Best Tourist Places to Visit in Tamilnadu

Tamil Nadu is a South Indian state abundantly blessed with natural resources. The state is home to the mesmerizing Nilgiri Hills at the meeting point of the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats of the country. Tamil Nadu has many serene beaches, bustling markets, and splendid architecture that keeps tourists wanting more. You can deep dive into the history and heritage of Tamil Nadu at the vibrant cities of Thanjavur, Vellore, Kumbakonam, and Dharmapuri.

Rameshwaram, Mahabalipuram, Madurai, Coimbatore, Kanchipuram, and Kanyakumari are the prominent religious sites of the state. Nature enthusiasts can head to the nearby hill station for a relaxing getaway from the scorching climate of the state. Ooty, Yercaud, Kotagiri, Kodaikanal, Yealgiri, and Coonoor at the most visited hill stations of Tamil Nadu. Pondicherry is an offbeat tourist spot with a fine blend of French and Indian cultures. 

Here is a list of the best places to visit in TamilNadu.

Ooty

Nestled amidst the Nilgiri hills, Ooty is a picturesque getaway that has been recognized for its beauty and top-rated tourist attractions. The pretty hill station is esteemed as ‘Queen of Hills’ by the Britishers. Famous for its scenic beauty, Ooty is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. The hilltown serves as a summer getaway for families and is also a popular honeymoon destination in India. 

Ooty is a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. There are plenty of places to visit in Ooty. You can enjoy the stunning views of the Nilgiris from the Dolphin’s Nose and spend a day in the lap of nature at the Emerald Lake. Trekking and camping can be enjoyed at Avalanche Lake and Kalhatti Falls. The toy train ride at the Nilgiri Mountain Railways is a fun experience. You can also indulge in fishing and bird watching at the Kamaraj Sagar Dam. A tea-tasting tour at the Ooty Tea Museum is another mesmerizing experience that gives you memories for a lifetime.

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is a mist-covered hill town with manicured cliffs and waterfalls. It is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. Kodaikanal has a beautiful climate and is perfectly set amidst nature making it an ultimate getaway for a refreshing trip. Kodaikanal translates to ‘the gift of the forests’ and it stands true to its name as the town is blessed abundantly with natural beauty. The scenic beauty and romantic ambiance of Kodaikanal make it a popular honeymoon destination in South India.

Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of Palani Hills, it is the ideal place to connect with nature with many places to visit in Kodaikanal, attracting tourists from all over India. You can enjoy hiking or biking through the forests or simply stroll along the walk filled with flowers and herbs. Catch the breathtakingly beautiful views of the valley at Coaker’s Walk. Thrill-seekers can explore the Guna Cave or enjoy a night safari around the town. You can spend a relaxing evening at Kodaikanal Lake. Boating and horse riding are popular activities to enjoy in Kodaikanal. 

Chennai

The capital city of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is a modern metropolis where tradition blends seamlessly with the modern. Known as “the capital of the South,” Chennai is home to many ancient sites and museums. You can get an insight into the regional culture at the Government Museum in the city. The splendid architecture of San Thome Cathedral, Fort St. George, and St. Andrew Cathedral is worth witnessing.

Chennai is worth visiting for its temples where you can explore the traditions and South Indian culture. Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Puri Jagannath Temple, and the ancient temples of Mahabalipuram are worth visiting when in Chennai. Another prominent tourist attraction of Chennai is Marina Beach. It is the second-largest urban beach in India and offers visitors astounding views of the Bay of Bengal.

You can also enjoy stargazing at the Birla Planetarium or indulge in seafood at the Royapuram Fishing Harbour. Fishing is also offered as a fun sport at Barracuda Bay.

Madurai

Madurai is the cultural capital of the state and among the best tourist places in TamilNadu. The city is also known as the ‘Lotus City’ because its layout resembles an open lotus flower. The ancient city is home to one of India’s most famous temples, the Meenakshi Amman Temple. An architectural masterpiece, the Meenakshi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and her consort, and is a famous tourist attraction in Madurai. There are many other ancient temples in Madurai, including Thiruparankundram, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Pazhamudhir Solai, and Mariamman Teppakulam. 

Thirumalai Nayak Mahal is another splendid monument you must visit when in Madurai. You can take guided heritage walks of the city to explore the other hidden gems. Kutladampatti Falls, Vaigai Dam, and Meghamalai are perfect spots for nature lovers.

Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is a small coastal town on the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula.  It is a popular tourist destination in South India due to its beautiful landscape and pleasant weather. A must-see sight in Kanyakumari is Bharat Mata Mandir, an imposing monument dedicated to Mother India. Other prominent tourist spots in Kanyakumari are Adikesavaperumal Temple, Lord Subramanya Temple, Padmanabhapuram Palace, and the Chitharal Jain monuments.  

Nature lovers can enjoy a relaxing stay at Kanyakumari. Thirparappu falls, Courtallam Falls, and Olakaruvi falls are popular picnic spots. Beach lovers can visit Kanyakumari beach, Sanguthurai Beach, and Sothavilai Beach for a fun-filled day at the beachside.