a glimpse of the wildlife . There are many places to see in the nearby locations and taking safari rides are the most common activities that you will find here.

Coonoor is a municipality and a Taluk located in the Nilgiris district, on the western edge of the state, Tamil Nadu, India. As far as size is concerned, Coonoor, after Ooty, comes second in largeness in all of the beautiful hills of the Nilgiris, providing people with a lot of ground to tour. For more than one trekking expeditions, Coonoor is an ideal base and leads right into the Nilgiri Hills. The tourist places in Coonoor are breath-takingly beautiful. For a Hill station, Coonoor is very accessible, with the nearest airport being only at a distance of 79 km from the town of Coonoor. The population being so less, it offers a peaceful and relaxing environment which other hill stations don’t. The station features a subtropical highland climate which basically means cool summers and cool but not cold winter. Among the tourist places in Coonoor comes Sim’s Park, with a collective display exceeding one thousand types of species of plants. The botany based garden is developed partly in Japanese style. The main attractions of this park are the fruits and vegetables shows held annually, in May. Another important place to visit lies about 10 km away from Coonoor, considered a part of Coonoor, which is the Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, which is famous for the magnificent view of the beautiful Hills of Nilgiri and the beautiful Falls called Catherine. Catherine Falls is another important tourist attraction Coonoor. Tourists normally go trekking from Lady Canning’s seat to Dolphin’s nose. Five and a half km away from Coonoor, also considered a part of Coonoor, lies Lamb’s Rock, which is another point of vantage. The Fort of Droog is a well-known attraction. People commuting to Mettupalayam, witness Law’s Falls about five km away from Coonoor.

Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is a small town situated in the southeastern part of Tamil Nadu, stretching between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake. It is a renowned representative city of our rich Indian culture and heritage. It is mainly a seaport, which lies 58 km away from the capital city Chennai. Mahabalipuram is a place that is famous for its temples and monuments, especially the very famous Shore Temple. It consists of three temples built in one single complex, that was constructed way back in the 8th century. Another famous temple is the Pancha Rathas. As the name suggests- they are a group of five temples sculpted in the form of chariots. The Descent of the Ganga is a giant rock with an open mouth in the form of sculpture. Some other popular tourist attractions in Mahabalipuram are Arjuna’s Penance, the Crocodile Farm, the Cave temples, the Indian Seashell Museum, Krishna’s Butterball. Along with these, there are innumerable monoliths, temples and stone carvings that are a testimony to the rich cultural heritage of India. Even though Mahabalipuram is a small town situated in the suburbs, it is well connected by buses and cars because of its immense popularity amongst Indian and even foreigners. These buses ply from different parts of Chennai, Chengal Pattu and Kanchipuram. The weather here remains cool and moderately humid throughout the year, which makes it possible to visit any time of the year, even though the best time to visit is between October and March. The town is well equipped with multiple accommodations according to the tourists’ choice and budget. Local restaurants, as well as multi-cuisine restaurants, are available for a culinarily rewarding trip as well. The local language spoken here is Tamil, although the locals are fluent in other languages like English and Hindi as well.

Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu has a number of titles to its credit such as “The Athens of East", “Sleepless City" and “The City of Temples”. Steeped into history this ancient city is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu and a popular pilgrimage destination of India. Legend has it that Madurai was built after cutting down a forest zone known as Kadambavanam. On the day of naming the city, Lord Shiva emerged on the site and drops of nectar fell from his hair on the ground. Hence the city got its name derived as Madurai from the Tamil word ‘mathuram’ which means “sweetness". Steeped in traditional Tamil culture the city of Madurai is known for its mythical, vivacious and soulful essence that will draw your attention as you enter its precincts. The city exhibits a seamless blend of the traditional and contemporary with its historical Dravidian architecture and modern skyscrapers adorning its skyline. The world famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, Idaikattur Church, The Pudhu Mandapam and The Thirumalai Nayakar Palace are the prominent historical monuments of Madurai city. Besides, there are several other places of interest that will take you close to its rich cultural heritage. Some of the must visit places at Madurai are the Gandhi Museum, Vaigai Dam, Villacherry Pottery Village, Teppakulam tank, Madurai Kamaraj University and others. Besides, you can also ramble across the narrow lanes of the vibrant marketplaces or strike up a bargain with the vendors. Down the years Madurai has become a cultural hub of Tamil Nadu attracting millions of tourists and history enthusiasts round the year who want to soak into its deep rooted ethos and cultural vibe. Winter (months between December-February) is the best time to visit Madurai when you can go sightseeing to the places of attraction as the climate is favourable. Also, the major Tamil festivals (Pongal, Christmas, Jallikattu etc) are held during this time which you can revel at.  Take a look at the detailed information provided below before you visit this ancient city of Tamilnadu.

Kanyakumari

Nestled at the extreme southern end of India, Kanyakumari is a beautiful coastal town of Tamil Nadu. Since its evolution, this peaceful town has been considered to be a major hub of culture, art, and religion in the country. Kanyakumari city showcases to the world the perfect amalgamation of enthralling natural beauties and captivating ancient architectural marvels. The city of Kanyakumari is beautifully enticing, owing to its spectacular scenic environs and brilliant iconic structures. Enclosed by magnificent mountains, lined by stunning sea shores, and bordered by lofty coconut trees and paddy fields, this city is set to mesmerize every traveler. The mountainous terrains, undulating valleys, hill patches, and pristine beaches can leave anyone awestruck and spellbound. In addition to all these natural elements, the city’s iconic monuments and majestic temples also add to its incredible beauty. A long list of the major attractions of the state of Tamil Nadu are sheltered in Kanyakumari. The important tourist spots of this place include religious sites like Thanumalayan Temple, Kumari Amman Temple, and Lord Subramanya Temple; historical spots like Vattakottai Fort, Padmanabhapuram Palace, and Vivekananda Rock Memorial; and natural beauties like Thirparappu Falls, Courtallam Falls, and Sanguthurai Beach. Kanyakumari tourism has ample scope for the tourists to engage in a number of fun-filled activities. From enjoying water activities at Kanyakumari Beach to marveling at the life-like statues of famous personalities at Wax Museum and from witnessing the breathtaking sunset at Sunset Point to marveling at the Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari will offer you an action-packed trip down south. Kanyakumari experiences tropical climate, with summers being moderately humid, monsoons bringing in frequent rainfall, and winters remaining pleasant. With less humidity and clear skies, the winter months from October to March make for the best time to visit Kanyakumari.

