Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu

Buzzing streets, stunning heritage temples, shopping arcades, and striking beaches are the elements that certainly allure the travel enthusiasts to visit Chennai. Located on the coast of Southeastern India, Chennai is one of the biggest cities in Tamil Nadu. It is also home to thriving technology, which makes it one of the largest IT parks in Asia. With Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram in its vicinity, it is pacing up as the cultural hub of India. This city has truly preserved its charisma all through its journey of becoming Chennai from Madras. Chennai is widely recognized for its bold flavors, warm hospitality, and colorful culture that never fails to impress the travelers.

Whether you’re seeking for spiritual bliss, party frenzy atmosphere or mind boggling fun activities Chennai has so much in store for the tourists that it offers something for everyone. You can marvel at the beautiful expanse of the world famous Marina Beach or you can engage into the trekking activities that are organized close to the waterfalls. You can also buy souvenirs from the shopping arcades and try the lip smacking cuisines of Chennai to make your entire trip memorable. The magnificently built temples of Chennai also attract tourists to visit this city. 

Chennai is not only the city of beaches and temples. This city offers you the provision to fly in the vast sky and sail in the water currents through the expansive sea. If you’re daring and have enough courage then get tied to the harness and jump from the highest mountain peak. Yes paragliding is a must try thrilling activity over here. Apart from this several other adrenaline rushing activities like river rafting, surfing and scuba diving are lined up for the tourists in Chennai. You can also indulge into rock climbing and camping session to test your adventurous streak. 

The ideal time to visit Chennai is the winter and pre-monsoon season between February and October. During this time of the year, the weather is quite pleasant, which gives you a chance to explore this city at its best. Summers can be scorching and intensely harsh as the temperature rises up to 40 degrees Celsius, so it’s best not to visit Chennai during this season. During the winter season, the temperature hovers between 20-25 degrees Celsius and cool breezes flow from the sea, providing relief from the otherwise humid weather. The months between September to July constitute the monsoon season, which is accompanied by strong winds and heavy rainfall.

From nature walks in gardens that makes one wonder whether Paradise, as depicted in scriptures of various cultures, have actually been derived from such sensory experiences to relaxing over a cup of tea from the tea plantations dotting the hillside, only to realize most humbly of nature’s gifts as a bountiful provider, the tourist places in Ooty can be expected to resuscitate the soul, depleted of its spiritual reserves through the trials of everyday existence. 

Ooty, once the summer capital of Madras Presidency under the British, can be safely regarded as “India’s Switzerland”. John Sullivan, the then collector of Coimbatore had noted the same in his elaborate report on the region, way back in the 19th century. After independence, Ooty was developed into a major tourist destination and understandably so, given its qualification for the same, owing to nature’s abundant blessings in terms of climate, scenic splendour, local sights and sounds, its wealth of birds and beasts and of course its homegrown beverages of tea and coffee.

The majestic “Queen of the Hills” forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, reputed for its fragile and exquisite ecosystem. In the ecological parlance, it is best known as a “hotspot”, the label justifying the designation of the section of the Western Ghats as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ooty has been developed to offer a rare glimpse to tourists of the essence of the rest of the reserve, much of which are out of bounds as part of conservation efforts.

The wooded hills of the Western Ghats with its canopy of unkempt, untouched shola vegetation interspersed with maintained and cultivated tea gardens offer a rare view of the symbiotic existence of man and nature where one can see and learn what sustainable use of natural resources should ideally look like. The botanical garden and rose garden curate much of the bounty of nature at Ooty to mesmerizing effect. One has to see the tourist places in Ooty it to believe in the gifts of life, otherwise often conveniently overlooked.

A love child of the French and Indian cultures, Pondicherry (Pudducherry) is a beach-side union territory located in Tamil Nadu. Previously until 1954, Pondicherry was French settlement. Now the old Bouganvellia-draped French-style houses, churches and even the newly built French-style shops, bright coloured cafes and restaurants give Pondicherry an exotic character to it.   

This French capital of India will definitely make you feel like you are someplace out of India when you visit places like the Rock Beach, Pondicherry Beach, Serenity Beach or the Botanical Gardens. And the best place to see Pondicherry with the same notion is to visit Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram where people from all over the world come to seek spirituality through yoga and meditation. 

