20 Best Tourist Places in Tamil Nadu

Have you ever visited the Southern States of India? If your reaction was a Yes, you are already aware of what a gem Tamil Nadu is. The state has many beautiful places, so if you haven't been before, now is the time to go. To call the magnificence of the top tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu "drop dead magnificent" would be an understatement. These regions are packed with stunning temples, tranquil beaches, spectacular forts, and waterfalls, so there are plenty of reasons to pack your bags and go on a trip!

Thanks to Tamil Nadu's diverse tourist destinations, you may get a taste of all types of sightseeing and activities. Visitors may pick from various unique locations, like Yelagiri and Yercaud, to well-known cultural hotspots like Mahabalipuram and Madurai. Kanyakumari, India's southernmost point, and Rameswaram, one of the Char Dham's, are both located in Tamil Nadu. These locations are a joy for anybody trying to escape the daily grind, whether you're searching for an adventure or a spiritual retreat in the temples. However, before you start planning your trip, have a look at our list of some of the must-see tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu:

1. Chennai

The capital of the state of Tamil Nadu is Chennai, historically known as Madras, and is situated in southern India. Chennai is a bustling metropolis with a long history that is located on the Coromandel coast of the Bay of Bengal. This "capital of the south" is one of India's four largest cities and mixes a storied cultural past with a cutting-edge metropolitan way of life.

The best tourist location in Tamil Nadu for experiencing authentic South Indian culture is Chennai, the administrative centre and home to stunning temples, cathedrals, and beaches. This neighborhood is unique, with numerous places to see in Chennai, like Marina Beach, Museums, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and more This is a site you should consider visiting if culture, history, or art are among your interests.

2. Rameswaram

Rameswaram is a prominent pilgrimage destination in both Tamil Nadu and India. The renowned Rameswaram Temple, one of the must-see sights on the journey of Tamil Nadu, is found in the town of Rameswaram, 562 kilometres from Chennai.

One of India's Jyotirlinga temples and an important site to visit on a trip to Rameswaram is the Lord Shiva-dedicated Rameswaram Temple. This is also where Lord Ram worshiped Lord Shiva to atone for his sin of killing Ravana. The Char Dhams are Rameswaram, Dwarka, Puri, and Badrinath. The majestic corridors and gigantic sculptured pillars of Sri Ramanatha Swamy Temple are well-known. The third corridor of the Ramanathaswamy temple is the world's longest.

3. Ooty

One of Tamil Nadu's most well-liked tourist places in Ooty, also known as the "Queen of Hill Stations" and one of India's finest mountain ranges.

At an altitude of 7,440 feet, Ooty served as a well-known summer retreat for the British throughout the colonial period. Many people visit this hill station because of the undulating hills, rich green foliage, and hazy vistas. Any visitor to Ooty should visit the Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Wenlock Downs, and Rose Garden. Another must-spot is the Nilgiri Range Railway, a model railroad that connects Mettupalayam and Ooty and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Ooty rose to fame due to the establishment of numerous tea plantations. Most roads welcome passengers with majestic mountains, luxuriant woods, vast meadows, and endless stretches of tea estates. The yearly Tea and Tourism Festival (in January) and Summer Festival (in May) draw large audiences.

4. Madurai

Madurai is the third-largest city in Tamil Nadu and one of India's most famous pilgrimage destinations, located on the banks of the Vaigai River. Coimbatore is 209 kilometres away, while Chennai is 464 kilometres away. Madurai, also known as Athens of the East, is the oldest continuously inhabited city on the Indian peninsula, having a history extending back to the pre-Christian Sangam period. The capital of the Pandya Empire was Madurai. Madurai is one of the best destinations in Tamil Nadu and is often referred to as the state's cultural capital.

Meenakshi Temple, commonly known as Madurai Meenakshi, is Madurai's most famous landmark and one of India's largest temples. The temple's architecture is beautiful and serves as a testament to the Vishwakarma Brahmins' mastery of architecture in sculpting this temple.

5. Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, or Kodai, often known as the Princess of Hill Stations, is one of the most popular tourist sites on Tamil N?du trips and one of the greatest hill stations in South India. Kodai, located at an elevation of around 7000 feet (2133 meters) amidst the Palani Hills' undulating slopes, offers various attractive spots that visitors appreciate. Kodai Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker's Walk, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, and Pillar Rocks are among Kodaikanal's top tourist destinations. Kodaikanal is not as marketed as Ooty, providing a more pleasant experience for visitors with fewer crowds.

