Tamil Nadu is one of India’s most well-known tourist destinations owing to its natural splendor, unique culture as well as religious significance. The state boasts of a plethora of religious sites that attract pilgrims, historical attractions, vast plantations, mesmerizing hill stations, diverse wildlife, delicious cuisine and loads of festivities.
| TRAVEL SEASONS | MIN/MAX TEMPERATURE | SEASON |
| March-June | 25-38°C | Hot |
| Nov-March | 20-31°C | Pleasant |
| July-September | 26-34°C | Heavy Rainfall |
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Rainfall (mm) | 19.1 | 10.3 | 9.1 | 18.8 | 38.8 | 47.5 | 69.1 | 92.4 | 98.2 | 219.5 | 286.5 | 115.2 |
Having a tropical climate, Tamil Nadu has a comparatively consistent temperature levels throughout the year. The best time to visit Tamil Nadu is for sure during the winter season or during the end and beginning of the year, where the weather conditions are light and ideal for Tamil Nadu tourism.
The delicious dishes from the state are relished all over the country and abroad. The cuisine has important delicacies like dosa, idli and vada served with sambar and chutneys. There is a wide range of rice and vegetable preparations. The meals are traditionally served on banana leaves. The region is known to offer a wide variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes with each holding a unique flavoursome taste. This includes payasam, biryani, chicken chettinad, rasam, mutton curry coconut chutney, parotta, curd rice, upma, lemon rice and much more.
The most amazing things that you cannot miss out while shopping in Tamil Nadu are: Traditional Silk Sarees, Tanjore Paintings, Handicrafts, Sandalwood Products, Musical Instruments, and Jewellery.
Tamil is the predominant language spoken in Tamil Nadu and is considered one of the oldest languages in the world. Thanks to the commendable literacy rate, people also speak English for communication in most parts of the state.
1. TEMPLES
The “Land of Temples” has over 30,000 temples which pay homage to various deities like Ganesha, Murugan, Shiva, of which a few are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some of the most popular places to visit are: Meenakshi Amman (Madurai), Ramanathaswamy (Rameswaram), Kapaleeshwarar (Chennai), Monolithic Rock Temples (Mahabalipuram), Kumari Amman (Kanyakumari), Thillai Nataraja (Chidambaram), Sripuram Golden Temple (Vellore)
Each of these temples dates back centuries, as far as 200 AD, and is works of art by themselves. What is interesting to note is the history or story that led to the establishment of the place of worship.
THE FAMOUS (9 PLANETS) NAVAGRAHA TEMPLES
Navagraha: Nava means nine and graha means planet (9 Planets). But, actually its 7 planets along with 2 parts of a Mutilated Asura in the form of Head & Body of a Serpent that makes the total as 9 Grahas.
As per Hindu mythology, understanding a person’s horoscope (Birth chart or Kundali) can help him to forecast the upcoming events to some extent and thereby perform certain rituals (navagraha pariharam) that will nullify (or at least reduce) his problems and improve his living status during his life span. The horoscope is generally read by a professional astrologer (fortune teller) by re-calculating the position (placement and transition) of the all Navagrahas at the time of person’s “birth date” and “birth time” and thereafter predicting the future happenings ( gains and losses) to some extent. Mainly it provides some mental and spiritual satisfaction to the person by performing rituals and pariharams so that he can decide on the near future without any mental worries.
It’s very fortunate for Kumbakonam to have all these famous Nine powerful Navagraha temples located around Kumbakonam within a radius of Just 60-70 Kms around Kumbakonam.
PANCHA BHOOTA STHALAS, THE FIVE ELEMENTS TEMPLES
The “Pancha Bhoota Sthalas” refers to the five temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, each of these temples representing the five prime elements of nature; water, air, ether, fire and earth. “Pancha” means five, “Bhoota”, elements and “Sthalas”, place.