Lying near the Cauvery Delta, Thanjavur popularly known as Tanjore is known not only in India but around the world for its vibrant culture, history and legacy of literature and learning. Dating back to the 10th-century reign of the Chola Empire, named after a demon ‘Tanjan-an-asura’, Tanjore is famous for having the largest paddy fields in southern India. While here, don’t miss to visit Saraswathi Mahal, one of the oldest libraries in Asia, that houses more than a million medieval-era manuscripts in Indian & European languages. Another amazing place to visit is the 10 th -century Brihadeshwara Temple that’s popular for its stunning architecture of 80-tonne Sikhara atop the 63-metre tall Vimana tower, the second-largest Nandi statue in the country, and one of the tallest Shiva Lingas in the world. The 16 th -century Thanjavur Palace, the royal seat of the Maratha rulers is a must-visit to see its bell tower, huge archways, pillared halls, observation towers, and it's art gallery. For those who love being amidst nature, must visit the Shiva Ganga Garden and spend time near the huge water tank amidst the cool breeze and beautifully lush surroundings. Tanjore, counted amongst the top tourist places in Tamil Nadu , is famous for its dance forms around the world and one of the best things to do here is to see a live Bharatanatyam performance, especially the ones that take place at the serene Brihadeshwara Temple. Visit any of the local markets near the temple to enjoy a cup of traditional filter coffee and see thousands of colourful terracotta dolls, stone-studded brass idols, and traditional paintings. Spend some tranquil time with yourself away from the crowds at the peaceful and quiet ambience of the Schwartz Church admiring its beautiful European architecture of stained glass windows, wooden beams, and paintings.

Nilgiris or the ‘Blue Mountains’ have always caught the fancy of travellers who love the raw undulated beauty of nature. The blue-tinted mountain ranges, a part of the Western Ghats ranges, are famous for their exotic flora, waterfalls, wildlife, streams, and beautiful nature trails. The mist-covered valleys and miles of forests lend the Nilgiris an out of the world charm unlike any place in the country making it one of the places to visit in Tamil Nadu. One of the most popular attractions here is the Doddabetta Peak, which is the highest peak in the region. Visit the Telescope House at the summit of the peak to see the massive surrounding Shola forests and catch a stunning hillside sunset. Don’t miss to visit Catherine Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the Nilgiris. Surrounded by lush tea plantations and forests, this fall is amongst the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. Another great place to visit is Sim’s Park that’s popular for its unusual plants, ornamental trees, rockeries, and flowerbeds. Located in the Silent Valley National Park, Emerald Lake is one of the prettiest lakes in the region. Views of its shimmering blue-green waters surrounded by thick forests are one of the most stunning sights in the Nilgiris. One of the best things to do in the Nilgiris is to enjoy a heritage train ride. Hop on the iconic toy train with a steam engine as it takes you on an unforgettable journey through 16 tunnels, forests, forested hilly slopes, and over 250 bridges. Another great experience is to enjoy a tea plantation trail that will take you through some of the oldest plantations in the region. The intoxicating fragrance of tea, the lush trails, and the opportunity to sample some of the best teas in the world is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Being one of the famous Char Dhams of India, Rameshwaram is a small Hindu pilgrimage town and is considered to be one of the reverenced places to visit in Tamil Nadu. Due to its deep-seated religious connection and unspoiled natural beauty, it witnesses a huge influx of tourists and devotees from various corners of the globe. It is perfectly nestled on the magnificent Pamban Island in the Gulf of Munnar, just off the Indian mainland at the tip of the Indian Peninsula.

Rameshwaram is situated just 1403 kilometers away from Sri Lanka and is the nearest transit point to gain access to its breathtaking tropical beauty. Since 1914, the town has been connected to the mainland of India via the eminent Pamban Railway Bridge. Apart from the traditional legacy, this spiritual town is also blessed with immaculate beaches, picture-perfect landscapes, underwater coral reefs, Water Bird Sanctuary, tropical weather and much more.

According to the Hindu mythology, Rameshwaram is believed to be the place from where Lord Rama had constructed the bridge to Sri Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from the clutches of Ravana, the king of Lanka. It is also believed that this is the place where Lord  Rama decided to atone for his sins to seek penance after having killed the Brahmin king, Ravana. Owing to the mythological significance, Ramanathaswamy Temple was established by Rama in dedication to Lord Shiva. The temple has materialized into a pious expedition site for Vaishnavites, Shaivites,  and Smartha.

However, Rameshwaram has also emerged to be a happening holiday hotspot for enthusiastic travelers because of its proximity to famous destinations like Pondicherry, Munnar, Kanyakumari, and Madurai. As a result, it is one of the fastest-growing tourism markets in India and is expected to evolve more soon.

Rameshwaram has three distinct seasons-Summer, Monsoon, and Winter. The summer season begins with the onset of March and lasts till July. The temperature here gets pretty high ranging from 27 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius.  July marks the beginning of the Monsoons and is all about rainfall and humidity. October to March is the dry season when the weather is pleasant and makes way for the best time to visit the holy town of Rameshwaram.

The city of Vellore is an ancient Indian city situated along the river banks of Palar River. It has been ruled by several different royal dynasties in the past. Comprising oodles of pilgrimage sites and historical monuments, the region accounts for one of the most sought tourist spots of Tamil Nadu. In fact, the city of Vellore is locally known as Tamil Nadu’s Fort City. Vellore lies somewhat 166 km north and 139 km west to Puducherry and Chennai, respectively. Today, the city comprises numerous temples, forts, a zoological park, and an observatory. Goddess Mahalakshmi Temple, Government Museum, Vainu Bappu Observatory, Science Park, and Yelagiri Hills are some of them. The State Government Museum at Vellore exclusively exhibits memorabilia belonging to the fields of botany, geology, prehistory, archaeology, and anthropology. While the observatory at Kavalur displays the largest telescopes of Asia employed in the studies of astronomical observations. Apart from being a vibrant cultural hub, Vellore City is also famous for its shopping activities. Roam around anywhere, and you are definitely going to spot one or the other unique local creativity. The city of Vellore leaves no stone unturned to get your adrenaline rushing. Yelagiri Hills and Swamimalai Hills are popular hiking trails amidst other tourist spots of Vellore. Wildlife spotting, archaeological survey, Periyar Park bird watching, boat riding are some activities which every Vellore tourist loves to enjoy. Vellore features a blend of both hot and dry weather throughout the 365 days of the year. The average temperature here may rise as high as 43.5 degrees and may drop as low as 18.4 degrees. In line with the remaining regions of Tamil Nadu, the city of Vellore faces the wrath of summers from April to June. June to September marks the monsoons here in Vellore while the town of Vellore enjoys its winter break from December to January.

