Tamil Nadu is a southern state located, home to ancient temples, rich culture, and charming landscape. Due to its rich heritage and breathtaking landscape, travelers from around the world wish to visit Tamil Nadu.
This state offers a blend of experiences, whether you wish explore the historical places, visit the naturally beautiful places, enjoy thrilling activities, relax at the serene and peaceful beaches or is a spiritual seeker, you can expect for some unforgettable moments here.
With Tours India, plan the perfect customized itinerary without missing any important places to visit and things to do. Read this guide below where all the important places of Tamil Nadu are covered that includes historic cities, hill stations, magnificent temples, and scenic coastal towns.
1. Chennai: The Cultural Capital of South India
In the itinerary of the Best tour packages in India, your Tamil Nadu trip will start in the capital city of Chennai, which is also referred to as the gateway to the south. In the capital city you will be welcomed by traditional and modern lifestyle. Travelers here can have a glimpse of the colonial era buildings, vibrant art and culture, crowded beaches and rich culinary heritage.
Top attractions you shouldn’t miss to visit:
- Marina Beach: This is one of the longest beaches in the world located in a urban area.
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple: One of the popular ancient rock cut Dravidian architectural style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
- Government Museum: Houses many ancient artifacts and in fact it is one of the oldest musueum in the world.
- San Thome Basilica: This church is built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, and like all other churches it comprises of Gothic-style.
2. Mahabalipuram: The Shore Temple Town
Travel around 60 km to the south of Chennai, this beautiful town welcomes you with its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures that have been built by the rulers of the Pallava dynasty. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rare structure and location, captivating the attention of the people around the world.
Highlights of Mahabalipuram Town:
- Shore Temple: An ancient rock-cut temple, built by the rulers of the Pallava dynasty
- Five Rathas: Huge rock-cut temples which are designed in the style of chariots, truly a rare sight to see and wonder.
- Arjuna’s Penance: In a gigantic rock, intricate carvings from the scenes of Hindu mythology are depicted.
- Mahabalipuram Beach: Perfect to simply relax, after a hectic day
3. Pondicherry: The French Riviera of the East
Although Tamil Nadu is a Union Territory, but since it lies in the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu and not very far away, best tour packages in India includes Pondicherry in the list. What makes this town more alluring is that showcases the French colonial past and reflects in the old French buildings, cuisine and lifestyle of the people.
Things you must not miss to do:
- Have a stroll at the Promenade Beach.
- Explore the French Quarter, bungalows, cafes and restaurants and boutique hotels
- Visit the Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville.
- Savor French and Tamil cuisines.
4. Madurai: The City of Temples
With Tours India, explore one of the oldest cities in the world, Madurai that has been continuously been inhabited from ancient time. What makes this city unique is its ancient Meenakshi Amman Temple, architectural marvels and rich culture.
Top attractions you shouldn’t miss to visit:
- Meenakshi Temple: A rare ancient rock cut temple in Dravidian architecture having towering gopurams (gateway towers) and more than 33,000 colorful sculptures
- Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace: Known for architectural design with a mix of Dravidian and Islamic styles.
- Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam: A gigantic temple tank known for conducting the float festivals.
- Gandhi Memorial Museum: A museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
5. Rameswaram: The Sacred Island
Rameswaram is regarded as a Holy town, situated on Pamban Island, and is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage. According to myths, this is the place from where Lord Ram built a bridge to connect to Sri Lanka.
Highlights of Rameswaram:
- Ramanathaswamy Temple: One of the highlight of this temple is that it has 22 holy wells and is one of the temples in the world with long corridors.
- Dhanushkodi: This is known as a ghost town as it is abandoned after the cyclone that submerged the land.
- Pamban Bridge: This Bridge connects the island with the mainland, offering a breathtaking scene and great work of the engineers.
6. Kanyakumari: The Land’s End
The southernmost tip of India is Kanyakumari which is located in Tamil Nadu, so when visiting Tamil Nadu, don’t miss to visit. The highlight of Kanyakumari is that it is the place where the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean meet together.
Main attractions you shouldn’t miss to visit:
- Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Located amidst the ocean on a rocky island.
- Thiruvalluvar Statue: Dedicated to a Tamil poet and philosopher, around 133-feet tall.
- Kumari Amman Temple: An ancient temple devoted to goddess Kanyakumari.
- Kanyakumari Beach: Those wishing to simply relax at the beach
7. Ooty: The Queen of Hill Stations
In the Best tour packages in India, Ooty is the highlight along with other tourist spots. This mesmerizing hill station in Tamil Nadu is set in the midst of the lush green Nilgiri Hills. This serene and peaceful hill-station is known for its lush green landscape, colonial era buildings and cool climate.
Top spots you shouldn’t miss to visit:
- Ooty Lake for boating and views
- Botanical Garden, houses more than 650 different species of plants and trees.
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway (UNESCO World Heritage toy train), perfect for toy train ride through scenic views.
- Trek to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point for enthralling views.
8. Kodaikanal: The Princess of Hill Stations
Kodaikanal is another hill station in Tamil Nadu, situated in the beautiful Western Ghats. This hill-station is known for its misty hills, charming lakes and dense forests.
Must have experiences you shouldn’t miss to do:
- Kodaikanal Lake is ideal for boating, and cycling, and horseback riding around the lake.
- Coaker’s Walk for scenic stroll
- Pillar Rocks, stunning rock formations
- Bryant Park, a botanical garden with rare species of plants and trees.
9. Thanjavur: The Cradle of Chola Art
Thanjavur (Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu was the capital of the Chola dynasty in the ancient times, and is known for its stunning architectural wonders.
Top attractions you shouldn’t miss to visit:
- Brihadeeswarar Temple, an ancient temple with 216-feet vimana (tower).
- Tanjore Paintings, this is the place where intricate gold-leaf artwork originated.
- Saraswathi Mahal Library, known for having the ancient palm-leaf manuscripts.
- Thanjavur Palace, houses ancient artifacts and rare manuscripts.
10. Yercaud: The Lesser-Known Hill Retreat
Yercaud is another hill station in Tamil Nadu, situated in the spectacular Shevaroy Hills. This hill-station is known for its beguiling landscape, fascinating lakes and dense forests.
Highlights of Yercaud:
- Yercaud Lake for boating and views
- Botanical Garden and Rose Garden, has rare species of plants and trees.
- Lady’s Seat is a viewpoint offering panoramic views
- Pagoda Point for views
Pack your bags, put on your travel shoes, and let Tamil Nadu enchant you with its breathtaking places and unforgettable experiences.
