If you are looking for things to do in Tamil Nadu, the state has a lot to offer. Known as the Land of Temples, Tamil Nadu is home to many beautiful temples, historic structures, mesmerizing landscapes, and more. There is something in store for every traveller visiting Tamil Nadu. We have tried to enclose some of the best things to do in Tamil Nadu in this blog. Read on to find out more!
Visit Temples
Visit the famous Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, an architectural beauty with art pieces incorporated in the pillars and walls of the temple.
Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur is another architectural marvel. The Grand Anicut Canal runs through the trenches that protect the temple. You will also find beautiful paintings from the Chola period.
The Rameshwaram Temple in Rameshwaram is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples of India. It has one of the longest temple corridors in the world, and the poojas and festivals conducted at the temple are worth attending.
Relax on the beaches
Relax and unwind by the shore at the Dhanushkodi Beach in Rameshwaram. It is one of the untouched beaches in the region with fewer crowds around.
Head to Mahabalipuram Beach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rock-cut sculptures, beautiful views, and the beautiful Shore Temple. If visiting in January or February, you can even attend the dance festival organised by the Government of Tamil Nadu every year.
If you thrive in crowds, visit the popular Marina Beach where you can enjoy the breeze, shop for souvenirs from the stalls, or even go on a carousel ride.
Kanyakumari Beach in Kanyakumari is a treat for the eyes as you witness the confluence of three water bodies: the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea. Since the beach is rocky and the water is rough, it is advised not to swim.
Trek to the hills
For all trekking enthusiasts, Tamil Nadu has many amazing treks. Trek to the Anaimalai Hills in the Western Ghats, offering scenic views of the peaks. The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is also located in these hills.
You can also trek to the Pachamalai Hills. The trail offers breathtaking views, some waterfalls along the way, and even some wildlife if you are lucky!
Velliangiri Hills in Coimbatore, also known as the ‘Kailash of the South’, is another popular trekking route. Seven hills make up this mountain range, and the challenging trek through the rugged terrain is not for the faint-hearted. The famous Velliangiri Temple is located nearby.
Velliangiri Hills, Coimbatore
Government Museum
Immerse yourself in the history and traditions of South India by heading to the Government Museum in Chennai, which was established in 1851. It is the second largest museum in India and is home to beautiful works of Raja Ravi Varma, South Indian bronzes, and the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside of Europe.
Wildlife Adventure
Tamil Nadu is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The Anamalai Tiger Reserve, situated between Kodaikanal and Coimbatore, offers guided hikes and jungle safaris. You will be able to spot many wildlife species such as tigers, spotted deer, elephants, langurs, and more.
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, situated in the foothills of the Nilgiris, is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and houses more than 100 tigers and Asiatic elephants, along with chital deer, wild boar, gaur, peacocks, langurs, and wild elephants.
San Thome Cathedral
San Thome Cathedral is a testament to St. Thomas, one of Jesus Christ’s twelve apostles. Built in neo-Gothic architecture with stained glass windows and statues of the Virgin Mary, the basilica is quite popular among tourists. This is one of the only three churches in the world built over the tomb of Jesus Christ’s apostles.
Visit the Botanical Gardens
Go for a stroll at the Botanical Gardens in Ooty, a popular attraction for nature lovers. The garden is renowned for a 20-million-year-old fossilized tree trunk and Kurinji flowers, which bloom once in 12 years. The botanical garden also houses rare tree species like the cork tree and the monkey puzzle tree, ferns, and endangered species of orchids.
Adiyogi Shiva Bust
Situated at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains, the majestic 112-feet-tall Adiyogi Shiva Bust statue is a famous tourist attraction in Tamil Nadu. Located in the Isha Yoga Complex in Coimbatore, the sculpture is recognized as the largest bust sculpture in the world. It is carved out of 500 tonnes of steel and has been constructed to introduce the power of yoga and inspire people to focus on inner well-being.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari was built in honor of Swami Vivekananda, who attained enlightenment here. The sacred spot offers scenic views of the Indian Ocean. Situated on two adjacent rocks, the rock memorial comprises the ‘Shripada Mandapam’ and the ‘Vivekananda Mandapam’. The Shripada Mandapam also has a museum and a study hall where you can understand Vivekananda’s work and life in depth.
Matrimandir
Auroville in Pondicherry is most widely characterized by a golden sphere, known as the Matrimandir. Literally translating to ‘Temple of the Mother’, Matrimandir is the soul of Auroville and a peaceful place for individual, silent concentration.
Surrounded by 12 lush gardens with an amphitheater nearby, Matrimandir is not a tourist attraction, but rather a place for “those who want to learn to concentrate”. Not everyone is permitted entry inside, although the Matrimandir Viewing Point is accessible to everyone.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway in Ooty, popularly known as the Toy Train, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the key attractions of the hill station. The 5-hour journey amidst nature offers scenic views of the misty forests and hills.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty
Read more: Best Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Tamil Nadu is known for its ancient temples, particularly the UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Brihadeeswarar Temple and the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram.
For a relaxing escape in Tamil Nadu, hill stations like Ooty, Kodaikanal, and Yercaud are excellent choices. These destinations offer pleasant weather, picturesque landscapes, and opportunities for strolls amidst tea plantations and natural beauty.
Sivakasi, a town in Tamil Nadu, is famously known as “Little Japan” or “Mini Japan.” This nickname was given due to its significant contribution to India’s firecracker, matchbox, and printing industries.
Among the many iconic dishes, Idli is a famous food from Tamil Nadu. These soft, white idlis are typically served with savory sambar and a variety of chutneys. They are a staple breakfast across the state and beyond.
About Rabhya Maini
Rabhya Maini is a writer at India Someday. Her passions are reading, writing, and exploring different parts of India. She loves to capture the beauty of India through photos and words.
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