Chennai gives an impression of any other modern city would not require more than a day’s time. Well, the truth cannot be further than this. Chennai boasts of ancient temples, churches built during colonial era, famous mosques and spectacular beaches, which one cannot dream of completing in a day.
Not far from Chennai, you have more interesting things to do. Mahabalipuram, the port city is home to awe-inspiring monuments, sculptures and temples. Visiting these monuments will take you back in time when the sculpting sounds were heard throughout the day as the sculptors were creating history.
About 3 hours’ drive from Chennai, lies the beautiful Pondicherry, which is famously referred to as ‘India’s Little France’. A French colony for over 250 years, Pondicherry is strongly influenced by the culture and architecture of France. Pondicherry finds a rightful place among the places to visit in Tamil Nadu.
With ancient temples, monuments and scenic destinations to include, the list of things to do and places to visit in Tamil Nadu is impressively long. We have come up with a perfect blend of destinations that would be of great interest to all types of travellers.
Make a note of top 10 things to do in Tamil Nadu for a fulfilling experience.
The history of Chennai is richer than what texts say. The Government Museum in Chennai has a stunning collections of stone inscriptions, prehistoric artefacts, sculptures and coins. Other cultural attractions in Chennai include Valluvar Kottam, Dakshina Chitra and Theosophical Society. Famous temples including Kapaleeswarar Temple represent the culture and heritage of Chennai. Marina beach, Besant Nagar beach and Breezy beaches are famous beaches in Chennai. While in Chennai, we recommend visiting Anna Centenary Library, the biggest library of South Asia.
More than 1000 years old, The Brihadeeswarar Temple of Thanjavur is an architectural marvel. The 11th century temple is a wonderful representation of Tamil Nadu architecture. The apex of the temple weighing around 80 tonnes was carved off a single rock. Likewise, the huge Nandi bull statue at the entrance is also carved out of a single rock. Kumbakonam is called the Temple town as it is home to some of the most famous temples including Kasi Viswanathar Temple and Airavateswarar Temple, a treat for lovers of Temple architecture.
Kanyakumari is pretty much the southernmost tip of India. The beach of this ancient town is a scenic tourist attraction as here occurs the grand convergence of the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. Kanyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views. Other tourist attractions in Kanyakumari include Kanyakumari Amman Temple, which is over 3000 years old, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Vivekanada Rock memorial and Kanyakumari Wax Museum. While you are here, visit the famous beaches of Kanyakumari as well.
Spectacular mountains and lush greenery all around offer more than visual delight as you travel in the Toy Train up the Nilgiri Mountains from Mettupalayam, which is on the foothills. The scenic backdrop creates magic as it touches the soul of a nature lover. The ride takes about 5 hours as the train inches its way to the top but you are going to enjoy every moment of it. The railway station is declared as UNESCO world heritage site.
If you are a food lover, you would not want to miss tasting Chettinad food even if you had to go out of your way. Such is the unique flavour of Chettinad cuisine with a perfect blend of spices that elevates the quality of food, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Chettinad mansions are equally famous if not more. Built by mercantile community during the 18th and early 19th centuries, these spacious mansions are over 100 years old and some mansions have over 100 rooms.
The year 1674 saw a small fishing village being transformed into a flourishing port under French rule. That was how the present times Pondicherry was born. Though Pondicherry came under various rulers before and during colonial era, the influence of French has been the strongest as is obvious in their cuisine, culture, lifestyle and architecture. Right from the streets to buildings, you will find the entire city to bear a strong resemblance to French architecture. French institutions in Pondicherry have played an important role in teaching French to the people of Pondicherry.
To those who have been to Ooty, the very suggestion of Ooty tour would bring in loads of excitement. The Queen of Hills at about 7350 feet above sea level offers a breathtaking sight of the landscape around. Ooty, as Udhagamandalam is called, has earned its rightful place as one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Popularly known as the ‘Switzerland of India’, Ooty is a dream destination for those who love serenity. There are top notch hotels and resorts in some of the most scenic spots in Ooty to spend a perfect holiday.
Coonoor treks are some of the best trekking routes in Nilgiri Hills. The trekking routes leading to rivers, lakes and waterfalls in Coonoor offer spectacular sights with stunning viewpoints, which nature lovers and adventure seekers would fall head over heels in love with. Droog Fort trail leading to Pakkasuran View Point is one of the most interesting Coonoor treks and highly biodiverse too. Dolphin Nose trekking is also one of the most scenic treks in Coonoor.
Mahabalipuram, an important port city of the Pallava dynasty was named after the famous Pallava King Narasimma Varman, who was called Mamallan for his prowess in wrestling combat. The monuments and temples belonging to the 7th and 8th centuries are declared by UNESCO as world heritage sites. The Shore Temple, which still stands majestically on the sea coast, is one of the seven temples, referred to as Seven Pagodas by Europeans. The remaining six temples got submerged in the sea. The Shore Temple is a world heritage...
Famously referred to as the ‘City of Thousand Temples’, Kanchipuram is not only famous for its temples and awe-inspiring architecture but is also renowned for its finest silk production. Kanchipuram silk has been awarded the GI tag. Shopping for the finest Kanchipuram silk is totally a different shopping experience. The stunning designs, exceptionally beautiful colour combinations and finesse of the weavers blend to produce breathtaking silk that one would love to treasure forever. Kanchipuram silk sarees are an inevitable part of bridal collections in Tamilnadu.
