25 Best Tourist Places in Tamil Nadu

Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu. Situated on the Coromandel coast, it is as dynamic as it is absorbed in tradition. This 'capital of the south' is one of India's four metropolitans. Its rich history balances its metropolis lifestyle.
Among its traffic chaos and humid climate, Chennai is known for its temples steeped in South Indian culture, museums and monuments, culinary pleasures, and Marina Beach. Chennai's skyline is well-known for towering skyscrapers, but it also has an old-world charm attached to it.
 

Mamallapuram, or Mahabalipuram, is an important and loved tourist location on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal in Tamil Nadu.  The habitat of the demon king Mahabali, Mahabalipuram, was later renamed Mamallapuram. 
The serenity, appealing atmosphere, and impressive setting with numerous white sandy beaches dotted with casuarina trees are all reasons to visit this wonderful town. Some well-known tourist spots are the UNESCO World Heritage Site Group of Monuments like the Shore Temple and the Five Rathas, the Crocodile Bank, home to beautiful species of crocodiles and alligators, and the beach resorts in Sadras and Kovalam.
 

Kanyakumari is a coastal town in Tamil Nadu. Renowned for its convergence of the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean, it has spiritual significance. Likewise known as Cape Comorin, this town holds a distinct place in Indian mythology, associating it with the goddess Kanyakumari Devi.
Kanyakumari draws visitors with its exclusive geographical location and cultural heritage. One of the town's most peculiar aspects is that you can observe both sunrise and sunset over the ocean horizon from the same spot, Triveni Sangam. Kanyakumari has a magnificent phenomenon where the water bodies, the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean converge, forming an enthralling spectacle. 
Kanyakumari is connected to key cities in South India through railways, with train services from Trivandrum, Chennai, Bengaluru and other protruding destinations. The railway station is a dynamic transportation hub, easing easy access for travellers eager to discover this enthralling coastal gem.
 

Pondicherry is a beach-side UT union territory located in Tamil Nadu. Until 1954, it was a French settlement. Pondicherry Beach, Rock Beach, Serenity Beach, and the Botanical Gardens are some popular destinations. Several cafes and restaurants serve impeccable French cuisine and some international cuisines that you can try to please your taste buds. There is also amazing nightlife through clubs and beach parties with music and delightful cocktails. 

The city of temples, Thanjavur, has a lot of cultural value and is recognized for its well-known antiques, Tanjore paintings, handicrafts, textiles and saris, Carnatic music, and musical instruments.
It has a rich heritage and is important in moulding ancient and modern South Indian civilization. Numerous religious places surround it. The main tourist attractions are the Art Gallery, Siva Ganga Garden, Palace & Saraswathi Mahal Library, and Sangeetha Mahal. 

Madurai is among the oldest and most incessantly populated cities in India. Ruled by Pandyas for the longest time, it is known as the 'Lotus City' because it was built in the shape of a lotus. Madurai has Meenakshi Amman Temple, devoted to the goddess Meenakshi and with a temple for her consort, Sundareshwarar. 
Numerous other ancient temples exist, such as Thiruparankundram. It is one of the temples of Lord Murugan and is located on a hillock about 8 km from the city. The place has a great cultural heritage and trade ties with ancient Rome. With busy bazaars and fantastic street food, Madurai has heritage walks led through the day. Madurai is instrumental in endorsing the Tamil language and culture.

Kodaikanal is one of the most well-known honeymoon destinations in India. A Lakeside resort town, it has an attractive climate, mist-covered cliffs, and waterfalls, which combine to produce the perfect setting for a getaway. Kodaikanal means 'the gift of the forests'.
Nestled among Palani Hills, Kodaikanal is 7200 feet above sea level, and once you visit, you will discover its beauty. Kodaikanal lets you sit back and connect with nature by biking or trekking trails or strolling through the town's forests.

Vellore is located on the banks of the Palar. It is called ‘The Fort City’ because of the marvellous Vellore Fort, in the heart of the city, is a perfect place to glimpse Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage through its temples.
Vellore was ruled by the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Rashtrakuta, the Vijayanagara, the Carnatic, and the British, each leaving their unique marks in the rich architecture. A legend says that the region where the city was once upon a time was surrounded by Velan Trees, giving the place the name Vellore. With the numerous developments Vellore is seeing, it is becoming a smart city.

