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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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Tourist places in Tamil Nadu

Here are the top 74 places to visit in tamil nadu in 2024:, 1. rameshwaram.

1 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 22 Tourist attractions

Rameshwaram is located on a beautiful island in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is separated by a small Pamban channel from Sri Lanka. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where Lord Rama created a bridge across the sea to Sri Lanka.

Best Time: Throughout the year

2 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 20 Tourist attractions

Nestled in the Shivaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a hill station in the Eastern Ghats steeped in abundant greenery. Commonly called ‘Ooty of the Poor’, this region has a history dating back to the time of the British. Located at an altitude of 4970 feet, Yercaud is known for its vast expanses ...

Best Time: October to June

3. Kodaikanal

3 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 35 Tourist attractions

Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. A Lakeside resort town of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal has a beautiful climate, mist-covered manicured cliffs and waterfall that come together to create the ideal setting for a perfect getaway. Kodaik...

Best Time: September to May

4 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 43 Tourist attractions

Nestled amidst Nilgiri hills, Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a top-rated tourist destination. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company, the Queen of the hills is a picturesque getaway.

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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 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 91 Tourist attractions

Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu, in the southern part of India. Located on the Coromandel coast of Bay of Bengal, Chennai is as dynamic as it is immersed in tradition. This 'capital of the south', is one among the four metropolitan siblings of In...

Best Time: October to March

6. Auroville

6 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 21 Tourist attractions

Located around 15 km from the city of Pondicherry, Auroville is located in Tamil Nadu and was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, a disciple of Aurobindo and fondly known as the 'Mother' of Sri Aurobindo Society. This place is the epitome of tranquillity and proves as the perfect escape for the ones i...

Best Time: November to March

7. Hogenakkal

7 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 9 Tourist attractions

Hogenakkal is a waterfall located in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu where the Kaveri river splits into multiple streams of waterfalls. Located at a distance of 180 km from Bangalore, Hogenakkal has water throughout the year. The carbonite rocks, the coracle (basket boat) rides, freshwater fish, o...

8. Mahabalipuram

8 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 23 Tourist attractions

Famous for its intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves, Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram as it is famously known, is a historically important and well-loved tourist location situated on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal, in the state of Tamil Nadu. Once the abode of the famous dem...

Best Time: November to February

9. Kanyakumari

9 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 28 Tourist attractions

Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent, Kanyakumari is a captivating coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu. Renowned for its breathtaking confluence of three vast water bodies – the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean – Kanyakumari is celebrated for its stunnin...

Best Time: October to February

10. Kanchipuram

10 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 16 Tourist attractions

Widely known for its beautiful 'Kanchipuram sarees' and also referred to as the 'golden city of a thousand temples', Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu is a popular tourist attraction. Kanchipuram or Kanchi attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world who are interested in Hinduism or just want to enjo...

Best Time: October to May

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11. Madurai

11 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 20 Tourist attractions

Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of India. Ruled by Pandya kings for the longest time in its history, it is called as the 'Lotus City' as it was planned and built in the shape of a lotus. Madurai is known for Meenakshi Amm...

12. Coimbatore

12 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 27 Tourist attractions

Often termed as 'Manchester of South India', Coimbatore, the second-largest city in Tamil Nadu, photographically situated on the banks of River Noyyal. Coimbatore, also known as Kovai, is a welcoming area with the backdrop of hustle-bustle and charm of activity and industry. From ancient temple...

Best Time: September to March

13. Thanjavur

13 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 15 Tourist attractions

Also known as Tanjore or the city of temples, Thanjavur has a lot of cultural value and is known for its famous Tanjore paintings, antiques and handicrafts, textiles and saris , its Carnatic music and musical instruments and of course the temples.

14. Tirunelveli

14 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 32 Tourist attractions

Tirunelveli, also called Tinnevelly, is a big city in the midst of numerous small towns, each with its own bounty of beautiful sights, temples, waterfalls and much more. Unlike many temple towns, this 2000-year-old ancient city also does offer many other sites to its tourists. The city is locat...

15. Mudumalai National Park

15 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 3 Tourist attractions

Mudumalai National Park is a part of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, located at a distance of 150 kilometres from Coimbatore, in the Nilgiri District of Tamilnadu. It connects the Western Ghats to the Eastern Ghats and owes its popularity to the fact that it’s home to many vulnerable and endangere...

Best Time: December to June

16. Thiruvannamalai

16 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 9 Tourist attractions

A town that offers a significant history adorned in its countless temples and ashrams, Thiruvannamalai is where Hindu Mythology takes the form of stunning architecture

17. Coonoor

17 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 17 Tourist attractions

One of the three beautiful Nilgiri hill stations, Coonoor is the second largest hill station of the Western Ghats. It is situated at an altitude of 1930 meters and just 19 km from Ooty. With slopes of tea plantations, dotted with many attractions and blessed with chilly weather throughout ...

18. Velankanni

18 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 6 Tourist attractions

Quaint and calm, Velankanni is a little hamlet tucked away in the state of Tamil Nadu, on the coast of Bay of Bengal. It is a famous Roman Catholic pilgrim centre and is visited by thousands of devotees for its shrine of ‘Our Lady of Good Health’ aka Mother Mary. Inspired by the Lourdes in France, V...

