16 Places to Visit Tamil Nadu

Are you aware that a part of our country is blessed with soothing splendor; it echoes with the saga of the mighty might’s; blessed by nature in all its forms.

It’s getting richer with the collection of these natural assets, which are visible in form of cascading waterfalls, gushing rivers, widespread sea, enchanting flora, dense fauna, silent lakes, misty mountains etc.

This state is none other than Tamil Nadu which portrays a rich culture and tradition. The art and culture are still at its epitome in this ancient land which has been ruled by many dynasties. Their legacy is left behind in the form of temples and monuments whose architecture still beholds all tourists with their enchanting beauty.

There are national parks which will leave you speechless with a variety of animals and birds species found in them

Now let’s sort out 16 different places which will leave you speechless and stunned with its ultimate beauty:

1. Kanchipuram

Known as a city of thousand temples, Kanchipuram is a sacred city in India. It is located at a distance of 70 km from Chennai. The world-class architecture in its temples and hand-woven silk sarees has made it famous across the globe. One can see art, culture, heritage, history, all flourishing in the city, since ages. Further, many rulers who ruled here have introduced different cultures thereby making it a melting pot of various traditions.

2. Coimbatore

If you want to explore South Indian foods, shopping hubs and beautiful temples, Coimbatore has all such elements which can keep a tourist hooked. The city is also branded as “The “Manchester of South India”, owing to its quick industrialisation. You can see plethora of places which are picnic spots for locals as well as tourists. The main attractions of the city are Aliyar Dam, Siruvani Dam, Monkey Falls, Botanical Garden, Cholayar Dam, Vaitheki Falls and Horticulture Farms.

3. Vellore

This is a city which narrates the historic tales of the surroundings and unfolds many chapters of the bygone era. Many dynasties such as Pallava, Cholas, Carnatic Kingdom and the British had once reigned the city and this Fort City has seen it all; the rise and fall of their kingdom.

The Vellore Fort, which is a monolithic monument, has been wooing historians, art lovers and tourists from across the world to this place. It’s blessed by easy connectivity from all modes, like roads and railways.

4. Rameshwaram

A sacred Hindu pilgrimage, it is being thronged by large number of Hindu devotees who take a holy dip in water here to wash away their sins.

A few of the most visited beaches here are Olaikuda, Danushkodi and Pamban. Tourists indulge in activities like Scuba diving and bird watching during winter.

The most renowned temple is the Ramanathaswamy temple which is known for its impressive corridors and huge sculptured pillars. The temple’s third corridor is known to be the longest in the entire world.

5. Ooty

If you want to beat the heat in summers, Ooty could be a viable option. It is also called as Queen of Hill stations, and offers several experiences for a traveler. While many tourists throng here to watch the colorful and lively Tea and Tourism Festival, the others come to see the ravishing streams, lakes and waterways. You can also enjoy angling, trekking, flower shows and boat races. The Nilgiri Mountain Railways and Botanical garden, different lakes and waterfalls are important attractions of the city.

6. Tiruvannamalai

According to the legends, the Mt Arunachala in city comes with a power packed package of spiritual energy. This is a holy summit which is known as one among the calmest places in the world. The spirituality enthusiasts and pilgrims both flock this place in equal number. This is also known as five-elemental city.

7. Kanyakumari

This city comprises the southernmost tip of the nation. You have everything to explore here, be it art, heritage, beaches, cultural centers and monuments. The ancient temples are carved in the ancient Dravidian styles. The main attractions of the city are Kanyakumari Beach, Vivekanand Rock, Thiruvalluvar Statue, St Xavier Church etc. This is yet again a pilgrimage, a tourist destination, and a city to be explored by historians. And believe me, its attractions would definitely make you a repeat visitor here!

8. Thanjavur

It’s an account city where you can flip through the pages of history. There are over 70 monuments which are prehistoric and built by Cholas.  One of the renowned temples which you should visit is The Big Temple or Brihadeswara Temple. Built with a single-stone structure, it leaves you stunned with its architecture.

9. Kodaikanal

It is a pretty hill station surrounded by forests. Founded in the year 1845, it stands on top of the Palani Hills. It is also called as Gift of the forest or the princess of Hill Stations.

It’s well connected by road and railways from Kodai Road, which is 100 kilometers away from the main city.

