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19 Top Tourist Destinations in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu, with its distinctive ancient Dravidian culture, is a fascinating part of South India . The state draws both tourists and pilgrims alike to its towering, intricately built temples . Beaches and hill stations are popular destinations as well. Due to its culture, Tamil Nadu is a particularly hassle-free destination to visit, especially for women . Enjoy these top tourist places in Tamil Nadu.

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Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is known as the Gateway to South India. It's a sprawling and busy, yet conservative, city with deep traditions that are yet to give way to the growing foreign influence there. Unlike some other Indian cities, Chennai doesn't have world famous monuments or tourist attractions. Yet, if you take your time to explore below its surface and delve into its distinctive culture, you'll grow to appreciate it. These places to visit in Chennai will give you a feel for the city and what makes it special.

Mahabalipuram Beach

Around an hour south of Chennai, you'll find one of the top beaches on India's east coast—Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram). The beach has a thriving backpacker and surfing scene but is also popular with tourists who come to relax at the resorts there . It's known for its stone sculpture industry, and is a great place to shop for these items and see artisans at work. Other attractions are the Shore Temple, Five Rathas (sculptured temples in the shape of chariots), and Arjuna's Penance (a huge carving on the face of a rock depicting scenes from The Mahabharata ).

Kanchipuram

Popularly known as a "City of a Thousand Temples", Kanchipuram is not just famous for its distinctive silk saris . Located about two hours from Chennai, on the main road to Bangalore , it was once the capital of the Pallava dynasty. Today, only 100 or so temples remain, many of them with unique architectural beauty. The diversity of temples is particularly noteworthy. There are both Shiva and Vishnu temples, built by various rulers (the Cholas, Vijayanagar kings, Muslims and British also ruled this part of Tamil Nadu) who each refined the design.

Kanchipuram, Mamallapuram, and Chennai are often referred to as Tamil Nadu's Golden Triangle for tourists. It's one of the best places to visit near Chennai .

Pondicherry

Pondicherry, a separate union territory on the east coast of Tamil Nadu, is not really a place you'd expect to find in India. It was a former 18th century French colony and still retains a distinctly French flavor. Those who feel in need of a break from India will enjoy the taste of French culture there and the relaxed atmosphere. Sri Aurobindo Ashram attracts plenty of spiritual seekers. The French Quarter and the Promenade, bordered by the Bay of Bengal, are the most happening parts of the city. Auroville is a popular day trip.

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Ancient Madurai in Tamil Nadu is home to the most impressive and important temple in south India --the Meenakshi Temple . If you only see one south Indian temple, the Meenakshi Temple should be it. The city of Madurai is more than 4,000 years old and has remained a major center of Tamil culture and learning. During the heyday of its history, when the Nayak dynasty ruled, many magnificent temples and buildings with superb architecture were constructed. The 12-day Chithirai Festival , featuring a re-enacted celestial wedding of God and Goddess, is held in Madurai during April each year.

Thanjavur (Tanjore)

Thanjavur is best known for its astonishing Brihadeshwara Temple (known as the Big Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage Site made out of granite by Chola king Raja Raja I in the 11th century. It's an engineering marvel. However, the town is also a distinguished hub of arts and crafts in South India. Its various rulers -- from the Cholas in the 9th century to the Bhonsles in the 19th century -- all shared a common interest in patronage of the arts and crafts. Thanjavur continues to nourish artisans and performers.

Kumbakonam and Gangaikonda Cholapuram

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Interested in seeing more superb temples from the Chola era? Kumbakonam and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, northeast of Thanjavur, have two Great Living Chola Temples that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing too. The royal temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram was built not long after Thanjavur's Big Temple in the 11th century, when Rajendra Chola I relocated the Chola capital there in celebration of victory. Its design is similar to the Big Temple in Thanjavur but on a lesser scale, and it features an enormous stone Nandi (bull). The captivating 12th century Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram, near Kumbakonam, is covered in magnificent detailed sculptures. Kumbakonam abounds with temples too. Stop by the temple town of Swamimalai on the way to Kumbakonam to meet artisans who make bronze idols of gods and goddesses.

Famous for its old mansions (some of which are open to the public) and fiery meat curries, Tamil Nadu's Chettinad region is located about two hours from Madurai and Thanjavur. It can be explored on a day trip. Or, have a heritage stay at a mansion that's been converted into a hotel! The Bangala is a stately homestead located in Karaikudi, in the heart of Chettinad. The food is a highlight; seven courses are served on a banana leaf. Cooking classes and special packages for the exploration of local cuisine are also offered.

Tranquebar (Tharangambadi)

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Continue about two hours east of Kumbakonam to the Coromandel Coast and you'll come acroos the small town of Tranquebar, which was the first Danish trading post in India established in 1620. There you can see the remains of a 17th century fort, museum, and old church. The Bungalow on the Beach is an 18th century Danish colonial house that once belonged to the Governor of Danish India and has now been turned into a heritage hotel.

Pichavaram mangrove forest is one of the world's largest mangrove jungles (along with the Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal and Bhitarkanika in Odisha ). Yet, not a lot of tourists know about it. The mangrove forest is spread over 1,100 hectares and joins the Bay of Bengal, where it's separated by a lengthy sand bank. Apparently, there are more than 50 islands of various sizes, and 4,400 big and small canals! A boat will take you to explore them. Pichavaram is located about 30 minutes from the temple town of Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, which is a bit over an hour north of Tranquebar and worth visiting too. It has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in his dancing form of Nataraj and special fire ceremonies.

Tiruvannamalai

Many people say that Tiruvannamalai, and in particular Mount Arunachala, has a very special spiritual energy. The holy mountain has been called the most silent place on earth, as it has the ability to quieten the mind. It's considered by Hindus to be the embodiment of Lord Shiva. Tiruvannamalai attracts both pilgrims and spiritual seekers to its Arunachaleswar Temple and Sri Ramana Ashram. The crowd swells on full moon nights and during the Karthigai Deepam festival in November when pilgrims walk around the holy mountain.

Kanyakumari

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Kanyakumari sits on the furthermost tip of India, where the Bay of Bengal merges with the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It attracts a lot of pilgrims as it's regarded as the abode of virgin Goddess Kanya Kumari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati (the divine Mother Goddess). Goddess Kanya Kumari is believed to have done penance there to get Lord Shiva to marry her. The distinguishing feature of this spiritual town is the Swami Vivekananda Memorial and towering statue of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, located on a rocky island off the shore. The Swami meditated there in 1892, before setting out on his religious crusade. In addition, Kanyakumari is one of the best places to see the southwest monsoon arrive in India, in late May each year.

Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is a peaceful little pilgrim town, brought to life by the constant stream of people that come to bathe in its holy water, get a puja done to purify their karma ​and visit Ramanathaswamy Temple. The approach to Rameshwaram is dramatic, with two long bridges (one for trains and one for other vehicles) linking it to the mainland. Not far from Rameshwaram, the crumbled, windswept remnants of Dhanuskodi , a town destroyed by a cyclone in 1964, are eerie in their isolation. Adam's Bridge is about as remote as you can get. This chain of reefs and sandbanks almost connects India with Sri Lanka , which is only about 30 kilometers (18 miles) away.

Ooty was established in the early 19th century by the British as the summer headquarters of the Chennai government. It's a sought-after place to escape the summer heat. If you travel there during the peak season in April and May, do be prepared for it to be crowded though! Ooty's main attractions include the 22 hectare Government Botanical Gardens (a flower show is held there every May as part of the Summer Festival), boating on Ooty Lake, and climbing Dodabetta Peak for an excellent view of the Nilgiri hills. To get to Ooty, take the scenic Nilgiri mountain railway toy train from Metupalaiyam.

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Downhill from Ooty, Coonoor is where the world-class Nilgiri tea originated. The town is beginning to realize its potential as a tourist destination but remains a refreshingly quieter option than Ooty. Many of the things to do there revolve around tea. Upper Coonoor is an enjoyable neighborhood to stroll around, plus there are viewpoints and trekking spots in the area. One trail leads to the ruins of 18th century Droog Fort, used by Tipu Sultan.

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The British created Kodaikanal as an alternative to Ooty. The town is nestled into the densely forested Western Ghat mountains northwest of Madurai. While it's not as developed as Ooty and retains some old-world charm, it still attracts a lot of Indian tourists during summer. Walking, trekking, boat rides and horse rides are popular activities. For peace and quiet, ideally stay out of town at a property such as Lilly's Valley Resort with its own nature trail.

Mudumalai National Park

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One of the top national parks in India , Mudumalai isn't far from Ooty in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu on the border of Kerala and Karnataka. It's reportedly home to over 260 species of birds (including peacocks), as well as elephants, tigers, deer, monkeys, wild boar, bison, and leopards. Tree house accommodations are a popular feature at many of the properties around Mudumalai.

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One of the best places to visit off the beaten track in India , Pollachi is a relatively unexplored destination that will delight nature and wildlife lovers. It's close to the Anamali Hills and the Kerala border. The Papyrus Itineraries offers immersive trips including bird watching, nature walks, boat rides, village and farm visits, handicrafts, and tea tours . Grass Hills Tours and Travels is also a reputable company that specializes in local nature and wildlife tourism. Try to catch the annual Kongu Nadu Cattle Festival, held in January. Stay at Coco Lagoon Resort , or the cheaper Coconut County Farm Stay.

Tiruchirappalli

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Tiruchirappalli (commonly called Trichy) is among the oldest inhabited cities in Tamil Nadu. Its ancient and diverse history can be traced as far back as the Early Chola Dynasty in the 3rd century BC. The city has had about 10 different rulers who have left their mark on it, including the British. However, it really flourished in the 16th century, when it was part of the Madurai Nayak kingdom. The eclectic attractions include an old fort, temples, churches, and markets.