19. Dhanushkodi

19 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 6 Tourist attractions

Dhanushkodi is a small, sparsely populated beach town on the coast of Tamil Nadu. In the 1964, Dhanushkodi was hit by one of the worst storms India has ever seen. Ever since then, Tamil Nadu has rebuilt this town to become one of the most unique and unusual beach towns of India.

20. Tuticorin

20 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 14 Tourist attractions

Popularly known as Thoothukudi, Tuticorin is a port city in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu. The city lies 40km east of Tirunelveli on the gulf of Mannar of the Bay of Bengal. Tuticorin is known as the pearl city due to the pearl fishing carried out in the town.

Best Tourist Attractions in Tamil Nadu

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

Ooty Botanical Gardens

Ooty Rose Garden

21. Yelagiri

21 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 13 Tourist attractions

A quaint little hill station located in Vellore, Yelagiri is just three hours away from Bangalore, making it the perfect spot for a quick weekend getaway. Spread a little over 30 square kilometres, and at a height of over 1100 metres above sea level, Yelagiri offers its tourists some beautiful place...

22. Kumbakonam

22 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 25 Tourist attractions

Sandwiched between two great rivers of southern India, Cauvery and Arsala, Kumbakonam is a gorgeous temple town in the heart of the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu.The town is a place for the lovers of history and those seeking to understand India's cultural roots and Hinduism.

23. Chettinad

23 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 13 Tourist attractions

Located in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, Chettinad Showcases the rich heritage, striking art and grand architecture of the state. Apart from being known as a temple town, the Chettinad Cuisine is the most renowned in the repertoire of Tamil Nadu. The word "Chetti" is a Sanskrit term meaning ...

24 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 15 Tourist attractions

Nestled on the banks of the Cauvery River, Tiruchirappalli, colloquially known as Trichy, stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage. With a history dating back to the 3rd century BC, this city seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern developments. The iconi...

25. Chidambram

25 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 10 Tourist attractions

A beautiful temple town in the Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu, Chidamabaram is famous for housing the marvellous Lord Nataraja Temple and the famed chariot festival. Situated 250 kms away from the city of Chennai, Chidambaram has been a place of architectural glory and religious importance since a...

Best Time: October to January

26. Nagapattinam

26 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 8 Tourist attractions

Nagapattinam is a town on the coastline of the Bay of Bengal with a major historical significance which is also a renowned pilgrim centre with Divya Desam of Velankanni, many temples and mosques spread all over. Nagapattinam has its the name derived from Nagur, the land of serpent gods and is credit...

27. Vedanthangal

27 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 2 Tourist attractions

Lying close to the important district of Mahabalipuram, is Vedanthangal, best known for its bird sanctuary. The compact water tank of 30 hectares that the sanctuary is built around is home to at least 30,000 birds every year during migratory season.

28. Tharangambadi

28 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 7 Tourist attractions

Forgotten to be touched by time, and still known for its tranquillity, is Tharangambadi, otherwise known as Tranquebar- The land of the singing waves. Tranquebar or Tharangambadi is a tiny beach town in Nagapattinam district that dates back to the 14th century. Placed at a dreamy patch at the conflu...

Best Time: August to February

29. Kutralam

29 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 9 Tourist attractions

Courtallam, also known as Kutralam, is a perfect getaway from Tenkasi and Tirunelveli. A small town bordering Kollam District, Courtallam is famous for its waterfalls on the Western Ghats. With captivating panoramic vistas, the township is popularly renowned as 'Spa of South'. It has nine waterfalls...

Best Time: July to March

30. Bellikkal

30 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu

Bellikkal is one of those places where you can completely relax, without having to worry about a 'to-do' list for your vacations and yet experience mountains that will steal your breath away. Instead of having a hundred places to offer, it will take you by its beauty, calmness and serenity.

31. Vellore

31 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 17 Tourist attractions

An ancient city in the northeastern part of Tamil Nadu, Vellore is located on the banks of river Palar Vellore. Nicknamed ‘The Fort City’ due to the marvellous Vellore Fort which sits at the heart of Vellore city, it is an ideal place to glimpse Tamil Nadu's rich cultural heritage through ...

Best Time: October - March

32 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 7 Tourist attractions

Dotted by luscious patches of greenery and beautiful waterfalls, Theni is a little hamlet on the Western Ghats. The topography of Theni mainly consists of hills and ranges. It has plenty of rivers and dams and is an abode to 27 forests hence filled with unparalleled greenery. 

33. Pollachi

33 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu

Located down south, in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, the town of Pollachi is a popular filming spot due to its lavish greenery and blissful sceneries. Primarily an agricultural region, Pollachi adorns vast spreads of coconut, jaggery and vegetable fields. The famous Topslip Tiger reserve and Annamalai wil...

Best Time: December to February

34 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu

The city of Yanam is situated in the Yanam district of Puducherry, India. The small city which covers an area of 30 square kilometers is in the confluence where Godhavari meets Koringa to the south of Kakinada district in Andhra Pradesh. The city has a widely distinct culture with a mixture of Frenc...