Kotagiri is popular as the most beautiful hill station in the Nilgiris. Surrounded by lush tea plantations, emerald-green meadows, and rugged nature trails, this is amongst the most-visited places in Tamil Nadu. The biggest draws of Kotagiri are its pleasant weather, the slow pace of life, and the stunning countryside that pull travellers who want to take a break from the chaotic city life. One of the most popular places to visit in Tamil Nadu , just a stone’s throw from Kotagiri, is Elk Falls. The beauty and attraction of the fall are enhanced manifolds by the surrounding lush forests and an old European house located nearby that lends an old-world charm to the place. For nature enthusiasts who want to lose themselves in the rustic wilderness of nature, Longwood Shola forests are a must-visit. This 115-hectare tropical rainforest is the home to more than 80 species of exotic birds, animals, and trees. Minutes away is another attraction revered by the local Irulas tribe. The Rangasamy Hill has a shrine dedicated to Lord Rangasamy on its summit. The hill’s top offers stunning views of the nearby forests, hills, and valleys and is a great vantage point to see a beautiful sunset. One of the best things to do in Kotagiri is exploring its raw natural beauty on foot. There are several great hiking trails here, the most popular being the Kotagiri-Kodanad trail. Kotagiri also lets you experience a gorgeous sunset at its various vantage points. One of the best locations to do is Dolphin’s Nose that also lets you enjoy views of the nearby ravines and waterfalls. Another great experience here is to enjoy freshly brewed tea that comes straight from the nearby plantations. There are several bakeries near Johnston Circle that serve wonderful tea along with savouries and fresh cakes that are a must-try.

Krishnagiri

Krishnagiri is counted amongst one of the most scenic places to visit in Tamil Nadu due to its remarkably beautiful contrasting landscape of lush green forests and black granite rocks dating back to the Palaeolithic Age. Besides its natural beauty, people from all over the country visit the place for its ancient temples, museums, and beautiful gardens. Krishnagiri’s other claim to fame is its home-grown mangoes that are transported all across the country and the world. A trip to Krishnagiri is not complete without seeing the Shri Parshwa Padmavathi Shaktipeeth Tirth Dham. Standing at the height of 365 ft., this is the world’s highest Jain Temple and consists of 24 tirthankars. For travellers interested in history, a visit to the Krishnagiri Museum is a must. You will see Hero stones, tools, rock paintings, pottery, and sculptures dating back to the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, and Megalithic ages. Another great attraction is the 2000-year-old Kattuveera Anjaneya Temple. This revered site consists of a rare Nandi monolith amidst the beautiful stone architecture of the temple. One of the greatest experiences that you can have at Krishnagiri is forest trekking and night camping. These trails pass through charming villages and ghat roads to take you to a campsite where you can enjoy an overnight stay in a tent and enjoy music and bonfire. If you love savouring south Indian food, Krishnagiri is the place to be! There are several restaurants like Agni, Sri Krishna Inn, Gowri Shankar Hotel, etc. that serve great food and filter coffee. If you want to get away from the crowded touristy places and enjoy some time with yourself, visit the KRP Dam. The sounds of the crashing waters, misty air, and cool breeze here will be an experience like nothing else. There are several cafes around the dam that will let you enjoy great food and surrounding views.

Also called the City of Temples, Kumbakonam is located between the rivers of Cauvery and Arsala. This southern town is located in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu and attracts all art lovers, history buffs and culture vultures. Surrounded by vast paddy fields, this city lies in a region which is also called Old Delta. It is one of the oldest towns in Indian history and has many famous educational institutes. The town boasts of its amazing history which dates back to the Sangam age. It invites all the history lovers to appreciate the relevance of the times of Cholas, Pallavas and Pandavas. It was known as the Cambridge of South India and since then it has been a prominent centre to appreciate Hindu culture and European education. The city has about 188 temples which has earned it the name of Temple Town among the places to see in Tamil Nadu. Some of the most famous temples in Kumbakonam are Airavatesvara Temple, Uppiliappan Temple, Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Nageshwara Temple and Chakkarapani Temple. One of the most exciting experiences here is the festival of Mahamaham which attracts tourists from the neck and breadth of the country. Tourists attend this festival to take a holy dip in the Mahamaham Tank and soak in the blessings. While visiting the temples is a must-do activity in Kumbakonam, shopping lovers will take delight in its bustling bazaars. Along with that, the foodies will rejoice in savouring one of the best filter coffees in South India along with tasting the South Indian cuisines to treat the taste buds. With a typical tropical climate, Kumbakonan experiences cool winters and dry summers. The temperature here ranges between 20 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. The most suitable time to visit is during the winters when the weather is pleasant and during the monsoons when you can see moderate rains. Summers should be avoided because of the high temperatures.

One of the quaintest places to visit in Tamil Nadu, Theni is a small village which is located in the Western Ghats. With a scintillating backdrop of hills and ranges, this town is home to 27 forests and filled with many gorgeous tea estates. The landscape of Theni is adorned by verdant green meadows and sparkling waterfalls. Along with the beautiful tea plantations charming everyone with the fresh aroma, the city is an abode for nature lovers with many rivers and dams. The Kolukkumalai Tea estate is a spellbinding escape to enjoy the beauty of nature along with the Suruli Falls and Kumbakarai Falls. Theni also entices the travellers with a lot of interesting places to see in Tamil Nadu which include the Meghamalai Hills, Bodi Mettu and the Paravasa Ulagam Water Theme Park. Tourists here can enjoy many engaging activities and cherish beautiful memories. You can enjoy a super picnic at Vaigai Dam, Sothuparai Dam and Shanmuganathi Dam. If you want to take a religious detour, there are many temples and shrines to visit in Theni like Kuchanur, Mavoothu, Theertha Thotti, Gowmariamman Temple, Devadanapatti Kamakshi Amman Temple and Balasubramanya Temple. To appreciate some solitude and tranquil moments by yourself, a sightseeing experience to the waterfalls like Suruli Falls, Kumbakkarai Falls and Chinna Suruli Falls will leave you in awe of nature.  To take a break from all the outdoor activities, you can also enjoy a vibrant shopping experience in the local markets of Theni. Theni is known for having a salubrious climate throughout the year. The average temperature ranges between 15 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. The best months to visit are from the month of December to February since the weather is pleasant and allows you to indulge in a number of outdoor activities.

