Best Things to Do in Tamil Nadu

Known For : Brihadeeswara Temple Saraswathi Mahal Library Shiva Ganga Garden

Visit Thanjavur, a hub of South Indian art and culture. Explore the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the Thanjavur Art Gallery and Saraswati Mahal Library, showcasing ancient manuscripts and art pieces. Thanjavur is also renowned for its traditional Tanjore paintings and classical dance forms.

Best Time: October to March

15 Thanjevur Attractions

Known For : Sim's Park Dolphin's Nose Ketti Valley

Explore Coonoor, a picturesque hill station in the Nilgiris, known for its tea estates and colonial charm. Visit the Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, and the Lamb’s Rock for breathtaking views. Take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway for a scenic journey. Coonoor’s pleasant climate and lush greenery make it a perfect retreat for nature lovers.

Best Time: October to March

17 Coonoor Attractions

Known For : Adi Kumbeshwara Temple Nageswaran Temple Shopping in Kumbakonam

Explore Kumbakonam, known as the Temple Town, with its numerous ancient temples. Visit the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, the Sarangapani Temple, and the Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is also famous for the Mahamaham festival held every 12 years. Kumbakonam offers a spiritual and cultural experience with its rich history and religious significance.

Best Time: November to February

25 Kumbakonam Attractions

Known For : Thirumayam Fort Chettinad Palace

Visit Karaikudi, the heart of the Chettinad region, known for its unique architecture and delicious cuisine. Explore the grand Chettinad mansions, made of lime plaster and teakwood. Taste the authentic Chettinad dishes, known for their spicy flavors. Karaikudi offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Chettinad community.

Best Time: October - March

6 Karaikudi Attractions

Known For : Agaya Gangai Waterfalls Arappaleeswarar Temple Siddhar Caves

Discover the lesser-known Kolli Hills, known for its untouched natural beauty and adventurous trekking trails. Visit the Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, the Arapaleeswarar Temple, and the Botanical Garden. The hills are also famous for medicinal herbs and plants. The serene environment and scenic views make Kolli Hills a hidden gem in Tamil Nadu.

Best Time: March-June; August-December

4 Kolli Hills Attractions

Known For : Rameshwaram Temple Dhanushkodi Temple and Beach Jatayu Tirtham

Explore the sacred temples of Rameswaram, including the Ramanathaswamy Temple, famous for its long corridors and intricately carved pillars. Visit the Kothandaramaswamy Temple and the Gandhamadhana Parvatham. Participate in the rituals and ceremonies for a spiritual experience. The town is considered one of the holiest places for Hindus.

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Rameswaram Attractions

Known For : Velankanni Church Velankanni Beach Velankanni Church Museum

Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni, a renowned pilgrimage site for Christians. The church, known for its Gothic architecture, attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Participate in the daily masses and explore the serene surroundings. Velankanni is also known for its annual festival in September, which draws thousands of devotees.

Best Time: October to March

6 Velankanni Attractions

Known For : Fort Dansborg The town gate The Zion Church

Forgotten to be touched by time, and still known for its tranquillity, is Tharangambadi, otherwise known as Tranquebar- The land of the singing waves. Tranquebar or Tharangambadi is a tiny beach town in Nagapattinam district that dates back to the 14th century. Placed at a dreamy patch at the confluence of the Kaveri river and the Bay of Bengal, Tranquebar is a beautiful playpen of many cultures.

Best Time: August to February

7 Tranquebar Attractions

Known For : Green Valley View (Suicide Point) Kodaikanal Lake Bear Shola Falls

Explore Kodaikanal, a popular hill station known for its beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and forests. Take a boat ride on the serene Kodaikanal Lake and hike to the stunning Silver Cascade Falls. Visit the Coaker’s Walk for panoramic views of the valley. The cool climate and scenic beauty make Kodaikanal a favorite destination for nature lovers.

Best Time: September to May

35 Kodaikanal Attractions

Dhanushkodi is a small, sparsely populated beach town on the coast of Tamil Nadu. In the 1964, Dhanushkodi was hit by one of the worst storms India has ever seen. Ever since then, Tamil Nadu has rebuilt this town to become one of the most unique and unusual beach towns of India.

