The tourism industry in Tamil Nadu is the largest in India making it the most visited state in 2015. And why it shouldn’t be? The state has some of the old and grand Hindu temples built in Dravidian architecture. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Brihadishwara Temple in Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and the Airavatesvara in Darasuram (Great Chola Temples) and the Shore Temple along with the collection of other monuments in Mamallapuram, which have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Further, the Southern most tip of the sub continent is Kanyakumari, which is a very interesting town along with other locations like Dhanushkodi, Pamban bridge over the sea, the Nilgiri Hills also know as the Scotland of the East and the rich wildlife sanctuaries. The local cuisine and the popular film industry are major attractions to experience. The big cities like Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore among others have their own charm.
Following are some of the places and experiences we have listed. Based on your interests and time we could curate a personalized itinerary for you.

CHENNAI
Chennai, formerly known as Madras is the capital of Tamil Nadu. It is believed the settlements in this place go back as far as prehistoric era. It is a big and important metropolitan city in India, a cultural and economic centre with temples, churches, historical monuments, restaurants, eateries and one of the most beautiful beaches in the state. It is a perfect place for shopping, gastronomic tours, pilgrimage and casual hangout along with its long coasts, beautiful sunsets, after dark parties, spiced-right food and serene ambience it has got it all and more.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
How To Get There: By Air, Rail and Road.

MAMALLAPURAM
Around 58 km from Chennai along the East Coast Road is the historic town of Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram. The town is world renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Site of intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves that were once built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th Century AD. You could easily get lost among these stunning monuments and some astonishing ones such as Krishna’s Butterball, which is a gigantic spherical boulder resting on a slight incline and yet stationary. In addition to the historical site there are amazing fishing villages and beach resorts such as Sadras and Covelong (Kovalam), the latter is popular site for surfing and other water sports.
Nearby is The Crocodile Bank, which houses some exquisite species of crocodiles and alligators.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: The Crocodile Bank, Covelong, The Shore Temple and other historical temples/monuments.
How To Get There: By Air (Chennai International Airport), Rail and Road.

COIMBATORE
Coimbatore is one of the large cities of Tamil Nadu and a centre for commerce. Situated on the banks of River Noyyal is blessed with natural beauty and places for sightseeing like temples, churches, dams and more. Its is also a gateway for many other places of attraction in the state.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Monkey Falls, Vydehi falls, Kovai Kutralam falls and Siruvani Falls and Dam, Kodiveri Dam and Amaravathi Dam. Ayyappan temple, Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple, Infant Jesus Church and Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple .
How To Get There: By Air (Coimbatore International Airport), Rail and Road.

RAMESWARAM
Rameswaram is one of the holiest places in India. Situated on an island, it is believed that as per the legend of the epic Ramayana, it is here that Lord Rama created a bridge across the sea to Sri Lanka. The Five-faced Hanuman Temple here holds the floating stone, which is said to be used to build the bridge between India and Sri Lanka. The Pamban bridge over the sea is quite an architectural marvel and an amazing spectacle.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Pamban Bridge, Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agniteertham, Five-Faced Hanuman Temple.
How To Get There: Well connected by rail and road. The nearest airport is Madurai (163 km away).

DHANUSHKODI
A quaint beach town at the southern tip of India, Dhanushkodi is one place where it seems like the time has stood still. The town holds on to its heritage and reflect its grandeur and beauty in the most modest ways.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Pamban Bridge, Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agniteertham, Five-Faced Hanuman Temple.
How To Get There: Well connected by road. It is just 22 km from Rameswaram.

KANYAKUMARI
Located on the Southern most tip of India, Kanyakumari is indeed unique. But it is more than that. With its beautiful beaches, Vivekananda Memorial and the ever-so perfect sunset it’s a sought after destination. The place has temples, churches, religious pillars and statues everywhere. This mix of culture is reflected in the art, architecture and even in the cuisine.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Kumari Amman Temple, Vattakottai Fort, Sangthurai Beach, Sothavilai Beach, Wax Museum.
How To Get There: Well connected by rail and road. The nearest airport is Trivandrum (67 km away).

