The state of Tamil Nadu is located in the southern region of India. It is one of the most prominent destinations for tourism in the country. The state is blessed with exceptional scenic beauty in the form of unblemished beaches, soaring high mountains, lush green forests, and much more. In addition, Tamil Nadu is also home to several famous tourist landmarks, notable historical sites, significant festivals, regional events, etc. If you wish to witness the rich cultural, historical, and natural glory of south India, then Tamil Nadu is a must-visit location.
From thrilling adventures to slow-paced outdoor activities, there’s a lot to do in Tamil Nadu. For example, you can take on challenging paths in a trekking activity, spend time camping in a hill town, or go on a shopping spree across the well-known market districts in Tamil Nadu. There’s always something interesting to do solo or with friends and family in this iconic holiday destination.
Besides the wide range of exciting activities, Tamil Nadu is also famous for its sightseeing aspect. Some prime tourist spots in Tamilnadu include Hogenakkal Waterfalls, Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Paradise Beach, Marina Beach, and so on. In addition, the major cities, like Chennai, Coimbatore, Salem, Vellore, Ooty, Kanchipuram, etc., are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Tamilnadu for family vacations.
Attractions in Tamil Nadu
Historical landmarks, religious sites, beaches, hill stations, etc., are just a few examples of what Tamil Nadu tourism offers its visitors. Following is a detailed Tamilnadu tourist places list:
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Brihadisvara Temple
One of the most beautiful and popular tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu is the Brihadisvara Temple. It is located in the city of Thanjavur, which is a vital centre of architecture, art and religion in South India. The Brihadisvara Temple is a magnificent display of peak Chola architectural work. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is among the largest Hindu temples in the country. The grand structures, intricate interior and exterior wall carvings and religious importance of the temple make it a must-visit site in Tamil Nadu.
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Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is one of the most unique places to visit in Tamilnadu. It is a famous hill station in the state, surrounded by grand cliffs, magnificent waterfalls and lush forests. Some of its major tourist attractions include Kodaikanal Lake, Bear Shola Falls, Pillar Rocks, Green Valley View and Coakers Walk. In addition, tourists can enjoy several activities like horse riding and boating at this location.
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Marina Beach
The renowned Marina Beach is a naturally formed urban beach located in the city of Chennai. It attracts thousands of domestic as well as international visitors around the calendar. It is the place where the fine sandy beach and the gushing waves of the Bay of Bengal meet to produce splendid scenic views. Besides being a go-to weekend spot for locals, Marina Beach is also one of the most visited places in Chennai by tourists. Even though swimming is prohibited, you can go for horseback rides, take relaxing strolls along the seashore, or enjoy the flavourful local street food at Marina Beach.
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Vivekananda Rock
Located in the city of Kanyakumari, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a massive tourist attraction in Tamil Nadu. It was built in honour of Swami Vivekananda, one of India’s greatest religious reformers, back in 1970. It is a must-visit place in Tamil Nadu if you are looking for some spiritual enlightenment. In addition, tourists also visit this location to witness the incredible views of the shoreline and the sunrise.
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Margazhi Maha Utsavam
The Margazhi Maha Utsavam is an important music and dance festival in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This annual festival is held in the month of December and celebrates regional classical music and dance forms. Many prominent artists and musicians participate in the Margazhi Maha Utsavam by performing at various auditoriums, temples and sabhas across the city. This music festival is a massive attraction in Tamil Nadu for both domestic and international tourists.
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Pongal
Pongal is one of the most noteworthy festivals celebrated across the state. This 4-day long harvest festival is celebrated to show gratitude to the Sun God. It takes place at the beginning of Thai Masam according to the Tamil Solar calendar. People from various backgrounds come together and delve into the local festivities during this period. The colourful Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu is thus a major attraction for tourists and draws visitors from all over the globe.
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Kolli Hills
With an elevation of 1,300 metres, Kolli Malai is one of the best places in TamilNadu for a hillside vacation. Apart from its untouched natural beauty, this location is well-known for being a prominent religious destination. Some examples of popular tourist attractions in and near Kolli Hills include Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Kolli Hill Forest, Siddhar Caves and Arappaleeswarar temple.
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Rameshwara Temple
The Rameshwaram Temple is one of the most visited Hindu religious sites in Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is located on the Rameswaram island. Alongside its architectural beauty, the temple also features the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in the country. It is a well-known pilgrimage site and a popular tourist attraction in Tamil Nadu.
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Yercaud
This is another famous hill station in TamilNadu, situated within the Salem district. It is located at an altitude of about 1,515 metres, while its highest point has an elevation of 1,623 metres. Yercaud is renowned for its vast forests, fruit orchards, trekking trails and wildlife. Some must-visit tourist attractions in Yercaud are Emerald Lake, Pagoda point, Kiliyur Falls, Lady’s Seat and Shevaroy Temple.
