Top 26 places to visit in Tamil Nadu

(1 out of 26 places to visit in Nagapattinam )

Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health is a Marian shrine or church, located at the coastal town of Velankanni in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health is one of its gems when it comes prominent religious site in Velankanni for tourists and home to several Catholic pilgrimage sites. The origins of this church can be traced back to the 16th century and its founding is attributed to three miracles: the apparition of Mary and Jesus to a slumbering shepherd boy, the curing of a lame buttermilk vendor, and the survival of Portuguese sailors assaulted by a violent sea storm. The shrine is not just only representing Catholicism but is also a place for Protestants Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhism, and other religions. The church also organizes its weekend and daily masses in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, keeping the both native and tourist pilgrims into mind. As the places is on the coastal of Bay of Bengal, It is one of the must visit pilgrims site in the region. Velankanni is located at approx 14km from Nagapattinam, 162km from Puducherry, 243km from Madurai, 313km from Chennai, 481km from Bengaluru, 545km from Kochi.

(2 out of 26 places to visit in Nilgiris )

Bellikkal is a small village hilltop located Sigur Plateau near Ooty in Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. so close to Ooty, but still completely untouched by the crowd and commercialization. Located in Nilgiri Mountain Range in Tamil Nadu, Bellikkal is slowly being patronized by honeymooners since it is high on scenic splendour and provides privacy. This beautiful tourist destination is bounded by dense forests which include Mudumalai forest, the Bandipur forest and the Moyar River. There are several view points at Bellikkal those provide beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks, cardamom forest, hills, valleys and rivers. The main attraction of Bellikkal is its lake, which is the prime source of drinking water. The lake remains surrounded by lush greenery. It is not uncommon to find elephants frequenting the lake. The lake and its shores are ideal for long walks. Bellikkal is located at approx 20km from Ooty.

(3 out of 26 places to visit in Dindigul)

Berijam Lake is a unique reservoir near Kodaikanal town in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, India. Situated in the upper Palani hills, overlooking the surrounding landscape. Located in the lap of Mother Earth, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, is a mesmerizing natural water lake and it is one of the tourist hotspot of Kodaikanal. However, one requires a forest pass for entering the area. You can easily get the passes from District Forest Office which provides free passes to the tourists. Berijam Lake is a place where tourists can enjoy plethora of activities such as boating, walking and trekking. Berijam Lake is located at approx 21km from Kodaikanal, 137km from Madurai, 196km from Coimbatore, 546km from Chennai, 418km from Puducherry, 183km from Munnar, 296km from Kochi.

(4 out of 26 places to visit in Thanjavur)

Brihadeeswarar temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the largest temples in India and is an example of Dravidian architecture during the Chola period. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a display of power of Raja Raja Chola I. This thousand-year-old temple is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple tower has an elevation of 66 meters. Vimana is one of the tallest temple towers on the earth. The Kumbam (the apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single rock and weighs around 80 tons. The major attraction of the temple is the 216-feet-tall tower that is built above the Sanctum of the temple.This temple is swarmed by tourists all through the year, who visit this place to witness the unsurpassed display of fascinating architecture. Thanjavur is located at approx 188km from Madurai, 347km from Chennai, 170km from Puducherry, 391km from Bengaluru, 258km from Dhanushkodi, 451km from Kochi.

(5 out of 26 places to visit in Nilgiris )

Coonoor is a beautiful hill station, located near Ooty in Niligiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. Coonoor is known for its production of Nilgiri tea. At an altitude of 6,000 feet above sea level, It is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiri hills after Ooty. The town of Coonoor is broadly divided into Lower Coonoor and Upper Coonoor. The major attraction of Coonoor is Sim's Park, a well-maintained Botanical Garden that houses several varieties of plants found missing in the other Hill Stations. UPASI, Bedford are the other attractions in the hill station. The tea and tourism festival is another important festival of Coonoor held in the month of January. The festival attracts tea specialists from all over the world. The best time to visit Coonoor is March to June & September to October while the peak season is April to June. Coonoor is one of the popular Places to visit in Tamilnadu. It is located at approx 20km from Ooty, 72km from Coimbatore, 144km from Mysore, 292km from Bengaluru, 540km from Chennai, 259km from Kochi, 226km from Munnar.