Auroville, meaning the City of Dawn, is a unique township in the district of Villupuram in Tamil Nadu, India. A lot of curious tourists come here for a day trip from Pondicherry. Many of them who have a leaning towards divine consciousness will find this place compelling. Auroville offers the tourists to witness the beautiful atmosphere where people from all over the world live in peace and harmony. The township is based on the principles of Sri Aurobindo and was thought of by Mirra Alfassa, who is popularly known as 'the Mother'. The main motive of the Ashram is to unite people of all races, caste, creed, political background and nationalities. The Auroville township was envisioned as an international community free from the clutches of the government, religion, strife, and money. Regarded as one of the most exotic places to visit in Tamil Nadu, the beauty of Auroville lies in the simplicity of the people and the peaceful atmosphere. This makes it a must-visit place on your trip to the Southern part of India. Auroville tourism has seen a gradual growth since its inception in the year 1965. As the township is unique in its principles and values, more and more people got interested in such an idealistic township which attracted a large number of tourists since its establishment.  There are certain attractions inside the township which compel the tourists to visit the place. The odd but beautiful Matrimandir here will let you bliss out in the peaceful setting. There are also a variety of projects, schools, and organic farming that are worth exploring. You can even find some excellent cafes and restaurants to enjoy some varied international food. With all this, your visit to Auroville will definitely help you relax your body and mind and make you feel rejuvenated.

Best of Bangalore

Nestled between the Coimbatore plains and foothills of Annamalai Hills, Pollachi town is the perfect place for travellers looking for an offbeat southern destination. The place, known as the coconut capital of Tamil Nadu, has an undulated raw landscape dotted with thickets of coconut trees, tea plantations, and meadows cosily nestled amidst lush green hills. Pollachi is popular around the country for its jaggery, coconut products, and cattle fairs. One of the best places to visit in Pollachi is the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. It houses animals like tigers, Gaurs, Nilgiri Tahr, etc. Not only this, but the reserve also has marshy grasslands and shola forests and houses indigenous tribes like Poopara, Anchaam, Sungam, etc. If you love to explore architectural landmarks, visit Arulmigu Subramanyar Thirukoil Temple, which is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu . The temple is famous for its stunning architecture and peaceful ambience. Savour the scenic countryside of Pollachi from Loam’s view point. Located at the Aliyar Valparai Hill, this is a great place to enjoy a beautiful sunset. One of the best activities to do in Pollachi is boating at the picturesque Aliyar Dam. The dam also has a beautiful garden perfect for taking long strolls and a theme park that has super-fun rides for everybody in the family. Another interesting activity is to enjoy trekking, elephant safaris, and van safaris at the Topslip Tiger Forest. The safari will let you see the resident tigers, sloth bear, wild boar, Indian Bison, etc. You can also explore exotic species of birds and trees like rosewood, teakwood, etc. Head over to Anaimalai Hills for a day-long trek as you walk amidst beautiful forested areas with views of the majestic Western Ghats. Enjoy a long countryside drive on the Pollachi road that leads to Kerala. Counted amongst the country’s most beautiful forest roads, this ghat road has 42 hairpin bends and passes through rainforests dotted with shimmering streams and stunning waterfalls.

Salem, the hidden gem of Tamil Nadu, is surely worth anybody’s time that loves nature, heritage, and culture. This beautiful compact place, surrounded by 4 mountain ranges, is dotted with sites dating back to the Palaeolithic Age. There is an abundance of lush coffee plantations, fragrant mango & orange orchards, and gardens standing alongside ancient temples and forts. If you want to spend some time in tranquillity and quietude, head over to Oothumalai Hill, which not only is a great vantage point to see panoramic views of Salem but also houses a cluster of ancient temples. You can visit Sri Balasubramanian Temple, Shiva Temple, and Vishnu Temple here to admire their wonderful architecture. For people travelling with children, a great place to visit is Paravasa Ulagam, one of the most popular theme parks in the area. The park has a science park, waterfalls, and several fun rides. History enthusiasts must visit the Government Museum to see relics from the Palaeolithic Age and other geological specimens that tell the story of the evolution of Salem. One of the most fun activities to do in Salem is boating and fishing in the serene Mookaneri Lake. Or you can simply lounge at the well-maintained lakeside promenade and admire the scenic surroundings and enjoy the cool breeze. Get away from the noise and crowds to spend time with yourself at the beautiful 300 ft. Kiliyur Falls. Beat the heat by taking a long cool dip in the plunge pool or simply soaking in the beautiful views. Savour the intricate stone architecture of the 18 th-century Kalipatti Kandaswamy Temple. The temple is famous for curing snake bites and is the location for a huge cattle fair that’s held every year in January.

Dharmapuri, located in the northwestern part of Tamil Nadu, has been the cradle of civilization since time immemorial. Rock sculptures from the Neolithic age unearthed nearby bear testimony to the ancientness of this city. The roots can be traced to the Sangam era literature dating as far back as the 2nd century CE. The famous poet Avvaiyar resided here at that time. Subsequently, The Pallavas, Rashtrakutas and the Cholas all ruled over the city. Its rich heritage has added to the attraction of tourists for this city. Natural splendour, ancient architecture, the grandeur of historic monuments, religious shrines, and other such attractions allure visitors from all over the country to this city. Dharmapuri is now mainly an agricultural trade centre. The city is renowned for the 50 varieties of delicious mangoes found here. It is also fringed by the Kaveri River in the west that enhances its scenic beauty. Dharmapuri city, being well-connected to all major metropolises in South India, is also an attractive weekend getaway for the citizens of Chennai and Bengaluru. Visitors flock here to view Hogenakkal Falls, located around 46 km away from the town centre. It is often referred to as the Niagra of India because of its mighty waters gushing down in cascades, taking the visitor's breath away. Pilgrims are drawn to the different places of religious significance in Dharmapuri. The Shri Theerthagirishwarar Temple at Theerthamalai, constructed during the reigns of the Chola and Vijayanagara Kings, is revered as one of the most sacred temples in the region. Mahashivratri celebrations at this temple are incredibly colourful. Another noteworthy religious site is the Hanumantha Theertham. It is a place of mythological legends that connects it to the epic Ramayana. The Mount Carmel Church in the city also offers spiritual peace to the visitors.

