tamil language for tourist

Tamil phrasebook

• 1.2 Consonants
• 1.3 Common diphthongs
• 2.2 Problems
• 2.3 Numbers
• 2.4.1 Clock time
• 2.4.2 Duration
• 2.4.4 Months
• 2.4.5 Writing time and date
• 2.6.1 Bus and train
• 2.6.2 Directions
• 2.7 Lodging
• 2.11 Shopping
• 2.12 Driving
• 2.13 Authority

Tamil (தமிழ் tamiḻ) is the language closest to Proto-Dravidian among the Dravidian language family. Spoken predominantly by Tamils in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore, it has smaller communities of speakers in many other countries. As of 1996, it was the eighteenth most spoken language, with over 74 million speakers worldwide. It is one of the official languages of India , Singapore and Sri Lanka .

Tamil is one of the longest surviving classical languages in the world. It has been described as "the only language of contemporary India which is recognizably continuous with a classical past" and having "one of the richest literatures in the world". Tamil literature has existed for over 2000 years. The earliest epigraphic records found on rock edicts and hero stones date from around the 3rd century BCE. The earliest period of Tamil literature, Sangam literature, is dated from ca. 300 BCE – 300 CE. Tamil language inscriptions written c. 1st century BCE and 2nd century CE have been discovered in Egypt, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The two earliest manuscripts from India, to be acknowledged and registered by UNESCO Memory of the World register in 1997 and 2005 were in Tamil. More than 55% of the epigraphical inscriptions (about 55,000) found by the Archaeological Survey of India are in the Tamil language. According to a 2001 survey, there were 1,863 newspapers published in Tamil, of which 353 were dailies. It has the oldest extant literature amongst other Dravidian languages. The variety and quality of classical Tamil literature has led to its being described as "one of the great classical traditions and literatures of the world."

Tamil is spoken in many different dialects throughout Tamil Nadu and the Tamil-speaking parts of Sri Lanka. The dialect spoken in Thanjavur is generally regarded as the standard.

Tamil is closely related to Malayalam , and more distantly related to Kannada and Telugu . It is not related to the languages spoken in northern India, but like other Indian languages has been heavily influenced by Sanskrit .

Pronunciation guide [ edit ]

Tamil is written using its own script. Like other Indic scripts, the Tamil script is an abugida , meaning that each letter represents a consonant, and vowels are indicated by modifications to the consonant letter or lack thereof.

Vowels [ edit ]

Consonants [ edit ], common diphthongs [ edit ], phrase list [ edit ], basics [ edit ].

At this point, the fake phoneticizations of English are going to stop, and be replaced by ellipses.

Problems [ edit ]

Eagerly waiting

Kaaththirukkiren

Numbers [ edit ]

Time [ edit ], clock time [ edit ], duration [ edit ], days [ edit ], months [ edit ].

All dates provided below are approximate, varying by one or two days in the Gregorian Calendar depending on adjustments made to the calendar each year, to bring it in alignment with astronomic observations.

The year starts on the first day of the month of Chiththirai , usually the 15th of April.

Writing time and date [ edit ]

Give some examples how to write clock times and dates if it differs from English.

Colors [ edit ]

Transportation [ edit ], bus and train [ edit ], directions [ edit ].

how to go there ? : anga eppadi povathu ?

Taxi [ edit ]

Lodging [ edit ], money [ edit ], eating [ edit ], bars [ edit ], shopping [ edit ], driving [ edit ], authority [ edit ].

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How to Learn Tamil

Last Updated: May 30, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Tian Zhou . Tian Zhou is a Language Specialist and the Founder of Sishu Mandarin, a Chinese Language School in the New York metropolitan area. Tian holds a Bachelor's Degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) from Sun Yat-sen University and a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from New York University. Tian also holds a certification in Foreign Language (&ESL) - Mandarin (7-12) from New York State and certifications in Test for English Majors and Putonghua Proficiency Test from The Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China. He is the host of MandarinPod, an advanced Chinese language learning podcast. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 352,162 times.

Tamil is a member of the Dravidian language family, a group of languages spoken throughout India and southeast Asia, as well as countries such as Pakistan and Nepal. Tamil is mainly spoken in southern India and is an official language in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore, and is widely used in Malaysia. There are about 65 million Tamil speakers worldwide. Tamil has been spoken for over 2,500 years and has a long, rich literary tradition of poetry and philosophy. Learning Tamil can open up a whole world of possibility!

Learning the Tamil Alphabet

• Tamil is written from left to right in horizontal lines, just like English. [1] X Research source
• A chart of the basic Tamil script is available here: https://tamilo.tv/Learn_Tamil/alphabet.pdf .

• Similar to many other South Asian scripts, Tamil consonants carry the inherent அ a sound, so அ a does not change when added to a consonant.
• When ஆ aa is added to a consonant, a diacritic mark representing it is added to the end of the consonant, as in கா kaa .
• When இ i is added to a consonant, a diacritic mark representing it is added to the end of the consonant, as in கி ki .
• When ஈ ii is added to a consonant, a diacritic mark representing it is added to the top of the consonant, as in கீ kii .
• When உ u is added to a consonant, a diacritic mark representing it is added to the bottom of the consonant, as in கு ku .
• When ஊ uu is added to a consonant, a diacritic mark representing it is added to the end of the consonant, as in கூ kuu .
• When எ e is added to a consonant, a modified form is placed in front of the consonant, as in கெ ke .
• When ஏ ee is added to a consonant, a diacritic mark representing it is placed in front of the consonant, as in கே kee .
• When ஐ ai is added to a consonant, a modified form is placed in front of the consonant, as in கை kai .
• When ஒ o is added to a consonant, the diacritic marks for e and aa are placed surrounding the consonant, as in கொ ko .
• When ஓ oo is added to a consonant, the diacritic marks for ee and aa are placed surrounding the consonant, as in கோ koo .
• When ஔ au is added to a consonant, the diacritic mark for e is placed at the beginning of the consonant and another diacritic mark is placed at the end, as in கௌ kau .
• There are some non-standard consonant-vowel combinations in Tamil that don’t follow these rules. A complete list of these exceptions is available here: https://www.omniglot.com/writing/tamil.htm .

• Vallinam consonants: க் k , ச் ch , ட் t , த் th , ப் p , ற் tr
• Mellinam consonants: ங் ng , ஞ் ng , ண் n , ந் n , ம் m , ன் n
• Idaiyinam consonants: ய் y , ர் r , ல் l , வ் v , ழ் l , ள் l
• Finally, there is a special letter, ஃ akh , called an āytam . It is usually used in modern Tamil to indicate foreign sounds, such as f and z .

• Check out forums, websites, and social media accounts dedicated to learning the language.

Understanding the Basics

• The University of Pennsylvania has a set of 36 lessons on Tamil grammar and sentence construction.
• The University of Texas at Austin has a set of lessons on Tamil language and culture.
• The Central Institute of Indian Languages has online lessons in Tamil script, grammar, and sentence structure. Sample lessons are free, and full access to the course is $50USD or 500Rs.
• Polymath has an extensive set of lessons on the Tamil language, including a wide list of vocabulary words and lessons on pronouns, verb tenses, and common questions. [4] X Research source
• Language Reef has a set of 14 simple Tamil lessons.
• Once you get more advanced, the University of Michigan has 11 free lessons in Intermediate Tamil, including audio files to accompany each lesson. [5] X Research source
• The government of Tamil Nadu has a “Virtual Academy” that includes games, a library of Tamil sources, and lessons. Much of the content is free, although some is also available for purchase.