(6 out of 26 places to visit in Tirunelveli)

Courtallam know for numerous seasonal waterfalls and called as :Spa of South India" , located in on the Western Ghats in Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu, India. Though the falls are located in Tamil Nadu, it also shares the boundary of Kollam district of Kerala State. There are nine places at Courtallam where the River Chittar cascades over 92 m., at varying volumes. Courtallam Falls often referred to all nine waterfalls collectively around the town of Courtallam. The nine waterfalls at Courtallam are - Main Falls (Peraruvi), Small Falls (Chittaruvi), Chembakadevi (Shenbaga) Falls, Honey Falls (Thenaruvi), Five Falls (Aintharuvi), Tiger Falls (Puliaruvi), Old Courtallam Falls (Pazhaya Courtallam), New Falls (Puthu Aruvi), Fruit Garden Falls or Orchard Falls (Pazhathotta Arvui). The falls carry a good amount of water only when there is a rain on the hills. Courtallam is located at approx 6km from Tenkasi, 65km from Tirunelveli, 108km from Thiruvananthapuram, 165km from Madurai, 209km from Kochi, 626km from Chennai, 131km from Kanyakumari, 583km from Bengaluru.

(7 out of 26 places to visit in Ramanathapuram)

Dhanushkodi Beach is a popular beach located in a small town called Dhanushkodi near Rameswaram in ‎Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. Dhanushkodi Beach is one of the most important and scenic places to visit in Rameshwaram that attract tourists across the globe. Dhanushkodi Beach in Rameshwaram is a vast stretch of silvery sand with crystal clear water and age-old relics. It is one of the perfect places to spend some serene moments. The peaceful ambiance of the place makes you enjoy and relax like never before. In addition, the amazing view of sunrise and sunset would surely leave you mesmerized. Dhanushkodi Temple is also an attraction near the beach. Travel experts have named this place Dhanushkodi Ghost Town after it was massacred by a super cyclone 54 years ago. Dhanushkodi Beach is located at approx 13km from Rameswaram, 184km from Madurai, 321km from Kanyakumari, 613km from Chennai, 617km from Bengaluru, Karnataka, 477km from Kochi, Kerala.

(8 out of 26 places to visit in Chennai)

The Elliots Beach is one of the cleanest beaches in the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Located towards the south of Marina Beach, an incredibly calm and tranquil place, it does not offer much activity hence, is an ideal spot for long walks. The beach is often visited by travellers for sunbathing, relaxing and visiting the famous ancient monuments nearby. Apart from this, there is a stone monument sited on the Elliot's Beach constructed as a mark of honour to a Danish sailor, Karl Schmidt who died at the time of saving a man from drowning. Chennai is located at approx 166km from Puducherry, 346km from Bengaluru, 692km from Kochi, 625km from Hyderabad, 800km from Visakhapatnam.

(9 out of 26 places to visit in Kanyakumari)

Kanyakumari is a coastal town in southern tip of India, located in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India. Kanyakumari is a place where 3 Oceans the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet and where you can see different colours of the Oceans viz. Green, Blue and Dark Grey is a sight to watc. Kanyakumari is know for being the southernmost tip of india, the only beaches in india where you can experience both sunrise and the sunset and Vivekanad statue on the see rock. It is the only place in the entire world where one can witness both the rising and setting of the sun. This small district is famous on its vast green stretches of paddy fields, coconut groves, Rubber garden and luxurious forests and the rare earth of the western sea shore and stretched valley mountain of the Western Ghats. Other than beaches, temples and churches which also attract a huge number of tourists to this city all year round. Kanyakumari is located at approx 90km from Thiruvananthapuram, 245km from Madurai, 288km from Kochi, 328km from Dhanushkodi, 578km from Puducherry, 706km from Chennai, 664km from Bengaluru.

(10 out of 26 places to visit in Yercaud)

Kiliyur Falls is a waterfall in the Shervaroyan hill range in Yercaud district of Tamil nadu, India. It is one of the prime sites of tourist attraction near Yercaud in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil nadu. The waters overflowing the Yercaud Lake fall 300 ft into the Kiliyur Valley makes this beautiful waterfall. it is a breathtaking sight in the monsoon time when the water levels are at the maximum.[2] The best time to visit this place is immediately after the monsoons. Kiliyur Falls is lcoated at approx 4km from Yercaud, 30km from Salem, 241km from Puducherry, 196km from Coimbatore, 229km from Bengaluru, Karnataka, 369km from state capital Chennai.