Best of Karnataka

Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, also known as the Golden City of Temples, is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in the entire world. It is the crowning jewel of Tamil Nadu that offers the perfect respite to the spiritual souls with its beautiful temples that are known for their architectural splendor. It is known to be the second holiest city after Varanasi, and thousands of visitors flock into this city to seek solace and spiritual bliss. It has been an important center for Tamil learning and exhibits the glorious Dravidian heritage. You can also find the remains of Buddhist stupas over here that indicate that Buddhism prevailed over here for a long time. This city is a unique amalgamation of culture, history, and traditions and woos the visitors with its unmatched charm. There are many places to visit in Kanchipuram that create an impression to last forever on your senses. From bird sanctuary to scenic gardens and cascading lakes, Kanchipuram takes you closer to nature with its fresh burst of air, and soothing environment. This city is extremely renowned for its beautiful Kanchipuram Sarees that are woven from the thread of pure mulberry silk. If you’re looking for some of the best accommodation options, then there are numerous luxurious hotels in Kanchipuram that offer you a royal stay. You can even explore the palatable local delights served by quirky cafes and swanky restaurants over here. If you’re a shopaholic, then there are both high end as well as local stores in Kanchipuram from where you can buy everything under the sun at great prices. You can also witness festivals and fares all around the year in Kanchipuram, making it a gateway to happiness and delight. Steeped in tradition and drenched in spirituality, Kanchipuram is a city that offers a wealth of experiences to enrich the soul of the visitors. 

The fact that Sayalgudi city is obscure and compact doesn’t take away from its extraordinary natural beauty. This hidden beachside city, located in the district of Ramanathapuram, is all about sun, sand, fresh air, and peace. Perfect for an offbeat vacation, it lets you take a break from the hustle-bustle of city life. The place has a warm and friendly atmosphere that lets you savour the slow pace of life amidst beautiful natural surroundings. While in Sayalgudi, the ancient temples are a must-visit. Temples like Sri Sakthi Mari Amman Temple and Ayyanar Kovil not only have a beautifully serene ambience, but their architecture is worth looking at too. Head over to the nearby Pamban Island to see a beautiful beachside sunset. This is the perfect place to enjoy a day under the sun. Another attraction to visit near Sayalkudi is Kilakarai Lighthouse. Established in 1979, this is a great vantage point to see the beautiful beach and fishermen’s activities. People visit from all over Tamil Nadu to the lighthouse to see a gorgeous beachside sunset and spend time in quietude. One of the most amazing activities to enjoy in Sayalkudi is beach camping along with bonfire, food, and music. The beach here offers striking views of the Bay of Bengal and its waters with ever-changing colours. This rocky beach is the home to a variety of birds like flamingos and seagulls. You can also enjoy trying out a variety of rustic South Indian foods here in Sayalkudi. There are several great restaurants like Al Baik Broasted, Hyder Ali Tea Stall, Vathiyar Mess, Jamal Hotel, etc. that serve the typical south Indian fare along with seafood.

Valparai city is a beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu located at an altitude of 3500 feet above the sea level on the mighty hills of Anamalai. Tucked in the cradle of the Western Ghats, it’s renowned for its scenic beauty and picturesque sites. It is a magical city dotted with enchanting grasslands, evergreen trees, cascading waterfalls, and majestic dams. You can also find here endless stretches of coffee plantations and tea estates that will rejuvenate your tired soul. Some of the best attractions that you can witness here are Whispering Falls and Sholayar Dam that are an absolute retreat for nature lovers. Valparai is also home to some of the most beautiful temples, such as Balaji Temple and Sree Muruga Temple. You can also visit Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary to spot lion-tailed macaque, wild boar, common langur and other animals. The city also gives you a chance to indulge in tons of adventurous activities such as trekking,  rock climbing, and hiking. You can also do a cycling tour of the city, and you can even enjoy boating in the famous lakes. Sampling the local delicacies and enjoying shopping at the local bazaars are something that you should not miss when you’re over here. Valparai Tourism is at its peak between September to March as the weather remains delightful during this time of the year. It generally experiences tropical weather, and the rainfall here is around 76.5 inch per year. The average temperature here ranges between 58 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and it rarely falls below 51 degrees.

Best of Kerala

Tiruchirappalli

Also called Trichy, it is a famous historical city which is perched on the banks of River Kaveri in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is located at a distance of 320 kms from Chennai and has been one of the popular commercial and tourist hubs of the state. When you are here, you can’t help but admire the old-world charm which is a fine remnant of the Sangam Age during the Chola dynasty. With a landscape dotted by many beautiful Dravidian temples, this city is a wonder for architecture lovers. The famous Rock Fort Temple is one of the prominent landmarks in the city. There is also the Thayumanaswamy Temple known for its 100-pillar hall and Ranganathaswamy Temple which is hailed as one the largest temples in South India. While exploring the temples and admiring the architectural brilliance is highly recommended, Tiruchirappallli offers many other different kinds of experiences. For the shopping lovers, it is a delight to go to the bazaars and browse through a number of items like cigars, textiles and fake diamonds. If you are a foodie, you will love to attend the annual food festival here which is called Suvai and enjoy many South Indian dishes like Parupu, sambar, rasam, moru, kootu etc. The vibrant city also celebrates many other festivals like Srirangam car festival, Samayapuram flower festival, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and the Teppakulam float festival which attracts many visitors. If you have some extra time on hand, you can also play day excursions to Chettinad and Kanyakumari from Tiruchirappalli. Tiruchirapplaii experiences a tropical kind of climate with soaring temperatures and low humidity. The average yearly temperature is 30 degrees Celsius and it always ranges between 25 to 32 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit here is from December to February when the weather is pleasant and the temperature ranges between 19 to 22 degrees Celsius.

Located near Chennai, Tuticorin is one of the popular cities in Tamil Nadu that will enchant you with its seaport and beaches. Offering a superb weekend getaway, this city is accessible via railways and buses from the major towns of Tamil Nadu. Also called Thoothukudi, the city is for everyone who loves to appreciate the culture and history of Tamil Nadu. Tuticorin is perched on the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal and offers an ideal retreat to enjoy with family. Also called Pearl City, this city is well-known for pearl fishing and a must visit for anyone who loves to spend time by the beach. Moreover, it is replete with many pilgrimage places. Tourist spots like Our Lady of Snows Basilica, Shiva Temple etc bring in many religious travellers. For those who appreciate solitude, there are beach parks in Tuticorin to savour some quiet moments by yourself. Some of the popular ones are Roche Park, Harbour Beach Park, Nehru Park and Rajaji Park. Tuticorin offers many soothing activities for the guests as it is a pleasant destination to go with your loved ones in Tamil Nadu. A sightseeing tour of the churches and temples is a must-do activity here. Also, visiting the beaches and watching the sea waves crash on the shores of beaches like Muthu Nagar New Beach and Pearl City Beach will leave you enthralled. Photography enthusiasts can look forward to capturing the beautiful sunset views. The foodies here will relish eating the famous local delicacy called macaroons which are made of cashew, coconut milk and dry fruits. Tuticorin offers pleasant weather throughout the year as the temperature remains around 30 degrees Celsius. However, the best time for tourist activities in Tuticorin is between December and March as it can get uncomfortable to venture outdoors in the summer and monsoon season due to more heat humidity.