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Tamilnadu tourist Map

Given below is the tourist map of Tamilnadu. This map shows all the major tourist destinations in Tamilnadu. Tamilnadu is famous for its temples and temple architecture. Tamilnadu is also famous for its two hill stations - Ooty and Kodaikanal, which are the most sought after tourist destinations in South India.

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Tourism Map of Tamilnadu

Apart from its temples and hill stations, Tamilnadu is also famous for its beaches. Marina beach in Chennai, the capital of Tamilnadu is one of the longest beachs in the world. Kanyakumari or Cape Comorin is another famous beach destination in Tamilnadu attracting scores of tourists each year.

Madurai, Palani, Tanjavoor, Velankanni etc... are other tourist destinations. Velankanni is a famous Christian pilgrim center.

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13 best places to visit in tamil nadu, south india.

The southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu is a fascinating destination to visit because it is home to one of humanity’s oldest remaining living classical civilisations. Tamil Nadu’s rich history goes back to the stone age and the state has been in continuous human habitation for over two millennia.

The ancient culture is still very much alive today in the language, temples, religion, dance, poetry and food and is easy to see in the many interesting places to visit in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu isn’t as firmly on the tourist trail as places like Kerala , Hampi, Mysore  and the ever popular beaches of Goa . But those who make the effort to come over here will travel through and experience one of the world’s oldest living cultures and witness a q unique part of South India.

If you’re planning on getting off the beaten track and exploring Tamil Nadu I’ll guide you through why you should put this fascinating South Indian state on your bucket list and give you my pick of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu.

Before I get into it, get your bearings by familiarising yourself with this map of Tamil Nadu.

Map of Tamil Nadu

A Quick History of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu was the home of 3 ancient Tamil empires – Chera, Chola, and Pandya. They were in a constant struggle with each other for control of this land. This struggle contributed to one of the world’s oldest and most unique languages and culture, including some of the oldest extant literature in the world, and lead to the creation of important ancient Dravidian temples and UNESCO world heritage listed places to visit in Tamil Nadu.

This means that Tamil Nadu is heaven for culture vultures, pilgrims and those who enjoy history and visiting old temples. There are A LOT of temples in Tamil Nadu, so expect these to be the highlights of your Tamil Nadu itinerary.

But it’s not all temples, there are many more places to visit in Tamil Nadu and interesting things to discover in India’s deep south.

The Best Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu

Chennai (Madras)

On the first places to visit in Tamil Nadu is the capital Chennai (formerly Madras. ) It’s a busy, sprawling city that holds on to its ancient Tamil culture and traditions. There’s some interesting colonial architecture and history as well as many interesting temples to visit in Chennai.

Chennai is not packed with obvious tourist attractions like Delhi but is worth spending a few days to explore the temples, museums, galleries and the beach and to start getting an insight into Tamil culture. I took a walking tour with Storytrails which helped me to get to know the city, it’s history and the people of Chennai who are infectiously enthusiastic about their city and offer less hassle than in the other big Indian cities.

Chennai makes a great gateway to South India from South East Asia as there are many cheap flights from places like KL, Bangkok and Singapore.

Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, Mahabailpuram and Chennai are often referred to as Tamil Nadu’s Golden Triangle   and are quite close together so make a good choice if you are looking for a quick Tamil Nadu itinerary.

Kanchipuram was once the capital of the Pallava dynasty, and is famous for its fine silk saris and known as a “City of a Thousand Temples.” Only 100 temples remain today and are noted for their beauty and diversity.

Kanchipuram it is only 80 kms from Chennai and is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu on a day trip for the capital.

Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

After Chennai one of the most popular places to visit in Tamil Nadu for backpackers is Mahabalipuram, only about 2 hours south of Chennai.

Mahabalipuram (Mamallapurma) is a chilled out seaside town home to many interesting temples including the UNESCO World Heritage listed Shore Temple, the Five Rathas (sculptured temples in the shape of chariots) and the huge rock carving of Arjuna’s Penance which depicts scenes from the Mahabharata epic.

Mahabalipuram’s beach is more of a fisherman’s beach than one for sunbathing but it’s a good place for surfing and the town has a lively backpacker vibe and also some nice resorts to relax in.  

Tiruvannamalai

Mount Arunachala in the holy Tamil town of Tiruvannamalai is believed to have very special spiritual energy as the mountain is considered to be the embodiment of Lord Shiva and has the ability to quieten the mind. The town is especially busy on full moon nights when pilgrims walk around the holy mountain.

Tiruvannamalai is the one of the best spiritual places to visit in Tamil Nadu and draws both Hindu pilgrims and Western backpackers looking for a more spiritual scene than in nearby Mahabalipuram to the Arunachaleswar Temple and Sri Ramana Ashram.

Pondicherry (Puducherry)

Pondicherry is a surprising place to find on the coast of Tamil Nadu. Also known as Pondy, Pondicherry is actually a tiny separate union territory as it was a former French colony in the 18 th Century.

Pondicherry is now part of India but the French influence can still be felt along the relaxed streets of yellow colonial buildings, along the sea front promenade at sunset and in the cafes and patisseries.

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram also attracts spiritual seekers and you can take a day trip to the Auroville community from Pondicherry.

About an hour from Pondicherry lies Auroville , one of the most interesting and unique places to visit in Tamil Nadu. Auroville is an experimental utopian international community founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother in 1968 as a collective experiment dedicated to human unity and international understanding.

You can visit the famous golden Matrimandir and learn about Auroville on a day trip from Pondicherry (as a tourist you can’t go inside the Matrimandir though.) But if you really want to learn and experience Auroville then you will need to stay for longer – there are communities, cafes, organic farms and variuos projects and workshops in Auroville and also guesthouses where visitors can stay.

An even better way to become properly immersed into the community stay and volunteer in Auroville for a few weeks. Here’s a few things you should know before you go to Auroville.

Tanjore (Thanjavur)

As you head away from the Coast and into the real heart land of Tamil Nadu make time to marvel at the impressive Dravidian architecture at the Brihadeswara Temple in what was once the ancient capital of the great Chola empire.

Tanjore is also famous for its amazing golden inlaid Tanjore paintings and you can also check out the decaying Thanjavur Royal Palace.

Trichy (Tiruchirappalli)

As the geographical centre of Tamil Nadu, Trichy makes a good base but also has enough attractions from it’s colourful history passed between the hands of warring dynasties to entertain you for a day or two.

The highlights of Tiruchirappalli include the imposing Rock Fort Temple, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (possibly the biggest temple in all India) along with a vibrant bazaar, some more interesting temples.

The Chettinad region is famous for Chettinad cuisine and fiery curries. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu to see the opulent old mansions filled with curiosities and antiquities from around the world when this region used to be the home of some of the most successful traders and bankers.

Some of the mansions and open to the public or have been converted to heritage hotels like Bangala in Karaikudi. This mansion is also revered for the amazing 7 course Chettinad meals served on banana leaves and cooking courses.

The ancient Tamil town of Madurai is over 4,000 years old and a vibrant center for Tamil culture, spirituality and learning. Madurai is home to the towering and colourful Meenakshi Temple , one of the most important and most impressive temples in all India. Seeing Meenakshi temple is an absolute must see when traveling in South India which makes Madurai one of the most important places to visit in Tamil Nadu.

Escape from the heat of South India to the hill station of Ooty, short for Ootacamund. This refreshing hill station in the Western Ghats close to the border with Karnataka and was the British summer headquarters of the Madras government.

Nowadays, especially in Summer, the cool breezes and stunning vistas make it one of the most popular places to visit in Tamil Nadu. You can take the fun toy train from Metupalaiyam and enjoy the scenic views, once you reach Ooty enjoy the huge botanical gardens, boating on the Lake and trekking in the hills nearby.

Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram , situated at the most easterly tip of South India, is a peaceful little pilgrim town surrounded in legend and mythology as the place where Hanuman leapt across the ocean to Sri Lanka to save Sita in the Ramayana .

Rameshwaram is popular with Hindu pilgrims and Indian tourists who come to visit Ramanathaswamy Temple , pray and bathe in the holy water. Getting to Rameshwaram is an adventure in itself as you cross the long bridge that links it to mainland India.

Also explore the eerie remains of Dhanuskodi that was destroyed by a cyclone in 1964 not far from Rameshwaram and look out over Adam’s Bridge – a chain of reefs and sandbanks that almost connects India with Sri Lanka, only 30 kms across the ocean.

Kanyakumari

Finish your Tamil Nadu itinerary by visiting Kanyakumari at the furthermost tip of India! Kanyanumari is a spiritual town where 3 oceans collide as the Bay of Bengal merges with the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.

The best time to visit Kanyakumari is on the full moon night in April, you’ll be treated to the magical sight of the sun setting and moon rising simultaneously over the ocean. One of the most famous features of the town is the Swami Vivekananda Memorial and the huge statue of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar which sit out on a rocky island off the shore.

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More Tips for Traveling in Tamil Nadu

Although there are many incredible places to visit in Tamil Nadu this area is not so touristy as other parts of India and sometimes not so well developed for travellers as popular places like Rajasthan or Kerala.

English is not so well spoken or signposted and it can sometimes be hard to find a English speaker and your Hindi won’t get you very far here either as the language is Tamil here.

But don’t let this put you off, Tamil people are generally very friendly and helpful and as a solo female traveller I also felt safe here and didn’t get hassled as much as in the more touristy destinations in North India.

Also bear in mind that Tamil Nadu, in contrast to most parts of India, gets most of its rain from the North East Monsoons in October, November and December while the rest of India is drying out. To avoid the rains and the steamy Southern heat the best time to visit Tamil Nadu is between January and March for cooler and drier weather.

