TamilNadu, a prominent state in South India, is home to diverse landscapes and numerous attractions for tourists to explore. With the presence of several famous temples in TamilNadu, it is also renowned as the Land of Temples. Not just that, you can explore scenic hills, tranquil beaches, Wildlife sanctuaries and so much more. Sounds Interesting right? To make your trip to TamilNadu smooth and entertaining, we have compiled a list of top tourist places to visit in TamilNadu. Enjoy reading!
Chennai
Capital and Metropolitan hub, Chennai is definitely one of the top places to visit in TamilNadu. Tourists visiting Chennai can explore both Tradition as well as Modernity. Home to the second largest beach in the world, the Marina beach, Chennai is a place that you shouldn’t miss while tripping TamilNadu. While here, pay a visit to Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple which are very famous temples in Chennai. You can also spend some quality time shopping at the many uber elite malls or even shop at the famous streets of T.nagar for a more budget friendly shopping experience. Additionally, From comfort food to traditional delicacies you can relish numerous food items in Chennai. Altogether you will get a diverse experience in Chennai to cherish forever.
Best time to visit: November to March.
Puducherry
Want to experience some French? You have to visit Puducherry or well-known as Pondicherry. This place in TamilNadu is famous for its beaches and French architecture. Located relatively close to Chennai, a large number of Chennaites visit Pondicherry as a weekend getaway. You can find the harmonious sync of both Indian culture and French in Pondicherry. Auroville is an attraction that isn’t to be missed while exploring Pondicherry. You can visit the Rock beach, Aurobindo Ashram and the french war memorial for an unique experience. For a touch of modernity, there are so many clubs, restaurants and cafes that are present to give you a vibrant atmosphere. Lastly you can also indulge yourself in several water sports while on your trip to Pondicherry
Best time to visit: October to March.
Dhanushkodi
Dhanushkodi, also known as the Ghost town, is the southernmost tip of India. Covered by Bay of Bengal on one side and the Indian ocean on the other, Dhanuskodi is the perfect getaway for beach lovers and is one of the top tourist spots in Tamilnadu. The peaceful vibes one will get while visiting the Dhanushkodi beach is simply inexpressible. While at Dhanushkodi, ensure you witness the Ghost town, Adam’s Bridge which is the famous Shri Ram Sethu and the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram which is very close by. Dhanushkodi is filled with rich history and is an absolute top-notch getaway in TamilNadu.
Best time to visit: Vist between October to February.
Hogenakkal
Hogenakkal which is located in Dharmapuri is a famous location to be explored under TamilNadu tourism. Hogenakkal is also known as the Niagara of the East. The stunning Hogenakkal waterfalls are a visual treat to watch. To make your trip more entertaining you can also engage in a boat ride in Hogenakkal. Altogether, it is an amazing getaway for those who look to blend in with nature. This place can be explored solo, with friends, with families or even as a romantic getaway with your loved one. Make sure you have Hogenakkal in your bucket list while exploring TamilNadu.
Best time to visit: October to February.
Thanjavur
Your trip to TamilNadu is incomplete without visiting this cultural hotspot. Thanjavur holds rich cultural significance. History buffs and Architecture enthusiasts must visit Thanjavur at least once in their lifetime. It is home to the world famous Brihadeeswarar Temple. The Thanjavur district is also renowned as the Rice bowl of TamilNadu. This city is a hub for Traditional Art and Music. While exploring Thanjavur do remember to shop for the Tanjore Paintings and Tanjore Dolls to take back home and cherish life long. You should also pay a visit to the Thanjavur Palace and Thanjavur Art gallery for a fulfilling experience.
Best time to visit: November till March.