Pondicherry is such a place, which will never cease to surprise you with its unique style. There are several cafes and restaurants that serve impeccable French cuisine along with some lip-smacking international cuisines as well. As a popular beach-town, Pondicherry also offers you with the amazing nightlife through numerous clubs and beach-parties offering great music and delicious cocktails. There is so much to do and explore here, that you will not want to go back and experience more and more of this quaint French town of India. 

Kodaikanal, the princess of hill station, is mainly known for being honeymoon destinations among other places in India. This is the most suitable and beautiful destination in the south of India because of its scenic beauty which leaves the visitors awestruck with memorable experiences.The meaning of tourist places in Kodaikanal is the gift of the forest and it contains some dense forest with enormous varieties of trees, enchanting waterfalls and huge rocks.

Situated in the hills of Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu, the Kodaikanal contains a huge history as a retreat and popular tourist destination. There are many locals name that are given to this beautiful town, but the most popular is “place to see in summer”.The queen of mountain destinations is also known as the “gift of God” because of its gifted lakes and hills.The beautiful place of Kodaikanal welcomes you with a fall in the temperature accompanied by scenic beauty.

The Switzerland of the east is home to varieties of adventures and exciting things to do and places to visit. Kodaikanal, the town of romance, gives you a new feeling every time you go sightseeing to different places with its pure and untouched nature’s beauty and makes you feel a step closer to the glory of Mother Nature. Kodaikanal attracts a huge number of tourists and travellers along with adventurers both national and international every year.

The king of romantic places, Kodaikanal is one of the best places to visit in the south region. We all know Tamil Nadu is the king of South India and hence the town of Kodaikanal adds a little more litter into its glory. The town is not only just meant for newly married couples but also you can visit the tourist places in Kodaikanal town with your family and enjoy the various sports and adventure provided by this mesmerizing and beautiful town.

The beautiful hill station of Yelagiri is situated in the Vellore district of the Tamil Nadu state, off the Vaniyambadi Tirupattur road. The Yelagiri village, also sometimes spelled as the Elagiri Village, is located at an altitude of 1,110.6 meters above the sea level. It is surrounded by eye catching orchards, rose gardens, and a lush green valley, thereby comprising the most amazing Yelagiri Tour Packages.

The hill station of Yelagiri is mainly a cluster of fourteen hamlets, with Athanavur as its main and capital town. Yelagiri is among the most famous places in India that is known for many trekking, climbing and other adventure activities as it has some beautiful hills and mountains to climb on. The highest point in the village of Yelagiri is the Swamimalai Hill which is 4,388 ft in height blessed with some mesmerizing views and places that will make your trek a memorable one.

There is no doubt that a traveller or an adventurer will find plenty of places and sites to explore as the beautiful hills and valleys of the district allows you to give a treat to your eyes with its exotic locales. One of the most amazing and mind boggling place is the man made Punganur Lake in the region which attracts many tourists and visitors every year. It is also one of the many places to visit in Yelagiri while you stay.

Every year during the months of summer, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department celebrates the Summer Festival in the Yelagiri district which showcases different cultural heritage and arts from across the country, which are considered to be the best in Yelagiri Tour. They organize several kinds of cultural programs like the flower show, the dog show, and much more. All of this festivity is conducted every year in which people from different parts of the state and country come down to take a part and is a perfect opportunity to know more about the people and past of Yelagiri.

Making every small detail stand out in India and setting a hard-hitting impression in the travelers’ mind comes another place lying in the state of Tamil Nadu. This place called Coimbatore is also known to many as Kovai.

Coimbatore or Kovai occupies the most of South and has a lot to offer to its visitors. There is no justice that you can do while you’re at this place except for appreciating the beauty and magnificence of the place. The green hills, broad ghats and the beautiful waterfalls – it is one the most popular destinations in Coimbatore. This city sets itself apart in terms of its culture, education, geography and ethnicity. Charming its way through – the city has endless amounts of activities to offer at every nook and corner of the place.

The city is surrounded by the river Noyyal on its South west region and covers an approximate area of 642.12km. The Western Ghats make up for the most region on the North and the West and the important location of the place is the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which lies in the north. There are eight other major tanks and wetland areas that comprise Coimbatore. These are: Kumaraswami, Krishnampathi, Selvampathy, Singanallur, Selvachinthamani, Valankulam, Ukkadam Periyakulam.