Discover the natural beauty of Yercaud, a hill station known for its caves and scenic spots. Visit the Bear’s Cave and the Servarayan Temple inside a cave. Enjoy panoramic views from the Lady’s Seat and the Pagoda Point. The serene environment and lush greenery make Yercaud a perfect escape from city life.

Participate in the Natyanjali Dance Festival held annually at the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. Watch classical dancers from across the country perform in honor of Lord Shiva. The festival is a vibrant celebration of Indian classical dance forms. It provides a unique cultural experience and insight into Tamil Nadu's rich artistic heritage.

Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, an architectural marvel dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva. Admire the intricate carvings, towering gopurams, and the thousand-pillared hall. Participate in the daily rituals and ceremonies that offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage. Don't miss the evening light and sound show that narrates the temple's history.

Enjoy a serene boat ride on the backwaters of Chidambaram, home to the famous Nataraja Temple. Explore the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, one of the largest in India, with its network of canals and waterways. The tranquil surroundings and rich biodiversity make it a perfect spot for nature lovers. Don't miss the chance to visit the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Known For : Madumalai National Park The Jungle Safari Theppakadu Elephant Camp

Take a wildlife safari at Mudumalai National Park, located in the Nilgiri Hills. Spot elephants, tigers, leopards, and various species of birds in their natural habitat. The park offers a mix of deciduous forests, grasslands, and waterfalls. A visit here provides an exciting opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Best Time: December to June

3 Mudumalai Attractions

Known For : Kamakshi Amman Temple Varadharaja Perumal Temple Devarajaswami Temple

Visit Kanchipuram, known as the City of Thousand Temples, to explore its rich historical and religious heritage. Admire the architectural beauty of temples like Ekambareswarar, Kamakshi Amman, and Kailasanathar. Kanchipuram is also famous for its exquisite silk sarees. Don't miss the chance to buy a traditional Kanchipuram saree as a souvenir.

Best Time: October to May

16 Kanchipuram Attractions

Climb the 83-meter-high Rock Fort in Tiruchirappalli to visit the ancient Ucchi Pillayar Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Cauvery River from the top. The fort complex also includes the Thayumanavar Temple and the Mathrubhuteshwarar Temple. This site is a blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty.

Take a walk through the lush tea gardens of Ooty, the Queen of Hill Stations. Visit the tea factories to learn about tea processing and enjoy fresh tea tasting. Explore the beautiful Botanical Gardens and take a boat ride on Ooty Lake. The cool climate and scenic beauty make Ooty a perfect retreat.

Known For : Marina Beach Government Museum, Chennai MGR Film City

Explore Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, known for its rich cultural heritage. Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, San Thome Basilica, and the Government Museum. Enjoy a walk along Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the world. Don't miss the vibrant classical music and dance performances that Chennai is famous for.

Best Time: October to March

91 Chennai Attractions

Known For : Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram Auroville

Take a leisurely stroll through the French Quarters of Pondicherry, with its charming colonial architecture, quaint cafes, and tree-lined streets. Visit the Aurobindo Ashram and the beautiful Promenade Beach. Indulge in French cuisine at the local bistros and enjoy the blend of Indian and French cultures. This coastal town offers a unique and relaxing experience.

Best Time: October to March

48 Pondicherry Attractions

Spend a day at the beautiful beaches of Mahabalipuram, famous for their rock-cut sculptures and ancient temples. Explore the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and the giant open-air bas-reliefs like Arjuna's Penance. Enjoy water sports or simply relax on the golden sands. The serene ambiance and the sound of waves make it a perfect getaway.

Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, a masterpiece of Chola architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the massive granite structures, the 216-foot tall Vimana, and the gigantic Nandi statue. The temple is an architectural feat with its intricate carvings and frescoes. Participate in the daily pooja and feel the spiritual ambiance of this ancient temple.

Experience the charm of a bygone era with a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The toy train travels from Mettupalayam to Ooty, offering breathtaking views of lush tea gardens, dense forests, and misty mountains. Enjoy the quaint stations and the delightful chugging of the steam locomotive. This journey is a must-do for nature lovers and train enthusiasts alike.