Other Attractions

Dhanushkodi.

Dhanushkodi is often referred to as India's phantom town, it is situated by the south of Pamban Island  Rameswaram and truly is a captivating site to see. This place can be tricky to find for tourists as it is in an off beat location and can be  missed easily, nonetheless it is a breathtaking place any adventurer would like to visit. Dhanushkodi is surrounded with many small fishing villages which can be seen from the incredible train journey on the Palk strait, it is this stretched structure that goes between India to Sri Lanka. It was a peaceful town back in the british raj and was one of the prime locations for traders and pilgrims coming from Sri Lanka, at present the town of Dhanushkodi is abandoned and has turned into a ruin, as surprising it may be the coastline of Sri Lanka is just 31 km away from this ghost town. Location: Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram, Tamil. Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00PM (Monday to Sunday). Best time to visit: Throughout the day.

Bear Shola Falls

Bear Shola Falls, nestled in the heart of the quaint hill station of Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, India, is a scenic cascade that captivates visitors with its natural charm.

Blue Bay Beach

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

Hogenakkal Falls

Blue Bay Marine Park

Kolli Hills

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Historical Places in Tamilnadu For A Truly Heritage Circuit

Historical places in tamilnadu, here is the list of 16 historical places in tamilnadu for a truly heritage circuit, 1. mahabalipuram - historical place in tamilnadu that is a unesco world heritage site.

Known For : Shore Temple Mahabalipuram Beach Five Rathas

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a historical town in Tamil Nadu renowned for its ancient rock-cut temples and remarkable architectural designs. The town's significance dates back to the Pallava Dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries, which commissioned many of its iconic monuments. The splendid Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and the intricate reliefs on Arjuna's Penance are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.   Historical Monuments:  Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, Cave Temples, Mahishasuramardini Cave, Krishna's Butter Ball, Lighthouse Heritage Museum, Olakkaneswara Temple, Raya Gopura.

Best Time: November to February

23 Mahabalipuram Attractions

2. Madurai, Tamil Nadu - The Lotus City

Known For : Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal Vaigai Dam

Madurai, often referred to as the "Athens of the East," is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that spans over two millennia. Renowned for its rich cultural and architectural heritage, the city is dominated by the Meenakshi Amman Temple, an iconic structure known for its intricate sculptures and Dravidian architecture.  Historical Monuments : Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Alagar Koyil, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Pazhamudircholai, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, Kazimar Big Mosque, Goripalayam Dargah, Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple.

Best Time: October to March

20 Madurai Attractions

3. Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu - Home to the Arunachala Temple

Known For : Gingee Fort Sathanur Dam Annamalaiyar Temple

Thiruvannamalai, located in Tamil Nadu, is renowned for its deep spiritual significance and ancient heritage. It is home to the famous Arunachaleswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and has been a center of Saiva Siddhanta tradition and pilgrimage for centuries. The presence of the holy hill, Arunachala, adds to the town's historical and religious importance. Historical monuments : Arunachaleswarar Temple, Ramanasramam, Sathanur Dam, Skandashramam, Virupaksha Cave, Ramana Ashram, Seshadri Swamigal Ashram.

9 Thiruvannamalai Attractions

4. Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu - The Cambridge of India

Known For : Adi Kumbeshwara Temple Nageswaran Temple Shopping in Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam, often referred to as the "Temple City" of Tamil Nadu, boasts of an illustrious historical legacy marked by its ancient temples and classical architecture. It played a vital role during the medieval Chola period, serving as a prominent hub for culture and arts. The town's rich past is reflected in its numerous temples, each narrating tales of bygone eras. Historical monuments : Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Nageswaran Temple, Sarangapani Temple, Chakrapani Temple, Ramaswamy Temple, Mahamaham Tank, Airavatesvara Temple.

25 Kumbakonam Attractions

Tamil Nadu Travel Packages

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Quintessential Tamil Nadu Package: Madurai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari

Wilderness & hills package: ooty, wayanad & mysore, pearls of tamil nadu: ooty, kumbakonam, kodaikanal & more, tamil nadu darshan: rameshwaram, kanyakumari, trivandrum & more, banglore mysore ooty kodaikanal tour package, religious madurai, rameswaram & kanyakumari on a budget, 5. chettinad, tamil nadu - stunning historical place in tamilnadu.

Known For : Chettinad Palace Chettinad Museum Chettinadu Mansion

Chettinad, the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars, stands as a testament to Tamil Nadu's rich cultural and architectural heritage. Renowned for its sprawling mansions, intricately designed tiles, and authentic Chettinad cuisine, the region offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Chettiars, a prosperous banking and business community from the 19th century. Their influence is evident in the region's distinctive architecture, characterized by wide courtyards and spacious rooms. Historical monuments : Chettinad Palace, Athangudi Tiles Factory, Chettinadu Mansion, Pillayarpatti Temple, Karpagavinayagar Temple, Vairavanpatti Murugan Temple, Kamban Mani Mandapam.

Best Time: November to March

13 Chettinad Attractions

6. Kanyakumari - The land of three seas

Known For : Kanyakumari Beach Vivekananda Rock Memorial Thanumalayan Temple - Sthanumalayan Kovil

Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of peninsular India, is steeped in history, with references to its significance found in ancient texts. Known for its rich culture and heritage, the town has been a focal point for trade, art, and religion for centuries. Its unique geographical location, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal meet, has made it a strategic and spiritual destination since time immemorial. Historical monuments : Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Gandhi Memorial Mandapam, St. Xavier's Church, Bhagavathy Amman Temple, Vattakottai Fort.

Best Time: October to February

28 Kanyakumari Attractions

7. Pondicherry - The French Riviera of the East

Known For : Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram Auroville

Pondicherry, now known as Puducherry, is a unique blend of French colonial history and traditional Indian culture. Established as a trading post in the 17th century, it became a French colony and retained this status till 1954, preserving French influences in its architecture, culture, and lifestyle. This former French colony is an amalgamation of traditional Tamil houses and colonial buildings, churches, and statues. Historical monuments : Aurobindo Ashram, French War Memorial, Pondicherry Museum, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Raj Niwas, Aayi Mandapam, The Lighthouse.