(11 out of 26 places to visit in Dindigul )

Kodaikanal is a popular tourist hill station located in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, India. Kodaikanal is referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations" and is most famous honeymoon destinations in India. Located on the rolling slopes of Palani Hills of Westen ghats at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level. Cool, pleasant climate all year round make it one of the must visit hill station in India and attracts tourists around the world for summer holiday's. The major valleys-the Parappar and Gundar surround Kodaikanal from both sides. A man-made Kodaikanal Lake is one of the major attraction of the city. The star-shaped lake is centrally located in Kodaikanal and is surrounded by the rich green Palani Hills Range. Kodaikanal is located at approx 95 km from Dindigul, 117km from Madurai, 162 km from Munnar, 169 km from Coimbatore, 272 km from Kochi, 465 km from Bengaluru, 253 km from Ooty & 528 km from Chennai.

(12 out of 26 places to visit in Dindigul )

Kodaikanal Lake, a man-made lake, is located in Kodaikanal city of Dindigul district, of Tamil Nadu, India. Lake is one of the major attraction of the city. The star-shaped lake is centrally located in Kodaikanal and is surrounded by the rich green Palani Hills Range. Kodaikanal is a popular tourist hill stationin in India. Kodaikanal is referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations" and is most famous honeymoon destinations in India. Located on the rolling slopes of Palani Hills of Westen ghats at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level. Cool, pleasant climate all year round make it one of the must visit hill station in India and attracts tourists around the world for summer holiday's. The major valleys-the Parappar and Gundar surround Kodaikanal from both sides. Kodaikanal is located at approx 95 km from Dindigul, 117km from Madurai, 162 km from Munnar, 169 km from Coimbatore, 272 km from Kochi, 465 km from Bengaluru, 253 km from Ooty & 528 km from Chennai.

(13 out of 26 places to visit in Nilgiris)

Kotagiri or Kothagiri is a most popular hill station located near Ooty in Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, India. It is the third largest hill station in the Nilgiri hills. It is located at a distance 29 km from Ooty , 18 km from Coonoor. The name Kotagiri means ‘mountains of the Kotas’ Surrounded by tea estates and beautiful green landscapes, Kotagiri offers plenty of opportunities for trekking and rock climbing, which makes it one of the must visit place in Tamil Nadu, India. Some of the attractions in Kotagiri are Catherine Falls, Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, Elk Falls, Kodanad View Point and Rangaswamy Hill. Kotagiri is very peaceful and cheap, but it has all the qualities of Ooty. Kotagiri is located at approx 30km from Ooty, 64km from Coimbatore, 198km from Mysore, 352km from Bengaluru, 535km from Chennai, 406km from Puducherry, 251km from Kochi.

(14 out of 26 places to visit in Madurai)

Madurai is a Historic holi city from Tamilnadu, India is know for it's Meenakshi Amman Temple. City is located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River and is also called as temple city. It is believed that the marriage of the goddess Meenakshi to Shiva actually took place in Madurai and is still celebrated every summer with great enthusiasm and gaiety. Madurai is also once of the cities in india which never sleeps and hence called Thoonga Nagaram. Historically it is also called as the Athens of the East. It is the Pilgrim and Education center of South India and also a modern Commercial and industrial city of Tamilnadu. It is also famous for its trade mark Chungudi cotton sarees, color dyeing ,motifs ,Handicrafts, Brassware. Madurai is located at approx 462km from Chennai, 265km from Kochi, Kerala, 236km from Coimbatore, 434 km from Bengaluru, Karnataka.

(15 out of 26 places to visit in Kanchipuram)

Mahabalipuram is a historic city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated on the shores of Bay of Bengal coast in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple city is also refereed as Mamallapuram, is a beachside tourism center with a group of Hindu monuments and one of the must visit tourist destination in Tamil Nadu, India. Some famous tourist attractions here are the Shore Temple and the Five Rathas, the Crocodile Bank which is home to some exquisite species of crocodiles and alligators, and the beach resorts. There are a number of temples in the town with Shore Temple being the most famous one present on the water's edge. Mamallapuram was one of two major port cities by the 7th century within the Pallava kingdom. Mahabalipuram is located at approx 56km from Chennai, 96km from Puducherry, 351km from Bengaluru, 418km from Madurai, 190km from Tirupati.