The place is blessed with an extremely pleasant climate especially given the presence of luscious green forests in the north.  As far as the culture is concerned, Coimbatore and its people have set themselves a reputation for getting recognized in the world for their dominance in entrepreneurship. The place is considered as the traditional capital of India and holds great respect in the minds of all those who have already visited the place.

Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the tourist places in Tamil Nadu. You can visit this place to experience the wild life and exotic flora and fauna. You can also trek in a few areas in this reserve. Many endangered species are  reside in this reserve. It is on the border of Karnataka and Kerala and shares its importance with the other wild life sanctuaries in the nearby locations. You will find more than 200 species of birds, 34 species of reptiles, and many other animals and birds in this wild life sanctuary. Mudumalai is popular for sightseeing and wild life tours. You can get the best of scenic view when you walk by the streams, rivers, waterfalls, and take a stroll in the deep valleys.

Close to Mudumalai you can also visit the Tiger Reserve and the Bandipur National Park. You can experience the best of eco tourism in Mudumalai. Summers in Mudumalai are hot, and monsoon and winters are cooler. Throughout the year except for the month of April and May, you can visit this sanctuary and take safaris to get a glimpse of the wildlife. There are many places to see in the nearby locations and taking safari rides are the most common activities that you will find here.

Coonoor is a municipality and a Taluk located in the Nilgiris district, on the western edge of the state, Tamil Nadu, India. As far as size is concerned, Coonoor, after Ooty, comes second in largeness in all of the beautiful hills of the Nilgiris, providing people with a lot of ground to tour. For more than one trekking expeditions, Coonoor is an ideal base and leads right into the Nilgiri Hills. The tourist places in Coonoor are breath-takingly beautiful.

For a Hill station, Coonoor is very accessible, with the nearest airport being only at a distance of 79 km from the town of Coonoor. The population being so less, it offers a peaceful and relaxing environment which other hill stations don’t. The station features a subtropical highland climate which basically means cool summers and cool but not cold winter.Among the tourist places in Coonoor comes Sim’s Park, with a collective display exceeding one thousand types of species of plants.

The botany based garden is developed partly in Japanese style. The main attractions of this park are the fruits and vegetables shows held annually, in May. Another important place to visit lies about 10 km away from Coonoor, considered a part of Coonoor, which is the Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, which is famous for the magnificent view of the beautiful Hills of Nilgiri and the beautiful Falls called Catherine. Catherine Falls is another important tourist attraction Coonoor.

Tourists normally go trekking from Lady Canning’s seat to Dolphin’s nose. Five and a half km away from Coonoor, also considered a part of Coonoor, lies Lamb’s Rock, which is another point of vantage. The Fort of Droog is a well-known attraction. People commuting to Mettupalayam, witness Law’s Falls about five km away from Coonoor.

Mahabalipuram is a small town situated in the southeastern part of Tamil Nadu, stretching between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake. It is a renowned representative city of our rich Indian culture and heritage. It is mainly a seaport, which lies 58 km away from the capital city Chennai.

Mahabalipuram is a place that is famous for its temples and monuments, especially the very famous Shore Temple. It consists of three temples built in one single complex, that was constructed way back in the 8th century. Another famous temple is the Pancha Rathas.

As the name suggests- they are a group of five temples sculpted in the form of chariots. The Descent of the Ganga is a giant rock with an open mouth in the form of sculpture. Some other popular tourist attractions in Mahabalipuram are Arjuna’s Penance, the Crocodile Farm, the Cave temples, the Indian Seashell Museum, Krishna’s Butterball. Along with these, there are innumerable monoliths, temples and stone carvings that are a testimony to the rich cultural heritage of India.

Even though Mahabalipuram is a small town situated in the suburbs, it is well connected by buses and cars because of its immense popularity amongst Indian and even foreigners. These buses ply from different parts of Chennai, Chengal Pattu and Kanchipuram.

The weather here remains cool and moderately humid throughout the year, which makes it possible to visit any time of the year, even though the best time to visit is between October and March. The town is well equipped with multiple accommodations according to the tourists’ choice and budget. Local restaurants, as well as multi-cuisine restaurants, are available for a culinarily rewarding trip as well. The local language spoken here is Tamil, although the locals are fluent in other languages like English and Hindi as well.

Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu has a number of titles to its credit such as “The Athens of East", “Sleepless City" and “The City of Temples”. Steeped into history this ancient city is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu and a popular pilgrimage destination of India. Legend has it that Madurai was built after cutting down a forest zone known as Kadambavanam. On the day of naming the city, Lord Shiva emerged on the site and drops of nectar fell from his hair on the ground. Hence the city got its name derived as Madurai from the Tamil word ‘mathuram’ which means “sweetness".

Steeped in traditional Tamil culture the city of Madurai is known for its mythical, vivacious and soulful essence that will draw your attention as you enter its precincts. The city exhibits a seamless blend of the traditional and contemporary with its historical Dravidian architecture and modern skyscrapers adorning its skyline. The world famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, Idaikattur Church, The Pudhu Mandapam and The Thirumalai Nayakar Palace are the prominent historical monuments of Madurai city.

Besides, there are several other places of interest that will take you close to its rich cultural heritage. Some of the must visit places at Madurai are the Gandhi Museum, Vaigai Dam, Villacherry Pottery Village, Teppakulam tank, Madurai Kamaraj University and others. Besides, you can also ramble across the narrow lanes of the vibrant marketplaces or strike up a bargain with the vendors.

Down the years Madurai has become a cultural hub of Tamil Nadu attracting millions of tourists and history enthusiasts round the year who want to soak into its deep rooted ethos and cultural vibe. Winter (months between December-February) is the best time to visit Madurai when you can go sightseeing to the places of attraction as the climate is favourable. Also, the major Tamil festivals (Pongal, Christmas, Jallikattu etc) are held during this time which you can revel at.  Take a look at the detailed information provided below before you visit this ancient city of Tamilnadu.

Nestled at the extreme southern end of India, Kanyakumari is a beautiful coastal town of Tamil Nadu. Since its evolution, this peaceful town has been considered to be a major hub of culture, art, and religion in the country. Kanyakumari city showcases to the world the perfect amalgamation of enthralling natural beauties and captivating ancient architectural marvels.

The city of Kanyakumari is beautifully enticing, owing to its spectacular scenic environs and brilliant iconic structures. Enclosed by magnificent mountains, lined by stunning sea shores, and bordered by lofty coconut trees and paddy fields, this city is set to mesmerize every traveler. The mountainous terrains, undulating valleys, hill patches, and pristine beaches can leave anyone awestruck and spellbound. In addition to all these natural elements, the city’s iconic monuments and majestic temples also add to its incredible beauty.

A long list of the major attractions of the state of Tamil Nadu are sheltered in Kanyakumari. The important tourist spots of this place include religious sites like Thanumalayan Temple, Kumari Amman Temple, and Lord Subramanya Temple; historical spots like Vattakottai Fort, Padmanabhapuram Palace, and Vivekananda Rock Memorial; and natural beauties like Thirparappu Falls, Courtallam Falls, and Sanguthurai Beach.

Kanyakumari tourism has ample scope for the tourists to engage in a number of fun-filled activities. From enjoying water activities at Kanyakumari Beach to marveling at the life-like statues of famous personalities at Wax Museum and from witnessing the breathtaking sunset at Sunset Point to marveling at the Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari will offer you an action-packed trip down south. Kanyakumari experiences tropical climate, with summers being moderately humid, monsoons bringing in frequent rainfall, and winters remaining pleasant. With less humidity and clear skies, the winter months from October to March make for the best time to visit Kanyakumari.

Lying near the Cauvery Delta, Thanjavur popularly known as Tanjore is known not only in India but around the world for its vibrant culture, history and legacy of literature and learning. Dating back to the 10th-century reign of the Chola Empire, named after a demon ‘Tanjan-an-asura’, Tanjore is famous for having the largest paddy fields in southern India.

While here, don’t miss to visit Saraswathi Mahal, one of the oldest libraries in Asia, that houses more than a million medieval-era manuscripts in Indian & European languages. Another amazing place to visit is the 10th-century Brihadeshwara Temple that’s popular for its stunning architecture of 80-tonne Sikhara atop the 63-metre tall Vimana tower, the second-largest Nandi statue in the country, and one of the tallest Shiva Lingas in the world.

