Tamil Nadu, a vibrant state in southern India, boasts a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural wonders. The magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai stands as a testament to Dravidian architecture, while the ancient city of Mamallapuram showcases intricately carved rock-cut temples and sculptures. The lush Nilgiri Hills in Ooty provide a cool escape, and the coastal town of Rameswaram is known for its sacred temples and pristine beaches. Chennai, the capital, is a bustling metropolis with a blend of modernity and tradition. From the majestic temples of Thanjavur to the wildlife sanctuaries of Mudumalai, Tamil Nadu offers a diverse and captivating array of attractions for every type of traveler.
10 Top Destination : Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Ooty, Chettinad, Trichy ,Tanjore, Chennai ,Kanchipuram, Madurai, Kumbakonam. Explore more – Places to Visit in South India.
List of Places To Visit In Tamil Nadu
Top Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu, South India. Recently reviewed top tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu, which are best places to visit.
1. MAHABALIPURAM – Best Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu
Mahabalipuram was, two thousand years ago, a known maritime port of the Roman, Arab and Greek merchants. It was here that the Pallava established their maritime capital, which spread to Siam, China and Fiji. Visit the site made up of temples, an immense fresco in bas-relief, the Descent of the Ganges, and caves carved with high reliefs, the whole being a masterpiece of the time. Then the famous Shore Temple erected on the sand facing the ocean and bathed by the waves of the Bay of Bengal. Then, all five rathas, small monolithic temples, which were given the form of processional chariots dedicated to the princes of the dynasty. These different monuments are classified as a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
2. PONDICHERRY – Best Tourist Attractions in Tamil Nadu
Pondicherry, a bridgehead for France’s commercial interests in India, is full of surprises. The city has a unique atmosphere and charm quite different from the rest of India. There is a sense of calm in the city. Visit of this white city, with still French accents which keeps the atmosphere of the former colonial counters, then stroll to the Tamil market and on the Promenade. Then visit the Ashram of Sri Aurobindo, philosopher and poet who founded in 1926 with a Frenchman has today became a center of meditation. This ashram is very dynamic and very involved in everyday life. Explore more – Places to Visit in Pondicherry – 2024 Pondicherry Tour Guide.
3. OOTY – Beautiful Location to Visit in Tamil Nadu
Then drive to Ootacamund, more familiarly called Ooty. It is a seductive mountain resort surrounded by mountains covered with thick forests of eucalyptus, plantations of tea and coffee. The roads have a long crossing of magnificent verdant mountainous and landscapes. Ooty, this beautiful climatic resort was once very much appreciated by the Englishmen who left many marks of their passage: cricket ground, golf, clubs and schools.
4. CHETTINAD
Chettinad is renowned for its craftsmanship, the quality of its cuisine and the nostalgic luxury of its small palaces. The region was inhabited by a community of very wealthy merchants and bankers in the late 19th, early 20th century. Their fortunes made it possible to finance the construction of sumptuous baroque houses with the use of noble materials such as Burma Teak and Italian marble. The artisan tradition is still very alive in this region and one can visit workshops on wood, on silver or a factory of faience and tiles, the specialty of the region.
5. TRICHY
Drive to Tiruchirapalli colloquially called Trichy, the fourth largest city in the state of Tamil Nadu. The city of the Rock probably owes its name to the rocky peak which dominates it and it owes its existence to it. This remarkable and strategic site was a fortress almost impregnable in ancient times. Trichy has always been the seat of power in South India and many war scars, often led by the French and the English, are still visible today. Climb to the top of the Rock Fort for a visit to the magnificent temples. Visit of the sanctuary of Ranganatha Swami, a true religious city dedicated to Vishnu whose alleys and fortified sanctuaries form a labyrinth of several courtyards protected by enclosures.
6. TANJORE
Tanjore located in the fertile valley of Kaveri and often called the Rice Loft of India. The city played an important role in the political history of this region for over a thousand years and was the capital of three great dynasties: the Chola, the Nayak and the Maratha. Visit of the temple of Brihadeswara, Shivaite sanctuary, the most beautiful jewel of the time with its high pyramidal towers culminating at nearly 100 meters. Then visit the Maratha Palace and its museum which houses a remarkable gallery of bronze statues and masterpieces of the kings and queens of the Chola period.
7. CHENNAI
Chennai, formerly known as Madras is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. A gateway to South India, this beautiful garden city was once made up of several scattered villages set in the midst of rice paddies lined with palm trees until it became a trading post. One of the first outposts of the British East India Company, it was one of the most important ports of the Bay of Bengal and the object of struggle and conquest between the British and the French. Explore more – Places to Visit in Chennai.
8. KANCHIPURAM
Road to Kanchipuram, the Golden City at the Thousand Temples which was the capital of the Pallava dynasty from the 6th to the 9th century and under their reign the city became the center of the Renaissance of Hinduism in the south of the country. Visit the temple of Kailasanath, a perfect example of the architecture of Dravidian style.One should visit the temple Sri Ekambareshwara with its huge hall with a thousand pillars covered with amazing sculptures. Then, you can visit a factory of saris and discover workshops of weaving of silk.T he city being renowned for its saris in shimmering colors for more than four hundred years.
9. MADURAI
Madurai is one of the major and most ancient cities in India. Discover the city and visit the gigantic Meenakshi temple, considered one of the largest sanctuaries of the Dravidian architecture, it is an immense religious complex of more than 2,400 m². Both God Sundareswarar with Goddess Meenakshi would bless us for our success in all walk of life. Four huge temple towers in all four directions are very attractive.
10. KUMBAKONAM
Visit this ancient capital of the Chola Empire in the 11th century and which for 250 years extended its control to Sri Lanka. Kumbakonam is known all over the world for it’s temples and ‘mathas’. Like the other Chola architectures, the Airavatesvara Temple is a must visit place for the history buffs. One can also see an ornate chariot wheel cut out from the rocks.
11. Yelagiri
Nestled in the Eastern Ghats, offers a tranquil retreat with its natural beauty and diverse attractions. Punganoor Lake and Park beckon visitors with its serene ambiance, ideal for boat rides and family outings. Swamimalai Hills provide a trekking adventure leading to breathtaking vistas, while the Jalagamparai Waterfalls captivate with their scenic splendor, inviting nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. This quaint hill station in Tamil Nadu promises a rejuvenating experience amidst picturesque landscapes and outdoor adventures. Explore more – List of Places to Visit in Yelagiri.
