Places To Visit In Tamil Nadu
1. Rameswaram
It is believed that Lord Rama built a bridge from Rameswaram uptil Sri Lanka to wage a war against Ravana. Dravidian architecture Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the most famous Shiva Mandir. The site is a holy place for Shaivites, Vaishnavites, and Smarthas. Another popular spot is Kothandaramaswamy Temple which is dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is said to the withstood cyclone of 1964 which ruined the entire religious town. The southernmost tip of Rameswaram, Dhanushkodi is believed to be the place where Vibishana surrendered before Rama in Ramayana.
2. Chennai
The capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is known for its blue beaches and vibrant culture. Temples, leisure outlets, theme parks, and churches are few tourist attractions of the city. Chennai is the hub of Tamil politics, entertainment, and economy. The city is also the home of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, egrets, pond herons, and other waterbirds. The land is a blend of old Madras and modern Chennai which has a lot to offer to tourists.
3. Ooty
Located in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is a popular destination around the year due to its cool weather. Green, quiet and beautiful are perfect words to describe this city. Ooty Lake, Catherine Waterfall, Pine forest and Doddabetta Peak are few must visit places here. Riding toy train in the lap of mother-nature, visiting Mariamman Temple and Avalanche Lake are other major attractions of Ooty.
4. Kanyakumari
Southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari is a point where the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal meet. The place also has a spiritual significance as it is believed that Goddess Kanya Kumari did Tapasya here to get Lord Shiva to marry her. Kanyakumari is, therefore, a popular pilgrim destination for people who want to bathe in Treveni Sangam, which is considered a powerful and sacred place. Other renowned places here are Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Padmanabhapuram, Muppandal Wind Farm and Thiruvalluvar Statue.
5. Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is one of the seven Tirtha sites in Vaishnavism Hindu theology. The place is famous for ancient shrines like Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, Vaikunta Perumal Temple, and Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Kanchipuram is a significant religious destination for Jains. Two Jain temples are situated in Thiruparuthikundram which are dedicated to Bhagwan Mahavir and Jain Teerthankaras. The place is also well known for its silk and classical music concerts and local delicacies.
6. Kodaikanal
Known as the ‘princess of hill station’, Kodaikanal is getaway destination due to its green surrounding and refreshing crisp weather. The list of tourist places here is quite long that features some iconic landmarks including historic churches, Hindu temples and spots that offer breathtaking views of hills. Silver Cascade Falls, Dolphins Nose, Bryant Park and Coakers Walk are popular destinations here. Kodaikanal Lake, Green Valley View, and Thalaiyar Falls are few treat for the eyes for nature lovers.
7. Coimbatore
Referred as ‘Manchester of South India’, Coimbatore offers several trekking and sightseeing destinations. It also has few beautiful shrines like Marudhamalai Temple, Patteeswarar Temple, and Avanashi Lingeswarar Temple. Coimbatore is famous for waterfalls like Siruvani and Vaideki Waterfall. Parambikulam and Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary are popular for its flora and fauna.
8. Coonoor
Situated in the lap of Nilgiri hills, Coonoor is famous for trekking, natural beauty, and tea. Riding toy train to and from Ooty, trekking in the Hidden Valley, picnic at Sim’s Park, a road trip to the Lamb’s Rock, hiking to majestic Law’s Falls are some must-do things in Coonoor. The place is also popular for High Fields Tea Factory, Indian Bakery, and Droog Fort. This fort is a famous outpost of Tipu Sultan.
9. Dhanushkodi
The almost abandon city of Dhanushkodi is located at the tip of Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu. The town was destroyed during the 1964 Rameswaram cyclone. But few places like Dhanushkodi Beach and Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park are few major attractions of this quaint town. The national park was established in 1980. Other popular destinations here are Adam’s Bridge and Pamban Island.
10. Chettinad
Located in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, Chettinad is popular for its cuisine, culture, and traditions. Century old Chettinad mansions here feature elements of neoclassical and Victorian styles of architecture. Mathur temple, Iranikovil temple, Vairavanpatti temple, and Pillaiyarpatti temple are few beautiful shires of Chettinad. Local delicacies like idiyappam, murukkus, lamb and chicken dishes seeyam and badam barfis are must-haves of this place.
