Have a trip to Tamil Nadu coming up? Wondering what all places you can club in to make your trip a fantastic one? If you thought Tamil Nadu was all about Chennai, Mahabalipuram and Puducherry, you really need to brush up your travel reads on this coastal state in south India. Tamil Nadu has many spectacular holiday destinations that span across temple visits, hill stations, wildlife stays, beach getaways as well as food hubs. From history buffs to adventure seekers, there's something for every kind of traveller, and that too with various stay options for all kinds of budgets.
Here's a list of 11 of our favourite places to visit while in Tamil Nadu:
1. Ooty
Of course, we all know about Ooty, and no matter how much some people will tell you that it's over crowded, you still need to pay a visit at least once in your life. To experience the true beauty of the Nilgiris, keep away from the main city and pick spectacular farmstays and resorts on the outskirts. They make for the best experiences. Avalanche Lake, Emerald Lake and Catherine Waterfall are worth visiting.
(Also read: 9 Things To Put On Your To-Do List While Visiting Puducherry)
2. Kodaikanal
For nature lovers, Kodaikanal is a paradise because it's surrounded by luscious greenery. You can set out on various trails to explore the hill station and come across popular places like Bryant Park, Coaker's Walk, Pillar Rock, Dolphin's Nose and Poombarai Village. Or sign up for the trek to Canopy Hill in Vattakanal.
3. Thoothukudi
Thoothukudi or Tuticorin is a port city in southern Tamil Nadu, which is soon becoming a favourite beach destination with youngsters. Because of its gentle waves, you can indulge in various water activities like snorkeling and diving, or wander off to nearby islands. Other than being famous for pearls, it's also known for its macaroons.
4. Rameshwaram
The little island has great mythological relevance, and as such many flock here to see the Adam's bridge - one that is said to connect India to Sri Lanka and was built by Lord Rama in The Ramayana. There are many temples to explore - Ramanathaswamy temple. 5-Faced Hanuman Temple, Kothandaramaswamy Temple - as well as beaches like Ariyaman Beach, Agni Theertham and Dhanuskodi Beach.
5. Madurai
Madurai is no doubt a crowded city but it's a must visit, especially for food lovers. The street food here is phenomenal, where you can indulge in kottu parotta (chopped paratha with meat), paniyaram (savoury snack made in a special mould), idiyappam (string hoppers) and kuzhambu(spicy stew) among others. But you absolutely can't miss the famous Jigarthanda, a cooling drink made of sarsaparilla syrup (locally known as Nannari), almond, sugar, milk, cream and ice cream. There are many temples to explore too - Meenakshi Amman Temple.
6. Thanjavur
Thanjavur is a temple city in Tamil Nadu, and probably the best place to get a glimpse of the rich culture of the Chola Dynasty as well as the Marathas. Must visits include the Royal Place (which also houses Saraswati Mahal Library Museum and the Art Gallery) and Brihadishwara Temple. You can also pick up Tanjore dolls and Tanjore paintings for keepsake.
7. Chettinad
Located in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, Chettinad showcases the rich cultural heritage of Chettiars, a community of traders and bankers. The architecture here is worth exploring as you will see a blend of various influences - Victorian, Italian, Spanish, Belgian and Burmese in the use of intricately carved teak doors, open courtyards, plastered walls, marbles, tiles, chandeliers, teak pillars, etc. Must-dos include visiting Chettinad Palace, eating a Chettinad meal, buying a handloom Kandangi saree, visiting the numerous temples, etc.
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8. Kanchipuram
Calling saree lovers! When in Kanchipuram, you must visit renowned saree stores (Prakash Silk and Sarees and Sri Sarvalakshmi Silk) to pick pure Kanjeevaram sarees in best rates. Other than that, visit a weaver's workshop and famous temples like Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, etc.
9. Tranquebar or Tharangambadi
Like Pondicherry or Puducherry, Tharangambadi still has evident Dutch influences. The old buildings with Portuguese architecture are hard to miss. Besides lazing around in a beach resort, you can explore Fort Dansborg and dine at Bungalow on the Beach Restaurant. It's a place for those seeking peace and quiet.
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10. Tiruchirapalli
A must for those interested in ancient architecture. The temples here showcase Dravidian style of architecture, such as Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple and Jambukeswarar Temple. A must-visit is also the Rockfort Temple, which is known for its rock-cut structure out of monolithic rocks, originally built by the Pallavas.
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11. Kanyakumari
Though some would say that there's nothing much to do in Kanyakumari, it's worth a visit just for the thrill of making it to the southern tip of India, and standing at a point where the two seas merge into the Indian Ocean. On a good day, you can even see the different shades of water. You can take a boat ride to the island where lies the statue of Thiruvalluvar, the Tamil poet, and then head to any seaside restaurant to indulge in fresh seafood.
Make the most of your time in Tamil Nadu!