• Kausalya Hart’s Tamil for Beginners is currently out of print but widely available in used bookstores. [7] X Research source
• E. Annamalai and R.E. Asher’s Colloquial Tamil: The Complete Course for Beginners focuses exclusively on spoken Tamil and includes audio for its lessons. It can go a bit fast for beginners but is widely recommended.
• The University of Pennsylvania has published a Tamil Language in Context book, which includes a DVD with videos of filmed dialogue by native Tamil speakers.
• The Tamil Nadu government has a basic e-book for free download that introduces the Tamil script and the basics of grammar. [8] X Research source

• For example, you could say அங்கவை Angavai பல் வைத்தியர் pal vaiththiyar to say “Angavai is a dentist”. To negate this type of sentence, add the word இல்லை illai “not” to the end of the sentence.
• The informal/intimate mode just uses the root form of a verb without inflection. For example, பார் Paar means “See” (singular). Use this mode with close friends and children; it is not commonly used in polite conversation with people you don’t know well unless you want to insult them.
• The formal/polite mode adds the plural inflection to the root form of the verb. For example, பாருங்கள் paarunkal is the plural form of paar , bt would be used in polite or formal address even if you were only talking to one person.
• If you want to be especially polite, you can add the question word ஏன் een “why” to the polite imperative form. For example, பாருங்களேன் paarunkaleen means “Why don’t you see/look at?” or “Would you look at ___?”

• Make flashcards of common words and phrases and study them in chunks of 20-50.
• Being able to ask for new foods is one of the most enjoyable reasons to learn a new language when you travel. Common Tamil foods include சோறு choru (rice), சாம்பார் sambar (a lentil stew), ரசம் rasam (a soup made with tamarind), தயிர் tayir (yogurt or curd) and வடை vada (savory fritters). You might see சாம்பார் சாதம் caampaar caatam (curry rice) or மீன் குழம்பு miin kulampu (fish curry), a famous dish in the south regions of India. ஒபுட்டு Oputtu is a sweet, almost pizza-like dish made with coconut.Check whether the dish is காரம் kaaram “spicy” before you order! If you’d like coffee, a signature beverage in Tamil Nadu, you would ask for காபி kaapi . You can also ask for தேநீர் teeniir (tea). Your server might say மகிழ்ந்து உண்ணுங்கள் Magizhnthu unnungal , “Have a nice meal.”
• Bargaining or haggling is a common practice in Indian culture. If you are interested in buying something, begin by offering பாதி விலை paati vilai , or “half price.” Then, both you and the seller will work to arrange a satisfactory price. You will probably want to find things மலிவானது malivaanatu “cheap”, whereas the seller will try to push you toward something more விலை அதிகமானது vilai atikamaanatu “expensive”. You may also want to check whether the shop accepts கடன் அட்டை katan attai “credit card” or only பணம் panam “cash.”
• If you’re feeling unwell, these words could help: மருத்துவர் maruttuvar “doctor”, மருத்துவ ஊர்தி maruttuvuurti “ambulance”,

• For example, you could say உங்கள் பெயர் என்ன? Unga peru enna? , which means “What is your name?” The appropriate response is என் பெயர் En peyar ___ “My name is ____.”
• The “interrogative marker” ஆ is placed at the end of a noun or sentence to make it a yes/no question. For example, for the noun பையனா Paiyaṉaa “boy”, placing ஆ at the end will turn it into the question “Is he a boy?”
• Other common questions you might want to learn include எனக்கு உதவி செய்வீங்களா? Enakku udhavi seivienkalaa? “Can you help me?” புதிய என்ன? Putiya eṉṉa? “What’s new?”நீங்கள் எப்படி இருக்கிறீர்கள்? Niinkal eppati irukkiriirkal? “How are you?” இது என்ன? Itu enna? “What is this?”
• Practice answering open-ended questions, as well. Try speaking for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

• You could also learn காலை வணக்கம் Kaalai vanakkam “Good morning!” and நல்ல இரவு Nalla iravu “Good night!”
• அது எவ்வளவு செலவாகும்? Atu evvalavu celavaakum? “How much does it cost?” would be good to know when shopping. நன்றி Nanri “Thanks!” and வரவேற்கிறேன்! Varaveerkireen “You’re welcome!” and மன்னிக்கணும் Mannikkanum “Excuse me” or “Sorry” are also always helpful.
• நான் நோய்வாய்ப்பட்டவாறு உணருகிறேன் Naan nooyvaayppattavaaru unarukireen means “I feel sick.” You can ask where the closest pharmacy is by asking மருந்துக் கடை அருகில் எங்கு உள்ளது? Maruntuk katai arukil enku ullatu? [11] X Research source
• If you want to drink a toast to a friend, you could say நல் ஆரோக்கியம் பெருக Nal aarokkiyam peruga , which loosely means “I hope your good health accumulates!”
• If things get too complicated, you might want to learn புரியவில்லை Puriyavilai (m) or புரியல Purila (f), “I don’t understand”. மெதுவாக பேசுங்கள் Medhuvaaga pesungal (m) or மெதுவா பேசுங்க Medhuvaa pesunga (f) means, “Please speak more slowly.” You can also ask அதை ____ தமிழில் எப்படி சொல்லுவீர்கள்? Adhai ____ thamizhil eppadi solluveergal? “How do you say ____ in Tamil?”
• காப்பாத்துங்க! Kaappathunga means “Help!”

Expanding Your Knowledge

• Look for an online language tutor if you can't find in-person classes in your area.

• The Tamil Nadu government Department of Education maintains a website with several free textbooks for download; these are used in elementary school through high school in Tamil Nadu public schools.
• TamilCube also has a large collection of stories in Tamil available for free.

• Omniglot has some samples of recorded Tamil text.
• Spoken Tamil's website also includes a lot of lessons and audio recordings.

Practicing Your Skills

• No matter what your taste, there’s probably a Tamil film to satisfy it: Poriyaalan is an action thriller, Appuchi Gramam is a sci-fi disaster epic, Burma is a comedy-noir about car heists, and Thegidi is a romance.

• Meetup.com is a common place to set up and find language groups, but you can also contact your local university or college, as they may have more resources.

Community Q&A

• Friendliness and politeness are highly valued in Indian culture. Tamil speakers will almost always greet you, even if you’re a stranger, so be prepared to smile and return the greeting! Men may shake hands, but it’s uncommon for women to do so. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Tamil culture values their guests, so hosts will often go to great lengths to make sure their guests are comfortable. It’s important to try a little of every dish served at a meal; not doing so would be considered impolite and embarrassing to your hosts. Never say “I don’t need/want anymore” when being served; if you’re feeling full at a meal, say போதும் Pothum “Enough”. Following it with நன்றி Nanri “Thank you” is even better. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

• If you’re not sure whether to use the formal or informal mode in conversation, always err on the side of caution and use the formal mode. Courtesy is an extremely important part of Indian and Tamil culture, and you don’t want to accidentally offend someone! Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.omniglot.com/writing/tamil.htm
• ↑ https://www.easytamiltyping.com/tamil/letters
• ↑ https://polymath.org/tamil_survival.php
• ↑ https://carla.umn.edu/lctl/materials/tamil/intermediateTamil.html
• ↑ https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=Oqe-QsaZnnQC&dq=tamil+verb+classes&source=gbs_navlinks_s&redir_esc=y&hl=en
• ↑ https://books.google.com/books/about/Tamil_for_Beginners.html?id=smgFAQAACAAJ
• ↑ https://www.tamilvu.org/coresite/download/Basic_Ebook.pdf
• ↑ https://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~haroldfs/public/h_sch_9a.pdf
• ↑ https://www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/tamil.php
• ↑ https://www.tamilcentre.ca/en/

About This Article

To learn how to speak Tamil, try listening to spoken Tamil by finding Tamil movies and shows with subtitles on sites like YouTube and Netflix. Then, look for free online lessons on sites like the University of Pennsylvania website to learn the basics of Tamil grammar and sentence structure. You can also try reading Tamil children’s books, which are geared towards people who are still learning the language. Additionally, practice speaking conversational Tamil by joining a local language group or starting one of your own. To learn more, including how to say common phrases like “Good morning!” in Tamil, read on. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Discover 10 Fascinating Facts About the Tamil Language

Tamil culture, ethos, and living traditions are strongly linked to a language known to us as Tamil. However, It is much more than a language to people.

