Tamil Nadu allures with its art, literature, history, music and culture. The state of Tamil Nadu has the waves of Indian Ocean roaring on its South. Literal meaning of Tamil Nadu is the Land of Tamils, and its history is documented to more than two thousand years ago.

Temples of this state flaunt an unbeatable architectural style, along with legends that imbue the heart with faith. Tamil Nadu is often referred to as The Land of Temples; visit Madurai, Kancheepuram, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari (just to name a few), and see for yourself what lead to the christening. Cities like Chennai (capital), Coimbatore and Vellore are where you can find some of India’s topmost educational institutes, industries, shopping centers and unending entertainment.

Ooty, Coonoor and several other cities of Tamil Nadu attract offbeat travelers and nature-lovers. For every traveler, Tamil Nadu has something on its platter and it is up to you which cities you consider best places to visit in Tamil Nadu, as per your preference.

Chennai

INTRODUCTION

Blessed with picturesque locales and a history that dates back to times immemorial, Chennai is today one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.With a modest beginning as a tiny fishing village, the city of Madras or Chennai as it is officially known is today one of the most important cities of the world and one of the four metropolitan cities of India. Located on the south eastern coast of the Indian peninsula, the beautiful city of Chennai is one of the most attractive destinations to head to, if you are planning a tour to Tamil Nadu.

A major tourist destination in South India, Chennai is a metropolitan city with modern, commercial and historical significance.Situated on the south eastern coast of the country, this port city is spread across 426.7 sq km. It is the administrative capital of the state of Tamil Nadu and is well known for having the 2nd longest coastline in the world.

History of Chennai

The history of Chennai dates back to times immemorial, when the region which is present day Chennai today was just a fishing village. This stage was soon followed by advancements in the military and administrative aspects of Chennai around the 1st century. The city was soon to be regarded as a major center of power after a number of dynasties such as the Cholas, Pallavas, Pandyas as well as the Vijayanagar empires established their sovereignty in and around the city. This was followed by the Portuguese Conquest; one of the most important influences in the history and culture of the city of Chennai, as well the entire state of Tamil Nadu.

The next epoch making event in the history of Tamil Nadu as well as that of the history of India was the conquest of Tamil Nadu by the East India Company on 22nd August 1639. The relics of the rich past of Tamil Nadu are still scattered all around Chennai, which can be seen while on a tour to Chennai.

Kodaikanal

INTRODUCTION

Tour to Kodaikanal would take you to a height of 6,854 ft up the sea level at the Western Ghats. A charming and calming hill resort, it is an ideal place for family as well as romantic vacations. The pet name that is shares amidst the honeymooners is “Kodai” and was originally developed by the Americans who visited India

Places to see in Kodaikanal

Take a Kodaikanal Tour and you can visit some of the beautiful scenic attractions. The place is also popularly known for the 16-Sigths-Tour. The major tourist attractions are:-

Kodai Lake
Coaker’s Walk
Bryant Park
Kodai Astrophysical Observatory
Bear Shola Falls
Fairy Falls
Kurinji Andavar Temple
Pillar Rocks
Green Valley View
Silver Cascade.

Green Valley View is a popular tourist spot and is known better as the Suicide Point for lovers owing to its wind and sheer drop. Kodai Lake is a must visit and the hub of all activities since the year 1867. Here boats are available in a pedal. In addition to that, Shikara’s can be hired for a ride on the smooth flowing waters.

Dharmapuri

INTRODUCTION

Dharmapuri is a district located 65 km north of Salem in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The district is situated in the Northwestern Corner of Tamil Nadu and is bounded by Tiruvannamalai and Villupuram Districts on the east, Salem District on the South, Krishnagiri District on the north and Kaveri River on the west. One of the major South Indian Rivers – Cauvery flows through this region and the famous Hogenakkal water falls is the most important tourist spot in Dharmapuri.

Major Attractions in Dharmapuri

The major Tourist attractions of Dharmapuri include:

Hogenakkal Falls: Hogenakkal is situated at the borders of Karnataka at 46 kms from Dharmapuri. In Hogenakkal the river Cauvery enters into Tamil Nadu as a big river with gushing water presentably as a natural falls. The water spreads for miles around and on these waters tourists can cruise around on country made dinghies (boats).

Thally: Thally is situated 25 Kms from Hosur near the Karnataka state. The area consists of a number of hills. The climate is chilly throughout the year. There is a temple for Venugopala Swami. Thousands of devotees visit this place during the Car festival held every year in May.