After exploring Tamil Nadu you could head into Kerala, the capital Trivandrum is only a few hours train ride from Kanyakumari. Check out my Kerala Guide for loads of awesome things to do and places to go in beautiful Kerala!

Have you traveled in Tamil Nadu? Any tips or awesome places to visit in Tamil Nadu that I missed?

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Think I’ll use your itinerary for my one week trip in Tamil Nadu. Please, can you give me some tips in terms of transportation and affordable places to sleep (if you have any)?

Also did you have a bag packed or a small luggage with you that you left in the guesthouse while you were visiting these places?

Please let me know.

Thanks a lot,

Hi Geraldine, glad my itinerary was useful for you and excited to hear that you are going to Tamil Nadu although it would be very rushed to try and fit all these places into 1 week – it took me almost a month but then I like to travel slow and have work to do as well while I’m traveling. I’m meaning to write up some more guides which would include accommodation but don’t have time at the moment. If you decide which destinations you will go to exactly and email me I’ll send you some recommendations. For the luggage I just left it at the guesthouse while I was out exploring during the day and took out a handbag with me – I don’t worry too much about theft of my belongings in India. Hope you have a good trip! 🙂

really useful thank you!!

Thanks! Glad it helped

Hi Anna, what would be the highlights if you had two weeks to travel tamil nadu? How did you travel between cities? (i.e hired a driver or via train, etc)

I traveled solo through Tamil Nadu on local buses only, I didn’t have much luck with the trains – it seemed easier to just hop on the bus but hiring a car and driver isn’t too expensive and would make the trip a little easier although it’s perfectly possible to do it on the bus, even as a solo female.

I think my highlights if you only have 2 weeks would be to fly into Chennai, visit Kanchipuram as a day trip from Chennai and then Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry and Auroville and Madurai for the Meenakashi temple. From there you could travel into Kerala if you had time – it’s such a beautiful state with the backwaters, beaches and wildlife. I’ve written loads about Kerala http://www.global-gallivanting.com/category/india-2/kerala/

Hope this helps and hope you have a great trip 🙂

Hi, thanks for this really useful article. What are the beaches like in TN? Are there places you can chill out in a beach hut for a few days and soak up some sun? We love Goa and Kerala but find Goa in particular so Westernised now and would love to explore a new part of India but a bit of beach time is pretty important to us! Thanks for any suggestions.

Hi Katy, Glad that the article has been useful. There are beaches in Tamil Nadu but some are not really sunbathing types of beaches – I def wouldn’t recommend stripping down to a bikini on the beaches n Chennai! The beaches around Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry are quite nice and you could swim and sunbathe there but they still can’t compete with the beach life vibe or facilities of those in Goa or Kerala but if you want a mixture of culutre with a day or two on a beach thrown in you might enjoy. Or how about the Andaman Islands as a quieter alternative to Goa? http://www.drifterplanet.com/havelock-island-the-ultimate-backpacker-destination/ or Sri Lanka? I wouldn’t say TN is the best place for a beach holiday tbh.

Beautiful clicks and nice write up about our state Tamil Nadu. There are lot more places to visit , if you want any help in finding car or driver in future pls let us know.

Hi Anna, I’m visiting India in November for two weeks, I fly not bombay and then onto Goal for a few days. After this I’m planning to visit the Isha foundation area and adiyogi statue, so would also be visiting Coimbatore for a night or 2. What’s your knowledge of Coimbatore and staying their.

Hi Craig – I haven’t visited Coimbatore yet sorry. I’m interested to visit the Isha foundation though. Hope you have a good time there 🙂

Glad to hear that u love kerala so much😍😍😊nice article also..and I am going to tamilnadu next week so this is so helpfull.. Thank u anna

Hey, This is very useful article. Can you suggest me few more beaches in Tamil Nadu? I love Goa and Kerala but they become more westernised, so i wanted to explore now in Tamil Nadu.

It is such a good article which gives us ideas about the places to be visited in Tamilnadu. Can you suggest which are best Resorts or hotels in Kovai.

Wow! Nice collection of information about South India. It helps a lot thanks for making

Hi Anna As regards Auroville – is it easy just to walk about there – any other transport other than scooters and bicycles? You really are an inspiration and I look forward to reading more about your travels in India! Many Blessings Maggie

Thanks Maggie! Auroville is quite spread out across the countryside and forest. I don’t think I could really recommend walking around there and the community want to avoid vehicles as much as possible. I think they were setting up a community public transport system. See more info here – https://www.auroville.org/contents/2801

Thanks for sharing very nice blog post amazing traveling information.

Very valuable information. Thanks

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• 50 Best Tourist Places In Tamil Nadu Of 2024 For The Most Awesome Vacay

23 Mar 2023

Have you ever been to the south? If yes, you’d know what a gem Tamil Nadu is. If you haven’t, it’s time you think about taking a trip now because the state is home to a lot of beautiful places. In fact, even drop dead gorgeous would be an under expression to describe the beauty of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu . These places are brimming with beautiful temples, serene beaches, spectacular forts & waterfalls, and more, which only means that there are multiple excuses for you to pack your bags and head for a tour! 

50 Best Tourist Places In Tamil Nadu Of 2024

There are numerous places in the state of Tamil Nadu. However, when looking for some of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu, you can use this list below and choose the best for your next trip.

1. Chennai – Cultural Centre

Being the capital of the state and home to beautiful temples, churches, and beaches, Chennai is best tourist place in Tamil Nadu that would let you have a real glimpse of South India and its lifestyle. With numerous places to visit in Chennai , such as Marina Beach, Museums, Kapaleeshwara temple, and much more, this place is one of its kind. If culture, history, or art lies anywhere under your interest list, this is a place you should definitely consider visiting! So, if you are thinking what to do in Chennai, just escape to Chennai, among the top 10 tourist places in Tamil Nadu.

Best Time to Visit Chennai: November to February Ideal duration: 3-4 days Places to visit: Marina Beach, Government Museum, Fort St. George, Edward Elliot’s Beach, Ashtalakshmi Temple, Mylapore, Valluvar Kottam Things To Do in Chennai:

• Shop for sarees, jewelry, and other handicrafts at Pondy Bazaar, Anna Salai, or Mylapore
• Spend time at Marina Beach
• Indulge in the famous local food, and party at The Westminster or 10 Downing Street

How to reach : Flights, Railway and Bus

Must Read: Airports In Tamil Nadu

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2. Pondicherry – French Colony

Also known as Puducherry, this is an ideal place for explorers, beach lovers, and experience-seekers interested in French culture and architecture. With an extensive number of romantic places in Pondicherry, this Union Territory reeks of excitement and vibrancy. If you have had too much of Goa already or even if you haven’t, it’s time you witness the charm of Pondy! In addition, traveling from Chennai to Pondicherry has been made much more easier and this is what attracts the young crowd to one of the best tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu and the land of beautiful beaches to rejuvenate and relax. If you are looking for low budget tourist places in Tamil Nadu, visit this amazing place to have an adrenaline-filled experience.

Best Time to Visit Pondicherry: October to March Ideal duration:  4 days Places to visit: Sri Aurobindo Ashram , Promendade Beach, Arulmigu Manakula, Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Paradise Beach, Auroville Things to do in Pondicherry:

• Visit the famous Aurobindo Ashram
• Indulge in water sports at Paradise Beach
• Savour croissants, baguettes, and other famous French cuisine

3. Mudumalai – Ancient Hills

Located in the Nilgiri hills, Mudumalai is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu, which is known for its wildlife persona. For anyone who loves an encounter with nature in the most unique way, the national park here is a must visit. In Tamil Nadu tourism, this is the major attraction that one should not miss and count it on the top.

Best Time to Visit Mudumalai: October to May Ideal duration: 2-3 days Places to visit:  Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Madumalai National Park, Gopalswami Hills, Needle Rock View Point Things to do:

• Spot tigers, leopards, golden jackals, and more at Mudumalai National Park
• Capture the beautiful landscapes
• Interact with elephants at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp

How to reach : Railways then taxi, bus or public transport

Suggested Read: Kolli Hills

4. Dhanushkodi – Beautiful Abandoned Town

If you are someone who’s on a constant lookout for places that are away from the city life, Dhanushkodi is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. This beach town’s grandeur and beauty make Dhanushkodi one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu for your next refreshing getaway!

Best Time to Visit Dhanushkodi: October to February Ideal duration: 2-3 days Places to visit: Dhanushkodi Beach, Gulf Of Mannar Marine National Park, Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Shri Ram Setu View Point Things to do:

• Unwind and relax at the Dhanushkodi Beach
• Savor the gorgeous views from the Adam’s Bridge
• Visit the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

5. Hogenakkal – Gorgeous Waterfalls

Of all the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu, Hogenakkal is a hometown of gorgeous waterfalls. Situated in Dharampuri, this small village is an absolute hotspot for romantic getaways, a short family vacay, and even an offbeat trip with your friends.

Best Time to Visit Hogenakkal: September to March Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit:  Hogenakkal Waterfalls, Hanging Bridge, Crocodile Park, Hogenakkal Falls View Point Things to do:

• Be spellbound by the famous Hogenakkal Falls
• Visit the Melagiri Hills
• Go temple hopping, and explore the Pennagram Village

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In South India In August

6. Tuticorin – Stunning Beaches

This is one place in South India that lets you witness the best of everything at one place. From boasting a beautiful beach and a spectacular wildlife sanctuary to numerous temples & churches, Tuticorin is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu that makes sure that every moment of your holiday outshines the previous one. There are an array of things to do here that invite you to refresh your mind, body, and soul, making it one of the reasons for tourism in Tamil Nadu.