Originating in the southern regions of India, Tamil has evolved over thousands of years, shaping literature, art, and identity.

In 2004 Tamil was declared a classical language of India, meaning that it met three criteria: its origins are ancient; it has an independent tradition, and it possesses a considerable body of ancient literature. In the early 21st century more than 66 million people were Tamil speakers.

Let us look at some of the lesser-known and interesting facts about the Tamil language.

1. Tamil is one of the longest-surviving classical languages in the world

Tamil holds the distinction of being one of the longest-surviving classical languages globally.

The simple fact that the Tamil language is still spoken so widely unlike other ancient languages like Sanskrit and Aramaic is as surprising as it is amazing.

It is thought to have been born before 500 BC, as Tamil-Brahmin inscriptions from 500 BC have been found on Adichanallur, an archaeological site in Tamil Nadu.

It’s not the oldest language in the world, but it is among the oldest living languages that are still being used today.

2. Tamil is a part of UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” register

The collection of 11,000 palm-leaf and paper manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tamil, and Manipravalam about Shaiva Sidhanta was preserved at the French Institute, which is the largest collection of manuscripts of the Shaiva Siddhanta texts.

It has found a place in UNESCO’s “ Memory of the World ” register, according to Traja Virtanen, adviser for Communication Information, UNESCO, New Delhi.

3. Tamil is the only language that is also worshipped as a god

According to Hindu legend, Tamil or in personification form Tamil Thāi (Mother Tamil) was created by Lord Shiva. Murugan, revered as the Tamil God, along with sage Agastya, brought it to the people.

Located at Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu is a temple for ‘Tamil Thai’ (‘Thai’ means mother), which is a god that is considered the deified personification of the Tamil language as a mother.

4. Official Language of three countries

Tamil is spoken by significant minorities in the four other South Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and the Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India.

However, despite its esteemed status and rich cultural heritage, the Tamil language often remains underappreciated and overlooked by those outside its native regions. This lack of awareness belies its significance, especially considering its official recognition in multiple countries.

Tamil is the official language of three countries: India, Sri Lanka, and Singapore It is also the official language of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry. It is used as one of the languages of education in Malaysia, along with English, Malay, and Mandarin.

In Malaysia, 543 primary education government schools are available fully in Tamil medium.

5. Tamil is the first Indian language to be printed and published

In 1578, Portuguese Christian missionaries published a Tamil prayer book in old Tamil script named Thambiran Vanakkam, thus making Tamil the first Indian language to be printed and published.

The Tamil Lexicon, published by the University of Madras, was one of the earliest dictionaries published in the Indian languages. According to a 2001 survey, there were 1,863 newspapers published in Tamil, of which 353 were dailies.

6. Root words of Tamil are found in languages across the world

Tamil gave not only words but grammar to almost 400 languages. Root words of many languages are from Tamil. This includes Sanskrit, Greek, Latin, and Korean.

The root words of Tamil indeed exhibit fascinating connections to languages across the world, reflecting the language’s ancient origins and historical interactions.

Through linguistic analysis and comparative studies, scholars have identified correlations between Tamil and other language families, highlighting shared etymological roots and lexical similarities.

7. The only language to have a separate community ruled by kings

In the ancient period, Tamil was the only language to have a separate community named Mudhal Tamil Sangam ( முதல் தமிழ்ச்சங்கம் ) and ruled by 89 kings, 4400 years long ago.

8. Google and Tamil

Call it a coincidence or intentional, the name Google matches with its phonetic Tamil name KoogiL – this word can be broken into two parts koo and kiLL.

koo is koovu : one meaning is to call

கூ – தமிழ் விக்சனரி

kiLL is kiLLudhal which has meanings to pluck/search/analyze.

So Google in Tamil phonetical word koogiL logically gives the same meaning call and search/pluck. It is remarkable among the lesser known yet interesting facts about the Tamil language.

9. Most people pronounce the word Tamil incorrectly

Actually, Tamil is pronounced as Tamizh (தமிழ்) and not Tamil  (டமில்).  The “zh” has to be pronounced as ழ. It is the unique alphabet in the world and no language has the equivalent of that.

Even some Tamil people will find it difficult to pronounce that word correctly with the correct phonetic sound. 

10. Unique Script

The Tamil script, known as “Vattezhuthu” or “Grantha,” is one of the oldest continuously used writing systems in the world.

It has a distinct set of characters and is beautifully suited to the language’s phonetic nature.

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• , June 20, 2023

Basic Words In Tamil: 20+ Most Useful Vocabulary

Do you know that Tamil is the world’s eighteenth most spoken language? Knowing the basic words in Tamil opens the door to a large body of art in the Tamil language.

Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken primarily by the Tamil people of South Asia. In the four other South Indian states, Tamil is spoken by a minority population. Due to the popularity of Tamil, you should learn the basic words in Tamil. Also, speaking Tamil can assist you in business and vacation journeys.

In addition, communication with locals can lead to experiences that only people who speak the country’s local language can have. So, explore the language and learn the basic Tamil words with this complete guide!

Status Of Tamil Language 

As the official language of Singapore and Sri Lanka, Tamil is spoken worldwide. As of now, there are at least 80 million native Tamil speakers. But it came from a long history of changing languages and cultures. After evolving from an old literary culture, the basic Tamil words have undergone significant phonological alterations and sound shifts.

Counting all the vowels and consonants, there are 31 words in the Tamil dialect. Moreover, Tamil is as adaptable as Sanskrit and Latin in terms of creating new words.

Some Basic Words In Tamil 

If you only want to know what to say when speaking in Tamil, these basic phrases, expressions, and words will assist! For example, the word “today” has a Tamil translation as “இன்று” “Iṉṟu.” It is the most commonly used word in any language.

Take another example of the basic word “food” translated as “உணவு” “Uṇavu.” Like these, many other basic words in Tamil are important to learn. The majority of the words below have common usage in regular speech, so memorizing them may come in helpful.

Basic Greeting In Tamil

Can you say “Hello” in multiple languages?

Why not put in a bit of effort and learn a few more greetings? For example, you can modify how you greet people depending on the time of day!

Start your day with the phrase “Good morning” “காலை வணக்கம்” “Kālai vaṇakkam!” The Tamil phrase for “good night” “இனிய இரவு” “Iṉiya iravu” is comparable to “goodbye” “பிரியாவிடை” “Piriyāviṭai” in English. So only say this one before going to bed. Learn more basic words in Tamil from below. 

Basic Words In Tamil For Travelers 

Tamil is a rich language. If you travel to any other South Indian city where Tamil is not an official language, you can talk in Tamil. It is because most people are familiar with spoken Tamil. 

Do you need to learn and speak Tamil for travel purposes? You can start by learning the basic words that have wide usage worldwide. Also, consider learning some common phrases. For example, learn the phrase “Where is the restaurant?” s “உணவகங்கள் எங்கே?” “Uṇavakaṅkaḷ eṅkē?” 

It is important to learn the above phrase when you are in another country. You will need to visit restaurants and often ask about the location from the locals. So, the first thing is to study those phrases that you believe can make your traveling easy and worthwhile. Below are some of the other traveling phrases that every traveler must learn. 

Basic Tamil Words For Family

Family is important to Indians, regardless of their first language. Ask about their family if you want to have a long conversation with someone from Tamil Nadu.

Now is the moment to skip the formal conversation and start making contact with locals in Tamil. Take some interest in learning and beat the table with your speaking skills.