While visiting Kodaikanal, you can unwind and re-establish contact with nature by going on bike or hiking trails or taking a stroll through the expansive woodlands that make up the town. Some of the best trekking spots in Kodaikanal are Dolphin's Nose and Vattakanal.

6. Mahabalipuram

A little hamlet called Mahabalipuram may be found in Tamil Nadu's southeast region, between the Great Salt Lake and the Bay of Bengal. It is an iconic representation of the rich cultural heritage of India. The popular weekend destination from Chennai is Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram. It is one of Tamil Nadu's UNESCO historical buildings and one of the best locations to enjoy Tamil Nadu travel. It is situated around 57 kilometres away from Chennai.

Mahabalipuram, known for its Seaside Temple from the seventh century, served as the Pallava monarch of Kanchipuram's secondary capital. It was erected in the eighth century and comprised three temples grouped into a single compound. It is well-known for its historical monuments, sculptures, natural beauty, culture, and tradition. Mahabalipuram's must-see attractions include Arjuna's Penance, the Krishna Mandapa, Thirukadalmallai temple, Cholamadal Artist's Village, and Mahabalipuram Beach.

The Mamallapuram Dance Festival, which takes place every year from December to January and is organized by the Department of Tourism, is one of the most well-known festivals in the area. Mahabalipuram is a little town in the suburbs. Yet, despite this, it has excellent bus and vehicle connections due to how well-liked it is by Indians and even foreign visitors. These buses go from many locations in Chennai, including Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram.

7. Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, often known as Kanchi, is one of Tamil Nadu's most well-known pilgrimage destinations. It is 75 kilometers away from Chennai. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Chennai area.

Kanchipuram, on the banks of the Palar River, is one of India's oldest cities and served as the Pallava Dynasty's capital. Kanchi is well-known for its temples and hand-woven silk sarees. The Kamakshi Amman Temple is Kanchipuram's most famous landmark and one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Other notable temples to see as part of the Kanchipuram trip are Kailasanathar Temple, Karchapeshwarar Temple, and Sri Ekambarnathar Temple. Kanchipuram is known for its silk weaving and handloom industries, which make Kanchipuram Sarees. The first product in India to earn the Geographical Indication label was 'Kanchipuram Silk Sarees' in 2005.

8. Thanjavur

Thanjavur, known as Tanjore or the City of Temples, is well-known for its temples and outstanding Tanjore artwork, antiques, handicrafts, textiles, and silk sarees. It is a prominent tourist destination in Tamil Nadu, with a rich historical legacy and a mirror of ancient and modern south Indian cultures. It's roughly 170 kilometres from Madurai and 326 kilometres from Chennai. It is one of the main destinations to visit as part of the Madurai trip since it is located on the banks of the Cauvery River.

Thanjavur has been one of South India's most important political, cultural, and religious hubs. The city was previously the historic Cholas' stronghold. Thanjavur is known for the Brihadishvara Temple, erected in 1010 AD by Rajaraja Chola. The temple is regarded as one of the finest examples of South Indian temple architecture. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's most important heritage monuments.

9. Hogenakkal

Hogenakkal Falls is one of India's most beautiful waterfalls and one of Tamil Nadu's most popular tourist destinations. It is also one of the most important waterfalls in the Bangalore area. Bangalore is 146 kilometres away, while Chennai is 345 kilometres away.

After making its way through Karnataka, the River Kaveri reaches Tamil Nadu and forms the Hogenakkal Waterfalls, which cascade down the towering topography. Hogenakkal dubbed the "Niagara of India," is one of the most beautiful sites between Bangalore and Chennai. The Carbonatite rocks around the waterfall are among the world's oldest. The falls are divided into 14 channels, with drops ranging from 15 to 65 feet.

Coracle riding is one of the primary attractions, permitted during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, boating is frequently prohibited. Hogenakkal is also a great practice for your swimming. The Mettur Dam, also known as the Stanley Reservoir, receives the water from the fall. Trekking in the adjacent hills is also an option for visitors. Some prominent tourist spots around Hogenakkal Falls include Yercaud, MM Hills, and Yelagiri Hills.

10. Kanyakumari

As the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula, Kanyakumari is surrounded by three seas: the Arabian, the Indian, and the Bay of Bengal. Cape Comorin was the name once given to the tiny seaside town of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.

A must-see is the stunning meeting point of the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal near Kanyakumari. Tourists can also visit the Triveni Sangam point and the famed View tower for the greatest sunset and dawn views. However, this is not a miracle; rather, it is amazing how distinct the three oceans' colours?turquoise, deep blue, and sea green?are because their water does not mix.