Best Time: June to September

35. Kolli Hills

35 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu 4 Tourist attractions

With an ominous name which means ‘Mountain of Death’, Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai are a mountain range located in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. It is relatively untouched by commercial tourism and therefore has retained most of its natural magnificence. The mountains are famous for not on...

Best Time: March-June; August-December

36 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu

Right between the 200km distance from Coimbatore and Madurai lies the hilly town of Palani. The town has two hills, Sivagiri and Sakthigiri, that are the prominent visual in this scenic, hilly landscape. There are many lakes in Palani that eventually drain into the Shanmuga River at the foot of thes...

Best Time: November-March

37. Tenkasi

37 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu

Tenkasi is the second largest town of the Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu on the Madurai - Kollam highway. Amidst the Western Ghats, River Chittar flows through this picturesque destination favoured amongst tourists. While this town is known for waterfalls and temples, it has been made famous for i...

Best Time: July to October

38. Dindigul

38 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu

Dindigul is a historical city and administrative centre for Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu. Situated between the Palani hills and Sirumalai hills' foothills, this city is not particularly known for its terrain. Its history & culture has found reverence, having been home to an ancient settlement.&...

Best Time: July-March

39. Mayiladuthurai

39 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu

Located about 57.3 km from Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai is a temple town that's famous for it's Shiva temple known as Mayura Natha Swamy temple. Ruled dominantly by the medieval Chola dynasty, the history of Mayiladuthurai dates back many decades. The city is located near the river Cauvery with coco...

40. Thiruvarur

40 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu

Thiruvavur, also written as Tiruvarur, is a municipality town nestled in Tamil Nadu, India. Famed for its antiquity, the town has been ruled by multiple groups at varied times including Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Vijayanagar Empire, Later Pandyas, Marathas, and the British. A charming templ...

Best Time: December to March

41. Pulicat

41 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu

Pulicat or Pazhaverkadu is a seashore town in Tamil Nadu, known for its colonial history. The main attractions here are the Pulicat Lake, being the second biggest brackish water body in India and the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary. The small town still showcases the Dutch aesthetic in its churches, old buil...

42. Bodinayakkanur

42 out of 74 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu

Bodinayakkanur is a town in Theni famous for its scenic beauty. Despite being a Tamil town, the elevation of 1,158 ft. makes for pleasant weather throughout the year. While cash crops grow here in plenty, it also boasts of spice plantations and is known as the Cardamom capital of India. Lush forests...

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• Le Grace Residency
• CS Arunachala Residency
• Joebeach Resort
• Hotel Temple City
• UDUPI Pure Vegetarian Restaurant
• Baker Street
• Kaavanna Parotta Kadai
• Yelagiri Hills
• Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
• Ucchi Pillayar Temple
• Wenlock Downs 9th Mile Shooting Point
• Day Excursion To Chettinad Region From Trichy With Lunch
• Royal Enfield Motorcycle Ride to Crocodile Park
• Explore Navagraha Temples Of Mars, Mercury & Ketu From Trichy With Lunch
• The Potters' Trail of Madurai
• 1-hour Crocodile Night Safari in Mahabalipuram

Tamil Nadu Tourism

Tourism in Tamil Nadu is managed by the Tourism Department in the Secretariat. The Commissionerate of Tourism formulates policies and implements programmes for the development of the tourism sector in the state. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) is a state-owned public-sector undertaking which generates innovative schemes and develops tourism infrastructure. The Tamil Nadu Tourism coordinates with government departments/agencies and private companies for the development of tourism in the state.  The cradle of ancient Dravidian culture, Tamil Nadu extends from the Coromandel Coast in the east to the Western Ghats in the west. It is the homeland of one of humanity’s living classical civilizations, that has continued to thrive uninterruptedly for two millennia. The tradition is very much alive even today in Tamil language, dance, poetry and Hindu religion. All round the year there are festivals and fairs, adding colour and liveliness to the atmosphere. Long, sandy and sunny beaches give you the perfect picnic spots that you can wish for. The enchanting, natural beauty will leave you speechless. It is home to rich sanctuaries, thick forests, tall mountains, soothing hill stations and gushing waterfalls.  At the heart of the state is the fertile Kaveri valley, which is home to numerous rice fields and spectacular temples. This region is the site of ancient Cholamandalam, where the Chola kings built magnificent temples at Thanjavur and nearby areas. Great temples can also be seen at Madurai and Chidambaram, which witnessed an efflorescence of dance, music and literature under their rulers. Now a World Heritage Site, the 7th century port city of Mamallapuram is home to spectacular rock-cut temples. The former French enclave of Puducherry and British forts and churches reflect Tamil Nadu’s colonial legacy. Many towns in the state have the prefix Tiru, which means “sacred,” and the name indicates the presence of a major religious site. The people of Tamil Nadu are traditionally hospitable and humble. Tourists will feel at home wherever they go.

Attractions

Here's a list of top attractions in Tamil Nadu that you must experience at the very next opportunity.

Cuisine and Gastronomy

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