Basic Tamil Words And phrases For Daily Use

If you want to interact with more people, learn the basic everyday words. Firstly, learn to say Yes and No in Tamil. These words will help you a lot if you do not speak Tamil well. So, learn to say “No” in Tamil, which means “இல்லை” “Illa.” Other everyday words and their Tamil meanings are below. 

Learn The Tamil Language With Ling! 

Learning a new language using language learning tools is a useful step. The Ling app is a language learning tool that exhibits unique features.

The Ling app provides effective remote learning and frees you from the traditional classroom system. It has game modes that make learning easy and quick.

You can learn Tamil and many other languages from Ling . People who speak English can  learn Tamil  by conversing with the instructors on the Ling app . This is the second entry in our new Tamil blog, so why not check out the first, No Tamil on Rosetta Stone ?

Instructors and chatbots offer practical sessions to help you learn Tamil expressions and basic words. You can also get the answers to questions from the instructors. Further, stay tuned for more upcoming Tamil lessons. Till then, download Ling – Learn Tamil on the App Store or Play Store to learn to speak the most common phrases in the Tamil language for every situation. 

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The transformational travel guide

Best places to visit in Tamil Nadu, India

Table of Contents

TAMIL NADU IS A STATE in South India famous for historic monuments, elaborate temples, the Mahabalipuram monuments, colourful Pondicherry, cultural Chennai, and much more. There are many great tourist attractions, and in this post, I asked travellers, bloggers, and locals who either hail from Tamil Nadu or know the state well to contribute their recommendations on best places to visit.

I studied Yoga in Chennai, Tamil Nadu in 2006 (at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram) and have spent time in Pondicherry and Tiruvanammalai . It’s a rich, diverse and fascinating state. Historian Michael Wood, in the BBC documentary The Story of India, calls Tamil Nadu, “the only surviving Classical Civilization in the world.”

There are many great tourist places to visit in Tamil Nadu and many wonderful things to experience such as beaches, historic monuments, great food, spiritual sites, diverse cultures, ancient and contemporary art, lively markets for shopping, throngs of festivals, adventure sports, and Bollywood movie locations. 

The food and cuisine of Tamil Nadu is a particular favourite in India with delectable dishes such as Chettinad chicken, sambar, prawn curries, idli, masala dosa, and crispy vada to name a few. Tamil Nadu is also a foodie destination! Plus there are stunning offbeat locations such as Auroville , spiritual centres such as Tiruvanammalai , famous landmarks such as the Shore Temple , and wonderful organizations, such as TDH Core that provides homes for street kids . 

Tamil Nadu history

In Tamil Nadu, there are more than 400 structures that are more than 1,000 years old. This kind of heritage density is unlikely to be found in any other part of the world. Tamil civilization (under the larger umbrella of Bharatvarsha) is old. When in Tamil Nadu, there is ancient wisdom and beauty in the very air you breathe.  

If you take language as a marker of civilization, Tamil is a leading contender. A quick google search of “oldest language in the world” is likely to list Tamil as one of the oldest languages spoken by human beings. Some of the practices mentioned in Tamil literature are thousands of years old and are still practiced signifying a continuous civilizational thread. 

For example, every village in Tamil Nadu has a guardian deity. If you drive along Tamil roads, you are likely to find sculptures by the roadside. You are welcome to satisfy your curiosity and stop and take a photo (but always remember to be respectful of local customs). 

Vinayakan Aiyer lives in Singapore and has Tamil ancestry. He speaks Tamil fluently and knows many Tamils in Singapore who visit Tamil Nadu to this day in search of their heritage.

UNESCO Sites of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is home to incredible architectural treasures and ornate temples dating back hundreds of years. Three of them are UNESCO listed.

Great Living Chola Temples . Three huge temples built by the Chola dynasty lay scattered around central Tamil Nadu. Together they are categorised as the Great Living Chola Temples and listed by UNESCO since 1987. These temples dating from the 11 th and 12 th centuries are classic examples of Dravidian architecture. Many people visit Tamil Nadu with the sole purpose of seeing poetry and fluidity in these mute sculptures of various sizes and forms.

Start your trip from Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, 255 kilometres from nearest airport Chennai. From here Airavateswara temple is 38 kilometres away an hour’s drive by road. Go 37 kilometres further southwest to see Brihadeeswarar Temple which is famed as a monument that casts no shadow and houses the tallest Shiva Lingam in the world. It is possible to cover all three in a day unless you really want to linger on in each temple, which most likely you will want to — such is the charm of these temples.

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram . This group of temples is the oldest among all the UNESCO sites of Tamil Nadu. Nine temples here are monolithic wonders and date back to the 7 th and 8 th centuries, which is amazing considering the rudimentary technological of that period. 

Named according to their shapes, these monuments are worth seeing at least once in lifetime. There is an incredible amount of history here, plan for a stroll here in the later part of the day and walk to the beach close by while taking in Rathas (chariots), Mandapas (pavilion), Arjuna’s Penance, and Bhagiratha’s Penance.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway . The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is one among the three Mountain Railways of India that is recognized by UNESCO as a heritage site. It was built by the British in 1908. It is one of the rare meter gauge railways still functional in India. The experience of the scenic ride all the way from Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam (Ooty), via Coonoor in the Nilgiri Hills (a rugged hill region of the Western Ghats) is more than worth time and money.

Freelance Travel Blogger, Photographer, Social Media Influencer, and Travel Blog at IShareThese .

Temples of Tamil Nadu

A temple tour of Tamil Nadu is the perfect introduction to India for those who are interested in architecture and history, and those who are intrigued by the importance of religion in daily life.

Temple worship traditionally involves a long and uncomfortable journey to the temple. Upon arrival, the pilgrim sees the towering gopuram (gate), beyond which lies the enclosed shrine. The pilgrim leaves footwear outside the gate, undergoes an initial purification via a holy bath and therein begins the real journey.

The tall gopuram creates a sense of dynamism, a movement away from the gate and towards the centre that is locked away in the heart of the shrine. Here the pilgrim comes in touch with a higher power, and prayers are offered to help secure a peaceful and prosperous life in return for the sacrifice.

My favourite temple trail takes you to both the most-visited and lesser-known temples in the state. Here my recommendations.

• The 16 th C Kapaleeshwar Temple at Chennai, dedicated to Lord Shiva’s consort-Goddess Parvati.
• The Shore and Rock cut Temples at Mahabalipuram dating back to 8 th century AD.
• The spectacular Kailashanatha Temple (685-705 AD), considered the oldest structure in Kanchipuram and the Ekambaveshvara Temple , both dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Vaikuntha Perumal Temple dedicated to Vishnu, all make for an amazing introduction to the temples of Tamil Nadu.
• The Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, dedicated to Shiva as the lord of dance, holds a special memory. This is where I witnessed a young girl offering her first public performance called an Arangetram. Oblivious to the crowd gathering around, her focus only on the deity, the fluidity of her movements, and the flashing of her kohl lined eyes kept us all spell bound. Her passion and the devotion have left an indelible mark on my memory.
• In Tanjore, the Shiva dedicated exquisite Brihadishvara Temple exemplifies fully realised Dravidian architecture.
• Arriving at Sittanavasal, Ariyar Koil created by the Jains in the 2 nd century is a personal favourite. Off the usual track, the cave is approached after a short uphill climb.  The cave paintings are in a fresco-secco technique and depict a beautiful pond with lotus flowers, dancing figures, elephants etc. The image of Jain monks making the arduous climb to the cave to offer prayers, dating back to 600 AD creates a feeling of deep spirituality and peace.   
• The Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Temple in Narthamalai is another Shiva temple from the 9 th century. This rock-cut structure is again not on the usual trail, accessible only via a walk on a flat stone hillside, arriving at this beautifully isolated monument making the climb very worthwhile.
• Towards the end of our temple trail, the Meenakshi Amman Temple at Madurai offers a spectacular finale. A complete antithesis of the rock temple, this complex attracts a few thousand pilgrims daily and is a hub of religious activity. The evening ceremony to put the Lord Sundareshwar and his consort Meenakshi to bed is a huge draw for locals and visitors alike.