10. Tirunelveli

If you want to enjoy sea coasts, mountain tips, forests and rivers, you should visit the ancient city of Tirunelveli. It enjoys the status of being the agricultural as well asthe religious hub. The temples built in medieval period still stand radiating magnificence and glory of ancient era. It’s 2000 years old city and is known for palm sugar candy and palm leaf handicrafts.

Tamirabarani River flowing here gives an amazing view. It’s said that Tirunelveli District first city where freedom struggle against the Britishers started.

11. Coonoor

Coonoor is a hill station encapsulating transparent and clear waterfalls, foggy valleys and calm surroundings. A few of the must-see attractions of the city are Droog, Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, Lamb’s Rock, etc.

12. Tiruchirapalli

Located on Cauvery’s bank, it is a traveler’s preferred choice. This is because the city owns number of temples which show ancient as well as modern architecture. Tiruchirapalli city is known to have world’s largest number of Shiva Temples. Thiruanaikka, Lord Shiva’s abode is also situated in Trichy, the other name of Tiruchirapalli.

13. Chennai

It’s the capital of Tamil Nadu which is also called as the cultural capital city of India. There are 20 heritage sites in the city. The Marina Beach, which is also called as the longest beach of India, is thronged by tourists all through the year. The city was earlier known as Madras.

14. Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram

Tagged as UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are many ancient monuments here in this city which have monolith structure and are carved of Granite stone. There are glimpses of Dravidian architecture seen here which are rare in itself. It’s a must-visit site if you have a penchant for rich architecture.

15. Madurai

Also known as a city that never sleeps, Madurai has a glorious past, finds rhythm with its busy present and speaks of diverse stories via its ancient temples that display the excellent artistic skills of that era. It’s a 2500-year-old city and hence it maintains its pristine past.

16. National Parks

Tamil Nadu has been blessed by nature; there is a diversity in its flora and fauna; and those who want to cherish the sights of dense jungles and varied fauna should visit the following National Parks:

• Madumalai

In 1940, the then Madras Presidency declared Madumalai as a wildlife sanctuary. It finds place at tri-function of states namely Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Earlier, it used to be a game reserve.

• Mukurthi

Mukurthi National Park, in Nilgiri district, is home to many species. Travelers visit here to watch Nilgiri Tahr. You will be finding Himalayan flora and fauna also in this park.

• Guindy

One among the smallest national parks, it is located in the heart of Chennai. There are black bucks, spotted deer, jackals, snakes, tortoises, geckos and over 100 species of birds. You can also find many varieties of butterflies and spiders, grasshoppers, termites, etc.

• Gulf of Mannar Marine

Covering the Rameswaram, Tirunelveli, Tutucorin, and Kanyakumari coasts, it is the first of its kind marine biosphere in Southeast Asia. There are a total of 3600 plant and animal species. Even Sea Cow, one among the globally endangered species, are found here.

Mode of Transportation in Tamil Nadu

The state is well-connected by all means such as air, rail and roadways.

• By Air: The main airports connecting the state are

Chennai International Airport, Coimbatore International Airport, Madurai Airport, Tiruchirapally Civil Airport, Salem Airport, Vellore Airport, Neyveli Airport, and Pondhicherry Airport

• By Train: Different railways stations which connect to the various attractions of Tamil Nadu are as following:

Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, Coimbatore, Kanchipuram, Kanyakumari, Nagore, Kodai Road, Thanjavur, Srirangam, Tindivanam, Tirunelveli Junction, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Salem, Thiruvarur, and Vellore Cantonment

• By Road: Tamil Nadu is well-connected by road as well. There are many state roadways buses as well as buses from Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh which are easily connected to this state.

Tamil Nadu State Tourism Corporation, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses have a high frequency to Tamil Nadu.

Best Time to Visit

Winters and monsoons make the best time to visit the state.

In winters, the best time to visit Tamil Nadu is from December to March when the temperature in the city ranges from 10 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius.

In Monsoon, the best time is from July to December and the temperature exists between 25-30 degree Celsius.

The summers are best in March and April when temperature is between 25 degrees to 42 degrees Celsius.

Tamil Nadu, hence, is a God’s blessed state with well-crafted temples, ancient architecture, green surroundings, gushing rivers, widespread oceans and rich heritage and culture. It seems that the entire life is incomplete if we have not seen this part of earth which itself narrates the history, speaks volumes about nature’s glory and leaves you craving for more once you visit this state!

So let’s explore the unexplored facts and undefined beauty by making a visit to this amazing state!