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Rameshwaram
Located on Pamban island, Rameshwaram is one of the most significant religious places to see in Tamil Nadu. Besides being a great offbeat getaway within the state, this beautiful city is also home to several prominent tourist landmarks. Some must-visit tourist sites in and near Rameshwaram include the Rameshwaram Temple, Dhanushkodi Temple and Beach, Agnitheertham, Villondi Tirtham and Five-Faced Hanuman Temple.
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Madurai
Famous architectural works, religious sites and historical landmarks make Madurai one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. It is home to several popular tourist attractions in the state, including the Meenakshi Amman Temple, the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal and the Gandhi Memorial Museum.
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Ooty
Ooty is a notable location for romantic hillside vacations. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tamilnadu, with many popular tourist attractions, like Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty Lake, Dolphin’s Nose, Avalanche Lake and Tiger Hill. Ooty is dubbed the “Queen of Hill Stations”, and its boating experience is a bucket list item for many tourists.
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Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari is considered the southernmost point of India’s mainland. It is one of the most visited tourist spots in Tamilnadu, famous for its cultural, architectural and natural beauty. Some of its popular attractions include Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari Beach, and Thiruvalluvar Statue. It is also a great location to witness and take pictures of the gorgeous sunrise and sunset.
Activities in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu offers many thrilling adventures and slow-paced fun activities for tourists. Here is a list of popular activities to do in Tamil Nadu:
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Ooty Toy Train
One of the most fun things to do in Tamil Nadu is to experience the Nilgiri Mountain Railway transport (also known as Ooty Toy Train). It is a 46 kilometres long track covering scenic visuals of the Nilgiri Mountains, tunnels, bridges, valleys, vast foliage and lots more. Tourists can find daily trains operating on this route, and its frequency increases during the peak tourism season. This toy train journey usually lasts 4.5 hours and is a fun experience for both children and adults.
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Trekking
Tamil Nadu is a paradise for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. It has tons of adventurous trails, surrounded by challenges and the unscathed beauty of nature. Some of the best places to visit in TamilNadu for trekking include the Swamimalai Hill trek, Kookal Waterfalls trek, Sathuragiri Hills trek, Parvathamalai Hill trek and Athri Hill trek.
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Catamaran Ride
If you are looking for an exciting group adventure during your Tamil Nadu trip, consider opting for the Catamaran ride experience. It is a water adventure activity where you cruise deep into the ocean on a boat. You can then jump into the water and enjoy the surface waves as you float in your life jacket or utilise your swimming manoeuvres in the vast ocean. One of the best places for this thrilling activity in Tamil Nadu is Chennai ECR.
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Camping
One of the most popular things you can do in Tamil Nadu is camping. It is a group outdoor activity amidst the majestic natural landscapes. Some of the best tourist places in TamilNadu for camping activities are Yercaud, Yelagiri, Meghamalai and Ooty.
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Scuba diving
Scuba diving is a thrilling underwater activity you can consider during your Tamil Nadu trip. Chennai ECR is the most prominent location in the state for this water adventure activity.
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Historical tours
You can go on a historical tour in Tamil Nadu if you are interested in an informative yet fun thing to do. The whole region is filled with numerous historical sites, making it an ideal spot for history buffs and general tourism. The best places to visit in Tamilnadu for historical tours are Mahabalipuram, Thiruvannamalai, Madurai, Chettinad, Thanjavur and Chennai.
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Jungle safari
The regional wildlife and forests in Tamil Nadu make up for great adventurous jungle safaris. Some ideal safari locations in the state include Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. During these safaris, you can expect to see various wild animals and birds, including Nilgiri langurs, wild boars, tigers, elephants, deer, bonnet macaques, smooth-coated otters, etc.
Shopping in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is an ideal location if you love shopping for regional goods and collecting souvenirs during your vacations. Here are some of the best shopping areas and stores that you can check out:
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Ranganathan Street
It is one of the most crowded and famous shopping areas in Tamil Nadu. Located in the Thyagaraya Nagar neighbourhood in Chennai, this commercial street is home to several major businesses and local street vendors selling various products. Many tourists consider Chennai’s Ranganathan Street as an ideal location to shop for jewellery, clothing, kitchen utensils and coffee.
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Nalli Silks
If you are looking to go on a saree shopping spree in Tamil Nadu, look no further than Nalli Silks. It is one of the oldest and most famous silk saree stores in Chennai’s T. Nagar market. The store has a wide collection of sarees, including the famous Kanchipuram silk sarees, Banarasi sarees, Bangalore sarees, and Maheshwari sarees. It also features an extensive range of traditional and modern clothing items, including skirts, kurtas, suits, etc.