Visit some or all these beautiful temples – you will be enthralled!

A curator of luxury tours in India, Mona Kapoor, Chief Executive of Indian Vistas , is a veteran of Indian tourism. Offering the highest quality of luxury services, she creates tailored itineraries with meticulous detail. Mona brings to the table a spectrum of experience, strong relationships and a passion for showcasing the best of the Indian subcontinent.

The food of Tamil Nadu

Tiffin Varieties in Tamil Nadu 

We all know that Tamil Nadu is famous for its gorgeous temples, stunning coastlines, and colourful festivals! What you may not know (unless you have visited the state) is that Tamil Nadu is also a food hub, a melting pot of mouth-watering cuisines. Tiffin is a lighter version of a meal that can be had anytime of the day. Most popular times to have tiffin are either as breakfast, or around 3pm in the afternoon, which is christened as tiffin time in Tamil Nadu. Tiffin is usually accompanied by a cup of hot filter coffee or flavoured masala tea. 

Each of these tiffin varieties are part of a deeply rooted culture that still exists in various parts of Tamil Nadu. For instance, dishes like Uthappam, Idiappam, and Kuzhi Paniyaaram hail from the Chettinad region. Puttu, Poli and dishes with a heavy coconut base are famous in Kongu region. Since the staple food in Tamil Nadu is rice, a lot of these tiffin varieties are made with rice flour, fermented rice, or coarse rice. 

Here are some of the lip smacking tiffin varieties that are worth trying while you are in Tamil Nadu.

• Idli. Steamed rice cake accompanied best with coconut chutney, coriander chutney and sambar 
• Masala Dosa. Thin crispy rice pancake stuffed inside with potato masala. Best accompanied with coconut chutney, tomato chutney and sambar
• Vada. A doughnut shaped crispy fritter usually dipped in piping hot sambar. 
• Pongal. Mashed rice and moong dhal tempered with pepper and cumin, with oodles of ghee. 
• Uthappam. A thicker version of dosa, Uthappam is usually topped with onion, mixed vegetables, chilli or tomato. 
• Idiappam / Sevai. String hoppers made with rice flour. 
• Paniyaaram. Ball shaped dumpling made with fermented rice and lentil batter
• Poori Masala. Deep fried bread best had with mashed potato side dish. 
• Upma / Rava Kichdi. Thick savoury porridge made with coarse semolina, vegetables, and minimal spices. 
• Adai & Avial. A mixed lentil pancake accompanied with cooked vegetables in a coconut and yogurt gravy. 
• Puttu. Steamed cylindrical rice pancake layered with coconut shavings
• Bonda & Bajji. Deep-fried gram flour based popular snacks.

Anuradha & Srinath, the couple behind the travel blog  Country Hopping Couple , are originally from Chennai and currently live in UK with their four-year-old twins. They have been travelling the world for 12 years in search of best kept secrets and hidden gems. They share their offbeat travel stories and destination guides on their blog. 

Best places to visit in Tamil Nadu

Guide to chennai.

Chennai city, formerly known as Madras, is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. It is a city that has retained its charm in the form of retro culture and tradition. 

These are my recommendations for the best places to visit in Chennai, and some of the best things to do, in order to gain a maximum feel of the city.

Must visit: Marina Beach is one of Asia’s longest beaches. It features memorials of Tamil Nadu’s political leaders, a tall lighthouse, and amusement parks for the kids. Take a stroll along the beach from sunrise to sunset, monitored by horse and ATV mounted police, and go up the lighthouse for a majestic view of the beach and city (10 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 5 pm).

Recreational spots: VGP Golden resort and beach and MGM Beach resort are ideal family getaway points with numerous activities to try. Vandaloor Zoo, Guindy National Park, Muthukadu Boat house, Wild tribe ranch, Mahabalipuram, Nehru Planetarium, Rail Museum are other popular spots.

Temples: Kalaleshwara temple in Mylapur is Chennai’s most popular and historic temple. Other popular temples include Parthasarathy Temple, ISKCON Chennai,  Ashtalakshmi temple in Besant Nagar, and Anjaneyar temple in Nanganallur. St Thomas Mount and Santhom Cathedral are the most popular Christian centres.

Cultural hotspots: Music Academy, Valluvar Kottai, and Dakshina Chitra on ECR, are Chennai’s most popular spots for experiencing cultural activities. Chennai is known as a cultural centre where you can experience Kollam celebrations during Pongal, music festivals held during November/December, and celebrations of various Indian festivals throughout the year.

Shopping: Chennai’s T Nagar area is a hub for family shopping, with South India’s largest shops and showrooms selling dress materials, sarees, jewelry, and other goods. Take a stroll here to feel the pulse of the city.

Food: Try traditional south Indian food at Saravana Bhavan, Murugan Idli shop, and Woodlands. Idli sambar, masala dosa, pongal, crispy vada are some of the most popular breakfast items. Do try coconut poli, different types of appalams, and spicy buttermilk.

Stay: ITC Grand Chola is Chennai’s most luxurious seven-star hotel. Five-star luxury hotels including Marriott, Leela Palace, Trident, Hyatt, resorts and budget stay options are available across the city, including beach front properties along the East Coast Road (ECR).

Weather: Chennai is a hot, tropical destination most of the year. October to December is the usual rainy season. January and February has most pleasant weather. March to September is usually hotter.

Getting around: Chennai Airport (MAA) has flight connectivity from all major cities in India and numerous international destinations. Chennai has an excellent network of suburban trains that connect the city centre to different parts of the city. You can commute 20-30 kilometres for a low fare of just Rs 10. Metro service connects the airport to the city’s main bus terminal and major suburbs. An excellent fleet of city buses, autos, self-drive car, bike rentals, and taxis ensure you can get around in comfort and budget.

NOTE: Did you know that USA vice-president Kamala Harris has often visited this city as it was where her Mother was born, and where her grandparents resided. Kamala Harris has spoken about walking on Elliot’s Beach , at the southern tip of Marina Beach, with her grandfather P.V. Gopalan. 

Shrinidhi Hande is a blogger by passion and senior business analyst by profession, who has traveled to 40 countries across 5 continents around the world. He has authored a book on budget travel and is considered one of the leading travel bloggers in India. Visit his blog eNidhi .

Mahabalipuram

Tamil Nadu is one of the most culturally rich states of India. It has beaches, heritage sites, colourful ancient temples, and soulful food that tempts me to visit it again and again. Mahabalipuram, just 58 kilometres from the capital Chennai, is famous for its beachside resorts and UNESCO Group of Monuments, which are elaborately carved from solid rocks. 

The town is named after King Pallava Narsimhavaram-I who was known as Mahamalla (wrestler). Later it became Mahabalipuram. There are so many things to do in Mahabalipuram including a visit to the beach and visiting lesser-known Crocodile Park. But the main attraction is the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram , built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries.

The main monuments are the Panchrathas, which means five chariots, and Arjuna’s Penance, which is said to be the world’s largest bas-relief carved with Hindu gods and goddesses. One can’t miss the Giant Krishna’s butterball, which has been resting on an incline for 1,200 years! The star of Mahabalipuram is the Shore Temple, built of cut stones rather than carved out of rock face like the other monuments. 

The Shore Temple faces east, and catches the sun’s rays at sunrise. It’s a glorious sight to watch the sun light up Lord Shiva, the main deity — and definitely worth getting up for. The monuments at Mahabalipuram are elaborately carved and demonstrate incredible artwork. If you walk the lanes of Mahabalipuram, you will come across so many stone-carved sculptures in the shops and you can see artisans working on it. 