Rameshwaram Temple is among the top attractions in Tamil Nadu. It is important for Hindus as a pilgrimage, as it is one of the 12 jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is famous for its splendid corridors and huge sculptured pillars. The third corridor of Ramanathaswamy temple is the longest one. This temple epitomizes the Dravidian architectural style of the medieval ages.
Rameshwaram is situated on Pamban Island, an Indian peninsular tip in the Gulf of Mannar. Pamban Island, separated from the mainland by the Pamban Channel, is linked by the Pamban Bridge or Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge.

It is a hill station in Tamil Nadu that is a top tourist destination. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the British Raj, it is now a picturesque getaway. Dotted with tea gardens, waterfalls, country lanes, and charming colonial architecture, Ooty is a respite for everyone. It is prevalent among couples and allures its visitors with panoramic views of the Nilgiri mountains.
The Nilgiri mountain railway is among the steepest tracks in Asia
 

Thiruvannamalai has the famous Annamalaiyar Temple. This temple has one of the tallest temple towers in India and is renowned for its 1000-pillared hall from the Vijayanagara period. The Karthikai deepam festival, in November-December, draws crowds. Some of the other attractions of this place are Sathanur Dam, Sri Ramana Ashram, Virupaksha Cave, Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram, and Mamara Cave. Thiruvannamalai has a railway station with good connectivity to Tirupati, Chennai, Vellore, Puducherry, and Madurai. 
 

Kanchipuram is one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimage sites. Its marvellous temples offer the perfect respite to people. It is the second holiest city after Varanasi, and visitors flock to it to seek solace and spiritual bliss. It is a significant centre for Tamil learning and displays the glorious Dravidian heritage.
The places in Kanchipuram will definitely pleasure your senses. From bird sanctuaries to gardens and lakes, Kanchipuram has its fair share of natural beauty, fresh bursts of air and a calming environment. This city is renowned for its Kanchipuram Sarees woven from pure mulberry silk.
 

Coimbatore has a lot to offer its visitors. The lush hills, ghats, and impeccable waterfalls are definite attractions. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, located in the north, is one of the top places worth visiting. The climate here remains pleasant, particularly because of the green forests in the north. The place is considered the traditional capital of India, and the people who are in love with nature and its serenity, mostly in southern India, love their time at this beautiful and calm place
 

Tirunelveli is a big city among numerous small towns. Different from many temple towns, this ancient city also has many other tourist sites. The city is situated on the bank of the Tambraparni River, which offers irrigation for cotton and rice crops. 
Though it is one of the major cities in Tamil Nadu and has a flourishing agrarian economy, it is still not a regular commercial hub. It is the home of more than a few religious splendours, which are still not that much in the limelight discovered. And do not forget the finger-licking South Indian dishes like Dosa, Idli, vada, appam, kokum sharbat, and filter coffee. It has its fair share of non-veg delicacies as well.
 

It is a scenic pleasure on the banks of Kaveri. One of the most prevalent places, this waterfall offers some serenity and enjoyment.
Hogenakkal Falls means ‘Smoky rocks’. This 700-metre cascade will enthral you with its natural beauty and thundering sounds.

If you have a heart for adventure, you can swim on a cruise with your loved ones. This waterfall is a perfect getaway from Bangalore and is best visited through the early monsoon season. Another prevalent activity is trekking to Melagiri Hills and capturing the beauty of neighbouring forests.

Coonoor is the second-largest hill station in the Western Ghats. It is at an altitude of 1930 meters and 19 km from Ooty. With slopes of tea plantations speckled with several attractions and blessed with chilly weather throughout the year, this place is a seamless summer retreat. 
Coonoor has a panoramic view of the Nilgiri Hills and Catherine Falls. It is a pensive destination for its greenery, hills, colonial culture, and astounding scenery. Coonoor also has heritage homes and guesthouses in the hills, perfect for a holiday or a staycation.
 

Tiruchirappalli is a testament to the rich tapestry of the state’s cultural heritage. This city blends ancient traditions with modern expansions. The iconic Rockfort, adorned with cave temples, is a magnificent showcase of temple architecture, providing a glimpse into the city's ancient roots.
Beyond its historical implication, Trichy is an educational hub hosting national-level institutes. The city pulsates with life throughout the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival held in December when the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple becomes a focal point for celebration. This temple is an architectural prodigy, drawing tourists.
Trichy invites exploration with many temples and churches, each contributing uniquely to the city's cultural mosaic.
An architectural delight and a treasure trove of historical encounters, Tiruchirappalli is a must-visit destination for those keen to immerse themselves in the cultural richness.