Best Time to Visit Tuticorin: November to March Ideal duration: 2-3 days Places to visit in Tuticorin: Baisilica of Our Lady of Snows, Hare Island, Muthu Nagar Beach, Thiruchendur Murugan Temple  Things to do:

• Visit the Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary
• Explore the temples, and unwind on the beaches
• Relish sweets like Tuticorin macaroons

How to reach : Flights, Railways, Bus, Taxi

7. Kanyakumari – Southernmost Tip Of India

Famous for being one of the most exotic places to visit in Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari is a paradise for experience-seekers. The art, architecture of temples, and even the local cuisine along with so many places to see in Kanyakumari that reflects every bit of its culture will leave you fascinated! It is also a great destination to observe some of Tamil Nadu’s popular annual festivals . 

Best Time to Visit Kanyakumari: October to March Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit in Kanyakumari: Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari Beach, Sarvani Shaktipeeth Shri Bhagavathy Temple, Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam, Our Lady of Ransom Church Things to do in Kanyakumari:

• Go on an excursion tour to Kumari Amman Temple or to the Vattakottai Fort.
• Relax at Sanguthurai Beach, the Sothavilai Beach. or the Kanyakumari Beach.
• Visit the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Suggested Read: Best Waterfalls Near Chennai

8. Trichy – Historical Temples

Trichy is one of the fastest emerging cities in Tami Nadu that can be easily explored in a weekend. It offers multiple places for tourists to visit, like temples, churches. Each brings an amazing uniqueness with it that will be etched in your heart for a long time. It is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu.

Best Time To Visit Trichy: October to February Ideal duration: 5-6 days Places to visit in Trichy: Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Thayumanaswami Temple, Jambukeswarar Temple, Kallanai Things to do :

• Explore the gorgeous Puliyancholai Waterfalls
• Visit the ancient Kallanai Dam and enjoy the mesmerizing view

9. Nagapattinam – Renowned Pilgrimage Site

Nagapattinam is a renowned pilgrimage center with several places of historical significance. The place has many temples, churches and mosques spread all over which attracts tourists from far across the globe and makes it one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. It is also one of the best places to explore during the Monsoon in Tamil Nadu. 

Best Time To Visit Nagapattinam: October to February Ideal duration: 2-3 days Places to visit:  Nagapattinam Beach, Soundararajaperumal temple, Nagore Sharif Dargah Khadar vali, Kayarohanaswami Temple Things to do:

• Spend some peaceful time at the long stretch of beach
• Enjoy Divya Desam, the Sapta Vidangar and the sacred town of Velankanni nearby
• Explore the beautiful architecture at the Dutch Fort

How to reach : Railways then buses and taxi

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Madurai

10. Vellore – The Fort City

Primarily known for two premier institutions, Christain Medical College and Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore is an ancient city located in the northeastern part of Tamil Nadu. The city has been aptly named the Fort City due to the enchanting fort located in the heart of the city. There are some great hotels in Vellore too where one can stay during the trip here. This is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu with family.

Best Time To Visit Vellore: October to February Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit in Vellore: Vellore Fort, Jalakandeswarar Temple, Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, Ratnagiri Murugan Temple, Balamathi Hills Things to do in Vellore:

• Visit the marvelous fort and St. John’s church
• Spend some quality time at Periyar Park

How to reach : Trains, Railways, Buses and Taxi

11. Pollachi – Popular Tollywood Destination

One of the most offbeat Tamil Nadu tourist places, Pollachi is located down south in Coimbatore. It is a famous filming spot because of its blissful scenery. This is the best tourist spot in Tamil Nadu that attract travellers because of the famous attractions like Topslip Tiger Reserve and Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best Time To Visit Pollachi: December to February Ideal duration: 3 days Places to visit: Arulmigu Masani Amman Temple, Pollachi Mahalingapuram Arch, Pollachi Ayyappan Temple, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Things to do:

• Jungle trekking and bamboo rafting at the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
• Visit dams and adorn jaggery, coconut, and vegetable fields

Suggested Read: Festivals Of Tamil Nadu

12. Yanam – Unique Culture And History

Yanam is a small city in the district of Puducherry, India and is one of the best amongst all offbeat Tamil Nadu tourist places. The historical place in Tamil Nadu is famous for its interesting history and culture. One can enjoy the sunrise and sunset view from the viewpoint and visit a few holy temples spread around the city. The city also has some old churches with a touch of French architecture. It is also surrounded by some of the best honeymoon places in Tamil Nadu . 

Best Time To Visit Yanam: June to September Ideal duration: 4 days Places to visit:  Yanam Tower, Jesus Statue Church, Yanam Botanical Garden Things to do:

• Explore the history and the unique culture
• Visit the Rajiv Gandhi Beach for amazing sunrise and sunset views

13. Tranquebar – A Tranquil Beach Town

Tranquebar is a tranquil destination known as the land of the singing waves and is perfect for a one day trip in Tamil Nadu. This tiny beach town dates back to the 14th century with the establishment of the Shiva Temple built in 1306. The place has definitely a lot of history to learn, amazing architecture to adore, and a lot of activities to enjoy in one of the best Tamil Nadu tourist places.

Best Time To Visit Tranquebar: November to March Ideal duration: 1-2 days Places to visit:  Dansborg, New Jerusalem Church, Tharangambadi Maritime Museum, Danish Fort, New Masilamani Iswaran Temple Things to do:

• Visit the Fort Dansborg
• One of India’s first printing presses at Ziegenbalg Museum Complex on Admiral Street

Suggested Read: Places Near Yercaud

14. Chettinad – Every Food Lover’s Paradise

Image Source

Sitting just a few kilometres from Madurai, Chettinad is a hidden region that is known for its ancient and old mansions, lip-smacking meat curries, and rich heritage. This region is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu with family for those who are seeking an amazing day-out experience. With plenty of places to witness and ample dishes to relish, Chettinad is a foodie’s paradise. It is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu.

Best Time To Visit Chettinad: October to March Ideal duration: 1 day  Places to visit:  Chettinad Palace, Chettinad Museum, Soorakudi, Pillaiyarpatti, Athmanathaswamy Temple Things to do:

• Unravel the tales of the beautiful Chettinad Palace.
• Indulge in the local cuisine, especially fiery meat dishes, and make your tongue crave for more.
• Experience the village life of Chettinad and witness the beauty of it.

15. Courtallam – Spa Town Of Tamil Nadu

Often tagged as the ‘Spa of South India’, Courtallam is that charming destination sitting in the Western Ghats that makes has the power to distress and rejuvenate travelers in an instant. Blanketing waterfalls, museums, temples, dams, eco-parks, and much more, this town is one of those awesome places in Tamil Nadu that offers an absolute experience to its guests. Courtallam is a must-visit town when going for Tamil Nadu tourist places all thanks to the modern touch amalgamated with the tribal tales, making it one of the beautiful places. If you are looking for the best place for 2 days trip in Tamil Nadu, this is an ideal destination.

Best Time To Visit Courtallam: June to September Ideal duration: 3 days Places to visit:  Five Falls, Courtallam Main Falls, Tigar Falls Road,  Things to do:

• Take a dip in any of the famous waterfalls sitting in Courtallam including Main Falls, Five Falls, Tiger Falls, and more. 
• Take a stroll in the beautiful temple and pay some respects in the Chitra Sabhai Temple. 
• Shop for some beautiful handicrafts, sarees, artifacts, souvenirs, and more.

How to reach : Railways, buses, and taxi

Suggested Read: Resorts In Kanyakumari

Historical And Religious Tourist Places In Tamil Nadu

Discover the best pilgrimage sites and religious temples in Tamil Nadu. Known as the temple city of India, there are various significant temples. These tourist places in Tamil Nadu are a must-visit. 

16. Madurai – Stunning Architecture

Image Courtesy: Daiwikhotels.com

Constructed like a lotus, Madurai City is mostly popular for its Meenakshi Temple. While visiting here, you can marvel at the intriguing architecture or explore its numerous tourist attractions. To witness the best of the city, you must plan at least 2-day trip to Tamil Nadu.

Best Time to Visit Madurai: December to February Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit in Madurai: Meenakshi Amman Temple, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Koodal Azhagar Temple Things to do in Madurai :

• Go temple hopping, and spend time at the famous Meenakshi and Thiruparankundram Temples
• Explore the Gandhi Museum
• Visit the Vaigai Dam

How to reach : Airport, Railways, Buses and Taxi

17. Chidambaram – Gorgeous Temple Town

A beautiful temple town, Chidambaram is situated in the eastern part of Tamil Nadu. The glorious history, rich culture, and diverse traditions of this city have the magic of leaving anyone in awe. One of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu for 2 days trip, this town  is perfect if you’re a history buff or have a thirst for knowledge. This place can be reached by any of the airports. 

Best Time to Visit: October to March Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit:  Thillai Nataraja Temple, Govindaraja Perumal Temple, Pasupatheswarar Temple, Tirukkazhippalai Palvannanathar Temple Things to do:

• Visit the Pichavaram Backwaters and Mangrove Forests
• Indulge in delectable Tamil cuisines like idli, vadai, and more
• Visit the famous Nataraja Temple

How to reach : Flights, trains, buses, and taxi

Suggested Read: Cottages In Ooty For Couples

18. Mahabalipuram – Magnificent Carved Temples

Popular for its intricately carved temples and caves, Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu is another gem to marvel at. Located just a few kilometres from the capital city, traveling from Chennai to Mahabalipuram is not at all a hassle. The city has beautiful beaches, magnificent architecture, soothing weather, and offers a refreshing experience to every kind of tourist. It is recommended as one of the best places in Tamil Nadu, for those who are seeking a peaceful atmosphere on their next visit. While engaging in thrilling adventures and exploring the beautiful district in Tamil Nadu, visitors can have over-the-top experience.