If you love architecture and artwork, this place will not disappoint you. You can visit all the monuments via a single ticket and one day is good enough to cover all the monuments, but if you love to be by the beach, you can stay longer. Mahabalipuram is located 58 kilometres from Chennai on the ECR route and it’s an easy weekend getaway for locals. 

Mayuri is traveling India and abroad for the last 10 years and journaling her experiences through the fernwehrahee blog .

Pondicherry

Pondicherry (or Pondy) is one of South Indian’s gems and a great place to have an amazing sun-kissed vacation by the beach. Also known as Puducherry, the town is a union territory town of India with a history of French colonial settlement. The town was home to Sri Aurobindo and an ashram dedicated to Sri Aurobindo dominates a section of the city.

There is nowhere else like Pondicherry in India. The colonial past has left behind a French quarter that is utterly charming. The leafy streets are lined with colourful French cafes and inns, and there’s even an ocean front promenade. The town is a popular destination among backpackers as it has many quaint hotels and hostels catering for all. It is an ideal town for travellers who love a relaxed holiday exploring the cafe culture, where the aroma of both French favourites such as crepes and South Indian favourites such as dosas fill the air.

Pondicherry is definitely a favourite among the locals, tourists, and backpackers who enjoy visiting the temples, churches, and monuments. However, it is also a town that draws adventure junkies who love sports such as surfing and scuba diving.

Pondicherry is recognised by the global diving company PADI. With more than 20 dive sites, it is suitable for scuba divers at all levels. One of the most fascinating dive sites is the temple reef, which is an artificial reef constructed from fully recycled materials such as trees, bottles, iron bars and palm leaves. Created and managed by the local dive centre Temple Adventures, the reef was started to replenish the dying reef and marine life which was diminishing due to overfishing.

Pondicherry should be on every traveller’s bucket list.

Raksha Nagaraj is an Australian and Indian travel blogger. She mainly focuses on solo female traveling, hiking and diving through her blog SoloPassport . 

Ooty, Queen of Nilgiri Hills

They call Ooty the Queen of Nilgiri Hills. Located at a height of 2,240 metres above sea level, Ooty (or Udagamandalam) is the most visited hill station in south India. Even Bollywood has a soft corner for her. The captivating rolling hills of 6th Mile and 9th Mile (called Wenlock Downs), along with the towering pine forests and the beautiful Ooty lakes are part of many romantic Bollywood blockbusters.

There are not many tourists who would want to miss a boating opportunity in the pristine waters of Pykara Lake and Ooty Lake. A day trip to the enchanting valleys of Ketty, the tea plantations of Coonoor, and the quaint cantonment town of Wellington would be high on anyone’s list of places to visit. 

Even the train trip is a tourist attraction. The famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage train ride. Though the complete journey of 46 kilometres from the plains of Mettupalayam to the hills of Ooty takes five hours, the part from Ooty to Coonoor is the most picturesque and takes only an hour to complete.

Some other great places to visit include:

• The Ooty Rose Garden has the largest variety of rose plants in India. While Ooty Botanical Garden houses 1,000 species of exotic and indigenous plants including a 20-million-year-old fossilised tree. 
• The century-old St. Stephens Church.
• The Stone House, the oldest bungalow of Ooty
• Ooty Club, where the rules of Snooker were first drafted
• Traditional Toda huts, home of Toda tribe, the original inhabitants of Ooty
• The Doddabetta peak, the highest peak of Nilgiri Hills
• Avalanche Lake and the Emerald Lake, two amazing natural water reservoirs surrounded by green hills.

Plus, Ooty is located inside the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. That means you can visit some of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in India while in Ooty. Mukurthi National Park is famous for Nilgiri Tahrs, while Mudumalai National Park is home to a large population of Indian elephants, leopards, gaurs, and Bengal tigers.

To reach Ooty, you can fly to the nearest airport, which is in Coimbatore, 84 kilometres away. Or you can drive from Chennai (550 kilometres) or Bengaluru International Airport (265 kilometres).

Subhadeep Mondal is a travel blogger and photographer from Kolkata, India who loves to write his travel tales in his blog My Travel Frames .

The legacy of wealthy Chettiar families, in the form of culture, food, heritage, and ancestral mansions, still remains in the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. Centuries ago, the erstwhile mercantile community of the state occupied about 80 villages around the present-day town of Karaikudi. 

The wealthy merchants and bankers lived in palatial mansions that had large courtyards, intricately carved Burma teak wood doors and pillars, colorful Athangudi and Japanese tiles, and chandeliers and glass from Europe. Most of the mansions are now abandoned, but make excellent stops for photography and culture enthusiasts. 

Besides mansion hopping, there are plenty of other things to do in Chettinad . The temples in the regions are not only architecturally pleasing, but are quite unusual. One example would be that of the Horse Temple where clay horses of varying sizes and colour are left behind by the devotees. 

The antique markets are not just places to shop, but living museums where people can appreciate the art collections that were once a part of the ancestral Chettinad mansions.

Your visit to Chettinad is not complete if you have not sampled their delightful food. In fact, it is the food that has made this region famous across the world. The rich flavours from freshly ground spices and unique ingredients like Maratti Moku and stone flowers, when blended in tamarind or tomato curries, is enough to convert any non-foodie. From Chettinad Chicken, Prawn curries and Mutton Chukka to Kuzhi Paniyaram, Dosai, and Brinjal curries – there are plenty of options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Ami Bhat is a full-time travel writer, photographer and blogger who believes in counting experiences and not just places. You can catch her adventures on www.thrillingtravel.in

Ancient temples of Kumbakonam

Located on the banks of River Kaveri, Kumbakonam is an ancient temple town. It gets its name from the word kumbam meaning a pot or vessel for holy water. This pot contained Amritam (ambrosia) and the seeds of creation for the next cycle of life.

The kumbam floated off during the last destruction of the world. It came to rest at Kumbakonam, with the help of Lord Shiva. Its contents were spilled and a huge lake arose. Mahamaham festival takes place every year around Mahamaham Tank to commemorate this cosmic event, and a big festival takes place once in 12 years. 

  Kumbakonam was a part of several successive kingdoms such as Cholas, Pallavas, Pandyas, Vijayanagaram, and Nayaks. As a consequence, the region developed a mix of cultures over the years, with each ruler adding more temples. 

  There are nearly 200 temples in this town and 1,000 more in the vicinity. Most of them are dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu of the Trimurti. The most important ones are as follows:

Adi Kumbeswarar is the oldest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

Sarangapani Temple is the largest Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam with 108 Divya Desam (Holy places) of pilgrimage for the followers of Vishnu. Not to be missed is the huge temple chariot weighing 300 tonnes, which is brought out during festivals.  

Ramaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama who is an Avatar of Vishnu. Ramayana, the story of Rama, is painted on the walls of the temple and is quite unique.

Mahamaham Tank which is part of the legend of Kumbakonam is said to be spread over six acres with many mandapas and holy wells around the tanks, each dedicated to different gods and goddesses.   

Kasi Viswanathar Temple is a Shiva temple dedicated to the temple at Varanasi with the same name. 

About four kilometres from the centre of Kumbakonam is a huge temple of Darasuram called Airavatesvara Temple , a UNESCO world heritage site. The architecture, with its stone chariots, apsaras, sun dials and shrines for lots of gods and goddesses has to be seen to be believed. The highlight is “the singing steps,” where each step produces a different note when you step on them. 

  All these temples and many more have beautiful towers, deep religious significance and have interesting legends attached to them which can keep the visitors enthralled. 

Nisha & Vasu are Mumbai based couple travel bloggers, blogging at www.lemonicks.com for more than a decade. Counting memories, not countries is their mantra and they vouch for responsible tourism, look for untold stories from their slow & deep travels. 