The town is surrounded by rice fields and has a rugged landscape with raised sections of hills, coconut palms, and paddy fields. Kanyakumari is also the only site in India where you can simultaneously see the dawn and sunset on the same beach. The town is known not just for its unusual phenomena but also for its temples and other prominent landmarks like the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

11. Coonoor

This stunning hill station, one of the three spectacular Nilgiri hill stations, is the second largest in the Western Ghats. It is the second-largest hill station in the Western Ghats and is approximately 19 kilometres from Ooty. This region makes the perfect summer hideaway with green slopes of tea plantations, various attractions, and cool weather throughout the year.

Coonoor offers breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Hills and Catherine Falls from far. It's bright and lush with lush foliage, well-kept hills, and colonial culture. Additionally, Coonoor features many vintage mansions and guesthouses that look out over the hills, making it a great place to stay for a holiday.

12. Dhanush Kodi

Dhanushkodi is a tiny seaside town on the coastline of Tamil Nadu with a low population. Dhanushkodi was ravaged by one of the strongest storms India had ever seen in 1964. Tamil Nadu has rebuilt the town, making it one of India's most distinctive and eccentric seaside towns.

The phrase "isolated" is redefined in this little community. This community, isolated from the rest of the world, appears to have escaped the passage of time. While the rest of India competes for riches, this town appears to remain fixed in time, reflecting its grandeur and beauty.

The ideal time to visit Dhanushkodi is during the winter, from October to February. Also, not particularly hot in the summer. Therefore, the summer months are also available if you don't mind the heat. Along with periodic rains, the monsoon season often brings brief storms. As a result, from July to September, most tourists avoid Dhanushkodi.

13. Trichy

A small city in Tamil Nadu, Trichy is expanding quickly. It's a wonderful change from communities that are either wholly religious or are just concrete jungles. Trichy is like one of those places where you may go for a weekend trip and still learn something new a few years later.

Trichy, a city with its airport and train station, fascinates you not only because of the sheer volume of temples and churches that may be visited but also with the peculiar uniqueness that each of these locations offers. If you want to visit a historically significant, religious, and culturally significant location, Trichy is the place to go. Architecture enthusiasts can go there because it has some fantastic examples of architectural marvels. It is among the most popular tourist locations.

14. Vellore

Vellore is an old city in Tamil Nadu's northeastern region, situated on the banks of the Palar River. The magnificent Vellore Fort, in the centre of Vellore city, is known as 'The Fort City.' It is a wonderful spot to see Tamil Nadu's rich cultural legacy through its temples.

Vellore is well recognized for two excellent colleges, Christians Medical College and Vellore Institute of Technology, which account for 37 percent of the country's total leather export. Apart from that, the Ratnagiri Temple and the Roman Catholic Diocese are well-known in the city.

According to folklore, the area where the city presently sits was formerly encircled by Velan (Babul) trees, which gave the area the name Vellore. Vellore has been controlled by several dynasties like the Pallava, Cholas, Vijayanagara, Rashtrakuta, Carnatic, and British, all of whom have left their imprints on the city's rich architecture. The enormous developments Vellore is undergoing have put it on the route to being one of India's Smart Cities.

15.Kolli Hills

The mountain range Kolli Hills often referred to as Kolli Malai, is located in Tamil Nadu's Namakkal district and is renowned by the ominous moniker "Mountain of Death." Due to the absence of commercial tourism, most of its natural splendor has been preserved. The locals refer to the hills as Kolli Malai, reaching a height of more than 4,265 feet.

There is a lot to see and do here, from the Dravidian-style Arapaleeswarar Temple, which is renowned for its natural beauty and religious significance, to the Tampcol Medicinal Farm and Botanical Garden, to the Agaya Gangai Waterfalls and Madurai. Visitors can go to these locations to learn about this hill station's rich history and culture. The route going up to the top is winding and full of switchbacks, and it is also accessible by car.

16. Tuticorin

Tuticorin, sometimes referred to as Thoothukudi, is a port city in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district. On the Gulf of Mannar on the Bay of Bengal, the city is located 40 kilometres east of Tirunelveli. Due to the pearl fishing in the area, Tuticorin is referred to as the "pearl city."

A bustling port city tucked away in Tamil Nadu is Tuticorin. However, it goes much beyond that. Tuticorin offers everything you could ever want from a vacation?from delectable sweets to fascinating temples and breathtaking beaches. Spending a few days here will not only cut off your connection to the outside world but also reduce your level of tension to zero.

