Tamil Nadu is one of the massive states in the South of India. It is very diverse, with a lot of tourist destinations that can offer distinctive things. From beaches to wildlife sanctuaries as well as trekking trails and historical monuments, it is a perfect state to travel for all kinds of travelers.
Let’s check out the top 20 best places to visit in Tamil Nadu!
1. Chennai
Chennai is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu, and you have a plethora of options when you are planning to visit Chennai. There are beaches, temples, and churches that you can enjoy when you are in Chennai. You can visit Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwara temple, museum, history, art culture, and much more. Basically, Chennai has something for everyone. So, when you are in Tamil Nadu, you can always start your trip with Chennai. It can be an excellent warm-up for the rest of the trip.
2. Mudumalai
You can visit Mudumalai, which is located in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Hills to see some exciting wildlife in the region. It is a perfect place for all nature lovers because you not only get to be close to wildlife but can also spot leopards, tigers, golden jackals, and much more. The best time to visit this place is between October to May.
3. Pondicherry
Pondicherry can give you a glimpse of the French culture with its beautiful lanes and french bakeries. You can also enjoy some fantastic beaches in Pondicherry. Moreover, if you just want to take a break from your everyday busy life and walk around the beach with the calming sound of the water in the evening. It is a romantic getaway and reasonably close to Chennai.
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4. Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is very rich in its architectural heritage. When you visit this place, it will make your travel back in time. It is only a few kilometers from Chennai and has amazing weather. It has a lot to offer to all kinds of tourists. The beaches of Mahabalipuram are also amazing. You can spend your day walking around and exploring the monolithic structures or spend some time at the beach. It is simply amazing. The best time to visit this place will be from November to February if you don’t want a sunburn because summers are scorching here.
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5. Hogenakkal
Hogenakkal is a place located in Dharampuri and is a beautiful place endowed with some amazing waterfalls. It is a perfect romantic getaway or an offbeat destination that you can explore with your friends. It is also ideal for a short trip with the family. You get to see some breathtaking views of Melagiri Hills and the picturesque landscape. The perfect time to visit this place is from September to March.
6. Kanyakumari
Famous for its sunset and the Vivekananda Memorial, Kanyakumari is a hotspot in Tamil Nadu. There are many places rich in art and architecture that you can visit in Kanyakumari. The best time to visit this place is from October to March. You can go solo or with friends or family. This place is the best for all kinds of tourists.
7. Pollachi
Pollachi is close to Coimbatore and is one of the most beautiful and scenic places in Tamil Nadu. It is also known for many film shoots. It has a Tiger reserve and a wildlife sanctuary that you can visit when you are in Pollachi. The best time to visit this place is from December to February. You can enjoy activities like Bamboo rafting and trekking there.
8. Madurai
Madurai is known for the Meenakshi temple. The construction of this city is like a lotus and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu. The best time to visit Madurai is also from December to February. You can do a temple hopping in this city because it has just too many beautiful temples. You can also visit the Vaigai Dam and Gandhi Museum.
9. Chettinad
Chettinad is only a few kilometers away from Madurai. It is known for its amazing cuisine and also a rich heritage. If you are in Madurai, you can make a day-trip to Chettinad and enjoy some local food there. Alternatively, you can also spend a few days in this place. It has a lot to offer and is truly a paradise for all foodies. October to March is the best time to visit this place.
10. Coonoor
Coonoor is one of the hotspots in Tamil Nadu. You can get a fantastic view of the Nilgiri hills from Coonoor. In addition to that, there are also tea estates in Coonoor where you can experience greenery and nature. You can also trek to Doddabetta Mountain to get a breathtaking panoramic view of the place. The best time to visit Coonoor is from October to March. You can also visit the Dolphin’s nose to get an amazing view. It is also close to Ooty, so you can easily plan a visit to Ooty while you are in Coonoor. You can rent a house amidst the tea estates too in order to enjoy and destress.
11. Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram is located on an island and is one of the holiest places in India. The Pamban bridge separates it from Sri Lanka. Here also you can do temple hopping and explore the spiritual side in you. It has the famous Hanuman temple, which is five-faced. It also has some nice beaches and the Rameshwaram temple that is close to the beach. There is a lot to do when you are in Rameshwaram. You can visit it between October to April. A visit to Rameshwaram will definitely let you experience and witness the south Indian traditions and culture. There are many beaches in Rameshwaram, and all of them have their own distinct USP. After the temple, you can chill at the beach with some fresh coconut water that you can get at a dirt-cheap rate.