Masinagudi is part of the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Sitting on the edge of Mudumalai National Park, it shares the border with Bandipur National Park of Karnataka state. The Nilgiri mountain ranges surrounding Masinagudi create lush, green scenery all year round. This incredible location makes Masinagudi a favoured vacation destination for nature and wildlife lovers.

Masinagudi is blessed with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Since this popular tourist town is located between two great national parks of India, this is also a popular wildlife corridor. You can take a wildlife safari in a jeep for a chance to see the animals from up-close in their natural habitat (of course without bothering them). Although tiger sightings are not as common here, elephant sightings are very common. In fact, when you drive through the jungle to reach Masinagudi, drive slowly and keep an eye out for possible wildlife sightings. Chances are good that you will encounter an elephant … or five.

There are many jungle resorts in Masinagudi offering stays ranging from budget to luxury. Whether it is for a romantic getaway or a family holiday, Masinagudi makes for a soothing vacation experience in the lap of nature. You may, while having breakfast at your jungle resort, get to see a herd of deer roaming around the resort property — and find yourself believing in the peaceful coexistence of humans and nature.

Although the nearest airport is Coimbatore (114 kilometres), Masinagudi is also close to Wayanad (90 kilometres) in Kerala and both Mysore (99 kilometres) and Bangalore (240 kilometres) in Karnataka. So, Masinagudi receives domestic tourists not just from Tamil Nadu, but also from its neighbouring states. When you are in Masinagudi, it is also easy to combine a side trip to Ooty, Tamil Nadu’s famous hill station, lying only 30 kilometres south of Masinagudi.

Pubali and Indranil, the travel blogger duo of Paradise Catchers , are an Indian couple traveling across Latin America and Caribbean one bit at a time, while living in Costa Rica.

Thiruvarur District 

Thulasendrapuram is a small village ringed by lush green rice paddies, in Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. It’s suddenly gaining a lot of attention because Kamala Harris’s maternal grandfather P.V. Gopalan was born there more than 100 years ago. He was a big inspiration to the vice-president of the United States, who inspired her with his stories about fighting for the rights of Indians to win independence from Britain.

Since Kamala Harris was elected, interest in her Mother’s birthplace has escalated. Her Mother, Dr. Shyamala Gopalan, a cancer researcher, was born and raised in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and emigrated to the United States when she was just 19 years old to study. There she married and gave birth to two daughters, Kamala and Maya. Born and raised in California, Kamala Harris is proud of her mixed race background. 

Aside from the significance of this region to Kamala Harris, what makes Thiruvarur a special place? The story revolves around the temples and the globally renowned music festival Thyagaraja, named after the deity of the temple. There are 14 temples within a 14 kilometre radius of Thiruvarur town. 

One of the most important temples is Thyagaraja Temple, a Shiva temple, located in the town of Thiruvarur. The huge temple complex covers 30 acres, and is one of the largest in India. It houses nine gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the eastern tower, with four stories and a height of 30 metres. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Thyagaragar (Veethi Vidangar) and Neelothbalambal (Alliyankothai) being the most prominent.

The world famous Thyagaraja Aaradhana is the annual festival of Telugu saint-composer Thyagaraja. The music festival is observed in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, primarily in Tiruvaiyaru (72 kilometres from Thiruvarur), the place where Thyagaraja attained samadhi. He was one of the renowned composers of Carnatic music, a form of Indian classical music. He was prolific and highly influential in the development of India’s classical music tradition. 

Thyagaraja and his contemporaries, Shyama Shastri and Muthuswami Dikshitar were regarded as the Trinity of Carnatic music. Tyagaraja composed thousands of devotional compositions, most in Telugu and in praise of Lord Rama, many of which remain popular today. Of special mention are five of his compositions called the Pancharatna Kritis (“five gems”), which are often sung in programs in his honour.

The Thyagaraja Aradhana festival is held in December or January, when most of the leading exponents of Carnatic music come to perform and are watched by thousands of ardent fans. A huge complex is built at this site to accommodate the large audiences. 

Other popular places near Thiruvarur include Tanjavur and Kumbakonam. Brihadeswara Temple at Tanjavur is a world heritage site and the Navagraha temples around Kumbakonam are considered a must-see. 

Closest airport to Thiruvarur is Trichy Airport (120 kilometres) and closest railway station is Tanjavur Railway Station (62 kilometres). It’s about 300 kilometres from Chennai by road. 

By Aneesh Babu of Dravidian Trails .

Kanyakumari

Located at the southernmost tip of India, in the state of Tamil Nadu, is the famous coastal town of Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari is the only place on earth where three oceans meet: the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. This confluence is called the Triveni Sangam. (Triveni means three and sangam means confluence). Each ocean is a different colour and it’s fun to try and discern them. It is also considered auspicious to take a bath in this holy water.

You can watch both the sunrise and sunset at the Kanyakumari beach with only the waters, monuments, and the horizon within your sight. This indeed is an instagrammable picture, but there is much magic beyond the photo which you have to be there to experience.        

Kanyakumari is a famous tourist spot in Tamil Nadu and also an important pilgrim place. Kanyakumari is named after Devi Kanya Kumari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi. It is believed that she was set to marry Lord Shiva, but he did not turn up on the auspicious day. This infuriated the Devi and she threw all the things and decided to remain unmarried all her life. Hence the name of the city: kanya means girl while kumari means unmarried.

The 3,000 year old Bhagavathy Amman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kanya Kumari and is one of the most important temples in India. It is thronged by many disciples and cannot be missed. 

You should also not miss the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue, both on islands off the shore. These are accessible by state run ferries that have a nominal ticket price.

Tip: There’s often a waiting time of one hour to board the ferry. Visit in the morning. The floors of the rock memorial can become too hot to walk on in the afternoon.

Neha is a traveler at heart and loves to travel with her husband and two kids all across the globe. She truly believes not all classrooms have four walls and want her kids to explore the culture, cuisine and architecture of other countries and become global citizens. She pens her experiences at Travelmelodies.com helping other families to travel. 

Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is one among the sacred char dhams for Hindus, the key pilgrimage centres of India situated in the four corners of India. It has been a great source of inspiration for countless saints and commoners alike from all walks of life, since time immemorial.

The pilgrimage is a unique one in many ways starting with the train journey to the revered land — which passes along the Pamban bridge. A 100 year old architectural marvel, this massive sea bridge, India’s first, connects the Indian mainland to Rameshwaram island . Passing over it is an exciting experience in itself, with cool sea breezes gusting from the waters of the Indian ocean.

Before one enters the main Rameshwaram, or the Ramanathaswamy temple , one has to follow a special custom: bathing! Pilgrims must bath in water that comes from a well. The holy water is mysteriously sweet and has curative properties. 

After bathing, comes the final leg of the Rameshwaram darshan yatra (holy pilgrimage), which is praying to the Shiva Lingam, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the world. (It was worshiped by none other than Lord Rama himself.) To get there, one has to walk through a gloriously ornate corridor. Considered to be the longest in the world at 3,850 feet in length and 30 feet in height, the famed corridor is supported by 1,212 pillars and is another highlight of the yatra .

Arti is a wanderer at heart and a wonderer in spirit; discovering, creating and simply being present for the gift called life. Her blog is MyYatraDiary. 

The natural world of Tamil Nadu

Western ghats.

Think Tamil Nadu and one thinks of the ancient Pallava rock cut cave temples of Mahabalipuram or the Great Living Chola temples. But there is more to Tamil Nadu than just ancient heritage. The Western Ghats which runs along the western coast of India is an integral part of Tamil Nadu, and it’s one of the top four biodiversity hotspots of India.