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Jute Cottage
In order to re-experience jute as a modern-day fashionable item, make sure to check out Jute Cottage in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. This shop features a massive collection of beautiful handbags, mats, pouches, and tons of other artefacts made of jute. You can purchase them to expand your personal collection or get them as gifts for your friends and close family members.
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Town Hall Market
Another major shopping area you can check out during your Tamil Nadu trip is the Town Hall Market in Coimbatore. It covers a massive area and features tons of local and big shops. You can find nearly anything at the Town Hall Market, including electronics, books, clothing, home decor, etc. It is also a great spot to try delicious local street food.
Food in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is a prominent location to try out authentic south Indian dishes. Here are some well-known restaurants in Tamil Nadu you can check out:
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Saravana Bhavan
During your visit to Tamil Nadu, make sure to check out Hotel Sarvana Bhavan for all your south Indian food cravings. It is one of the most popular restaurant chains in Tamil Nadu, with various outlets across the world. It serves high-quality, delicious vegetarian dishes at great prices. It is located across Chennai, Kanchipuram and Vellore. Some of its must-try items include Sweet Coconut Milk, Idiyappam Idli, Onion Rava Masala Dosa, Filter Coffee, and Ghee Masala Dosa.
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Star Biryani Ambur
It is a major restaurant chain in Tamil Nadu, serving delectable North Indian, Mughlai and Sichuan cuisine. If you are craving non-veg during your trip, then make sure to visit this restaurant. It has outlets across major cities in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Ambur, Coimbatore, etc. Don’t forget to try their Reshmi Kebab, Chicken Tikka Masala, Mutton Biryani and Chicken Biriyani.
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Anjappar
One of the most prominent places in Tamil Nadu to try out Chettinad cuisine is Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant. You can easily find its outlets in Chennai and Tiruchirapalli during your trip. They serve a wide range of flavourful veg and non-veg dishes with their signature use of aromatic spices. Some of their must-eat items are Kadai Chicken, Chicken Idiyappam Chopsuey and Nattu Kozhi Masala.
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Place To Bee
It is a renowned restaurant in Tamil Nadu, serving delicious Italian food. Located near Club Road, Ooty, Place To Bee offers a delightful ambience, quick service, and options for both veg and non-veg food at reasonable prices. You can also make your own pizza by choosing from the custom menu. During your visit, make sure to try out their Spicy Pork and Pepper Pizza and Greca Pizza.
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The Great Kabab Factory
Another major restaurant in Tamil Nadu where you can try out regional non-veg cuisine is The Great Kabab Factory. Located near the Egmore neighbourhood in Chennai, this restaurant serves a variety of food, including North Indian and Mughlai cuisines. The Great Kabab Factory is well-known for its sophisticated ambience, comfortable seating arrangement, and attentive service. Make sure to try their popular dishes during your visit, like Pan Kulfi, Punjabi Da Tadka, Galouti Kabab and Biriyani.
Nightlife in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has a thriving nightlife scene across its major cities. It is a great way to get in tune with the local party culture and spend a wonderful evening with delicious food and drinks, dance music and live entertainment in a beautiful ambience. Here are some popular places where you can enjoy the nightlife in Tamil Nadu:
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Pasha
Known for its electrifying atmosphere, spacious dance floor and upbeat DJ music, Pasha is a must-visit place if you are looking for the best nightlife experience in Tamil Nadu. Located in the city of Chennai, this nightclub stays open from 8 PM to 2 AM and features an extensive range of alcoholic drinks and finger foods. It is a centre for youngsters and party lovers in the city and remains crowded even late at night. Even though it is a bit on the expensive side, it is one of the best nightclubs you can check out during your Tamil Nadu visit.
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10 Downing Street
It is one of the most popular pubs in the region and remains crowded throughout the evening and late at night. 10 Downing Street is a contemporary British-styled pub famous for its elegant ambience, exemplary bartending, incredible lighting, reasonable price margin and well-curated bar menu. You can visit this beautiful pub to experience the rich Tamil Nadu nightlife in cities like Chennai and Coimbatore. During your visit, make sure to try their Shepherd's Pie, Tequila Shots, Cocktails and Chicken Lasagna.
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Blend
It is a well-known place to hang out with friends and enjoy Tamil Nadu’s vibrant nightlife during your vacation. Located at the Taj Club House in Chennai, Blend features a unique atmosphere and a vast bar menu. Besides DJ music and quick service, this neon-accented bar is famous for its Margaritas and finger foods.
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Black Box
Another popular location in Tamil Nadu where you can enjoy the rich regional nightlife is Black Box. It is located at The Arcadia Hotel on Avinashi Road in Coimbatore and features a lowlight theme with plush sofa seating arrangements. It remains open from 11 AM to 11 PM and is quite budget-friendly. Apart from its comfortable indoor seating, Black Box also has a full bar, free WiFi, an extensive bar menu with imported drinks and lots more.
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