The major places of interest in the state of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is mostly popular for its Hindu temples with Gopurams, a unique aspect which is rarely witnessed in other parts of the country. Bharatanatyam, glass paintings, sculptures of gods and deities, silk sarees, bronze figurines, and rock-cut temples make it one of the top-rated tourist destinations in India. Tamil Nadu for long has been a hub for promoting Hinduism. People come here to visit the hill stations and temples, eat delicious vegetarian cuisines, and experience the natural beauty. The most famous tourist attractions in the state of Tamil Nadu are as follows:

Chennai (Madras):

Chennai or erstwhile Madras is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu and the biggest city. During the British Raj, the area was used as a commercial harbor and manufacturing site. By the beginning of the 20th century, Madras turned into a principal administrative center. It is currently also the fourth biggest metropolitan city in the whole country. In spite of the fact that the place has been under the command of the British rulers, the city has maintained its conventional Tamil Hindu traditions. In fact, it can be described as a portmanteau of many customs. The city enjoys excellent connectivity with all other parts of India. Visit Gandhi Mandapam, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fort St. George, Kapaleeswara Temple, Marina Beach, Snake Park, Parthasarathy Temple, Theosophical Society, Government Museum and Art Gallery, and Lighthouse.

Kanchipuram:

Kanchipuram served as the capital of the Pallava monarchs and is one of the holiest religious sites in the country. Visit Sri Vaikunthaperumal Temple, Kailashnath Mandir, Ekambareshwara Temple, Varadaraja Temple and Shri Kamakshi Temple.

Mamallapuram:

Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, lies at a distance of 64 km from Chennai. The place is known for its rock-cut temples and memorials. Don’t forget to visit Krishna Mandapa, Arjuna’s Penance, Mahishasurmardini Cave, Shore Temple, the Rathas, as well as Varaha Mandapa.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary:

This bird sanctuary is situated at a distance of 80 km from Chennai and is a paradise for migratory birds and you can watch them from an observatory. The closest railhead is Chingleput and you can visit the place from November to February.

Tanjore (Thanjavur):

Thanjavur or Tanjore houses the globally renowned Brihadeeswara Temple. It is an architectural wonder, constructed in old-fashioned Dravidian pattern by King Chola. Other than this, visit Sangeetha Mahal, The Palace, Library, Saraswati Mahal, Temple Museum, Raja Museum, as well as Schwarz Church.

Pondicherry (Puducherry):

Till the year 1954, Pondicherry served as a French settlement. The place is a perfect example of French traditions in the country. Don’t forget to visit top tourist draws like Auroville, Aurobindo Ashram, The Promenade, Botanical Gardens, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, French Institute and Roman Rolland Library.

Trichy (Tiruchirapalli):

Trichy, also known as Tiruchirapalli, lies on the riverbanks of Kaveri, and is home to the Ranganatha Temple, Srirangam. Other places to see in the area include the Rock Fort, Tiruvannaikaval, Sri Jambukeshwara Temple, and Srirangam.

Rameswaram:

Rameshwaram is a holy island settlement which lies at the southeastern end of the Indian peninsula. It is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in India, Shree Ramanathaswamy Temple. The passageways of this temple have numerous columns and are quite extensive. Also see Kothandaraswamy Temple and Gandhamadana Parvadham.

Madurai:

Madurai is home to the Meenakshi Temple which attracts countless visitors round the year. Other than this temple, you can also see Mariamman Tank, Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Government Museum, Gandhi Museum, and Koodal Alagar Temple.

Cape Comorin (Kannyakumari):

This place is the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula. The Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal converge in this area. It is famous for being a religious hub and also for its scenic beauty. People visit the place for viewing the Kanyakumari Temple, Vivekananda Rock, and Gandhi Memorial.

Kodaikanal:

It is a top-rated hill station in Tamil Nadu and mostly famous for its Kodai Lake, which appears like a star. The town features an old-age appeal with its cottages and paved thoroughfares. Kodaikanal is situated close to the boundary between Kerala and Tamil Nadu and is known for its tourist-friendly climate. You will be amazed by its pristine beauty and should visit places like Coaker’s Walk, Fairy Falls, Astrophysical Observatory, Shenbaganaur Museum, Kurinji Andavar Temple, and Green Valley View.

Coimbatore:

Coimbatore is a major business hub in Tamil Nadu. Due to its flourishing textiles sector, it is dubbed as the Manchester of South India. Visit VOC Park, Marudhamalai Temple, Perur Temple, Agricultural University, Forest College, and Glass Forest Museum.

Udhagamandalam/Ooty (Ootacamund):

Ootacamund, also known as Udhagamandalam or Ooty, is the top hill station in Tamil Nadu. Nestled in the Nilgiri Mountains with an elevation of 2,240 meters, Ooty is famous for its natural splendor. The weather of the place is also good for health and it is an excellent site for ecotourism. Visit the Tiger Hill, Botanical Gardens, Wilson Fish Farm, Valley View Lake, Dodabetta Peak, Marlimund Lake, Elk Hill, Wenlock Downs, Glen Morgen, Snowdon, and St. Stephen Church.