11. Pondicherry
Known as ‘French Riviera of the East’, Pondicherry is a perfect getaway to experience historical legacy, unique culture, and adventure sports. The city excels in beautiful beaches, museums, temples, and churches that are renowned all over the world. Surfing at Serenity Beach, scuba diving at eastern coast, riding a boat, yachting, kayaking are few must-do activities while visiting Pondicherry. Other hot spots of the city are Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Old Lighthouse, Ousteri Lake and Karaikal Beach.
12. Madurai
Located on the banks of River Vaigai, Madurai is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu. Often referred as ‘Athens of the East’, the city resembles the similar architecture of many alleyways. The most famous temple in Madurai is the Meenakshi Temple which is built around the Shiva lingam. Other major attractions are Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Banana Market, Gandhi Memorial Museum and Thiruparankundram.
13. Hogenakkal
Hogenakkal waterfall is located on the bank of Kaveri River, in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. Referred as the ‘Niagara Fall of India’, Hogenakkal waterfall projects itself as a major tourist destination. The water cascades that fall from a great height, creates an aura of smoke. The fall is popular for its medicinal bath and boat rides. The carbonatite rocks here are said to be the oldest in the world. The water here has curative power and the site is also a beautiful picnic spot.
14. Mahabalipuram
One of the most visited cities in south India, Mahabalipuram has been declared as UNESCO world heritage site because of its beautiful historical monuments and rich legacy. Most of the temples here are devoted to Lord Shiva. Shore Temple is an iconic shrine situated right at the seashore. The architecture and carving on the walls makes it special and glorious. Other points of attraction here are the Lighthouse, Heritage Museum, Pancha Ratha and Krishna’s Butterball. Apart from religious interest, the city also has a Seashell Museum, Cave Temples and beaches.
15. Tuticorin
Popularly known as the ‘Pearl City’, Tuticorin is the pearl harvesting hub of India. Major places of attractions here are temples like Ayyanarsunai and Kulasekaranpattinam, birthplace of Subramaniya Bharathiyar- Ettayapuram and Jain Temples like Kazhugumalai. Apart from religious interest, the city also has beaches like Kayalpattinam, Coastal village of Manapad etc.
16. Mudumalai
Mudumalai is a major tourist attraction because of the national park it accommodates. The park is famous for its flora, fauna and beautiful landscapes. Other major activities of the place are staying in tree houses, visiting waterholes, doing wildlife photography in the National Park, jungle camping, trekking and sightseeing, and visiting waterfalls. Road safari and bird watching are other attractions of Mudumalai.
17. Thanjavur
Known as the ‘rice bowl of Tamil Nadu’, Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian culture, and architecture. Many living Chola temples are located here including the Brihadeeswarar Temple, which the most popular landmark of the town. Other major attractions of the place are Saraswathi Mahal Library, Sivagangai Poonga, Maratha Palace and Schwartz Church.
18. Chidambaram
Chidambaram is known for the Thillai Nataraja Temple, and the annual chariot festival. Other tourist attractions include Pichavaram Mangrove Forest and historic temples like Vadieeswaran Temple, Amman Temple, Chathapurinathar Temple, and Tarangambadi.
19. Valparai
Valparai is a hill station located in the Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu. The newly explored has many waterfalls, high mountains, and grasslands. Other points of attractions are Aanamalai wildlife sanctuary, Aaliyar dam, Birla Falls and Manompally forest. Temples like Sidhi Vinayagar temple and waterfalls like Congreve falls and Athirapally falls are also visited by tourists in large numbers.
20. Yelagiri
Yelagiri has brisk climate around the year, hence is a preferred destination for tourists. The place has fun parks, magnificent mountains, and beautiful lakes. Punganoor Lake Park, Jalagamparai Waterfalls and Telescope Observatory are few other major attractions of the place. Yelagiri also has ancient shrines like Jalagandeeswarar Temple and Velavan Temple.