(16 out of 26 places to visit in Kanchipuram)

Mahabalipuram is a historic city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated on the shores of Bay of Bengal coast in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. This beach paradise is a pleasant combination of ideal beaches, history, and peaceful tourism. The temple city is also refereed as Mamallapuram, is a beachside tourism center with a group of Hindu monuments and one of the must visit tourist destination in Tamil Nadu, India. Some famous tourist attractions here are the Shore Temple and the Five Rathas, the Crocodile Bank which is home to some exquisite species of crocodiles and alligators, and the beach resorts. There are a number of temples in the town with Shore Temple being the most famous one present on the water's edge. Mamallapuram was one of two major port cities by the 7th century within the Pallava kingdom. Mahabalipuram is located at approx 56km from Chennai, 96km from Puducherry, 351km from Bengaluru, 418km from Madurai, 190km from Tirupati.

(17 out of 26 places to visit in Chennai)

Marina Beach is one of the largest and crowded beach in world, located along the Bay of Bengal in capital city Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The beach is stretched out to a distance of 13 kilometres making it the longest natural urban beach in the country, second largest in the world. With visitors reaching upto 30k every day, it is one of the crowded beach in India. The beach has a primarily sandy terrain and is dotted with plenty of merry-go-rounds and shops selling souvenirs. Watching sunrise and sunset is an eye-striking and enchanting experience. Other than the waves, this beach offers statues of heroes of the past, as well as an aquarium housing rare and beautiful sea and freshwater creatures. Walking along the beaches during sunrise and sunset is a pleasant experience for all and it is one of the must visit place for Chennai tourists. Chennai is located at approx 166km from Puducherry, 346km from Bengaluru, 692km from Kochi, 625km from Hyderabad, 800km from Visakhapatnam.

(18 out of 26 places to visit in Madurai)

Madurai is a Historic holi city from Tamilnadu, India is know for it's Meenakshi Amman Temple. Meenakshi Temple is a historic Hindu temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati. Temple is located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River and is also called as temple city. It is believed that the marriage of the goddess Meenakshi to Shiva actually took place in Madurai and is still celebrated every summer with great enthusiasm and gaiety. The complex houses 14 magnificent Gopurams or towers including two golden Gopurams for the main deities, The image of Goddess Meenakshi is said to be carved out of a single emerald. Madurai is also once of the cities in india which never sleeps and hence called Thoonga Nagaram. Historically it is also called as the Athens of the East. It is the Pilgrim and Education center of South India and also a modern Commercial and industrial city of Tamilnadu. It is also famous for its trade mark Chungudi cotton sarees, color dyeing ,motifs ,Handicrafts, Brassware. Madurai is located at approx 462km from Chennai, 265km from Kochi, Kerala, 236km from Coimbatore, 434 km from Bengaluru, Karnataka.

(19 out of 26 places to visit in Nilgiris )

Ooty also known as Udagamandalam is a one of the most popular hill station located in Nilgiri Hills of Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. Ooty is often referred to as 'Queen of hill stations'. With it's all year cool weather, green hill stations and tea plantations, makes it one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in India. Ooty was originally a tribal land occupied by the Todas along with other tribes. The toy train, known as Nilgiri Mountain Railway that runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is one of the best train rides you will ever have the chance of experiencing. Apart from pleasant weather, Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Wenlock Downs, Pine Forest, and Emerald Lake are the popular near by attractions in Ooty. Ooty is located at approx 85km from Coimbatore, 126km from Mysore, 266km from Bengaluru, 242km from Munnar, 274km from Kochi, 555km from Chennai, 463km from Puducherry.

(20 out of 26 places to visit in Nilgiris )

Ooty Lake is beautiful water body located near popular hill station Ooty in the green hills of the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. Lake is one of the most refreshing and beautiful places to visit in Ooty. Boating in the lake givens an moments of magic. This place is surrounded by tall eucalyptus trees and is a scenic delight. Nature lovers and photographers would love to visit this place anytime. Boat race events are also conducted in here during the month of May. There is a mini train too for kids to hop on and take a quick tour of the lake. Ooty is often referred to as 'Queen of hill stations'. With it's all year cool weather, green hill stations and tea plantations, makes it one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in India. Ooty is located at approx 85km from Coimbatore, 126km from Mysore, 266km from Bengaluru, 242km from Munnar, 274km from Kochi, 555km from Chennai, 463km from Puducherry.