 Yercaud is a hill station in Tamil Nadu positioned around the Yercaud Lake. This weekend destination offers all the perfect getaway features: fog-covered hilltops, green landscapes, fresh breezes, and a soulful experience. Yercaud is called the Ooty of the Poor. The hill station has dense forests that grow spices, coffee, and fruits. 
This lake hill station is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, and swashbucklers, with trek tours to Kiliyur Falls and Tipperary Point. Characterised as the Jewel of South India, its quaintness undoubtedly makes it one of the places worth visiting.

Yelagiri is located between Vaniyambadi and Jolarpettai. The main town in the Yelagiri Hills is Athanavur, which has a winding road through the hills with isolated villages. The Indian government took it over in the Early 1950s. The hill provides various trekking trails through thick reserved forests. 
The Punganur Lake is an artificial lake and one of the region's prominent attractions. Other prominent places are the Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Velavan Temple, and Nature Park.
 

Velankanni is a well-known Roman Catholic pilgrim centre visited by devotees for the shrine of Mother Mary. Enthused by Lourdes in France, Velankanni is also called the “Lourdes of the East.” It is one of the vital Marian sanctuaries.
Although it is religiously charged, Velankanni is worth traveling for the rich culture it holds from colonial rule. The Virgin Mother appeared to the individuals and solved their problems. 
Her visits were divided into three events: appearing to a shepherd boy, curing a lame buttermilk vendor, and defending Portuguese traders from drowning during a storm. This church is a marvel of Gothic architecture. The Portuguese adapted it and then further extended it later because of the influx of pilgrimages.

Mudumalai is popular for sightseeing and wildlife tours. Walking by the rivers, streams, and waterfalls offers the best picturesque views. One can also visit the Tiger Reserve and the Bandipur National Park near Mudumalai, where one can experience the finest eco-tourism. Summers are hot, and winters are cooler. Numerous places to see are nearby, and taking safari rides is the most common activity.

This place in Tamil Nadu attracts history buffs, art lovers, and cultural vultures. It is one of the oldest towns in India and has numerous famous educational institutes.
The Mahamaham festival attracts tourists from all over the country. During the festival, tourists take a holy dip in the Mahamaham Tank and soak in the blessings.
Foodies will cheer as they savour one of the best filter coffees and taste South Indian cuisines.

Thiruchendur Murugan Kovil is the town's prime attraction. This temple is known as Lord Muruga's second Padai Veedu battle camp.  Muruga won the battle with Surapadma and worshipped Shiva at this sacred place. As mentioned in many ancient scripts, the temple has existed since the Vedic period.

Lord Murugan is represented in numerous forms in the temple, the presiding deity being Balasubramanya in standing posture. The other forms are Jayanthinatha Shanmugar, and Kumaravidanga Perumal.  The temple's key entrance opens into the first enclosure, recognized as Sivili Mandapam. On the north of the enclosure is Lord Venkateswara. There is also a Nazhikkinaru on the temple premises, a sacred well made around a freshwater spring. On the northern shore, a cave has images dedicated to Valli and Dattatreya.
 

The town of Palani is located between Coimbatore and Madurai. The Sivagiri and Sakthigiri hills are prominent in this landscape. Numerous lakes in Palani ultimately drain into the Shanmuga River, which is located at the foothills. The name Palani is derived from Pazham Fruit and combines two words—'Fruit' and 'You'. Palani is famous for its Murugan temple, where Shiva and Parvati’s son are supposed to have lived here after leaving Mount Kailash to become austere.
 

The temple is termed Vedapuri, and the four Vedas are worshipped here. The other is Sukrapuri, as the Guru of the demons Sukracharya offered to pray to Lord Shiva at this location to regain his eyesight. The temple has a 37-metre-high tower or gopuram. The gopurams on the east and west are adorned with many mythological figures.
The temple's entrance has an idol of the saint Gnanasambandar. Other noteworthy sights comprise the bronze carvings of 63 Saivite saints or Nayanars. It also has the sacred Punnai tree, one of the oldest trees in Chennai. Ganesha appears as Nadana Vinayaka, or the dancing Vinayaka, and Muruga appears as Singaravelan.

These are 25 Best Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu