Best TamilNadu Tourism

Best Tamilnadu Tourism Places includes the major attractive spots which invites us again and again to feel the beauty. The best places to visit in Tamilnadu includes:

CHIDAMBARAM

Chidambaram is a pilgrimage town in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. The location is at a distance of  43 km from Cuddalore, 43 km Mayiladuthurai, 66 km from Pondicherry,  85 km from Nagapattinam,173 km from Trichy, 189 km from Kanchipuram, 217 km from Chennai. Well known for Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram is one of the most celebrated shrines in South India and also one of the famous Tamilnadu tourism places to visit.

Chidambaram is also known as Thillai. The name Chidambaram comes from the Tamil word ‘Chitrambalam’ which means the small hall or stage of wisdom. The town of Chidambaram has been ruled by many kingdoms over the centuries, most notably the Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Pandyas, Vijaynagar Kingdom, the Marathas, and the British. The town is known for the Thillai Nataraja Temple and the annual chariot festival held in the month of April. Best Tamilnadu tourism places includes the peaceful pilgrimage for peace of mind.

Chidambaram Temple has great religious as well as historic and cultural significance. This is one of the Panchabhoota Stalas signifying the five elements of wind,water,fire,earth and space. The famous Tamilnadu temples include Thillai Kaali Amman Temple, Pichavaram, Sattanathar Temple, Bhuvanagiri, Parangipettai, Annamalai University, Kollidam river and Poompuhar are the other attractions in and around  Chidambaram. Brahmotsavam, Ani Thirumanjanam, Thai Poosam and Arudra Dharshan are some of the Chidambaram temple festivals that attract large crowds from far and nearby places.

Best time to visit Chidambaram is July & October to March while the peak season is July & December to February. Usually it takes two full days to visit Chidambaram.
Chidambaram Temple Timings: 6 AM to 12.30 PM & 4.45 PM to 9 PM

CHENNAI

Chennai, the ‘Cultural Capital of India’, is the fourth largest metropolis in the country with a population of over 8 millions.Chennai is one the largest cities in India and capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. At a distance of 170 km from Pondicherry,337 km from Bangalore, 453 km from Vijayawada, 629 km from Hyderabad & 772 km from Trivandrum. It is also one of the famous Tamilnadu tourism places.

Chennai with the Bay of Bengal on its side had been major British trading post for years. The name Chennai believed to be derived from Chennakesava Perumal Temple present in the city.
The region around Chennai has served as an important administrative, military, and economic centre since the 1st century AD. It has been ruled by various South Indian dynasties, notably  Pallava, Chola, Pandya and Vijaynagara.

The city is famous for its beaches, Museums, Parks and several historical places around the city. The major tourist places in Chennai include Marina Beach, Govt Museum, Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeswaraar Temple, San Thome Cathedral, etc. There are several other attractions in the vicinity of Chennai like Elliot Beach, VGP Golden Beach, Mahabalipuram, Pulicat Lake, Muttukadu, etc. Kanchipuram, the famous historical & pilgrimage town is situated close to Chennai.

Chennai has great connectivity from major cities in India and the world. Chennai has two major railway stations – Chennai Central & Chennai Egmore. Chennai Central is a major junction which is connected with major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Vijayawada, Kochi, etc. Chennai Egmore is primarily provides connectivity with major towns within Tamilnadu. Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus is one of the largest bus terminal in India with inter-state and inter-city connectivity.

Chennai is highly humid area and winter is the best season to visit. It usually takes two full days to visit major attractions in Chennai. Chennai is one of the most attractive place among the Tamilnadu places.

HOGENAKKAL

Hogenakkal is one of the best waterfalls and one of the wonderful tourist places to visit near Bangalore & Chennai. It is a major Places to visit in Tamilnadu and also one of the best waterfalls in India. Hogenakkal is sometimes referred as the ‘Niagara of India’.  The location is at a distance of 47 km from Dharmapuri, 88 km from Hosur, 85 km from Salem, 146 km from Bangalore, 345 km from Chennai, 180 km from Mysore, 114 km from Yercaud and 217 km from Coimbatore.

Hogenakkal Falls is a waterfall in on the Kaveri River located in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. When the River Kaveri enters the Tamil Nadu border after winding its way through the state of Karnataka. The Carbonatite rocks found near the waterfall are one of the oldest in the world. The two Kannada words ‘Hoge’ means ‘Smoke’ and ‘Kal’ means ‘Rocks’ give meaning to the word Hogenakkal as Smoky Rocks. Hogenakkal is one of the most attractive place among the Tamilnadu tourism places.

Coracle riding is one of the main attractions here which is allowed during the monsoon and winter season. Hogenakkal is also the good place to try out your swimming skills. The water is quite challenging. Tourists can also go for trekking on the nearby surrounding hills. The falls are less than 1 km from Hogenakkal Bus Station.If possible, try to pack your food near Hogenakkal Bus Station or Dharmapuri. There are many lodges and mid-range options of accommodation in Dharmapuri.

The Nearest airport is Bangalore International Airport about 216 km from Hogenakal Falls. Dharmapuri is the nearest railway station, which is about 47 km from Hogenakal. It is connected by rail with Bangalore, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Tuticorin, Coimbatore, Salem, Nagarcoil, Mysore, Pondicherry, Tirunelveli and Ernakulum. Dharmapuri is the nearest major Bus station to Hogenakkal. It has buses from Bangalore, Mysore, Salem, Coimbatore, Chennai, Trivandrum, Kochi, Ooty, Madurai and Hyderabad.

The best time to visit Hogenakkal Falls is from July to October while the peak season is from August to October. Usually it takes one half day to visit Hogenakkal Falls.

KANCHIPURAM

Kanchipuram has rich history and it’s one of the oldest cities in India. It is a temple town and the headquarters of Kanchipuram district. Kanchipuram is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Chennai and one of the major Places to visit in Tamilnadu tourism. The location is at a distance of 65 km from Mahabalipuram, 68 km from Vellore, 75 km from Chennai, 108 km from Tirupati & 127 km from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram or Kanchi is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu.

Kanchipuram is located on the Palar River and known for its temples and silk sarees which are woven manually. There are several big temples, like Kamakshi Amman Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Karchapeshwarar Temple, Ekambaranatha Temple which is one of the five forms of abodes of Lord Siva. Kanchipuram is one of the most attractive place among the Tamilnadu tourism places.

The temples of Kanchipuram are known for their grandeur and great architecture. The architecture of Kanchi monuments were trend setting with great sculpture work and unique style and became a benchmark for South Indian architecture. The city served as the capital of Pallava Dynasty, and most of the known temples were built during their reign.

Kanchipuram is well connected by train and bus from major cities in South. There are frequent buses to Kanchipuram from Chennai, Vellore, Tirupati, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, etc. It usually takes about 2 full days to visit the major sites in Kanchi.

KODAIKANAL

Kodaikanal, often referred to as the ‘Princess of Hill stations’ is located in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. Kodai is a beautiful hill station at an altitude of about 7000 feet on the southern tip of upper Palani hills. It has several scenic natural attractions which are enjoyed by its visitors and make it a popular romantic destination. Kodaikanal is one of the most attractive place among the Tamilnadu tourism places.

The location is at a distance of 95 km from Dindigul, 117 km from Madurai, 169 km from Coimbatore, 469 km from Bangalore,272 km from Kochi, 162 km from Munnar, 253 km from Ooty & 528 km from Chennai. Kodaikanal, also referred to as Kodai is one of the best hill stations in South India and also one of the top places to experince the Tamilnadu Tourism.

Kodaikanal is not extensively commercialized like Ooty and it offers a pleasant experience to tourists with relatively less crowd. Apart from the pleasant weather, kodaikanal has several tourist attractions like Kodai Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Pillar Rocks, etc. The hills offer beautiful views all around, especially from the Coaker’s Walk.

Madurai is the nearest Airport to Kodai. There is no direct train facility to Kodaikanal. Kodai Road, situated on Madurai – Dindigul route is the nearest train station. This station has good connectivity with major cities in India. Direct bus connectivity is available from Madurai, Coimbatore, Palani, Dindigul, Ooty, etc. Buses from Madurai to Kodaikanal start from Arappalayam Bus Station. From Coimbatore, buses to Kodaikanal run from Ukkadam Bus stand.

Best time to visit Kodaikanal is April to June during the summer. Monsoon from September to October also offers different experience.

KANYAKUMARI

Kanyakumari is a popular tourist place and a place of great natural beauty. The city gets its name from the Hindu goddess Kanyakumari who was also known as Kumari Amman. This place offers marvelous Sunset and Sunrise views. It is the only place in India where one can enjoy the unique spectacle of Sunset and Moonrise simultaneously on full moon days. It has been a great centre for art and religion for centuries. It was also an area of great trade and commerce.

Kanyakumari is a famous pilgrimage site and also one of the best Places to visit in Tamilnadu tourism. The location is at a distance of 707 km from Chennai, 85 km from Trivandrum, 22 km from Nagercoil, 242 km from Madurai, 375 km from Trichy, 82 km from Tirunelveli and 130 km from Tuticorin, Kanyakumari is a coastal town in Tamil Nadu. Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, it is also called Cape Comorin.

It was ruled by Cholas, Pandyas and Nayaks. Later on, Kanyakumari came under the rule of the Venad dynasty and its capital was located at Padmanabhapuram. In spite of the troubles encountered in the southern border of Venad, Marthanda Varma expanded the kingdom northwards to Aluva and established the kingdom of Travancore. In 1745, the capital was shifted from Padmanabhapuram to Thiruvananthapuram. Kathakali is the most popular traditional dance form in this region.

Kanyakumari is held in high regards by the Hindus owing to its scared temples. One of the main attractions in Kanyakumari is the Kumari Amman Temple. Considered as one of the Shakti Peethas, this temple attracts large number of devotees every year. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Gandhi Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Suchindram, Pechiparai Reservoir, Vattakottai Fort, St Xavier’s Church and Udayagiri Fort are the places to see in Kanyakumari.

Some of the popular beaches near Kanyakumari are Thengapattinam Beach, Sanguthurai Beach and Chothavilai Beach.The sunset and sunrise of Kanyakumari is the basic attraction for the tourist in best Tamilnadu tourism places which invite them to visit again..

Trivandrum Airport is the nearest airport, which is about 97 km from Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari is also connected by rail with cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai and Jammu. It has good bus connectivity with Trivandrum, Madurai, Trichy, Tirunelveli, Pondicherry, Kochi, Chennai, Bangalore and Tirunelveli.

Best time to visit Kanyakumari is from October to March while the peak season is from November to February. Usually it takes one full day to visit Kanyakumari.

MAHABALIPURAM

Mahabalipuram is situated in Kanchipuram district in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its shore temples built in 7th century. Mahabalipuram is one of the must visit weekend getaways from Chennai for one day trip. This also a major historical / heritage site in Tamil Nadu and one of the best places to experience Tamilnadu Tourism. The location is at a distance of 57 km from Chennai, 65 km from Kanchipuram, 96 km from Pondicherry, 420 km from Madurai and 290 km from Trichy.

Mahabalipuram art can be divided into four categories: open air bas-relief, structured temples, man-made caves and rathas. It is known for its historical monuments, sculptures, scenic beauty, culture and tradition.  The famous Arjuna’s Penance and the Krishna Mandapa adorn massive rocks near the centre of the village. Sixteen man-made caves in different stages of completion are also seen, scattered through the area. The striking feature is that all the sculptures here are monolithic – giant structures carved from single rocks.

The temples of Mamallapuram, built largely during the reigns of Narasimha Varman and his successor Rajasimha Varman, showcase the movement from rock-cut architecture to structural buildings. Thirukadalmallai temple, Cholamadal Artist’s Village, Mahabalipuram Beach, Tiger Cave and Crocodile Bank serve as popular picnic spots for people here.

One of the prominent festivals celebrated here is the Mamallapuram Dance Festival, which is organized by the Department of Tamilnadu Tourism every year during December – January. As part of the festival, various dance forms are showcased including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Odissi. Mahabalipuram is famous for its shore temples which inspirit the Tamilnadu tourism places for the tourists.

The nearest airport to Mahabalipuram is in Chennai, located about 50 km away. The nearest railhead is in Chengalpattu close to 30 km from Mahabalipuram. It has trains from Chennai, Pondicherry, Kanyakumari, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Kanchi, Tirupati, Ernakulum, Villupuram, Rameshwaram and Jodhpur. Buses arrive here from either Koyembedu or Tiruvanmiyur and Kanchipuram and Pondicherry.