These temples are all located in the South of India, four in Tamil Nadu
2. WILDLIFE
With five national parks and 17 sanctuaries, you can imagine the bio-diversity of this state. For those of you who love being in the wild, makes sure these sanctuaries top your list of places to go in Tamil Nadu:
Bandipur National Park and its neighboring Madhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (near Ooty)
Annamalai / Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary (near Coimbatore), Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary (Near Mahabalipuram), Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (Near Tirunelveli)
Tamil Nadu is also included in the International Network of Biosphere Reserves, which facilitates international recognition and additional funding.
3. HILLS
For a country that experiences such heat, the hills provide cool respite for those looking for a breath of fresh air. Here are some popular as well as lesser known places to visit in Tamil Nadu:
Ooty, Coonoor, Kodaikanal, Annamalai, Meghamalai, Yercaud
4. BEACHES
Tamil Nadu’s touristy places are its beaches. From Chennai’s Marina Beach, to the beautiful beaches of the pilgrim town of Rameshwaram to the awe inspiring water world of Kanyakumari at the tip of India where the Indian Ocean merges with the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
5. FORTS AND MONUMENTS
If you are a history buff, this one’s for you. Visit Fort St. George in Chennai, built by the British, the Gingee Fort built by the Cholas at Villupuram, its prison cells and granaries still intact and worth a visit, the Danish Fort at Tharangampadi, with artefacts from the Danish Empire, the Droog Fort built by Tipu Sultan in Coonoor. There are so many other Forts too, that you’d love to see.
6. RUINS OF DANUSHKODI
Go exploring the ruined town of Dhanuskodi in the district of Rameshwaram. Bordered by the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, the once prosperous trading town is now an abandoned ruin, an aftermath of a cyclone that left nothing in its wake. All you’ll find here are a few fishermen families, plenty of migratory birds and the rarest of sea shells.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES – (AS OF JANUARY 2023)
1. RAMESHWARAM
Rameshwaram is located on a beautiful island in 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.
Rameshwaram has the first sea bridge connecting the town of Mandapam with Pamban Island, and Rameswaram. Abdandoned town of Dhanushkodi is also located on Pamban Island which was a bustling town until it got destroyed in 1964 by cyclone.
Renowned for its magnificent prakaras with massive sculptured pillars on either side, The Ramanathaswamy Temple houses the longest corridor in the world. Agniteertham is famous for its sacred waters and Pilgrims perform poojas in honour of their ancestors at this seashore. The five-faced Hanuman Temple holds the floating stone which was used to build the bridge between India and Sri Lanka.
Places to Visit in Rameshwaram: Rameshwaram Temple, Dhanushkodi Temple and Beach, Jatayu Tirtham, Agnitheertham, Lakshmana Tirtham, Five-faced Hanuman temple,
2. OOTY
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.
Dotted with tea gardens, serene waterfalls, winding country lanes, and charming colonial architecture, Ooty is the perfect respite everyone. Popular among couples and honeymooners, Ooty allures its visitors with the panoramic views of the Nilgiri Mountains. The Nilgiri mountain railway is the steepest track in all of Asia.
Places to Visit in Ooty: Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty Lake, Emerald Lake, Ooty Botanical Gardens, Dolphin’s Nose, Rose Garden, Dodabetta Peak, Avalanche Lake, Tiger Hill, Kalhatti falls
3. KODAIKANAL
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. Kodaikanal means ‘the gift of the forests’.
Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level, and once you visit this hill station, you will find that every bit of what you have imagined it to be is real.
Places to Visit in Kodaikanal: Green Valley View (Suicide Point), Kodai Lake, Bear Shola Falls, Dolphin’s Nose, Pillars Rocks, Thalaiyar Falls, Devil’s Kitchen, Coakers Walk
4. YERCAUD
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 of coffee plantations and great weather.
Yercaud Lake is the main point of attraction of the region.One of the many highlights is the summer festival that takes place in May. It is dedicated to Lord Servarayan, the supreme god of the ranges and gives visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of this region.