The 16th-century Thanjavur Palace, the royal seat of the Maratha rulers is a must-visit to see its bell tower, huge archways, pillared halls, observation towers, and it's art gallery. For those who love being amidst nature, must visit the Shiva Ganga Garden and spend time near the huge water tank amidst the cool breeze and beautifully lush surroundings.

Tanjore, counted amongst the top tourist places in Tamil Nadu, is famous for its dance forms around the world and one of the best things to do here is to see a live Bharatanatyam performance, especially the ones that take place at the serene Brihadeshwara Temple.

Visit any of the local markets near the temple to enjoy a cup of traditional filter coffee and see thousands of colourful terracotta dolls, stone-studded brass idols, and traditional paintings. Spend some tranquil time with yourself away from the crowds at the peaceful and quiet ambience of the Schwartz Church admiring its beautiful European architecture of stained glass windows, wooden beams, and paintings.

Nilgiris or the ‘Blue Mountains’ have always caught the fancy of travellers who love the raw undulated beauty of nature. The blue-tinted mountain ranges, a part of the Western Ghats ranges, are famous for their exotic flora, waterfalls, wildlife, streams, and beautiful nature trails. The mist-covered valleys and miles of forests lend the Nilgiris an out of the world charm unlike any place in the country making it one of the places to visit in Tamil Nadu.

One of the most popular attractions here is the Doddabetta Peak, which is the highest peak in the region. Visit the Telescope House at the summit of the peak to see the massive surrounding Shola forests and catch a stunning hillside sunset. Don’t miss to visit Catherine Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the Nilgiris. Surrounded by lush tea plantations and forests, this fall is amongst the most beautiful waterfalls in the country.

Another great place to visit is Sim’s Park that’s popular for its unusual plants, ornamental trees, rockeries, and flowerbeds. Located in the Silent Valley National Park, Emerald Lake is one of the prettiest lakes in the region. Views of its shimmering blue-green waters surrounded by thick forests are one of the most stunning sights in the Nilgiris.

One of the best things to do in the Nilgiris is to enjoy a heritage train ride. Hop on the iconic toy train with a steam engine as it takes you on an unforgettable journey through 16 tunnels, forests, forested hilly slopes, and over 250 bridges. Another great experience is to enjoy a tea plantation trail that will take you through some of the oldest plantations in the region. The intoxicating fragrance of tea, the lush trails, and the opportunity to sample some of the best teas in the world is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Being one of the famous Char Dhams of India, Rameshwaram is a small Hindu pilgrimage town and is considered to be one of the reverenced places to visit in Tamil Nadu. Due to its deep-seated religious connection and unspoiled natural beauty, it witnesses a huge influx of tourists and devotees from various corners of the globe. It is perfectly nestled on the magnificent Pamban Island in the Gulf of Munnar, just off the Indian mainland at the tip of the Indian Peninsula.

Rameshwaram is situated just 1403 kilometers away from Sri Lanka and is the nearest transit point to gain access to its breathtaking tropical beauty. Since 1914, the town has been connected to the mainland of India via the eminent Pamban Railway Bridge. Apart from the traditional legacy, this spiritual town is also blessed with immaculate beaches, picture-perfect landscapes, underwater coral reefs, Water Bird Sanctuary, tropical weather and much more.

According to the Hindu mythology, Rameshwaram is believed to be the place from where Lord Rama had constructed the bridge to Sri Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from the clutches of Ravana, the king of Lanka. It is also believed that this is the place where Lord  Rama decided to atone for his sins to seek penance after having killed the Brahmin king, Ravana. Owing to the mythological significance, Ramanathaswamy Temple was established by Rama in dedication to Lord Shiva. The temple has materialized into a pious expedition site for Vaishnavites, Shaivites,  and Smartha.

However, Rameshwaram has also emerged to be a happening holiday hotspot for enthusiastic travelers because of its proximity to famous destinations like Pondicherry, Munnar, Kanyakumari, and Madurai. As a result, it is one of the fastest-growing tourism markets in India and is expected to evolve more soon.

Rameshwaram has three distinct seasons-Summer, Monsoon, and Winter. The summer season begins with the onset of March and lasts till July. The temperature here gets pretty high ranging from 27 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius.  July marks the beginning of the Monsoons and is all about rainfall and humidity. October to March is the dry season when the weather is pleasant and makes way for the best time to visit the holy town of Rameshwaram.