The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is from October to March while the peak season is from November to February. Usually it takes one full day to visit Mahabalipuram.

MADURAI

Madurai is the third largest city in Tamilnadu and one of the most famous centers of pilgrimage in India and also the prime site of heritage in Tamil Nadu. The location is at a distance of 464 km from Chennai, 136 km from Trichy, 169 km from Thanjavur, 170 km from Rameswaram, 114 km from Kodaikanal & 209 km from Coimbatore. The city is very well known for Madurai Meenakshi Temple and is one of the top Places to visit in Tamilnadu tourism.

Madhurai is the oldest continually inhabited city in the Indian peninsula, with a history dating all the way back to the Sangam period of the pre-Christian era. It has been inhabited since at least the 3rd century BCE. It is considered as the cultural capital of Tamilnadu.

Madurai was the seat of power of the Pandyan Empire. It was built by the Pandyan king Kulasekhara and was the capital city of the great Pandya kings of South India.It is the famous pilgrimage which includes in Tamilnadu tourism places for tourists.

Meenakshi Amman Temple is the biggest landmark of Madurai. It is one of the largest temples in India. The temple has a stunning architecture and a significant testimony for Vishwakarma Brahmins for their master architecture in sculpting this temple. The core city of Madurai is built parallel to the streets of Madhurai Temple. Along with Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal & Koodal Alagar Temple are other important places to visit in Madurai.

Madurai has several bus stations. Most of the long distance buses and inter-state buses start from Mattuthavani Bus Terminus (8 km from Railway Station). Buses to Chennai, Bangalore, Trichy, Rameswaram, Thanjavur, Tirupathi, etc start from here. Arappalayam Bus Station is another major bus station (3 km from Railway Station) with connectivity to Kodaikanal, Palani, Theni, Dundigal, etc. Periyar bus station near Railway station is the hub for local city buses.

OOTY

Ooty is one of the best hill stations in India and also one of the top places to experince Tamilnadu Tourism. The location is at a distance of 89 km from Coimbatore, 128 km from Mysore, 265 km from Bangalore,158 km from Kozhikode, 244 km from Munnar, 254 km from Kodaikanal, 18 km from Coonoor & 556 km from Chennai.Ooty  is one of the most attractive place among the Tamilnadu tourism places.

Ooty is often referred to as ‘Queen of hill stations’. It is the capital of Nilgiris district in the state of Tamilnadu. Nilgiris means ‘Blue Mountains’. A land of picturesque picnic spots & lakes, it was a popular summer and weekend getaway for the British during colonial days. It is situated at an altitude of 7,440 feet above sea level.Ooty is a different feel of the Tamilnadu tourism places with the beauty of its top views.

Ooty was originally a tribal land occupied by the Todas along with other tribes. John Sullivan later began the construction of his bungalow at Dimbhatti the first European dwelling on the hills. Ooty served as the summer capital of the Madras Presidency and other small kingdoms, much visited by British during the colonial days. Its stunning beauty and splendid green deep valleys inspired the British to name it Queen of Hill Stations. Sullivan later developed the town and encouraged the establishment of tea, chinchona, and teak trees.

Apart from pleasant weather, Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Wenlock Downs, Pine Forest, and Emerald Lake are the popular Ooty sightseeing places.  The train route wends its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens. The annual Tea and Tamilnadu Tourism Festival (Jan) and Summer Festival (May) attract crowds in huge numbers.

Ooty is also connected by bus with major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Mysore and Coimbatore. From Coimbatore, Ooty buses start from Coimbatore North Bus Station (also known as New Bus Station or Mettupalyam Road Bus Station).

RAMESHVARAM

Rameshwaram is one of the most famous Pilgrimage centers in South India & also a Jyotirlinga, situated in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. Rameshwaram is located on the Pamban Island, which lies at the very tip of the Indian peninsula in the Gulf of Mannar. Rameshwaram is also one of the best Tamilnadu tourism places.

The location is at a distance of 562 km from Chennai, 227 km from Tirunelveli, 311 km Kanyakumari, 387 km from Pondicherry, 230 km from Trichy, 171 km from Madurai, 371 km from Trivandrum and 607 km from Bangalore.