Places to Visit in Yercaud: Emerald Lake, Pagoda Point, Botanical Garden, Anna Park, Lady’s seat, Kiliyur Falls, Bear’s Cave, Shevaroy Temple, Silk Farm
5. CHENNAI
Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. 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 India, having a rich cultural history which it perfectly balances with its metropolis lifestyle. Amid its chaos of traffic and sweltering humid climate, Chennai is worth visiting for its temples steeped in south-Indian culture, British-era museums and monuments, culinary delights and Marina Beach (Second largest urban beach in the world).
Places to Visit in Chennai: Marina Beach, Government Museum, MGR Film City, Breezy Beach, Marundeeswarar Temple
6. MAHABALIPURAM
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 in Tamil Nadu. Once the abode of the famous demon king Mahabali, Mahabalipuram was later renamed Mamallapuram. Some famous tourist spots include the UNESCO world heritage site Group of Monuments like the Shore Temple and the Five Rathas, the Crocodile Bank which is home to some exquisite species of crocodiles and alligators, and the beach resorts in Kovalam and Sadras.
Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram: Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram Beach, Five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, Alamparai Fort
7. MADURAI
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 Amman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi with a sanctum for her consort, Sundareshwarar.
Places to Visit in Madurai: Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, Vaigai Dam, Alagar Koil Temple, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Meghamalai, Gandhi Memorial Museum
8. KANCHIPURAM
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 enjoy the marvel of South Indian architecture and grandeur.
It is particularly known for being a culture and philosophical hub. With such an association being made with the city, it is only natural that this destination has become such an influential centre in these avant-garde times. The city is home to the famous Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, which is the highly revered abode of Kamakshi (Goddess Parvathi) – consort of Lord Shiva. The Kailasanathar Temple is also popular and is known for its magnificent architecture. The highest, largest and most impressive temple in the town, spanning 40 acres and dating back to the Pallava period is the Ekambeshwarar Temple. The Kanchi Mutt holds kutcheris or South Indian classical music concerts in the evenings.
Places to Visit in Kanchipuram: Kamakshi Amman Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Devarajaswami Temple, Ekambaranatha Temple, Vaikunda Perumal Temple
9. THANJAVUR
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.
Thanjavur enjoys a rich historical heritage and holds a very important position in the moulding of ancient as well modern south Indian civilization. Being of religious importance, this place is a must for all pilgrims. There are many religious places in and around the district. Siva Ganga Garden, Art Gallery, Palace & Saraswathi Mahal Library, Sangeetha Mahal are the main tourist attractions. This is a place where you can constantly witness the magnificent and dynamic cultures of the past and present breathing life into and living in the everyday, giving the area a unique and glorious identity.
Places to Visit in Thanjavur: Brahadeshwara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Shiva Ganga Garden, Vijayanagar Fort
10. KANYAKUMARI
Kanyakumari offers the marvellous confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean meeting together at a point. But, this is not a miracle, the miracle lies in the beauty that the water of three seas does not mix, you can clearly distinguish between the turquoise blue, deep blue and sea green waters of the three seas. To enjoy the best view of sunset and sunrise, you can visit the Triveni Sangam point and the famous View tower.
Places to Visit in Kanyakumari: Kanyakumari beach, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kumari Amman Temple, Tirparappu Falls, Wax Museum
11. VELLORE
An ancient city in the north-eastern 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 its temples.
Places to Visit in Vellore: Vellore Fort, Sripuram Golden Temple, St. John’s Church, Archeological Survey of India Museum, Virinjipuram Temple, popularly known as Sri Margabandeeswarar Temple
12. TRICHY
Equipped with its own airport and railway station, Trichy enthralls you with not only the number of temples and churches it offer, but also by the amazing uniqueness that each of these places bring with them. Trichy is one of those places that you can cover in a weekend and will still hold secrets even after several years.