Hanumanthathirtham: This place is situated on the bank of Pennaiyar at a distance of 10 Km from Uthangarai and traditionally associated with Tirtamalai. The water at this place is considered sacred and people frequent the spot during the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August).

Krishnagiri dam: Situated at a distance of 7 Kms from Krishnagiri, Krishnagiri Dam is in between Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri. Water from this dam is used to irrigate thousands of acres of land around Krishnagiri.

Theerthamalai: Theerthamalai is an important pilgrim center in Harur taluk of Dharmapuri District. The Shri Theerthagirishwarar Temple located at the top of a hillock is a popular religious destination.

Poompuhar

Once one of the major centers of power of the Chola dynasty, and today an important influence in the economy and politics of Tamil Nadu, the beautiful port town of Poompuhar has a history that dates back to times immemorial. Located on the estuary of the sea, the city was named Poompuhar as “poohar” means an estuary. Today an important tourist destination of Tamil Nadu, this beautiful city is a must-visit while on a trip to Tamil Nadu, which is why a tour to Poompuhar is gradually becoming important as a part of an itinerary of Tamil Nadu.

Major Attractions in Poompuhar

The major attractions of Poompuhar include:

Silappathikara Art Gallery
Zion Church
Nagapattinam
Town Gateway
Danish Fort
Masilamani Nathar Koil
Danish Governor Bungalow

Besides these the places of tourist interest in Poompuhar also include the following temples:

Thiruppallavaneeswaram (Poompuhar)
Melapperumpallam and Keezhapperumpallam
Thiruvengadu
Thirukkadaiyur (Thirukkadayur)
Anantha Mangalam
Vaitheeswaran Koil
Sirkazhi
Thirunallaru
Thirusaikkadu (Sayavanam)
Thiruvakkur
Sempanarkoil
Punjai
Nangoor
Thiruvarur

Tirunelveli

INTRODUCTION

Enjoy a tour to Tirunelveli , one of the most charming places to visit in Tamil Nadu.An important pilgrimage center for Hindus, a tour to Tirunelveli is sure to make your trip to Tamil Nadu a holiday to remember.

There are a good number of attractions to visit during a tour to Tirunelveli . In fact, the town teems with tourist attractions that add up to a great time for every visitor. They include:

Swamy Nellaiappar Temple & Kanthimathi Ambal Temple
Pulithevan Palace
Krishnapuram Sculptures
Courtallam
Birds Sanctuary at Koonthankulam
District Science Centre, Tirunelveli (National Council of Science Museums, Government of India)
Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve Wild Life sanctuaries
Sankaranainarkoil
Manjolai – Hill Station
Kappal Matha Church, Uvari
Pottalpudur Dargha
Thiruvalluvar Two Tier Bridge
Holy Trinity Cathedral (Oosi Gopuram)

Virudhunagar

Enjoy a tour to Virudunagar, a small town located 45 km southwest of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Virudhunagar is the headquarters of Virudhunagar District. Also located in Virudhunagar is Sivakasi, known as Little Japan for its bustling activities in the cracker industry. Besides, Virudhunagar produces an array of things ranging from edible oil to plastic-wares.

Tourist attractions in Virudunagar

Shenbagathope Grizzled Squirrel Sanctuary:The sanctuary is home to the endangered, arboreal grizzled giant squirrel Ratufa macrora, as also a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and butterflies.
Kamaraj’s House:The house where the great leader Kamaraj and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu was born has been converted into a memorial.
Bhuminathaswamy Temple:Situated 40 km east from Virudhunagar, this temple at Tiruchuli is one of the 14 famous Shaiva centres in Pandya Nadu.
Ramana Maharishi Ashram:This ashram was established in 1988 on the banks of the river Gundar to propagate the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharishi.
Andal – Vadabadrasayi koil:This temple, built by the Nayak Kings, is also known as The Lord of Srivilliputtur or Rangtapatram, on which the Lord rests in the form of a baby during deluge.

Climate

The climate of the region is semi-arid tropical monsoon type. The best time to visit Virudhunagar is between the months of December and March.

Ooty

INTRODUCTION

Arguably the best hill station in South India and one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in India, Ooty – officially referred to as Udhagamandalam – with its picturesque hills, emerald lakes, waterfalls and distinct colonial charm is one of the must visit tourist places in Tamil Nadu. In Ooty, you’ll find a seamless blend of the characteristic hustle and bustle of India with inimitable Raj era charm as you walk a bit further from the heart of city and walk by the sprawling bungalows shrouded in lush surroundings.