TRANQUEBAR
Tranquebar now known as Tharangambadi is a sleepy town on the coast of Tamil Nadu. It was the first Danish trading post that was setup in 1620 AD. Since then it changed many hands and that is reflected in the architecture and the culture of the place one could see the fusion of the Danish, British, German and French colonies that once made Tranquebar their home.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Tranquebar Museum, New Jerusalem Church, Fort Dansborg.
How To Get There: Well connected by rail and road. The nearest airport is Trivandrum (67 km away).

THE TEMPLE TOWNS:
Almost every town in Tamil Nadu is a Temple Town, however here is a list of the prominent ones.

THANJAVUR
With a rich heritage and temples built during the reign of the Cholas, Thanjavur or Tanjore is also called the City of Temples. Brihadeshwara Temple is the most prominent of them all. However, the city offers more than just the temples and the unique architecture. The place is also known for Tanjore paintings, antiques, handicrafts, textiles and saris. Thanjavur’s Carnatic music and musical instruments are also as popular.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Brihadeshwara Temple, Siva Ganga Garden, Art Gallery, Palace & Saraswathi Mahal Library and Sangeetha Mahal.
How To Get There: Well connected by rail and road. The nearest airport is Trichy (55 km away).

KUMBAKONAM
Located between the two rivers of South India – Cauvery and Arsala, Kumbakonam is an old and beautiful temple town in the heart of the Thanjavur district. A delight for history buffs, the town is for those seeking to understand India’s cultural roots and Hinduism.
Best Time To Visit: October to March. The best time to visit here would be around the grand festival called Mahamaham, which is celebrated every twelve years at the Mahamaham Tank.
Places To Visit: Airavatesvara Temple, Patteeswaram Temple, Thiruvidaimarudur Mahalinga Swamy Temple, Adi Kumbeswarar Temple among other many temples in this old town.
How To Get There: Well connected by rail and road. The nearest airport is Trichy (96 km away).

MADURAI
Also known as the Lotus City as the city is said to be constructed in the form of a lotus, Madurai is one of the oldest cities in India. Apart from the famous Meenakshi Temple, one can also visit Thiruparankundram, which is one of the older temples dedicated to Lord Muruga(Karthikeya). The Gandhi Museum is also a must visit. It houses Gandhi’s bloodstained dhoti and some other artifacts related to freedom struggle in India.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Meenakshi Temple, Thiruparankundram, Gandhi Museum.
Things To Do: Classes and workshops for Tamil speakers offered in subjects as diverse as t’ai chi and local herbs in Madurai.
How To Get There: Well connected by air, rail and road.

KANCHIPURAM
The city is mainly famous for the eponymous Kanchipuram Silk Sarees, but it is also referred to as the “Golden City of Thousand Temples”. The city is visited by lots of tourists from around the world.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, Kailasanathar Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple.
Things To Do: The Kanchi Mutt holds kutcheris, or South Indian classical music concerts in the evenings, which is highly recommended to attend.
How To Get There: Well connected by rail and road. The nearest airport is Chennai (69 km away) .
Tiruvannamalai
85 kms from Vellore, flanked by Arunachalam Hills is the town, that has one of the biggest temples in Tamil Nadu having massive gopurams. It’s a very important Shaivite town where on full moon day, the base of the Hills looks like a microcosm of the earth, with thousands of pilgrims circumambulating the Hill. You will find a lot of Westerners in the town who mainly come to the Ramanaasram, that was home to Sri Ramana Maharishi, who taught us to ask the fundamental question “Who am I?”, The ashram teaches Yoga, Meditation and the Vedas.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Temple timing : 5.00 AM to 12.30 PM and 3.30 PM to 9.00 PM.

TEMPLES OF LORD MURUGAN
There are six abodes of Lord Murugan : Thiriparakundram, Tiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, Thiruthanni, and Pazhamadur cholai. As a devotee of Lord Murugan, people go on a pilgrimage to these 6 temples. Palani is probably the most famous of them. Its 120 kms from Madurai, and around 7-8 million people visit the temple every year. Its on a hillock and one needs to climb 670 steps to reach the temple. One can take up the Winch or the Rope Car too to get to the temple. Taking the Rope Car is quite an experience since its glides at a 90 degree angle is an exhilarating ride.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Temple timing : 5.30 AM to 9.30 PM

VELANKANI
Not strictly a temple town but this beautiful coastal town of Velankani is known for its majestic Church dedicated to Mother Mary. Velankanni is said to be the place where Mother Mary appeared and helped people in trouble. Therefore, a church named Our Lady of Good Health has been built to honour her here. It’s a popular pilgrimage destination not only for the Christians but also for devotees of all the faiths.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
How To Get There: Well connected by road. The nearest railway station is Nagapattinam (14 km)The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli (153 km).