48 Pondicherry Attractions

8. Thanjevur - Rich historical place in Tamilnadu

Known For : Brihadeeswara Temple Saraswathi Mahal Library Shiva Ganga Garden

Thanjavur, often referred to as the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu," is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. It served as the capital of the powerful Chola dynasty, under whose reign numerous temples, including the world-famous Brihadeshwara Temple, were built. The city stands as a testament to the Dravidian architectural prowess and the flourishing arts and music during various dynasties. Historical monuments : Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur Royal Palace, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Art Gallery, Schwartz Church, Sivagangai Garden, Vijayanagar Fort, Thiruvengadu Budhan Temple.

15 Thanjevur Attractions

9. Chennai, Tamil Nadu - A magnificent past and an early metropolitan dream

Known For : Marina Beach Government Museum, Chennai MGR Film City

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is a city that beautifully blends traditional heritage with modernity. Serving as a major British port during the colonial era, Chennai boasts of a rich colonial history reflected in its architecture, culture, and urban design. The city's temples, churches, and cultural institutions stand as a testament to its deep-rooted history and diverse heritage. Historical monuments : Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort St. George, Santhome Cathedral, Government Museum, Parthasarathy Temple, Valluvar Kottam, Ripon Building, Thousand Lights Mosque, The Armenian Church, Kalikambal Temple.

91 Chennai Attractions

10. Tranquebar, Tamil Nadu - Tranquebar : The land of the singing waves

Known For : Fort Dansborg The town gate The Zion Church

Tranquebar, or Tharangambadi, meaning "Land of the Singing Waves" in Tamil, is a former Danish colony that still echoes with tales of a bygone era. This coastal town stands as a testament to Indo-Danish history, with its heritage buildings and fort showcasing an amalgamation of Indian and European architectures. The pristine beaches combined with the town's colonial charm make Tranquebar a unique chapter in Tamil Nadu's rich historical tapestry. Historical monuments : Dansborg Fort, Zion Church, New Jerusalem Church, The Governor's Bungalow, The Rehling House, Masilamani Nathar Temple, The Maritime Museum, The Danish Cemetery.

Best Time: August to February

7 Tranquebar Attractions

11. Chidambram, Tamil Nadu

Known For : Pichavaram Mangrove Forests Shopping in Chidambaram The Nataraja Temple

Chidambaram, located in Tamil Nadu, is renowned as the spiritual center dedicated to Lord Nataraja – the cosmic dancer form of Lord Shiva. With a rich Dravidian heritage, the town is home to the illustrious Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, which stands as an epitome of ancient Chola art and architecture. This age-old town seamlessly intertwines legend, history, and spirituality, offering a profound experience to its visitors. Historical monuments: Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, Thillai Kali Amman Temple, Govindaraja Perumal Temple, Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, Sivakamiamman Temple.

Best Time: October to January

10 Chidambram Attractions

12. Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu - The land of serpent gods

Known For : Dutch Fort Archaeological Museum Sikkal Singaravelar Temple

Nagapattinam, situated in Tamil Nadu, has a rich tapestry of history dating back to the Sangam period and has been an important trading port for centuries. The town has witnessed a confluence of multiple cultures, from Cholas to the Dutch, each leaving an indelible mark on its landscape. Its historical significance is accentuated by an array of temples and colonial-era architectures. Historical monuments : Kayarohanaswami Temple, Sikkal Singaravelar Temple, Soundararajaperumal Temple, Dutch Fort, Nellukadai Mariamman Temple.

8 Nagapattinam Attractions

13. Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

Known For : Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary Papanasam Agasthiyar falls

Tirunelveli, nestled in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, boasts a rich history dating back to ancient times, with its name being mentioned in ancient scriptures and texts. The city was once the capital of the Pandya dynasty, making it a significant political and cultural center. Its heritage is reflected in its splendid temples, traditional customs, and historical landmarks. Historical monuments : Nellaiappar Temple, Kanthimathi Ambal Temple, Vettuvan Koil, Krishnapuram Temple, Venkatachalapathy Temple.

32 Tirunelveli Attractions

14. Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu - The Metro Port City

Known For : Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary Kalugumalai Tuticorin Port

Tuticorin, also known as Thoothukudi, stands as a significant port city that played a pivotal role in maritime trade, especially during the colonial period. Its strategic location made it a center of various historical events, including battles and trade negotiations between colonial powers. The rich legacy of the city is reflected in its diverse architecture and the stories passed down through generations. Historical monuments : Our Lady of Snows Basilica, Thoothukudi Macquarie Monument, St. James Church, Schmid Memorial, Thoothukudi Fort.

14 Tuticorin Attractions

15. Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu - Golden City of a Thousand Temples

Known For : Kamakshi Amman Temple Varadharaja Perumal Temple Devarajaswami Temple

Kanchipuram, often referred to as the "City of a Thousand Temples," is a revered pilgrimage site with roots dating back to the Pallava Dynasty. Its rich tapestry of history is woven with tales of powerful rulers, great scholars, and profound spirituality. This ancient city stands as a testament to Tamil Nadu's illustrious past, boasting an abundance of architectural wonders and intricate craftsmanship. Historical monuments : Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ulagalanda Perumal Temple, Devarajaswami Temple, Jain Temple.

Best Time: October to May

16 Kanchipuram Attractions

16. Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu - The Bridge on the Indian Ocean

Known For : Rameshwaram Temple Dhanushkodi Temple and Beach Jatayu Tirtham

Rameshwaram, located on Pamban Island, is a significant pilgrimage site steeped in mythology and legendary tales from the Ramayana. It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama built a bridge across the sea to rescue Sita from Ravana. The town's historical significance is further enhanced by its splendid Dravidian architecture and myriad temples that draw pilgrims and tourists alike from all over the world. Historical monuments : Ramanathaswamy Temple, Pamban Bridge, Agnitheertham, Gandhamadhana Parvatham, Dhanushkodi Beach, Five-faced Hanuman Temple, Ramjharoka Temple.

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Rameswaram Attractions

Which of these historical places in Tamilnadu have you visited? Let us know if you have any questions below!

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My Trip to Ooty, Tamilnadu: A Mesmerizing Experience

“This blog is contributed by one of our readers, Dr. Gargi Mondal. Join her on a budget journey to one of the best places in Tamil Nadu, Ooty and find useful insights into places to visit near it as well.

COME MONSOON… IT’S OOTY…

You never know when the travel bug bites you! On a dreary weekend in August, without any previous plan, Neel and I set off for a weekend trip. Being budget travellers, we always avail the public transport safely keeping in mind the inconveniences of taking a much longer time than a drop off by car. On a Friday evening, we went to Mysore from Bangalore by bus which took us almost five and a half hours. One can go to Coorg, Ooty, Wayanad and ample other places from Mysore. One can also spend a day or two in Mysore also, a historical town itself.