(21 out of 26 places to visit in Yelagiri)

Punganoor Lake is a man-made lake on Yelagiri Hills near Vellore in Tirupattur district of Tamil Nadu, India. The Lake is one of the most popular artificial lakes around and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The boat club here offers pedal and motor boat rides. There is a beautiful garden close by where people can sit and enjoy the beauty of the lake. There is a small tree top view point, There is a fountain and a children’s park installed in the garden. It also houses a mini zoo in its vicinity. Yelagiri is located at approx 93km from Vellore, 228km from Chennai, 238km from Puducherry, 159km from Bengaluru.

(22 out of 26 places to visit in Ramanathapuram)

Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is the most popular temple of Rameshwaram and one of the char dham in India. Rameshwaram is a small island connected to the mainland via Pamban Bridge in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. This highly sacred temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India and is visited by almost every Hindu devotee. It is undoubtedly the most important part of a Rameshwaram tour. Rameshwaram is located at approx 55k from Ramanathapuram, 20km from Dhanushkodi, 173km from Madurai, 473km from Puducherry, 309km from Kanyakumari, 601km from Chennai, 606km from Bengaluru, 375km from Thiruvananthapuram.

(23 out of 26 places to visit in Dindigul)

Thalaiyar Falls, also known as Rat Tail Falls is one of the popular waterfall, located in Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu,India. Thalaiyar Falls is located near Kodaikanal in the lush green slopes of Palani Hill ranges . It is 975 ft tall and is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, the sixth highest waterfall in India and the 267th highest in the world. Falls can be seen from the Dum Dum Rock view point on the Batlagundu-Kodaikanal Ghat Road on a bright day. Moreover, adventure lovers have the opportunity to hike from the Manjalar Dam and reach close to the bottom of this tourist spot during the dry season. Thalaiyar Falls is located at approx 102km from Dindigul, 157km from Munnar, 520km from Chennai, 459km from Bengaluru.

(24 out of 26 places to visit in Nagapattinam)

Velankanni Beach is one of the most popular beach located in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. The Church of Our Lady of Health is located very close to the beach which makes it a pilgrim hotspot. The origins of this church can be traced back to the 16th century and its founding is attributed to three miracles: the apparition of Mary and Jesus to a slumbering shepherd boy, the curing of a lame buttermilk vendor, and the survival of Portuguese sailors assaulted by a violent sea storm. The beach is very close to the Vellaiyar River where boating services are available depending on the level of the water. This river joins directly into the Bay of Bengal, making it a unique boating experience. Velankanni is located at approx 14km from Nagapattinam, 162km from Puducherry, 243km from Madurai, 313km from Chennai, 481km from Bengaluru, 545km from Kochi.

(25 out of 26 places to visit in Tirupattur)

Yelagiri is a most popular scenic hill station located in Tirupattur district of Tamil Nadu, India. At a height of 920 meters above sea level, stands majestically between four mountains. Yelagiri is full of green valleys, it is surrounded by Swamimalai hills, Javadi hills and Palamathi hills. Swamimalai hills is known for trekking and adventure sports. There are 14 hair pin bends named with Tamil Poets, those leads to Yellagiri Hills. Place is filled with lots of hill tops, small waterfalls, lakes and tea plantations makes it one of the must visit attraction for nature and adventure lovers in India. Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Nature Park, Punganoor Lake Park, Swami Malai Hills, adventure sports such as paragliding and rock climbing are some of the attractions in Yelagiri. Yelagiri is located at approx 93km from Vellore, 228km from Chennai, 238km from Puducherry, 159km from Bengaluru.

(26 out of 26 places to visit in Salem)

Yercaud is a hill station located in Salem district of of Tamil Nadu, India. It is located in the Shevaroys range of hills in the Eastern Ghats. Yercaud is a hill station called poor man's Ooty with abundant forests, vast coffee plantations and some unique species of flora and fauna resulting in gorgeous views. Emerald Lake is one of the popular attraction here, which is a big natural lake, surrounded by some wonderful cloud-peaked hills and a well persevered garden on its banks, this lake is a feast for the eyes. Killiyur falls is also one of the near by attraction from here. Summer Festival celebrated in Yercaud in the month of May is a special attraction. This festival is marked by a 7-day exhibition of flowers, dog shows, boating races and a village fair. The best time to visit Yercaud is from October to June. Yercaud is located at approx 336km from Chennai, 237km from Puducherry, 229km from Bengaluru, 262km from Mysore, 194km from Coimbatore, 263km from Madurai.