The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mountain range that runs 1,600 kilometres through the Indian states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, parallel to the western coast of the country. It contains a large proportion of flora and fauna endemic to India, and influences the monsoon weather patterns. The Western Ghats is one of the world’s top 10 biodiversity hotspots, rivaling the Amazon basin.  

World Heritage sites in Tamil Nadu include wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, lakes, and waterfalls. From the Nilgiris to Anaimalai Mountains, from Sathyamangalam and Mudhumalai Wildlife Sanctuaries to Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, and from Valparai to Kodaikanal — Tamil Nadu has several natural destinations that cannot be missed. 

Lakshmi blogs at LakshmiSharath .

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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

Best tourist destinations & places in Tamil Nadu

Historical Places in Tamilnadu For A Truly Heritage Circuit

Best Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu for a Perfect Religious Getaway

Beaches of Tamil Nadu For A Perfect Beachside Vacation

Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu To Beat The Heat

National Parks in Tamil Nadu For A Thrilling Wildlife Adventure

Trekking In Tamil Nadu For An Adventurous Getaway

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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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.

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

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Translation of "tourist" into Tamil

அந்தணர், உல்லாசப்பயணி, உல்லாசப்பயணிஉல்லாசப்பயணம் செல்பவர் are the top translations of "tourist" into Tamil. Sample translated sentence: He said each one should develop a temperament to promote tourist destinations within India, spontaneously among their contacts. ↔ இந்தியாவிற்குள் சுற்றுலாப் பகுதிகளை ஊக்குவிக்கும் மனப்பான்மையை ஒவ்வொருவரும் உருவாக்கிக் கொள்ள வேண்டும்.

Someone who travels for pleasure rather than for business. [..]

English-Tamil dictionary

அந்து=அல்; + அண்மை; + அன்; அண்மையில் அன்றி தொலைவில் இருந்து வந்தவன்.

உல்லாசப்பயணி

உல்லாசப்பயணிஉல்லாசப்பயணம் செல்பவர்.

Less frequent translations

• சுற்றுலாப் பயணி
• சுற்றுலாவாண்மை
• சுற்றுலாவாண்மைசுற்றுலாத்திட்டம்சுற்றுலா ஏற்பாடுகள்

Show algorithmically generated translations

Automatic translations of " tourist " into Tamil

Images with "tourist", phrases similar to "tourist" with translations into tamil.

• tourist attraction சுற்றுலா ஈர்ப்பு
• tourist taxirvan சுற்றுலா வாடகைச் சிற்றுந்து
• tourist bungalow சுற்றுலா வளமனை · பயணர் இல்லம்
• tourist guide சுற்றுலா வழிகாட்டி
• tourist resort சுற்றுலாத்தலம்
• kidnapped tourists கடத்தப்பட்ட சுற்றுலாவாணர்கள்
• tourists சுற்றுலாச் செலவர் ; சுற்றுலாவாணர்
• tourist visa சுற்றுலா இசைவு

Translations of "tourist" into Tamil in sentences, translation memory

• Culture and Religions in Sri Lanka

Tamil language in Sri Lanka

• 29 April 2020

Tamil is the official language in countries like India, Singapore, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.

It is one of the oldest classical languages that survives today.

75% of Sri Lankans are Sinhalese and 24% Tamil speakers (11% Sri Lankan Tamil, 9% Moorish and 4% Indian Tamils), with small communities of Malaysians, bourgeois and others.

In 1956, the Official Language Law n. 33, declared Sinhala as the only official language.

With this law replacing the English that had been imposed under British colonial rule.

In 1958, in response to complaints from the Tamil-speaking people, the government passed the Tamil-language law (special provisions).

Tamil was declared an official language in the north and east of the Tamil majority.

The Sri Lankan civil war, which ended in 2009, was partly triggered by the introduction of language policies that created divisions along ethnic and linguistic lines.

The Tamils ​​have inhabited Sri Lanka for about 2500 years ago.

The first traces of their presence are found in the northern side of the island., the sinhalese people lived in the south, and five other tribes scattered throughout the island in perpetual war between them., inscriptions dating back to the first century bc were discovered in egypt, sri lanka and thailand., worldwide, over 77 million people speak the tamil language., sri lanka is indeed the perfect place for children and for people who like animals and nature., this country is incredibly green., it is impossible not to find elephant herds on safari or even on the same road traveling., it is also very easy to see leopards, macaques and other types of monkeys, giant squirrels, jackals, etc. etc.

Furthermore, walking with children and adults through the Peradeniya Botanical Garden is a delight. Along with the giant trees and millions of plants, we will also find monkeys and other animals in this immense place.

if why because and

We use all the available and easy-to-use technologies to stay in touch with our customers.

Besides the email, the most used method, we are always available by phone and whatsapp., it is also possible to communicate via skype or facetime or any other application available to the customer, but only with prior appointment., we pay a lot of attention in being able to communicate to the customer all the necessary information to offer all the tranquility to you even while you are on tour., living and working in kandy, facilitates access to privileged information to create new routes and itineraries to sri lanka., this allows us to design exclusive and unique  journeys , reaching some places that only we know., this is why we receive an excellent score in everything related to the design of customised and on-demand trips., moreover, we pay a lot of attention to everything related to the management of the booking and assistance, always in english, spanish and italian, of your trip to sri lanka., if why and because, meanwhile, those who love exotic beaches, full of palm trees and coconut trees, offer beaches in the west of the country such as bentota, ambalangoda, chilaw and negambo., you can also swim in the indian ocean in the east of the country on the beaches of trincomalee, pasikudah, nilaveli …, if you like surfing you can practice at arugam bay, weligama or mirissa. , and of course, we have the beaches of southern sri lanka such as tangalle, unawatuna, galle, ahangama, etc. etc, and if you like cities, we have kandy, jaffna, galle fort and colombo where you can walk and shop among the wonderful shops and restaurants., in a nutshell, we have a country with a wide variety of climates, places, cultures, religions, etc. , where we will always find sinhalese smiling and waiting for us with open arms., coming to sri lanka and not being surprised is absolutely impossible..

• Touristic attractions in Sri Lanka
• News and curiosities of Sri Lanka
• Misteries and Legends of Sri Lanka
• Useful tips
• The cities of Sri Lanka
• Buddhism in Sri Lanka
• National Parks in Sri lanka
• Temples of Sri Lanka
• Customs and traditions in Sri Lanka

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Table of content.

Tamil New Year Puthandu 2023: Date, history, and wishes to share

Puthandu, the tamil new year, heralds spring and harvest festivities on april 14. originating during the chola dynasty, it symbolizes fresh beginnings. celebrated in tamil nadu, sri lanka, and globally, it includes kolam decorations, ceremonial platters, vegetarian feasts, traditional cleansing rituals, and devotional songs, fostering community unity and spiritual renewal..

• May this Puthandu bring you abundant joy, prosperity, and success in all your endeavours throughout the year ahead!
• Wishing you and your loved ones a Tamil New Year filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments that create unforgettable memories. Puthandu Vazthukal!  
• May the divine blessings of Lord Brahma and the celestial guidance of Lord Indra illuminate your path with peace, harmony, and serenity this Puthandu.
• As we embark on this new journey, may your life be adorned with the colours of happiness, the fragrance of prosperity, and the melody of success.
• Let the spirit of Puthandu inspire you to embrace new beginnings, overcome challenges, and pursue your dreams with unwavering determination and optimism.
• May the traditions of Puthandu strengthen the bonds of family, deepen the ties of friendship, and foster a sense of unity and togetherness among us all.
• Wishing you a Puthandu filled with bountiful blessings, abundant harvests, and the fulfilment of all your heartfelt aspirations.
• May the dawn of this Tamil New Year bring renewed hope, rejuvenated spirits, and boundless opportunities for growth and prosperity in your life. Puthandu Vazthukal!  

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