12. Tiruvannamalai
The famous Mount Arunachala is located in Tiruvannamalai, which makes it a place of great spiritual importance. It is also considered as one of the most silent places in the world. So, if you are looking for an escape from the hustle-bustle of the city, this is the place for you. You will find a lot of peace and tranquility here. It also attracts a lot of spiritual seekers. You can visit this place from June to September of October to March to make the most of this place.
13. Dharampuri
Dharampuri is a place full of churches and temples. You can also find some rivers as well as waterfalls here. It is a perfect place to take a break from the hustle-bustle of city life. It can help you get closer to nature and experience the peace and calm that nothing else can offer you. There are many activities that you can plan in Dharampuri, including a boat ride in a small pond near the Dharampuri falls. Various places offer you a calming and relaxing ayurvedic massage. It is truly a place where you can unwind and have a relaxing time with your friends or family.
14. Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. There are plenty of places to visit in Kodaikanal, and you can also do many things there. With some beautiful waterfalls and dense forests, you can definitely find a perfect romantic getaway with your partner here. The picturesque landscape of Kodaikanal can definitely make your experience a memorable one. Some of the interesting activities that you can do in Kodaikanal is boating in the Kodai Lake, horse riding while enjoying the view. The Palni Hills and Pillar rocks are also worth a visit. The best time to visit this place is from March to June.
15. Ooty
Ooty is another magnificent hill station of Tamil Nadu that is situated in the scenic Nilgiri Hills. The view with a backdrop of hills is so amazing in Ooty that it is one of the most loved destinations for honeymoon. It is also a great place to have a nice time with your family. It is close to Kodaikanal, so you can visit both places if you are staying there for a longer period. It is almost 250 kilometers and offers an amazing view on the way. Ther are some exciting things that you can do in Ooty. This includes a toy train ride with a breathtaking view, visit the Ooty Lake, and the famous botanical gardens in Ooty. The place is truly magical. The best time to plan your trip to Ooty is from March to June.
16. Yelagiri
Yellagiri hills are one of the most exciting trekking trails in Tamil Nadu. It has an elevation of 4,626 feet and is surrounded by rose gardens, orchards, and green valleys. Climbing to the top of the hill is an interesting activity that you can do with your friends or loved ones. Because the view from the hills is truly enchanting. You can also do some other activities like paragliding, mountain climbing, etc. here. In addition to that, you can also visit the Jalagamparai Falls in Yelagiri. The best time to visit this place is either from May to June or November to February.
17. Kotagiri
Kotagiri is also situated in the Nilgiri Hills, and it is a small town that has an amazing climate. You get to witness the rich wildlife in this region. There are also some enticing waterfalls. If you are visiting Kotagiri, you can do some Tiger spotting in Longwood Shola and also check out the Elk falls. They are both amazing. You can also do some trekking from Kotagiri to Kodanad. You can make the most of your vacations if you visit this place between November to May. The beauty of this place is incomparable to any other place that you might visit.
18. Yercaud
Yercaud is another amazing hill station that is situated in Tamil Nadu, close to the Eastern Ghats. It is known for its coffee plantations, evergreen forests, and the richness of flora and fauna in the region. You can trek around the place to see some of the famous tourist spots. Emerald Lake is very popular there. Some other interesting places to visit are the Bear’s cave, Japanese Park, and Anna Park. You can also get an exciting view of the place from the Lady’s seat. It is an ideal spot for a family visit or a vacation with your friends. The best time to visit this place is from October to June.
19. Valparai
Another beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu is Valparai, which is near the Anamalai Hills. It is also a part of the famous Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. You can find a lot of coffee as well as tea estates in this place. There are lots of places to visit when you are in Valapari, such as Monkey Falls, Sholayar Dam, Balaji temple, etc. You can also go to the Nallamudi Viewpoint to get a mesmerizing view of the place. Visiting this place is also easy because you can take a direct flight from Chennai to Valparai. The best time to visit this place is from September to March. Some people also like to make a Backpacking trip to the Annamalai Hills. It has a lot to offer to all types of tourists.
20. Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is not just known for its beautiful sarees but also for thousands of temples that you can find there. If you are interested in learning more about Hinduism or simply want to enjoy the beautiful South-Indian style architecture, you can visit this city. The best time to visit the place is from October to March when the weather is not too hot.
Final Words
Tamil Nadu has many amazing tourist spots, but if you have to really narrow down on a few, this list gives you the top 20 places. You can choose from these places as per your preference and time of travel. Some spots can be very hot in summers so you must take care of that before planning your trip to Tamil Nadu!