The many tourist places in Ooty include mesmerizing natural sights, watch points, museums and well manicured gardens. Visits to Avalanche Lake, Botanical Garden, Kalhatty Falls and Dolphin’s Nose etc. are counted among the top sightseeing activities in Ooty. Some other popular attractions in Ooty include the Wax World, Deer Park, Tea Museum and Emerald Lake.

A ride aboard Nilgiri Mountain Railways, popularly referred to as ‘Toy Train’ is not just one of the top things to do in Ooty but the most awe inspiring and scenic route to reach Ooty, that is not to take anything away from how you reach Ooty by road, which presents amazing vistas of Nilgiris and the countryside – even if somewhat less romantic than the train ride.

The best time to visit Ooty – and the busiest season – is from April to June when the families, couples and professionals head to Ooty to seek respite from the much hotter & humid plains. During winter months from October till March, mercury in Ooty could even plummet to 0°C. However, with warm clothing, this period is equally good to experience the bucolic charm of Ooty.

Madurai

INTRODUCTION

Madurai the Temple City, is rightly called the Athens of South India. Over the centuries, it has been a tourists spot. Spread along the rocky banks of the river Vaigai in the state of Tamil Nadu, the modern industrial city’s main claim to fame is as a temple city. At first glimpse of the city that greets you are the magnificent gopurams of the Meenakshi Temple. A pilgrim’s dreams come true only after a tour to Madurai.

Weather and time to travel:

Temperature in Madurai ranges in summer between 37.5 °C -26.3 °Cand in winter 29.6°C – 20.9°C. The best time for a trip is November to February.

Main Tourists Attractions:

Madurai has got a plenty of tourist attractions. The foremost is the Meenakshi Amman Temple dedicated to Goddess Shakti or Meenakshi.It is one of the important centers of Hindu pilgrimage. The Meenakshi temple exemplifies the Dravidian architecture with gopurams (large gateways) and mandapams (multi-pillared halls).

Apart from Meenakshi temple there is the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam with Lord Vigneswara as the presiding deity. Tirumalai Nayak Palace, an Indo-Saracenic building built in 1523 features the architectural works of the Nayaks and gives an insight into ancient Tamil history.

Along with the temples, the city of Madurai has a cycle of festivals which amaze the tourists. The most famous one are the Chittirai festival (celebrates the marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareshwara), the Avanimoola festival (coronation of Sundareshwara) and the Teppam festival (float festival).

Kancheepuram

INTRODUCTION

The city, which is also famous for its rich silk saris, offers the tourists to the land with a culture that is undeniably one of the richest and the wisest cultures in the world. Thus, if you are planning a trip to Tamil Nadu, make sure you include a tour to Kanchipuram as an integral part of your itinerary.

Major Attractions in Kancheepuram

The major attractions of Kancheepuram include:

Anna Memorial: Converted to a museum as a mark of respect for the city’s most famous son, Dr. C.N. Annadurai, the scholar-statesman, affectionately called ‘Anna’, or elder brother by the people of the region, this was once the house of this famous son of the soil.

Kailasanathar Temple: A typical example of the brilliance of Pallava architecture, this is one of the most important temples of Kancheepuram, dedicated to sculpted images of Shiva, Parvati, their sons, and Yalis (mythical lions). One of the notable features of the temple are the images of Lord Shiva, where, on the southern face of the spire Shiva is depicted as Bhikshatana, (a begging ascetic), while on the northern face he is depicted in the form of Samhara-Tandava (pose, from dance of destruction).

Kamakshi Amman Temple: One of the holiest shrines of India, this is dedicated to Goddess Shakti, one of the primeval images of Parvati.

Sriperumpudhur: The birthplace of Saint Ramanujar, this is an impoartnt pilgrimage center of the Vaishnavities besides being home to a memorial for Sri Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India.

Thiruthani: One of the 6 abodes of Lord Subramanya, one of the most revered divinities of Hinduism, this beautiful temple is situated on a hilltop and is celebrated as the site of the famous Karthigai festiva1 which falls in December.

Uthiramerur: An ancient Shiva temple, this is a must-visit while on a trip to Kancheepuram.

Vandalur: One of the biggest zoos in South India, this, houses a magnificent collection of tropical mammals, birds and reptiles.

Ekambareswarer Temple: Kanchipuram`s largest temple and an important Shiva shrine, this is one of the most revered shrines of Southern India as well as a brilliant example of the Pallava architecture.

Varadarajar Temple: Known for its magnificent sculptures, this temple is one of the leading tourist attractions of Kanchipuram.

Vaikunta Perumal Temple: One of the important Vishnu temples built by the Pallava King Nandivarman Pallavamalla in the 7th Century AD, this temple is home to some of Kanchipuram’s most spectacular forms architecture.

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