HILL STATIONS:

THE NILGIRIS (OOTY AND COONOOR)
Nilgiris or the Blue Mountains house the popular hill stations of Ooty and Coonoor (20 km apart). Surrounded the lush forest and the hills and covered in plantations, these hill stations are ideal getaways to escape the heat and busy city life. These are also home to various local tribal cultures and also many spices such as clove, black pepper, cardamom etc.
Best Time To Visit: October to June.
Places To Visit: Government Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Pykara Falls and Pykara Lake, Ooty Lake, Sim’s Park, Lamb’s Rock, Doddabetta Tea Factory, Government Rose Garden, Tribal Museum, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Dolphin’s Nose, Catherine Falls, Wellington Golf Course.
How To Get There: Well connected by road. The nearest railway station is Mettupalyam (40 km from Ooty). The nearest airport is Coimbatore (88 km away).

KODAIKANAL
Green forests with a wide variety of trees, pleasant weather that gets colder and beautifully misty, hiking trails and mesmerizing waterfalls – all of these characterizes the beautiful hill station of Kodaikanal. A popular hill station in South India.
Best Time To Visit: October to June.
Places To Visit: Coakers Walk, Kodaikanal Lake, Mannavanur Lake, Berijam Lake, Pine Forest, Poombarai Village View, Dolpin’s Nose, Pillar Rocks, Guna Cave.
How To Get There: Well connected by road. The nearest airport is Madurai (120 km away).

YERCAUD
On the Eastern Ghats amidst the lush green forests and rich coffee plantations lays the scenic hill station of Yercaud.
Best Time To Visit: October to June.
Places To Visit: Emarald Lake, The Anna Park, Japanese Park, Lady’s Seat, Waterfalls of Kiliyur.
Things To Do: Trekking and Hiking.
How To Get There: Well connected by road. Yercaud is just an hour’s drive or 30 km by road.

YELAGIRI
Located in the Vellore district Yelagiri is a popular trekking and hiking desination. It comprises of 14 hamlets situated amidst 4 hills. As you go into the outdoors walking and hiking the vistas get more scenic. Trek to Swami Malai Hill through dense forests and to the hills of Javadi and Palamathi provide good options for trekking here.
Best Time To Visit: October to June.
Places To Visit: Emarald Lake, The Anna Park, Japanese Park, Lady’s Seat, Waterfalls of Kiliyur.
How To Get There: Well connected by road. The nearest railway station is Jolarpettai (21 km from Ooty). The nearest airport is Bengaluru (194 km away).

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES:

MUDUMALAI NATIONAL PARK
Located in the Nilgiri Hills and aart of the Bandipur-Nagarhole National Park ecosystem, Mudumalai National Park has a diverse species of flora and fauna. Mudumalai is the home to animals like grey langur and bonnet macaque. Tigers, leopards, dholes, golden jackals can also be spotted in there. It is also a bird watchers paradise as fine bird species swarm this place often.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Things To Do: Safari.
How To Get There: Well connected by road. Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the road that connects Mysore and Ooty. It is about 90 km from Mysore and only around 70 km from Ooty. The nearest airport is Coimbatore (136 km away).

VALPARAI
On the Anamalai Hill Range lays the beautiful hill station of Valparai. At a convenient distance of 92 Kms from Coimbatore, Valparai is situated at an altitude of about 3,500 feet, surrounded by tea and coffee estates. The dense and rich Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary is also located here with diverse wildlife rich with elephants and the big cats.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: The Upper Sholayar Dam, Monkey Falls, Balaji Temple, Puncha Mugha Vinayagar Koil (Near Sholayar).
Things To Do: Safari.
How To Get There: Well connected by road. The nearest railway station is Pollachi (64 km away). The nearest airport is Coimbatore (92 km away).

Apart from these there are other notable places to visit in Tamil Nadu such as Hogenakkal Falls, Bellikal, Chettinad, Tuticorin, Nagapattinam, Chidambaram, Vedanthangal, Kutrallam, Tiruchi, Tirunelveli, Vellore.