Additionally, there is a tonne of pilgrimage sites there. Many religious tourists visit places like the Shiva Temple and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows. The popular local treat known as macaroons, comprised of cashew, coconut milk, and dried fruits, is a favorite among the foodies in this area.

As long as the temperature stays around 30 degrees Celsius, Tuticorin has lovely weather all year round. However, the best time to visit Tuticorin is between December and March because the summer and monsoon seasons can be uncomfortable owing to increased heat and humidity.

17. Yelagiri

In the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, Yelagiri is a magnificent hill village adjacent to the Vaniyambadi Tirupattur road. The Yelagiri hamlet, also called Elagiri Village occasionally, is situated at the height of 1,110.6 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by rose gardens, stunning orchards, and a valley filled with lush vegetation.

Yelagiri has become one of the most well-known destinations in India for hiking and rock climbing because it offers some stunning mountains and peaks to explore. Athanavur serves as the centre and capital of Yelagiri and is a hill resort made up mostly of fourteen hamlets. The Swamimalai Hill, which rises to a height of 4,388 feet and is the highest point in Yelagiri village, is endowed with stunning scenery that will make your vacation one cherish.

The artificial Punganur Lake in the area, which draws numerous tourists and visitors each year, is one of the world's most spectacular and mind-blowing places. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Department holds its annual Summer Festival in the Yelagiri district throughout the summer, showcasing various artistic and cultural traditions from across the nation.

18. Coimbatore

Many people also refer to this location, Coimbatore, as Kovai. The largest city in the South is Coimbatore, sometimes known as Kovai, and it has a lot to offer tourists. Only by recognizing the beauty and splendor of the location can you do justice while you are there. It is one of the most visited places in Coimbatore because of the lush hills, wide ghats, and stunning waterfalls. This city stands out in terms of culture, education, geography, and ethnicity. The charming city offers many activities in every nook and cranny of the area.

The river Noyyal borders the city on its southwestern side, covering an area of around 642.12 km2. The majority of the area to the north and west is made up of the Western Ghats. A noteworthy location in the area is the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is situated in the north. There are eight further major wetlands and tanks in Coimbatore. Also, the area has several attractions, including historical temples, elegant modern structures, gorgeous mountains, jaw-dropping waterfalls, delectable food, and good weather all year round.

19. Nilgiris

Travelers who enjoy nature's untainted, undulating beauty have long been drawn to Nilgiris, often known as the "Blue Mountains." The Western Ghats' blue-tinted mountain ranges are renowned for their rare animals, waterfalls, streams, and scenic hiking paths. The Nilgiris is one of the locations to visit in Tamil Nadu because of the kilometres of woods and mist-covered valleys that give it an otherworldly allure unmatched anywhere else in the nation.

The Doddabetta Mountain, the tallest peak in the area, is one of the most well-liked attractions here. Visit the Telescope House at the peak's summit to observe the vast Shola trees surrounding it and to witness a breathtaking hillside sunset. Visit Catherine Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the Nilgiris, as soon as possible. This waterfall is one of the most stunning in the nation, surrounded by lush tea plantations and woodlands.

Also, taking a trip on a vintage train is among the coolest things to do in the Nilgiris. Join the famous steam-powered toy train as it takes you through 16 tunnels, woodlands, high wooded slopes, and over 250 bridges on an amazing ride. A tea plantation walk that passes into some of the area's oldest fields is another fantastic experience. The opportunity to taste some of the greatest teas in the world, the lush paths, and the enticing scent of tea make this an experience that shouldn't be missed.

20. Kumbakonam

The Kaveri and Arasalar rivers meet in Kumbakonam, also called the "City of Temples." This southern town in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur district attracts hordes of art lovers, history buffs, and culture vultures. This city is surrounded by large paddy fields and is situated in the Old Delta region. It is one of the first towns in Indian history and the location of numerous esteemed academic institutions.

The town takes pride in its incredible past, which goes back to the Sangam era. It urges all history enthusiasts to recognize the significance of the Chola, Pallava, and Pandava eras. It was referred to as the Cambridge of South India and has subsequently become a well-known hub for valuing Hindu culture and European education. As one of the tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu, the city is known as Temple Town since it is home to over 188 temples. The Airavatesvara Temple, Nageshwara Temple, and Chakkarapani Temple are a few of Kumbakonam's most well-known temples. The best seasons to visit are winter and monsoon when the weather is beautiful, and there will be some light rain; summer should be avoided because of the extreme heat.