Destination overview

Tamil Nadu is a state in the south-eastern part of the Indian Peninsula bordering Pondicherry, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The island nation of Sri Lanka lies off the southeast coast. The area is well renowned for its temple towns and heritage sites, hill stations, waterfalls, national parks, local cuisine, and the fabulous wildlife and scenic beauty - so it is no surprise that it is the second most popular tourism destination in India.

One of the four Dravidian states of India, it has had more than 4,000 years of continuous cultural history, some of the most remarkable temple architecture in the country, and a living tradition of music, dance and fine arts. Tamil Nadu has the credit of having 34,000 Hindu temples which are several centuries old. The cities in ancient Tamil Nadu are believed to have revolved around the magnificent temples built by the Pallava, Chola and Pandya empires and therefore most of the cities in the state have a lot of religious significance and contain a number of temples and shrines in and around their limits.

Blessed with an unbroken coastline of more than 900 kilometers (600 miles), edging the Bay of Bengal, Tamil Nadu’s densely forested uplands abound in wildlife. Intensively cultivated farmlands interspersed with rocky wastes; mountain chains of the Western Ghats, which give way to fertile coastal plains; and rolling plateaus form the geographical tapestry of the region.

With a rich tapestry of history, a vibrant culture, and a natural paradise of blue beaches and clear skies, Tamil Nadu is a tourist's dream come true.

Tamil Nadu is also home to India’s legendary hill stations like Ooty, Kodaikanal, Yercaud and Masinagudi, where the misty rural atmosphere will transport you back to a slower, gentler world. The Nilgiri hills, Palani hills, Shevaroy hills, Kolli hills and Cardamom hills are almost mystical with their thick forests and abundant wildlife.

The region’s eco-diversity is being protected within a significant number of National Parks, Biosphere Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Elephant and Bird Sanctuaries, Reserved Forests, Zoos and Crocodile farms. Prominent among them are Mudumalai National Park, The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, and The Nilgiris, the Queen of Hills.

Here you’ll also find a diverse range of ocean experiences. The Arabian Sea forms part of the boundary in the west. And top beach destinations are a magnet for relaxation.

Marina Beach one of the world's largest and longest beaches, is located on the eastern side of Chennai, adjoining the Bay of Bengal. With a spacious promenade, beautiful gardens and lovely natural sand, watching the sun set and rise from the beach is an enthralling experience.

Elliot Beach is located in Besant Nagar and is a favourite rendezvous of the younger generation. Good roads, pavements and illuminated sands make visiting a real pleasure. Mamallapuram, south of Chennai, has a beautiful beach spanning a distance of over 20 kilometres. The place abounds with stone carvings, caves, and rock-cut temples.

Poompuhar Beach was once a legendary port city with trade links to ancient Greece and Rome, today Poompuhar is a small coastal town with a superb shoreline. Kanniyakumari is where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet. Famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, the beach itself is a beautiful sight with multi-coloured sand.

Tamil Nadu is a plethora of culture and tradition woven together which attracts tourists from the entire world. It is known as the ‘temple state of India’ and all across this magnificent state you will find remarkable monuments, temples containing intricate carvings, and humbling gateways. Each attraction has a religious or artistic story attached to it which will leave you spellbound.

Divided into 32 districts, the different areas in Tamil Nadu can be looked at as north and south and central region and most of them can be reached from Chennai.

Chennai formerly known as Madras is the capital city of the state, and India's fourth largest metropolis. The city is known for its beaches, Anglo-Indian architecture, and cultural festivals, and is India's largest shopping destination.

The major destinations of the northern region consist of Chennai, Kanchipuram a famous pilgrim destination and also well known for its silk Sarees; Mahabalipuram a heritage centre consisting of prominent temples and monuments and also famous for its sunny beaches; Yelagiri a popular hill station characterised by its scenic views and well known for its lake and natural attractions; Yercaud a place also popular for its lake and natural attractions; and Pondicherry where people come to experience ‘The French Magic’ still felt here in the food and culture.

The central region consists of many hill stations which are renowned for their picturesque mountain ranges, beautiful scenery and striking greenery. Some of these destinations include Ooty otherwise known as Ootacamund, Kotagiri and Coonoor. Other popular places in the central region that attract a lot of tourists throughout the year would be Madumalai, Thanjavur and Trichy.

Madumalai is a place illustrious for its wild life sanctuary, whereas Thanjavur and Trichy are prominent locations for pilgrimage. Ooty is known as the ‘queen of the hill stations’ and consists of picturesque ranges and scenery that is breathtaking. Coimbatore is the major city here.

The southern region of Tamil Nadu consists of quite a few hill stations as well. Of these, the most prominent is a trip to Kodaikanal, which is a cradle that combines modern facilities as well as a beautiful landscape. It consists of an attractive view of the surrounding mountain ranges as well as the charming feeling of lush green lands.

Madurai, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari are well heard of destinations in the south region. A holiday in Rameswaram is incomplete without visit to the popular temples. Rameswaram is a famous place among pilgrims and is considered a holy place for devotees of lord Shiva as Rameswaram temple is one of the Jyotirlinga Temples.

Kanyakumari is a place that is legendary as it is the southernmost tip of India. It is the meeting point of three seas-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.

If train journeys are something that appeals, one highlight in this region is a trip on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Part of the Mountain Railways of India, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway(NMR) was stated to be an outstanding example of bold and ingenious engineering as it establishes an effective rail link through a rugged, mountainous terrain. The Route is a scenic beauty throughout passing through the various terrains and thickly forested areas of the Nilgiri Mountains.

You can revel on the many beaches, go cruising around the theme parks, or let your mind rest in peace in the midst of magnificent-temples. You may walk through the living traditions and relive the timeless past. Tamil Nadu is a tourist paradise. A glorious culture. A rich tapestry of history. A nature's paradise of blue beaches and clear skies. A modern state. In a word, it is enchanting.