Rameshwaram Temple is one of the most famous Shiva shrines in India. Rameswaram Temple is one of the most fascinating temples in entire India. The third corridor of Ramanathaswamy temple is the longest one in the world. Agnitheertham, Gandamadana Parvatham, Dhanushkodi, Kothandaraswamy Temple and Erwadi are the popular and the most visited pilgrimage attractions of Rameshwaram.

Ramanathapuram, Tirupullani, Uthirakosamangai, Sethu are the nearby attractions to Island of Rameshwaram. Beautiful beaches at Olaikuda, Danushkodi and Pamban are other attractions apart from the religious point of view. Scuba diving and Migratory birds watching during winter are the activities here. Ramesvaram is the best tourist place in Tamilnadu tourism places of attraction.

The nearest airport to Rameshwaram is at Madurai, which is located at a distance of 176 km. Rameshwaram Railway Station is well connected by rail to major cities of Tamil Nadu like Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Thanjavur and Trichy. Rameshwaram is well connected by bus with Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Pondicherry, Trichy and Thanjavur.

The best time to visit Rameshwaram is July to August & November to March while the peak season is July to August & February to March. Usually it takes 1-2 days to visit Rameshwaram.

THANJAVUR

Thanjavur is famous for the Brihadeeswarar Temple built by Rajaraja Chola. It is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India and also one of the popular places to experince Tamilnadu Tourism. The location is at a distance of 56 km from Trichy, 112 km from Chidambaram, 86 km from Nagapattinam, 170 km from Madurai, 326 km from Chennai, Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, is a city and district headquarters in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Thanjavur became the most important city in the Chola Empire and remained its capital till the emergence of Gangaikonda Cholapuram.  Situated on the banks of River Cauvery, Thanjavur has a rich historical heritage and is a prism of ancient as well as the modern south Indian civilizations. Thanjavur is an attractive tourist place in best of Tamilnadu tourism places.

Thanjavur is one of the older cities in Tamil Nadu and has a lot of significance in Dravidian history. Later it went into the hands of Delhi Sultanate from whom Vijayanagara rulers have conquered. It was governed by Thanjavur Nayaks under Vijayanagara suzerainty.

Apart from Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur and the surrounding areas have several important tourist attractions like Thanjavur Palace, Kumbakonam, Darasuram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Thiruvaiyaru, Thirubuvanam, etc. It usually takes a full day to visit the places within Thanjavur town. Thanjavur is also famous for metal sculptures moulded with great facial expressions and beautiful finish.

THIRUCHIRAPPALLI

Tiruchirappalli, also called Tiruchi or Trichy is the 4th largest city and administrative headquarters of Tiruchirappalli District in Tamilnadu. Situated on the banks of the Cauvery River, Trichy is one of the famous Tourist places in Tamilnadu. The location is at a distance of 334 km from Chennai, 133 km from Madurai, 57 km from Thanjavur and 212 km from Coimbatore. It is one of the best Tamilnadu tourism places that gives a wide area of beauty.

Tiruchirappalli is home to numerous historical monuments and temples that attract tourist and pilgrims from all parts of the country throughout the year. Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam, one of the most famous pilgrimage centers in South India is situated near Trichy. Rockfort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rock is another important monument in old city of Trichy. The Rockfort, Jambukeswarar temple at Thiruvanaikaval, Uraiyur, Maariamman Temple, Government Museum and the St John’s Church are other attractions in Trichy.

Tiruchirappalli is internationally known for a brand of cheroot known as the Trichinopoly cigar. The city is very popular for its cigars, handloom saris and stone-studded jewelry, Pith models and cheroots. According to the National Urban Sanitation Policy, Tiruchirappalli was one of the ten cleanest cities in India.Thiruchirappalli is a major attractive Tamilnadu places to visit. Best of Tamilnadu tourism places includes Thiruchirappalli for major tourist attraction.

Trichy has two major bus stations called Central Bus Station (750m from Trichy Jn Station) and Chathiram Bus Station (6 km from Trichy Jn Station & 2 km from Trichy Town Station). The Central Bus Station handles long distance and inter-state buses like Bangalore, Chennai, Tirupathi, Coimbatore, Mysore, Vellore, Madurai, Thanjavur, etc. While the Chathiram Bus Station handles buses to nearby destinations like Lalgudi, Samayapuram, Navalpattu, etc

The best time to visit Trichy is during the months of November to March. It usually takes two full days to explore all the important places in Trichy.