Best Time to Visit Mahabalipuram: November to February Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit Mahabalipuram: Shore Temple, Descent of the Ganges, Pancha Rathas, Varaha Cave Temple, Thirukadalmallai Things to do in Mahabalipuram:

• Rejuvenate on the Mahabalipuram Beach
• Visit the famous Five Rathas and Shore Temple
• Explore Kovalam and Sadras, the fishing villages turned into exotic beach resorts

How to reach : Railways, Buses and Taxi

19. Rameshwaram – Temple Hopping

Image Courtesy: Rameswaramtourism.com

Situated on an island, this is one of the most religious places in India . The town is separated by a Pamban bridge from Sri Lanka, and is the best tourist spot in Tamil Nadu to explore if temple hopping is the sole purpose of your trip. Besides this, there are a plethora of hotels in Rameswaram, offering travellers the unique places to visit in Tamil Nadu.

Best Time to Visit Rameswaram: October to April Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit: Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple, Arulmigu Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Villoondi Tirtham, Lakshmana Tirtham Things to do:

• Visit the famous five-faced Hanuman Temple
• Witness the poojas at Agniteertham
• Visit the Dhanushkodi Temple and Beach
• Visit the beautiful  Rameshwaram Temple  and the  Rameshawaram Beach

Suggested Read: Kodaikanal vs Ooty For Honeymoon

20. Thanjavur – Centre Of Art

Of all the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur has a lot to offer when it comes to experiences. This city of temples boast paintings, antiques, handicrafts, textiles, and sarees, which are amongst the popular things to be admired around. Explore the best district in Tamil Nadu and soak yourself with the rich culture and history.

Best Time to Visit Thanjavur: October to March Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit: Thanjavur Maratha Palace, Saraswathi Mahal Library, Brihadeeswara Temple, Schwartz Church, Thanjavur Palace Things to do:

• Visit the popular Brihadeeshwara Temple
• Explore the Siva Ganga Garden, Palace & Saraswathi Mahal Library
• Admire the grandeur of the Vijayanagar Fort

How to reach : Railways, Buses, and Taxi

21. Velankanni – Beautiful Coastal Town

While you may not have heard of Velankanni before like most of the other cities in the state, this place is absolutely worth your time and visit. It is a gorgeous coastal town popular for a spectacular church that was built in the honor of Mother Mary. The distance that one needs to cover from Pondicherry to Velankanni is around 160 kilometres and one can easily find road transport to cover this path.

Best Time to Visit: October to March Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit:  Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni Church, Velankanni Beach, Morning Star Church Things to do:

• Visit the famous Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health
• Unwind and relax at the Velankanni Beach
• Explore the town and the museum at Holy Path

Suggested Read: Beaches Near Coimbatore

22. Kanchipuram – Pretty Kanchipuram Sarees

Kanchipuram is also known as the Golden City of a thousand temples. This popular tourist attraction is known for its beautiful ‘Kanchipuram sarees’. Tourists who are interested in Hinduism or just want to catch a glimpse of the beautiful South Indian architecture, visit this place. Kanchipuram, among the famous cities in Tamil Nadu, is an ideal place for art & literature, architectural, and adventure enthusiasts.

Best Time To Visit Kanchipuram: October to March Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit: Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, Tiru Parameswara Vinnagaram, Thiru Ekambaranathar Temple Things to do:

• Visit Kanchi Kamakshi Temple and Kailasanathar Temple
• Attend South Indian classical music concerts in the evenings
• Indulge in shopping of Kanchipuram sarees

23. Coimbatore – A Major Textile Hub

Coimbatore is one of the largest cities of Tamil Nadu, famous for its industry, textiles and manufacturing. For a perfect holiday experience, the place offers you gorgeous waterfalls, breathtaking mountains, and temples in Coimbatore are a must-visit by all the travelers.

Best Time To Visit Coimbatore: July to March Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit: Marudhamalai, Dhyanalinga, Siruvani Waterfalls, Gass Forest Museum, Arulmigu Eachanari Vinayagar Temple,  Things to do:

• Visit the the Maruthamalai Murugan Temple, Eachanari Vinayagar Temple, the Sree Ayyappan Temple
• Enjoy exciting trekking trails such as the Vellari Mala, the Dhoni Hills, the Perumal Peak, and the Thalaiyar Falls trek
• Visit the famous 112 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva, known as the Adiyogi Shiva Statue

Suggested Read: Mahabalipuram Resorts

24. Tirunelveli – Scenic Beauty

Located on the west bank of the Thamirabarani River, Tirunelveli offers many exciting tourist attractions like breathtaking waterfalls, scenic beauty, temples and much more. Along with many religious places, the city also has some wonderful delicacies you can try.

Best Time To Visit: October to February Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit: Nellaiappar Temple, District Science Centre, Sri Subramania Swamy Temple, Holy Trinity Cathedral Things to do:

• Visit Nellaiappar Temple and Nellaiappar Temple
• Enjoy the scenic beauty at Nainar Kulam Lake

25. Kumbakonam – Historic Beauty

Kumbakonam is a beautiful temple town in the Thanjavur district. It is a must-visit place for history lovers to understand the depth of India’s culture and Hinduism. This is also one of the oldest towns in the Indian history known for its famous temples.

Best Time To Visit: December to February Ideal duration:  1-2 days Places to visit: Airavatesvara Temple, Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Mahamaham tank, Swamimalai Temple, Kasi Viswanathar Temple Things to do:

• Visit the grand festival called Mahamaham festival which is celebrated every twelve years at the Mahamaham Tank
• Shop in the town for indigenous products
• Visit the various famous temples such as Adi Kumbeshwara Temple

Suggested Read: Romantic Things To Do In Kodaikanal

26. Tiruvannamalai – Town With Spiritual Significance

Home to one of the most famous and mighty Mount Arunchala, Tiruvannamalai has spiritual importance latched to itself. With the mountain being tagged as the most silent place in the entire world, Tiruvannamalai is a great escape for those who are seeking to run away from chaos and embrace tranquility. Home to various temples and ashrams, this destination attracts numerous pilgrims and spiritual seekers.

Best Time To Visit: October to March | June to September Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit: Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Virupaksha Cave, Agni Lingam, Sri Ramanasramam Things to do:

• Explore one of the largest temples of India- Arunachaleshwara Temple.
• Conquer the mighty Mount Arunachala along with other pilgrims.
• Try the healthy, scrumptious dishes served at the Dreaming Tree restaurant.

27. Dharmapuri – City Of Places Of Worship

Dharmapuri, a city often tagged as the land of churches and temples, is one of the greatest places to see in Tamil Nadu. Along with enveloping various places of worship, this town is also home to some of the marvelous wonders of mother nature such as waterfalls, rivers, and more. For those who are seeking to get closer to mother nature and the higher power above us, this place is definitely a steal!

Best Time To Visit: November to March Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit: Kalabairavar Temple, Shri Theerthagirishwarar Temple, Dharmapuri Archaeological Museum, Chenraya Perumal Temple Things to do:

• Take a ride on the boat in the pond near the Dharmapuri Falls.
• Try the oil massages that are offered in this town and get relieved of all the stress, even if it is just for a little while.
• Head to the various temples and churches covering the floors of Dharmapuri and offer homage.

How to reach : Flights then buses and taxi

Suggested Read: Hotels In Coonoor

Best Hill Stations In Tamil Nadu Of 2024

Check our pick of the best hill stations along with an ideal time to visit.

28. Ooty – Queen Of Hill Stations

Situated in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, Ooty is one of thecool tourist places in Tamil Nadu It has a gorgeous backdrop of the hills and greenery, which makes it a great destination for both honeymooners and family.Ooty sightseeing is everything one needs to rejuvenate and simply relax on their escape to Tamil Nadu. When traveling from Ooty to Kodaikanal, one needs to cover the distance of 250 kilometres that is best covered by a cab or taxi. Cover all the major places to visit in Ooty on your trip here.

Best Time to Visit Ooty: March to June Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit:  Government Rose Garden, The Tea Factory & The Tea Museum, St. Stephen’s Church, Tiger Hill Things to do:

• Visit the popular Ooty Lake
• Take a scenic toy train ride
• Explore the Botanical Gardens

29. Kodaikanal – Breathtaking Natural Beauty

Adorned with dense forests, huge rocks, beautiful waterfalls, and plenty of other places to visit in Kodaikanal, this destination is a perfect romantic tourist place to visit with your loved one. We can bet that the picturesque beauty and romantic things to do in Kodaikanal would add stars to your holiday experience, making it only more memorable!

Best Time to Visit: March to June and December to February Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit in Kodaikanal: Coaker’s Walk, Kodaikanal Lake, Silver Cascade Falls, Bryant Park, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Bear Shola Falls Things to do:

• Indulge in boating at Kodai Lake
• Enjoy horse riding while you savour the scenic views
• Visit the Pillar rocks and the Palni Hills

How to reach : Flights, trains – then buses and taxi

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Coimbatore 

30. Coonoor – Thrilling Joyride

Situated at an altitude of 1,930 metres, Coonoor is gradually becoming one of the top cool tourist places in Tamil Nadu. It offers a panoramic view of the Nilgiri Hills and the Catherine Falls, which makes it an ideal hotspot for those whose heart belong in the hills! Moreover, when traveling from Coonoor to Ooty, one can take a train that runs on a regular basis and exhibits some beautiful landscapes of the surroundings. 

Best Time to Visit: October to March Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit: Sim’s Park, Hight Field Tea Estate, Droog Fort, Tiger Hill Cemetery, Lamb’s Rock, Wellington Lake Things to do:

• Savor the breathtaking views from Dolphin’s Nose
• Trek to the famous Doddabetta Mountain
• Visit the beautiful Sim’s Park

31. Yelagiri – Exciting Adventure Activities

Image Courtesy: Mouthshut.com

Trekking in the hills has its own joy and fun. Situated at an elevation of 4,626 feet, Yelagiri Hills is a perfect tourist place in Tamil Nadu surrounded by green valleys, orchards, and rose gardens. This is an ideal place to visit with a loved one, and even your friends if adventure is on your mind!