Kotagiri is popular as the most beautiful hill station in the Nilgiris. Surrounded by lush tea plantations, emerald-green meadows, and rugged nature trails, this is amongst the most-visited places in Tamil Nadu. The biggest draws of Kotagiri are its pleasant weather, the slow pace of life, and the stunning countryside that pull travellers who want to take a break from the chaotic city life.

One of the most popular places to visit in Tamil Nadu, just a stone’s throw from Kotagiri, is Elk Falls. The beauty and attraction of the fall are enhanced manifolds by the surrounding lush forests and an old European house located nearby that lends an old-world charm to the place. For nature enthusiasts who want to lose themselves in the rustic wilderness of nature, Longwood Shola forests are a must-visit.

This 115-hectare tropical rainforest is the home to more than 80 species of exotic birds, animals, and trees. Minutes away is another attraction revered by the local Irulas tribe. The Rangasamy Hill has a shrine dedicated to Lord Rangasamy on its summit. The hill’s top offers stunning views of the nearby forests, hills, and valleys and is a great vantage point to see a beautiful sunset.

One of the best things to do in Kotagiri is exploring its raw natural beauty on foot. There are several great hiking trails here, the most popular being the Kotagiri-Kodanad trail. Kotagiri also lets you experience a gorgeous sunset at its various vantage points. One of the best locations to do is Dolphin’s Nose that also lets you enjoy views of the nearby ravines and waterfalls.

Another great experience here is to enjoy freshly brewed tea that comes straight from the nearby plantations. There are several bakeries near Johnston Circle that serve wonderful tea along with savouries and fresh cakes that are a must-try.

Krishnagiri is counted amongst one of the most scenic places to visit in Tamil Nadu due to its remarkably beautiful contrasting landscape of lush green forests and black granite rocks dating back to the Palaeolithic Age. Besides its natural beauty, people from all over the country visit the place for its ancient temples, museums, and beautiful gardens. Krishnagiri’s other claim to fame is its home-grown mangoes that are transported all across the country and the world.

A trip to Krishnagiri is not complete without seeing the Shri Parshwa Padmavathi Shaktipeeth Tirth Dham. Standing at the height of 365 ft., this is the world’s highest Jain Temple and consists of 24 tirthankars. For travellers interested in history, a visit to the Krishnagiri Museum is a must.

You will see Hero stones, tools, rock paintings, pottery, and sculptures dating back to the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, and Megalithic ages. Another great attraction is the 2000-year-old Kattuveera Anjaneya Temple. This revered site consists of a rare Nandi monolith amidst the beautiful stone architecture of the temple.

One of the greatest experiences that you can have at Krishnagiri is forest trekking and night camping. These trails pass through charming villages and ghat roads to take you to a campsite where you can enjoy an overnight stay in a tent and enjoy music and bonfire. If you love savouring south Indian food, Krishnagiri is the place to be! There are several restaurants like Agni, Sri Krishna Inn, Gowri Shankar Hotel, etc. that serve great food and filter coffee.

If you want to get away from the crowded touristy places and enjoy some time with yourself, visit the KRP Dam. The sounds of the crashing waters, misty air, and cool breeze here will be an experience like nothing else. There are several cafes around the dam that will let you enjoy great food and surrounding views.

Nestled between the Coimbatore plains and foothills of Annamalai Hills, Pollachi town is the perfect place for travellers looking for an offbeat southern destination. The place, known as the coconut capital of Tamil Nadu, has an undulated raw landscape dotted with thickets of coconut trees, tea plantations, and meadows cosily nestled amidst lush green hills. Pollachi is popular around the country for its jaggery, coconut products, and cattle fairs.

One of the best places to visit in Pollachi is the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. It houses animals like tigers, Gaurs, Nilgiri Tahr, etc. Not only this, but the reserve also has marshy grasslands and shola forests and houses indigenous tribes like Poopara, Anchaam, Sungam, etc.