Places to Visit in Trichy: Kallanai Dam, Rockfort Ganpathi Temple, Vekkali Amman Temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, St John’s Church, Samayapuram Amman Temple
13. DHANUSHKODI
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.
This small town redefines the term isolated. Cut off from the rest of the world, this town seems untouched by time. While the rest of India is vying to get ahead in the race for prosperity, this town seems frozen in history, reflecting it grandeur and beauty.
Places to Visit in Dhanushkodi: Dhanushkodi Beach, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Ram Setu, Pamban Island, Church and Station Ruins, Ramar Patham Temple
14. THIRUVANNAMALAI
Perched on top of the Malai hill, Thiruvannamalai is a holy town, most famous for its Arunachala temple among numerous other temples and ashrams dedicated to saints of olden times. Sri Ramana Ashram, Sathanur Dam, Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram are some of the important tourist spots as well as significant areas for followers.
Places to visit in Thiruvannamalai: Annamalaiyar Temple, Ramana Ashram, Gingee Fort, Sathanur Dam, Virupaksha Cave, Tiruamalai, Skandashramam
15. CHIDAMABARAM
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 antiquity. Apart from its authentic history, the town is a slice of paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers.
Places to visit in Chidamabaram: The Nataraja Temple, Pichavaram Mangrove Forests, Kali Temple, Sirkazhi Town
16. THARANGAMBADI
Tharangambadi or Tranquebar is a tiny beach town in Nagapattinam district that dates back to the 14th century. Placed at a dreamy patch at the confluence of the Kaveri River and the Bay of Bengal, Tranquebar is a beautiful playpen of many cultures.
Places to visit in Tharangambadi: Fort Dansborg, Zion Church, The Town Gate on King’s Street, Old Danish Cemetery, The Zieganbalg Museum Complex, Masilamani Nathar Temple
17. VELANKANNI
Velankanni is a town situated on the shores 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, Velankanni is also known as the “Lourdes of the East”. It has become one of the vital Marian sanctuaries of the world.
Places to visit in Velankanni: Velankanni Church, Vellankani Beach, Velankanni Church Museum, Nagapattinam
18. KUMBAKONAM
Kumbakonam is a beautiful temple town located in Thanjavur District in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu. It is situated about 40 km away from Thanjavur. The town is one of the oldest in Indian history, and known for its famed temples, Chola heritage and also for its marvellous educational institutes. The town is also known for its grand festival called Mahamaham festival which is celebrated every twelve years at the Mahamaham Tank.
Places to visit in Kumbakonam: Adi Kumbeshwara Temple, Swaminathaswamy Temple, Nageswaran temple, Mahamaham Tank, Sarangapani Temple, Chakrapani Temple, Airavatesvara Temple
19. PICHAVARAM MANGROVE FORESTS
The second largest Mangrove forest in the world, Pichavaram is located off the tourist trail but is totally worth the effort. One can be enchanted by the complex river system and canal network that bind this beautiful place together and support the rich biodiversity of the place.
Situated nearby the temple town of Chidambaram, Pichavaram can be enjoyed through a boat ride around the 1100 hectare area of the forest, which takes you through narrow canal, breathtaking sceneries and allows you to witness the amazing life forms of the Mangrove tress while adoring the bird life of the forest. The sea is just 6 km from the forest and one can see the sand bank which separates the forest from the Bay of Bengal during the boat ride.
20. CHETTINAD
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.
Chettinad comprises mainly a town known as KARAIKUDI and a cluster of 96 surrounding villages. The city has, perhaps, the most elaborate and rich culture and some truly fascinating traditions. The place is very much in India, but it dances to its tunes. There are temples, palaces, museums, fantastic food and everything else you will wish for in a vacation.
Places to visit in Chettinad: Chettinad Palace, Chettinad Museum, Vairavanpatti Temple, Pillaiyarpatti, Ilayathangudi