Best Time to Visit Yelagiri: May to June and November to February Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit: Swamimalai Hills, Yelagiri Lake, Yelagiri Nature Park, Murugan Temple, Stellar Cave Things to do Yelagiri:

• Trek to Swami Malai Hills through the lush green forests
• Visit the Jalagamparai Falls
• Indulge in paragliding, mountain climbing, etc.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Rameshwaram 

32. Yercaud – Ooty Of Poor People

Situated close to the Eastern Ghats, Yercaud is a gorgeous hill station in Tamil Nadu. This place is a must visit for its vast evergreen forests, rich coffee plantations, and unique flora and fauna. From trekking to admiring the beauty of the famous attractions, there are many things to do in Yercaud that will keep you on your toes.

Best Time to Visit Yercaud: October to June Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit: Kiliyur Falls, Lady’s Seat, Shevaroy Hills, Shevaroy Temple, Karadiyoor View Point, Manjakuttai View Point Things to do:

• Visit the popular Emerald Lake
• Take a tour of attractions like Anna Park, Japanese Park, Bear’s Cave, and more
• Enjoy the gorgeous view of the hills from the Lady’s Seat

33. Kotagiri – Captivating Waterfalls

Image Courtesy: Self Drive Trips

Situated in the Nilgiris, this place is a small town known for having one of the best climates in the world. With captivating waterfalls and rich wildlife, Kotagiri is one of the summer tourist places in Tamil Nadu you must visit during your trip to the state.

Best Time to Visit Kotagiri: November to May Ideal duration:  2-3 days Places to visit: Catherine Water Falls, Lamb’s Rock, Ralliah Dam, Kodanad View Point, Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar Things to do:

• Visit the mesmerizing Elk Falls
• Wildlife spotting at Longwood Shola
• Indulge in a picturesque trekking trail from Kotagiri to Kodanad

Suggested Read: Best Homestays In Yercaud

34. Valparai – Beautiful Hill Station

Valparai is a beautiful hill station, situated in the mesmerizing Anamalai Hill Range. Apart from being a part of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, the town also has a decent number of tea and coffee estates surrounded by forests. It’s an awesome tourist attraction in Tamil Nadu for the travellers who wants to get closer to nature. One can take a flight to travel from Chennai to Valparaiand cover the distance of approximately 587 kilometres in a feasible manner. 

Best Time to Visit: September to March Ideal duration:  2-3 days Places to visit: Anaimalai Hills, Monkey Falls, Solaiyar Dam, Nirar Dam, Nallamudi View point, Chinnakallar Falls Things to do:

• Go on a backpacking tour to the famous Anamalai Hills
• Visit Nallamudi Viewpoint
• Explore the Sholayar Dam, Monkey Falls, Balaji Temple, and more

35. Theni – The Magical Land

No matter what time of the year it is, Theni is that town in Tamil Nadu that one would always find nestled amidst the foggy mist, making it look like a fairyland. Theni is the best tourist place in Tamil Nadu for those who are seeking to avoid the beaten paths and take the roads less taken. Sitting on the Western Ghats, Theni covers some fragrant plantations, velvety green landscapes, colorful markets, magical waterfalls, and much more.

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year Ideal duration: 1-2 days Places to visit:  Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Suruli Falls, Gowmariamman Temple Things to do:

• Visit the Kolukkumalai Tea estate, world’s highest organic estate.
• Shop for various exotic spices and condiments, handloom products, agricultural products, and much more.
• Plan a picnic to the Vaigai Dam and spend some quality time with your family

Suggested Read: Picnic Spots In And Around Chennai

36. Vedanthangal – Paradise For Bird Lovers

You must have heard about Vedanthangal for its bird sanctuary which makes it one of the top places to visit in Tamil Nadu. If you visit the sanctuary during the migratory season, then you can witness around 30,000 birds like spoonbills, herons, and storks. So, if you are a bird lover then make sure that you include this place in your itinerary.

Best time to visit: November to February Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit:  Madurantakam Lake, Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary Things to do:

• Visit the bird sanctuary.
• Admire the view of Vedanthangal covered with thousands of birds.

37. Tharangambadi – The Land Of The Singing Waves

Counted among the top tourist places in Tamil Nadu, Tharangambadi is a tiny beach town. The history of this place can be dated back to the 14th century. The name of this town literally translates into ‘the land of the singing waves’. The town overlooks the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and Kaveri River. The place is known for its tranquility which is why it is visited by hundreds of tourists every year.

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal duration:  2-3 days Places to visit:  Shri Murugan Temple, Tharangambadi Maritime Museum, New Masilamani Iswaran Temple, Danish Fort Things to do:

• Explore Dansborg Fort where you can witness a mixture of German, Danish, and French colonies.
• Visit the Zion Church that stands still since the year 1701.

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Madurai 

38. Salem – Explore The Bucolic Nature

A visit to Tamil Nadu will remain incomplete if you do not visit its fifth largest city, Salem. That may not be a great fact but it being a home to natural vistas is a great fact. Not only this, there are several ancient temples in Salem that are a must visit. So, make sure to include it in your Tamil Nadu vacation itinerary.

Best time to visit: October to February Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit: Anna Park, Pagoda Point Road, Yercaud Lake, Kurumbapatty Zoological Park, Eco Tourism Park Things to do:

• Explore the churches and temples here.
• Get ready to soak in some amazing nature views.

39. Kolli Hills – Ride Through The Bent Curves

Popular as the ‘Mountain of Death’, Kolli Hills is located in the Namakkal District which is untouched by industrialization and retains most of the natural beauty. If you are looking for one of the best places to see in Tamil Nadu then you must include Kolli Hills in your itinerary as several tourists head to this place and watch nature at its best.

Best time to visit: December to February Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit:  Kolli Hill Forest, Puliansolai R.F, Nayinarmalai Forest, Rasipuram Things to do:

• Admire the natural magnificence.
• Visit the famous Lord Shiva’s Arappaleshwar Temple.

How to reach : Trains, buses, and taxi

Suggested Read: Best Resorts In Yelagiri

40. Palani – Wrapped Within Two Hills

Another amazing place to explore in Tamil Nadu is Palani which is blanketed with two hills – Sakthigiri and Sivagiri. So, where you look, you will get to see these majestic hills creating a beautiful scenery. While exploring Palani, you will come across several lakes that eventually flow to the Shanmuga River at the foothills.

Best time to visit: November to March Ideal duration:  3 days Places to visit:  Palani Hill Temple, Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy, Thiru Aavinnankudi Temple, Thanga Ther, Idumban Temple Things to do:

• Explore the lakes making their way through the whole Palani.
• Visit the temples that are famous here.

41. Dindigul – A Historical City

If you are planning a vacation to Tamil Nadu then your trip will remain incomplete without Dindigul as it is one of the famous places in Tamil Nadu. It is a historical city that is wedged between Sirumalai Hills and Palani Hills. One of the must-visit place here is Dindigul Fort which has attracted several tourists to this place.

Best time to visit: October to March Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit:  Dindigul Rock Fort, Soundararajaperumal Temple, Sri Bhaktha Anjaneyer Temple, Murugan Temple Things to do:

• Explore the popular Dindigul Fort on your visit.
• Dig deep into the culture and history of this place.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Salem

42. Mayiladuthurai – The Peacock Town

Another one listed in the places to visit in Tamil Nadu is Mayiladuthurai which is a temple town famous for Mayura Natha Swamy Temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The place was ruled by the Chola dynasty and it still holds reminiscents of that. While traveling on the roads here, you will witness coconut trees lining along the roadsides.

Best time to visit: October to March Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit:  Mayuranathaswami Temple, Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple, Mahalakshmeeswarar Temple, Thirupariyalur Veeratteswarar Koil Things to do:

• Admire the Dravidian architecture on your visit.
• Explore the famous Shiva temple.

43. Thiruvarur – A Blend Of Cultures

The list of tourist places in Tamil Nadu also includes Thiruvarur which is popular for its antiquity as it was ruled by several groups like VIjayanagar Empire, Marathas, Medieval as well as Later Cholas, and the British. Apart from this, it is home to three rivers namely Sukumar, Valaiyar, and Odambokki rivers which add to the beauty of this place.

Best time to visit: December to March Ideal duration:  2 days Places to visit:  Thyagaraja Temple, Sivan Temple, Perumal Kovil, Kariviranathan Temple, Akshyalingaswamy Temple Things to do:

• Visit the famous Thyagaraja Temple.
• Dig into the rich history of Thiruvarur.

Suggested Read: Airports In Kerala

44. Pulicat – For Bird Watchers

One of the bestplaces to visit in Tamil Nadu is Pulicat which is home to the Pulicat Lake. This is that famous place where thousands of birds migrate here between the months of October & March. You can witness several species including Flamingos.

Best time to visit: October to March Ideal duration:  2-3 days Places to visit:  Thirupalaivanam Sivan Koil, Perumal Temple, Jadarayar Temple, Chindamaniseswarar Temple Things to do:

• Visit the famous Fort Geldaria.
• Bird watchers must explore this place

45. Bodinayakkanur – Cardamom Capital Of India

One of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu for all serenity lovers, Bodinayakkanur is a quaint town. With its beautiful surroundings, this town will leave you in awe. This town is famed as the Cardamom capital of India and you must visit it on your vacation. You can observe pleasant weather in Bodinayakkanur at all times and it was called South Kashmir by Jawahar Lal Nehru.

Best Time To Visit: October to February Ideal duration: 2 days Places to visit: Vaigai Dam, Bodi Hill. Things to do:

• Buy the best quality Cardamom
• Explore the town

Suggested Read: Wayanad In Summer

46. Javadi Hills – An Unexplored Charm

The Javadi Hills is one of the most popular trekking destinations among travelers that is a stretch of sprawling green landscapes between the Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts. From a diverse variety of flora and fauna to observatories and trails that give a panoramic view of the area, it is among the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu for one day trip.

Best Time To Visit : March to September Ideal duration: 1 day Places to visit: Shevaroy Hills Things to do:

• Birdwatching

47. Sirumalai – A Serene Valley

Nestled amidst the green outskirts at a distance of 90 kilometers from Madurai, the Sirumalai region is the last mountain range in the Eastern Ghat. If you are a nature lover and want to explore the far stretches of Tamil Nadu, this place is perfect for a wild weekend getaway. 

Best Time To Visit: March to September Ideal duration: 3 days Places to visit: Kolli Hills Things to do:

• Sightseeing

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Chennai

48. Devala – A Hidden Gem

A quaint town located in the Nilgiris district, it is one of those small towns that give off the real essence of Tamil Nadu’s local suburban culture. If you are traveling to the state and looking to stay with a family for some cultural tourism experience, this is where you can feel warm and welcome for an exploration of your own. 

Best Time To Visit: April to October Ideal duration: 1 day Places to visit: Wild Planet Resort Things to do:

• Local food tasting

49. Ambur – Quaint Escape

From being the home to a popular leather industry to hosting some of Tamil Nadu’s dense residencies, Ambur is an edgy, suburban town situated on the banks of the Palar River. But more than that, it is popular for a spicy non-vegetarian biryani that is known across India for its unique taste. Another much-recommended food item is Makkhenpeda, a traditional sweet that is known for its classic flavors. 

Best Time To Visit: March to October Ideal duration: 1 day Places to visit: Kasi Vishwanath Temple Things to do:

Suggested Read: Seaports In India 

50. Idappadi – The Best Kept Secret

Located in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, Edappdi was once a popular town for its power loom industry. The riverside landscape of this town is rocky and surrounded by lakes like Periyayeri, ChettiYeri, and Punka-yeri. If you are looking for an escape in Tamil Nadu where you can enjoy a long-stay, do some sightseeing, enjoy nature walks and observe the local life, Idappadi is the place to be. 

Best Time To Visit: April to October Ideal duration: 3 days Places to visit: Wild Planet Resort Things to do:  Arulmigu Kailashanathar Temple

Further Read: New Year Parties In Chennai 

While these best tourist places in Tamil Nadu are famous for their own attractions, each one of them is worth your time, money, and visit to experience the best of the south! Plan your trip to Tamil Nadu right away and have an awesome vacation. While you have a wonderful trip to this amazing place, do not forget to share your experience with us!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Tourist Places In Tamil Nadu

Which is the coolest place in Tamil Nadu?

There are numerous cool places in Tamil Nadu but the following are the most popular among them: 1. Ooty 2. Yercaud 3. Yelagiri 4. Kodaikanal 5. Coonoor 6. Kotagiri 7. Kolli Hills 8. Anamalai Hills 9. Meghamalai 10. Velliangiri Hilla

Which is the most beautiful place in Tamil Nadu?

Tamil Nadu is home to numerous beautiful places that offer something unique to its visitors. The most popular beautiful places in Tamil Nadu are: 1. Chennai 2. Pondicherry 3. Mudumalai 4. Dhanushkodi 5. Hogenakkal 6. Tuticorin 7. Kanyakumari 8. Madurai 9. Chidambaram

What should I buy in Tamil Nadu?

If you are planning a visit to Tamil Nadu then you must know that Chennai, the capital city is a hub of shopping. The following are the most popular Chennai shopping items- 1. Pure mulberry silk 2. Classical dance accessories 3. Cool cotton fabrics 4. Pandian bangles and accessories 5. Handbags 6. Ladies’ ornaments

Which is the best city in Tamil Nadu?

There’s not just one but a number of cities that are considered the best in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. These are the ones that are renowned as the best here: 1. Coimbatore 2. Madurai 3. Tiruchirappalli 4. Chennai

Which is the best hill station in Tamil Nadu?

There are a number of hill stations in Tamil Nadu that are: 1. Yelagiri 2. Ooty 3. Kolli Hills 4. Coonoor 5. Kotagiri 6. Yercaud 7. Velliangiri Hills 8. Kodaikanal

Which is the best place for a honeymoon in Tamil Nadu?

There are a number of tourist spots in Tamil Nadu that are ideal for a honeymoon vacation. Some of them are: 1. Chennai 2. Ooty 3. Meghamalai 4. Kodaikanal 5. Kanyakumari

Which place in Tamil Nadu is famous for the mangrove forest?

The floors of Tamil Nadu are covered with the mangrove forest in many regions. But the most famous place in Tamil Nadu is Pichavaram.

Is Tamil Nadu beautiful?

Tamil Nadu is one of the most beautiful places to visit in South India. It is home to waterfalls, lush greens, trekking trails, beautifully carved temples, picturesque landscapes, and much more, this state of India is one of a kind.

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Experience The Magic Of Tamil Nadu: 7 Spectacular Places To Explore

7 places to visit in tamil nadu.

Tamil Nadu, located in the south part of India is a land immersed in the rich culture, history and natural beauty. From ancient temples to serene hill stations, vibrant cities to picturesque beaches, Tamil Nadu offers a great variety of attractions for tourists. In this article we will take a virtual journey through some must-visit places in TamilNadu around, and will give you an invitation to explore this fascinating state's essence.

1. Chennai: The Gateway to Tamil Nadu

Chennai serves as the starting point of our journey. Known for its vibrant culture, Chennai presents a mix of tradition and modernity. Visitors can walk down landmarks such as Marina Beach landmark wherein lies history, iconic Kapaleeshwarar Temple or Fort St. George dating back to colonial era days. And while here don't forget about tasting traditional Tamil cuisine at local restaurants and buying some things at T Nagar market or Pondy Bazaar - really overpopulated with people.

2. Madurai: The City of Temples

Few hours' drive from Chennai is Madurai, often called "the Athens of the East." A sprawling complex dedicated to goddess Meenakshi is what Madurai means when mentioned, for most people think about it only because of that ancient temple called Meenakshi Amman Temple which covers many acres. The temple's intricate architecture and bustling bazaars breathes spirituality and cultural richness into it by manifesting themselves both physically and visually through sculptures. Also there are several other sights in the vicinity including Gandhi Memorial Museum where one can see lively rituals happening around Vaigai River.

3. Thanjavur: The Cultural Heartland

When you want to know more about art music dance Thanjavur should be on top your list since it has contributed much into these fields throughout centuries now.Temple Brihadeeswarar which belongs to Chola dynasty and is considered as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, was built by them in the form of a testimony about their architectural genius. Also, those keen on art can visit Thanjavur Art Gallery where they will be exposed to an impressive collection of bronze sculptures and traditional paintings. Don't forget that you can also attend such famous classical performances like Sangeetha Mahal.

4. Ooty: The Queen of Hill Stations

Ooty, a hill station ensconced within Nilgiri Hills provides a perfect getaway from the sweltering heat of the plains. This place is well known for its lush tea gardens, serene lakes and mist-covered mountains which makes it heaven for people loving nature. Catch the train ride through Nilgiri Mountain Railway; take a walk around Government Botanical Garden with neatly trimmed plants or go boating at Ooty Lake with green peaceful water.

5. Kanyakumari: Where Land Meets Sea

Kanyakumari is the utmost point downwards from where one can get by land along the Indian coast; it is situated at the South tip of mainland India where Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean join together creating breathtaking vistas. Get amazed by the sunrise/sunset from Vivekananda Rock Memorial or Thiruvalluvar Statue this experience will remain in your memory forever! Additionally, there are some historical attractions like Padmanabhapuram Palace or an ancient temple dedicated to Devi Kanya Kumari.

6. Mahabalipuram: A Heritage Gem

A UNESCO World Heritage site in Mahabalipuram' s exquisitely carved rock-cut temples and sculptures takes us back into history's pages full of intrigue and mystery. Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance along with Five Rathas are examples of intricately carved monolithic structures that may catch your eye while you are here.So why don't you go for water sports in Mahabalipuram's clean beaches or buy souvenirs in the busy street markets?

7. Coimbatore: The Manchester of South India

Conclude your visit to Coimbatore, often called as the "Manchester of South India" because of its thriving textile industry located in Tamil Nadu. You should explore the quietness of Siruvani Waterfalls and peaceful atmosphere at Marudhamalai Murugan Temple where you can hear prayers being sung by the devotees. Do not miss a chance to try delicious South Indian cuisine in local restaurants or buy some fashionable silk sarees at colorful markets.

Ultimately, Tamil Nadu is an amalgamation of differing experiences that cater for all kinds of travelers. There are many reasons why anyone would want to go there including one's interest in history, love for nature or even just wanting to experience their unique culture among others. Pack your luggage and set off on this magical journey where you will understand how timeless the beauty and charm of Tamil Nadu is, a cultural hotspot in India.

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20 famous temples of tamil nadu, south india.

Welcome to the world of Other-Worldly!..

Bygone times brings bygone glories, glories of the past when the grandeur of royal kings were adorning each corner of India in the form of astounding forts, visually appealing temples and tales of valour. When India used to tell tales through various sculptures of artistic artisans and the mystical stories and legends of saints and Gods used to fine tune the spirit of every Indian, which it still does.

