When most people think about visiting South India, they consider Goa or Kerala. But if you’re looking for something more off the beaten tourist path, I’d like to make the argument for exploring India’s Tamil Nadu.
Of course, I might be a bit biased since I’m currently living with my husband in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu!
But joking aside, the reason the southern state of Tamil Nadu is worth visiting is that it’s full of bustling cities, holy temples, historic architectural sites, hill stations, famous ashrams, and beautiful beaches.
So are you ready to plan a trip to Tamil Nadu in South India? Let’s get started!
Related: How to see the Golden Triangle of India in one week.
Where is Tamil Nadu, India?
Located along the southeast coast, Tamil Nadu is one of 29 states in India. It’s bordered by the union territory Puducherry (Pondicherry), and the South India states of Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It’s the second largest state economy in India and the 6th largest in terms of population.
You won’t find many people speaking Hindi here. Instead, most of the population speaks various dialects of Tamil, one of the longest surviving classical languages in the world. People here also speak English, which makes it easier for foreigners to get around.
Travel Tip: With a large international airport, the best gateway into Tamil Nadu is Chennai, (formerly Madras) the state’s capital. When planning your trip, keep in mind that Chennai in itself is worth a visit!
Related: Check out my Chennai Travel Guide
8 places to visit in Tamil Nadu, India:
1. The Shore Temple
On the East Coast Road between Chennai and Pondicherry, is a small town called Mamallapuram (also known as Mahabalipuram), which is full of historic and architectural wonders, including The Shore Temple, Krishna’s Butterball and the UNESCO World Heritage site, Arjuna’s Penance.
The most popular of these sites is the Shore Temple, for good reason. Situated right on the beach, overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the temple is a magnificent sight to behold. The granite structure dates back to the 8th Century during the reign of the Pallava dynasty and is built in the Dravidian style, more typical of Southern Indian temples.
Travel Tip: I recommend visiting in the morning before the day heats up and the crowds arrive. It’s a great stopping point if you’re headed to Pondicherry from Chennai.
2. The Beaches along East Coast Road
Enjoying the sunset at the beach of the Intercontinental Hotel in Mahabalipuram.
If you’re planning a visit to the Shore Temple, then you should definitely enjoy the beautiful beaches nearby. However, keep in mind that beach culture is different in India than in the United States. You don’t get swarms of people laying out in the sun in their bikinis. Sunbathing isn’t really a thing here, and women tend to dress modestly, even when they are swimming.
As a Westerner, I felt most comfortable at the beach when I was staying at a hotel. If you’re looking to spend a night or two in the area, I highly recommend the Intercontinental Chennai. My husband and I spent a weekend there and absolutely loved the tranquil setting and the incredible hospitality. The Radisson Blu is also a great option that’s walking distance to the Shore Temple.
3. Pondicherry
Technically, Pondicherry (or Puducherry) is not in Tamil Nadu. It is an independent union territory. But as it’s completely surrounded by Tamil Nadu, and it’s a fantastic destination to visit, I’m including it on this list.
For a taste of European culture and history in India, head to this French colonial town. A territory of the French until 1954, the Francophile influence is still very much felt in this city. The French Quarter, also known as White Town, has tree-lined streets full of colorful colonial villas, chic boutiques, and hip eateries. Café Des Arts and Coromandel Cafe and Restaurant are two of my favorites. For a pampered stay, try the Palais de Mahe hotel, a Mr. and Mrs. Smith property.
Related: Mr. & Mrs. Smith – The Travel Club for Hotel Lovers
Having fun at Cafe Des Arts
Take a stroll along the beach promenade at sunset for great people watching and enjoy a cocktail at The Storytellers’ Bar. And make sure to check out the Sri Aurobindo Ashram founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa, also known as “the Mother”.
Travel Tip: If you have time, 10 km outside of town is Auroville, an experimental, peaceful township also created by “the Mother”. The highlight of visiting this commune is taking the 20-minute walk to see the Matrimandir, a large sphere that was designed for spiritual reflection and meditation.
Travel Tip: If you want an opportunity to tour the inside of the Matrimandir, show up right when Auroville opens to sign up for a guided tour. Spots are very limited and you’ll likely need to sign up for the next day. So, if this is a priority for you, and you’re in Pondicherry for a couple of days, do this as soon as you arrive.
The Matrimandir in Auroville.
4. Arunachalesvara Temple in Tiruvannamalai
Standing in front of the largest gopuram in the temple.
There are many beautiful Hindu temples to visit in Tamil Nadu, but one of the most impressive is the Arunachalesvara Temple in Tiruvannamalai. Also known as the Annamalaiyar Temple, it is the largest Hindu temple in the world dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple complex is spread across 24 acres and houses many shrines and sacred halls. It also has was four gateway towers (gopurams) laid out symmetrically to represent each direction. The eastern tower is the tallest, rising 11 stories (217 feet).
The temple is very significant for my husband and me because his late mother prayed to Lord Shiva. But even if you have no personal attachment to this temple or Hinduism, it is still worth visiting to see a temple that dates back to the Chola Dynasty of the 9th Century.