Beginning of a Soulful Journey to Ooty

In my utter confusion of which hill station to visit, Neel suggested we take a bus to Ooty, another five and a half hour of journey. So we started, sitting in the cabin of the driver, having a clear view of the front, not compromising any side of the road. Just after 15 mins of the start of our journey, we came across the Chamundi hills and a number of lakes above which we could point out the cormorants and the ibis. The weather was pleasant with the sun and the clouds playing hide-and-seek and also one or two bouts of drizzles. The Mysore-Ooty highway turns adventurous once it crosses Gundulpet. After this, starts the Bandipur Tiger Reserve maintained by the state of Karnataka which continues as the Mudhumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. One can easily see herd of deer, peafowls and wildboars on the wayside. One may also come across the tuskers and various colourful birds if cautious. And if one is lucky enough, the big cat may also be sighted who keeps an eye on the busy highway from the shrubs!!!

After the Mudhumalai Tiger Reserve, the road takes you through the misty, meandering paths over the hills, green coffee and tea plantations to the Queen of Hills in the Nilgiris. In the Nilgiris on your way, you come across the shrubs of the Nilakurinji flowers. These flowers bloom once in twelve years and many people in the villages keep account of their ages by the blooming of these purplish-blue flowers. These are the flowers which turn the hills into a mesmerising blue thus explaining the name, The Nilgiris. Currently, these flowers are not seen much in Ooty as they have been destroyed by the widely flourishing tea plantations. The last stretch of the road from Guddalur to Ooty offers the most breathtaking views. At times the route traverses through the dense pine forests allowing glimpses of sunlight through the trees or at other times it passes through the thick bamboo woods. The presence of small lakes and waterfalls amidst the landscape only reminds you of God’s bounty. Through this splendid road among nature, one becomes spellbound when he/she reaches Udagamandalam or Kovai, a tinsel town surrounded on all sides by the Nilgiris and the blue toy train chugging through it.

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Ooty at Last

So! We have reached Ooty, one of the famous tourist places for the honeymooners; the hill station about which we heard for the umpteenth time since childhood; the shooting spot for so many movies; the hill station harbouring the highest peak in Tamil Nadu. We simply liked to walk about its busy as well as quiet thoroughfares.

Top Tourist Attractions to Visit in Ooty

Visit to the Majestic Dodabetta Peak

After lunch, we boarded an auto to the Dodabetta peak which is located about 6km from the city. This peak offers a scenic view of the valley around it. Enjoying a hot cup of the Ooty tea along with your beloved in the clouds and drizzles with a raincoat over the body offers a heavenly experience. The place also offers hot pakoras, bread omelette, Maggi among other things to enjoy with the tea. The forests here give you a glimpse of birds like the tit and the Asian paradise flycatcher.

Explore Kodaikanal to See Nature in Her Best Green Garb

First-Hand Experience at Tea Factory

On our way back to the town, we stopped at The Tea Factory where we got a first-hand experience of how we a get a steaming hot cup of tea from the tea plantations after it passes through a long tedious process. One can choose from a range of flavours to buy tea packaged in different attractive parcels for daily use or gifts. Home-made chocolates are one of the other delicacies of this place. Our auto driver took us to a wax museum after this. The auto driver took Rs. 600 for this to-and-fro trip to Dodabetta along with waiting at the different places. Bikes or scooters were not available then for rent due to some administrative problem.

Honeymoon in Kodaikanal – Romance Enveloped in Mist!

A Rejuvenating Stroll at Botanical Garden

During the afternoon, we took a walk to the Botanical Garden. The stroll through the garden was a rejuvenating experience, walking through innumerable species of plants and flowers.

After freshening up at our resort, we went out for dinner at 9.30pm but to our surprise we found all the shops were shut down by then. We managed to get dinner at one small hotel, but the food was fresh, delicious and cheap. While returning to our hotel, we found we were the only people strolling beside the lake on a quiet, dimly lighted curvy road, hand in hand, reminding us of “Pyar hua iqrar hua..”

Useful Information: The toy train runs from Ooty to Coonoor railway station four times a day. The train takes one through the breathtaking idyllic hamlets of Lovedale, Ketti and other famous hill stations of Tamil Nadu. Many Indian movies had been shot on this train. On the way, one can see a number of streams of water flowing from the hills and greenery abound.

Popular Hill Station Getaways to Explore in Tamil Nadu

Day 2 in Ooty Was Equally Fascinating

We stayed at a resort by the north lake road, getting a good view of the Ooty lake through our window. The Ooty lake is a tourist spot for boating. Next morning, on waking up, we saw few spotted bill ducks and common coots enjoying the early morning drizzle in the lake from our window. During our second and last day in Ooty , after breakfast we took a walk to the Rose Garden which houses hundreds of varieties of roses. Then we boarded a bus to Guddalur which is on the way to Bangalore. We alighted at Paykara, approximately 19 km from Ooty. We visited the amazing Paykara Falls there, 700m walking from the bus stand. Plenty of rain birds were hovering over the water body which is surrounded by hills on both sides. The vast stretch of the waterfall could be visualised only when the mist cleared. One can also enjoy boating at this place, approx 1.5 km from the bus stand. Car parking facility is available at the bus stand. After a hot cup of tea, we again boarded a bus to Mysore. While entering the Bandipur Tiger Reserve , believe me!! We sighted a Royal Bengal tiger in the shrubs looking at the busy thoroughfare, just approx 70-80m from our bus.

Safari at Bandipur

We got down at Bandipur to do a safari. Gypsies can be booked online or if one books earlier. On the day of visit, only buses can be booked. We booked two tickets for us and went for lunch at the forest canteen. After lunch, we boarded the bus and took a tour in the jungle. Though we were not lucky enough to spot a tiger or an elephant in this jungle ride, but we caught a glimpse of the red jungle fowl, the big mongoose, the monkeys, herd of deer, wild boars and a number of colourful birds on our way. The bus ride was for approx 1.5 hours. After our safari, we boarded a bus to Gundulpet from where we boarded a bus to Mysore. From Mysore , we preferred train to Bangalore though bus services are widely available. Finally, we reached home at 1.15am after a two-day fun-filled, lovely trip to Ooty with the tune in our mind “Aay zindagi, gale laga le…”

Photo Courtesy: Neel

About Tour My India

Tour My India is among the top notch online travel organizations, which has been recognized by the Department of Tourism, Government of India. Owing to its rich experience in the travel domain, it has earned specialization in offering all types of tours. Right from an excursion on the rugged terrain of hilly areas, to pilgrimage on holy places, Tour My India has quality experience and expertise in making all the arrangements for a safe and memorable trip.

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