If you love to explore architectural landmarks, visit Arulmigu Subramanyar Thirukoil Temple, which is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu. The temple is famous for its stunning architecture and peaceful ambience. Savour the scenic countryside of Pollachi from Loam’s view point. Located at the Aliyar Valparai Hill, this is a great place to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

One of the best activities to do in Pollachi is boating at the picturesque Aliyar Dam. The dam also has a beautiful garden perfect for taking long strolls and a theme park that has super-fun rides for everybody in the family. Another interesting activity is to enjoy trekking, elephant safaris, and van safaris at the Topslip Tiger Forest. The safari will let you see the resident tigers, sloth bear, wild boar, Indian Bison, etc. You can also explore exotic species of birds and trees like rosewood, teakwood, etc.

Head over to Anaimalai Hills for a day-long trek as you walk amidst beautiful forested areas with views of the majestic Western Ghats. Enjoy a long countryside drive on the Pollachi road that leads to Kerala. Counted amongst the country’s most beautiful forest roads, this ghat road has 42 hairpin bends and passes through rainforests dotted with shimmering streams and stunning waterfalls.

Salem, the hidden gem of Tamil Nadu, is surely worth anybody’s time that loves nature, heritage, and culture. This beautiful compact place, surrounded by 4 mountain ranges, is dotted with sites dating back to the Palaeolithic Age. There is an abundance of lush coffee plantations, fragrant mango & orange orchards, and gardens standing alongside ancient temples and forts.

If you want to spend some time in tranquillity and quietude, head over to Oothumalai Hill, which not only is a great vantage point to see panoramic views of Salem but also houses a cluster of ancient temples. You can visit Sri Balasubramanian Temple, Shiva Temple, and Vishnu Temple here to admire their wonderful architecture.

For people travelling with children, a great place to visit is Paravasa Ulagam, one of the most popular theme parks in the area. The park has a science park, waterfalls, and several fun rides. History enthusiasts must visit the Government Museum to see relics from the Palaeolithic Age and other geological specimens that tell the story of the evolution of Salem.

One of the most fun activities to do in Salem is boating and fishing in the serene Mookaneri Lake. Or you can simply lounge at the well-maintained lakeside promenade and admire the scenic surroundings and enjoy the cool breeze. Get away from the noise and crowds to spend time with yourself at the beautiful 300 ft. Kiliyur Falls.

Beat the heat by taking a long cool dip in the plunge pool or simply soaking in the beautiful views. Savour the intricate stone architecture of the 18th-century Kalipatti Kandaswamy Temple. The temple is famous for curing snake bites and is the location for a huge cattle fair that’s held every year in January.

Dharmapuri, located in the northwestern part of Tamil Nadu, has been the cradle of civilization since time immemorial. Rock sculptures from the Neolithic age unearthed nearby bear testimony to the ancientness of this city. The roots can be traced to the Sangam era literature dating as far back as the 2nd century CE. The famous poet Avvaiyar resided here at that time. Subsequently, The Pallavas, Rashtrakutas and the Cholas all ruled over the city. Its rich heritage has added to the attraction of tourists for this city. Natural splendour, ancient architecture, the grandeur of historic monuments, religious shrines, and other such attractions allure visitors from all over the country to this city.

Dharmapuri is now mainly an agricultural trade centre. The city is renowned for the 50 varieties of delicious mangoes found here. It is also fringed by the Kaveri River in the west that enhances its scenic beauty. Dharmapuri city, being well-connected to all major metropolises in South India, is also an attractive weekend getaway for the citizens of Chennai and Bengaluru. Visitors flock here to view Hogenakkal Falls, located around 46 km away from the town centre. It is often referred to as the Niagra of India because of its mighty waters gushing down in cascades, taking the visitor's breath away.

Pilgrims are drawn to the different places of religious significance in Dharmapuri. The Shri Theerthagirishwarar Temple at Theerthamalai, constructed during the reigns of the Chola and Vijayanagara Kings, is revered as one of the most sacred temples in the region. Mahashivratri celebrations at this temple are incredibly colourful. Another noteworthy religious site is the Hanumantha Theertham. It is a place of mythological legends that connects it to the epic Ramayana. The Mount Carmel Church in the city also offers spiritual peace to the visitors.

Kanchipuram, also known as the Golden City of Temples, is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in the entire world. It is the crowning jewel of Tamil Nadu that offers the perfect respite to the spiritual souls with its beautiful temples that are known for their architectural splendor. It is known to be the second holiest city after Varanasi, and thousands of visitors flock into this city to seek solace and spiritual bliss. It has been an important center for Tamil learning and exhibits the glorious Dravidian heritage.