Travel Tip: Be mindful of your wardrobe when you visit the temple. Men should wear long pants or a veshti (a cloth wrapped around your legs like a skirt). Women should have their shoulders, arms, and knees covered. Also check temple times before planning your visit, as many temples close for a few hours in the afternoon.
Travel Tip: If you have time to grab a bite to eat while in Tiruvannamalai, I highly recommend the Dreaming Tree Cafe. My husband and I had lunch there and we loved all of the healthy, organic and vegan options on the menu.
5. Gingee Fort, near Tiruvannamalai
Goats frolicking in front of the Gingee Fort, at the top of the rocky hill.
When my husband and I visited Gingee Fort, (also known as Senji Fort) it hadn’t even been on our original itinerary. We were driving from Pondicherry to Tiruvannamalai when our driver suggested we stop there to see the fort. We are so glad we took his advice. Aside from the forts in the North along India’s famed Golden Triangle route, this is one of the best fort complexes we’ve toured in India.
The walls of the Gingee Fort extend across various hilltops in the Villupuram District. It would have taken hours to explore the entire site so instead, we chose one hill to climb to see part of the fort. And when I say hill, I mean 800 vertical feet!
I wasn’t exactly prepared for this visit. I was wearing flip flops and dressed in a salwar kameez. My wardrobe choice made the climb up the slippery stone steps a bit perilous, but the workout was worth it. The 360-degree views at the top were spectacular and the stone structures were equally as impressive.
Resting after the climb to the top of Gingee Fort.
Travel Tip: Go early before it gets very hot. There is little protection from the sun especially when you are climbing. Also, the earlier you go, the more likely you are to have the site to yourself. You can still have a great visit later in the day but beware of the teenage couples that tend to take over the area!
6. Adiyogi outside of Coimbatore
My husband and I were completely captivated by Adiyogi, an immense statue that rises up in a valley, surrounded by the Velliangiri hills, 20 miles outside of Coimbatore. The statue is of Lord Shiva, known as the first yogi and a Hindu deity. Though this structure was only completed in 2017, it has already become a beacon of spirituality in Southern India.
Towering over the landscape, this 112 feet high structure is recognized as the largest bust statue in the world. The 112 feet are said to represent the 112 ways to obtain freedom – or moksha – a yogic concept, as well as the 112 chakras of the body.
The statue is the vision of Sadhguru, the founder of the Isha Foundation and Yoga Center. Supposedly, it was created to remind the world of inner transformation and liberation.
My husband and I felt a very strong sensation of peace and tranquility when we visited. There is something commanding about the statue and its surroundings and it is definitely worth adding to your must-see list if you are in Tamil Nadu.
Travel tip: It is easy and cheap to get there from Coimbatore. Hire a private taxi, Uber or Ola for the 30-minute journey.
7. Ooty, Queen of the Hill Stations
Ooty is one of many hill stations nestled in the Nilgiri mountains in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. While it’s not on the well-worn tourist circuit that foreigners subscribe to, it is very popular with locals, especially as a honeymoon destination.
With lush green tea plantations, shimmering lakes, towering peaks dotted with eucalyptus and pine trees, and fresh mountain air, Ooty is an idyllic place. The year-round temperate climate makes it easy to explore. If you have time to spend a night or two here, I highly recommend the Taj Savoy Hotel. It was easily the highlight of our stay.
Related: Check out My Ooty travel guide.
We were given the royal treatment during our check-in at the Taj Savoy in Ooty.
8. Kanyakumari, the Southernmost Tip of India
Another spectacular place to see in Tamil Nadu is Kanyakumari, a small city located on the southeast coast of India. Not only is it the southernmost point of India, but it’s also the place where three bodies of water meet: the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
The city is also home to two commanding monuments that have been built on rocky outcrops just off the coast. One of the islands, boasts the Vivekananda Memorial, dedicated to the poet, philosopher and influential leader, Swami Vivekananda. The second, smaller island is home to the towering statue, (131 feet tall) of the great Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar.
Many Hindu pilgrims come to Kanyakumari to bathe in the ‘holy saltwater’ at Triveni Sangam, where the three bodies of water meet.
Bathing in the holy saltwater at Triveni Sangam
It is also one of the best places to watch the sunrise and the sunset because of its geographic setting. The horizon here almost takes on a circular shape, with a panoramic view of the ocean.
Watching the sunrise in Kanyakumari
If you plan to visit Kanyakumari for a couple of days, I highly recommend spending one night at Anantya Resorts, 45 km northwest of the city. This luxury, the lakefront hotel is the definition of peace and tranquility. My husband and I can’t wait to visit again.
Related: Check out my Kanyakumari Travel Guide
Are you ready to visit India’s Tamil Nadu?
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So what do you think? Are you ready to plan a trip to South India to explore Tamil Nadu? And did you find this guide helpful?
If you have any questions or want me to share more details about these places, please let me know in the comments below.
As always, happy travels!
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