Srirangam
One of the top religious places to visit in TamilNadu is Srirangam. This place is basically an island which is surrounded by river Kaveri on one side and Kollidam river on the other. The world renowned Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is situated here. The Gopuram of this temple is said to be the tallest in Asia. There are around 21 gopurams in this temple and the tallest gopuram is 240 feet. This place in TamilNadu has a lot of religious significance and every year during Vaikuntha Ekadashi this temple will be flooded with devotees. Additionally you can also visit Arulmigu Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple, Thiruvanaikaval which is very close by. If you would love to embark on a Pilgrimage tour then Srirangam in TamilNadu should be on your list.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Also Read: Top Historical Places to visit in India
Madurai
Famous for its Jigarthanda, Madurai is one of the amazing places to visit in TamilNadu for all the tourists. Madurai is one of the oldest cities in India and it was ruled by the famous Pandya dynasty. This city in TamilNadu is a cultural hub and is renowned for its complex and intriguing architecture. It is home to the beautiful Meenakshi Amman Temple. Food enthusiasts would love to travel to Madurai to taste the famous Parota, Jigarthanda and Rose milk. Lastly, you will also get mesmerised by the architectural beauty of Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal in Madurai.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Kanyakumari
Located in the southern part of TamilNadu, Kanyakumari is where all the three seas meet, namely the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian ocean. Both beach lovers as well as cultural enthusiasts will love this place. There are several places to explore in Kanyakumari including the well-known Thiruvalluvar Statue and Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Most importantly, the Bhagavathi Kumari Amman Temple is a significant attraction to visit, which is located near to the beach. You can even opt to simply spend your day relaxing at the Kanyakumari beach. With so many things to do, Kanyakumari is definitely one of the best places to visit in TamilNadu.
Best time to visit: October to February.
Yercaud
For those seeking a hill station getaway, Yercaud located near Salem is a top choice to visit in TamilNadu. This hill station is renowned for its scenic beauty and a diverse landscape it offers to the visitors. It is home to rich coffee plantations and lush greenery. You get to experience a very pleasant climate while in Yercaud. Commonly called as the Ooty of the poor, this place houses several varieties of plants and animals including Bisons, foxes, Sambar deer, spotted deers and Jackals. If you are planning for a short getaway from Bangalore or Chennai, Yercaud is the place for you.
Best time to visit: October to June.
Ooty
While exploring TamilNadu tourism, how can one miss the Queen of Hill stations? Yes, Ooty is a must visit for tourists tripping TamilNadu. Known for its colonial charm and breathtaking landscapes, Ooty is popular among family travellers and honeymoon couples. Ooty is also the ideal place for a simple relaxed getaway.
The surreal viewpoints offered will just take your breath away. To get the best out of your Ooty trip, make a visit to the Ooty lake, explore the tea plantations, pay a visit to the famous Botanical gardens or even explore the Nilgiri mountain railways. And while returning back home from Ooty, don’t forget to buy some homemade chocolates and fresh veggies.
Best time to visit: March to June.
Kodaikanal
While we have talked about Ooty, how can we miss Kodaikanal? Known for its sublime natural beauty, Kodikanal is a paradise for hill-station seekers and nature lovers. You get to witness serene lakes and picturesque landscapes by visiting Kodaikanal. While there are several things to do in Kodaikanal, visiting the Coaker’s walk, Kodaikanal lake and Bryant lake is a must. For trekking enthusiasts, the Dolphin point offers adventurous trek which is rewarded by breathtaking views covered by foggy clouds. With waterfalls, lakes, plantations and scintillating viewpoints, Kodikanal is a heaven on earth to be visited by all those exploring Tamilnadu.
Best time to visit: October to June.
Kolli Hills
A less explored hill-station in TamilNadu is the Kolli Hills aka the Mountain of Death which is located near Namakkal. With scenic surroundings and curvy roads to travel, Kolli Hills is a paradise. With very little human intervention, its natural beauty is well preserved. The Kolli hills have over 70 hairpin bends. As you keep going up the hill, you will get to experience fresh air, lush green vegetation and a chill climate. The roads will be covered by thich fog, giving you a filmy feel. Infact, the fog will be so much that even if you visit during the afternoon it would feel like early morning. You can also visit the Arappaleeswarar Temple located here. If you are looking to explore a place which is less populated, Kolli hills is where you have to be.
Best time to visit: October to June, especially from December to February.
This is just a glimpse of what TamilNadu has to offer for tourists. It is home to several other beautiful attractions which are unexplored. With so many places to visit in TamilNadu, you will be able to get the perfect getaway that you are looking for. You can travel solo, with friends, family or your partner, TamilNadu will not let you down. So wait no further, pack your bags and get ready to wander around exploring TamilNadu. If you are interested in reading more about travel related topics, visit Travellersturn website and indulge in reading many such scintillating topics about travel.