You can also find the remains of Buddhist stupas over here that indicate that Buddhism prevailed over here for a long time. This city is a unique amalgamation of culture, history, and traditions and woos the visitors with its unmatched charm.

There are many places to visit in Kanchipuram that create an impression to last forever on your senses. From bird sanctuary to scenic gardens and cascading lakes, Kanchipuram takes you closer to nature with its fresh burst of air, and soothing environment. This city is extremely renowned for its beautiful Kanchipuram Sarees that are woven from the thread of pure mulberry silk.

If you’re looking for some of the best accommodation options, then there are numerous luxurious hotels in Kanchipuram that offer you a royal stay. You can even explore the palatable local delights served by quirky cafes and swanky restaurants over here. If you’re a shopaholic, then there are both high end as well as local stores in Kanchipuram from where you can buy everything under the sun at great prices.

You can also witness festivals and fares all around the year in Kanchipuram, making it a gateway to happiness and delight. Steeped in tradition and drenched in spirituality, Kanchipuram is a city that offers a wealth of experiences to enrich the soul of the visitors. 

The fact that Sayalgudi city is obscure and compact doesn’t take away from its extraordinary natural beauty. This hidden beachside city, located in the district of Ramanathapuram, is all about sun, sand, fresh air, and peace. Perfect for an offbeat vacation, it lets you take a break from the hustle-bustle of city life. The place has a warm and friendly atmosphere that lets you savour the slow pace of life amidst beautiful natural surroundings.

While in Sayalgudi, the ancient temples are a must-visit. Temples like Sri Sakthi Mari Amman Temple and Ayyanar Kovil not only have a beautifully serene ambience, but their architecture is worth looking at too. Head over to the nearby Pamban Island to see a beautiful beachside sunset.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a day under the sun. Another attraction to visit near Sayalkudi is Kilakarai Lighthouse. Established in 1979, this is a great vantage point to see the beautiful beach and fishermen’s activities. People visit from all over Tamil Nadu to the lighthouse to see a gorgeous beachside sunset and spend time in quietude.

One of the most amazing activities to enjoy in Sayalkudi is beach camping along with bonfire, food, and music. The beach here offers striking views of the Bay of Bengal and its waters with ever-changing colours. This rocky beach is the home to a variety of birds like flamingos and seagulls. You can also enjoy trying out a variety of rustic South Indian foods here in Sayalkudi. There are several great restaurants like Al Baik Broasted, Hyder Ali Tea Stall, Vathiyar Mess, Jamal Hotel, etc. that serve the typical south Indian fare along with seafood.

Located near Chennai, Tuticorin is one of the popular cities in Tamil Nadu that will enchant you with its seaport and beaches. Offering a superb weekend getaway, this city is accessible via railways and buses from the major towns of Tamil Nadu. Also called Thoothukudi, the city is for everyone who loves to appreciate the culture and history of Tamil Nadu. Tuticorin is perched on the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal and offers an ideal retreat to enjoy with family.

Also called Pearl City, this city is well-known for pearl fishing and a must visit for anyone who loves to spend time by the beach. Moreover, it is replete with many pilgrimage places. Tourist spots like Our Lady of Snows Basilica, Shiva Temple etc bring in many religious travellers.

For those who appreciate solitude, there are beach parks in Tuticorin to savour some quiet moments by yourself. Some of the popular ones are Roche Park, Harbour Beach Park, Nehru Park and Rajaji Park.

Tuticorin offers many soothing activities for the guests as it is a pleasant destination to go with your loved ones in Tamil Nadu. A sightseeing tour of the churches and temples is a must-do activity here. Also, visiting the beaches and watching the sea waves crash on the shores of beaches like Muthu Nagar New Beach and Pearl City Beach will leave you enthralled.

Photography enthusiasts can look forward to capturing the beautiful sunset views. The foodies here will relish eating the famous local delicacy called macaroons which are made of cashew, coconut milk and dry fruits.

Tuticorin offers pleasant weather throughout the year as the temperature remains around 30 degrees Celsius. However, the best time for tourist activities in Tuticorin is between December and March as it can get uncomfortable to venture outdoors in the summer and monsoon season due to more heat humidity.