Today we are going to talk about the bygone glory one such a land. The land of many tales that are mystic and other-worldly; the land where elaborate architecture and brilliant sculptures of its ancient temples, leave all its tourists spellbound with their astounding beauty, it’s the abode of delightful temples, the abode of other- worldly – Tamil Nadu .

A trip to these temples showcases the opulent and lavish tastes of the erstwhile royal kings, be it Pallavas, Cholas or Nayakas. Standing tall as the backbone of the Tamil culture, these temples are today India’s precious jewels adding to its rich heritage.

Tamil Nadu that not only provides you a great spiritual experience but also gives you a chance to revel in their mesmerizing designs, still speaking stories of their glorious past. Here is a list of 20 Top temples of Tamil Nadu for the divinely inspired travellers.

20 Most Popular Temples in Tamil Nadu

• Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
• Adi Kumbeswarar +Temple, Kumbakonam
• Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
• Sri Rajagopala Swamy Temple, Mannargudi
• Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval

Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram

• Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram
• Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram
• Mayuranathaswami Temple, Mayiladuthurai
• Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai
• Monolithic Rock Temples, Mahabalipuram
• Papanasam Temple, Tirunelveli
• Srivilliputhur Andal Temple – Virudhunagar
• Nagaraja Temple, Nagercoil
• Kumari Amman Temple, Kanyakumari
• Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
• Annamalaiyar Temple, Tiruvannamalai
• Sripuram Golden Temple, Vellore
• Bala Murugan Temple, Siruvapuri

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Meenakshi Amman Temple Madurai – An Ancient Divine Destination

Dedicated to Goddess Parvati in the form of Meenakshi and her consort, Lord Shiva in the form of Lord Sundareswarar, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the most ancient and famous temples not only in Tamil Nadu but, in entire India.

According to historical and archaeological records, the temple was originally built around 6th century AD and the major portion of it was damaged in 14th century by the Muslim invaders in India. The present structure of the temple dates back to the 16th century when it was again restored to its pristine glory by the Nayak rulers.

Let’s talk about Architecture

The temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. The richly sculptured and decorated ‘Gopurams’ of the temple are its major highlight that can be seen from even a far-off distance. Adorned with thousands of figures of gods, goddesses and demons, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is no less than an architectural marvel.

Intricately carved figures and scenes depicted from Indian mythology in the halls add to the artistic charm of the temple. Scenes of ocean of milk being churned by devas and asuras, nine heads Ravana playing veena, Rishi Markandeya hugging Shiva Lingam and wedding ceremony of Sundareswarar & Meenakshi are few of the sculptures worth noticing when you are inside the temple premises.

Popular Festival

The temple today sees a footfall of thousands of devotees and tourists every day that raises to around 1 million during the annual Meenakshi Thirukalyanam festival celebrated in the months of April-May.

Other Interesting Blog to Read

• Best Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu

Adi Kumbeswarar Temple Kumbakonam – Royal Cholas Rich Legacy

The grandeur of Chola dynasty is still intact in the form of divine Adi Kumbeswarar temple. It’s an exquisite Dravidian style masterpiece which was renovated by Govinda Dikshitar, chief of Achutha Nayakar of Thanjavur in 16th century AD. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Holy Domain to embrace Ethereal

The temple of Adi Kumbeswarar is also considered as the 26th Paadal Petra Sthalam during Chola Period. Devotees from all over the world take bath in the Potramarai tank during Mahamaham festival which is celebrated once in every 12 years (It is called as Kumbh Mela in North).

The divine Shiva Lingam will blow your heart away, it is narrow at the top like a needle and broad at the bottom. On the left side of Kumbeswarar, his consort Goddess Mangalambika showers her divine blessings to the devotees.

Apart from the main shrines, shrines of Lord Murugan, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kiratamurati and others adorn the temple premises.

Divine Myths

When the curtain of life of the world was about to fall due to Tsunami, Lord Brahma asked Lord Shiva to know from where he had to start the creation of mankind. Lord Shiva suggested that sand collected from various sacred places should be placed in a magic pot and then leave the pot in water.

The pot stood in the place where the great temple of Kumbeswarar stands today. Lord Shiva shot an arrow on the pot and the nectar from the pot spread to all directions which was already mixed with sand and became a Linga. That Lingam is called Kumbeswarar.

Temple Timings – 6:00am- 12:30pm and 4:00pm – 9:30pm

• 20 Top Richest Temples in India

Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur – One of ‘Great living Chola Temples’

The ‘ Brihadeeswarar Temple’ is a delightful abode of Lord Shiva and is located in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the largest temples in India. This brilliant creation of the Chola dynasty in the 11th century AD stands tall as a testimony to the opulence and grandeur of the Chola rulers.

Today, the temple enjoys the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the list of ‘Great Living Chola Temples’ and is visited by hundreds of thousands of devotees and tourists every year.

Architecture Glory

The temple tower is 216 ft long which is considered as the tallest temple tower in the world. The ‘Kumbam’ or the apex structure on top of the Vimana, weighing 80 tonnes carved from a single granite, just adds to the magnificence of the entire structure.

Also, the Brihadeeswarar Temple has another feather to it with an acclaim of being the world’s first temple completely built from granite. With no granite quarry within 100 km. radius of the temple, a visit to this temple definitely makes one wonder about the logistics and efforts that must have been required to transport tonnes of granite to this site.

Just Imagine!

Not only transportation, just imagine how such a heavy rock must have been first carved owing to the fact that granite is one of the hardest stones to be cut, and then later on embellished on top of a 216ft tall Vimana during the times when the technology was just in its early stages?

Temple Timings – 6:00am to 12:30pm and 4:00to 8:30pm

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Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Srirangam – Spiritual Peace and Wonderful Architecture

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the ‘Ranganathaswamy Temple’ located on the Srirangam Island of the Tiruchirappalli city in Tamilnadu, is another masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. Spread across an area of over 150 acres, the temple has 49 sub-shrines and is dotted with 21 brilliantly carved Gopurams (tower gateways) with the main or the ‘RajaGopuram’ standing tall at 236 ft. making it the tallest Gopurams in Asia.

Temple Township

It is also only one of its kind shrines where you will find a unique mix of a temple and township co-existing; a part of the temple is actually dedicated to temple activities whereas the remaining portion serves as a township for humans.

The temple also has 7 prakaras or enclosures with the presiding deity of Lord Vishnu in the form of Lord Ranganathaswamy reclining on five-headed serpent, enshrined in the innermost prakara. The tower above the innermost prakara is in the shape of ‘Om’ and is completely plated in Gold.

Counted as the first amongst the 108 ‘Divya Desams’ or holy abodes of Lord Vishnu, the temple draws uncountable pilgrims and tourists every year.

Let’s Revive the History

The exact date of the temple’s consecration is still not known but, according to archaeological records, the original structure of the temple dates back to the 10th century when the region was under the rule of the Chola dynasty.

In the 14th century, the temple was plundered of its wealth by Muslim invaders and was again restored to its original grandeur by the Vijayanagara and Nayaka rulers in late 16th century.

What’s in it for you?

• Soulful Architecture: Magnificent architecture, delicate carvings, exquisite sculptures and brilliant frescoes of the temple, even today give you a deep insight into the superb skills of the then architects, sculptors and artisans.
• Artistic and sublime views: During your visit to the temple, you just cannot miss the thousand-pillared hall that can leave anyone awed with its artistic brilliance; the exquisitely carved figures of horses standing on their rear legs depicting war scenes on the base of these pillars offer a true spectacle.

Temple Timings – 6:00- 12:00pm and 6:00pm to 9:00pm

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Sri Rajagopala Swamy Temple, Mannargudi – Lord Krishna’s Grand Abode

Located in the town of Mannargudi the divine temple of Rajagopala Swamy is one of the most popular shrines of Lord Krishna. The temple is also known as Guruvayoor by Hindus. It is one of the most popular vaishnavite temples in India.

What’s the Appeal?

Mesmerizing stone Inscriptions, 154ft gateway tower – Rajagopuram and the largest temple tank Haridra Nadhi gives the most relaxing vibes to rejuvenate the soul and mind-boggling views for visual treat.

Famous Festival

The most popular festival of Sri Rajagopala Swamy Temple is the Chariot Festival which is held in the month of June-July.

In the Legends- Reason behind the Tusk in the left hand of Lord Krishna

According to a legend Lord Krishna killed a wild elephant named Kuvalaya Peetam who was actually Kansa (Lord Krishna’s maternal Uncle). He wanted to kill Lord Krishna’s elder brother Balrama in the form of an elephant but before that Lord Krishna killed the wild elephant and held one enlarged tusk in his left hand.

 Another Legend

The main sannidhi of the temple displays 32 forms of Lord Krishna. According to a legend Lord Krishna gave darshan to two sages Paravasudeva and Raja Gopalan in 32 forms.

Temple Timings- 6:30am to 12:00pm and 4:30pm to 9:00pm

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Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval- Divinity of Jambu Tree

Located on the Srirangam Island of Tamilnadu is the ‘Jambukeshwara Temple’ dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built during the Chola period this temple is a brilliant example of Dravidian style of architecture. It has 7 tiered Gopuram adorned with delicate carvings which depicts the artistic grandeur of Chola Kingdom.

Shiva Lingam is in the form of Appu Lingam (water lingam) and there is an underground stream flowing underneath the Shivling from which water continuously flows out.

Myths of Significance

According to mythological legends, Goddess Parvati in the form of Akilandeswari performed a great penance under the ‘Jambu Tree’ that is believed to have grown from the head of a meditating saint. To perform the Pooja, she made a lingam from the water of River Cauvery flowing by. Impressed with the devotion of Parvati, Shiva gave her darshans and taught her Shiva Gnana.

Enacting the Traditions

Enacting the penance of Parvati as Akilandeswari worshipping Lord Shiva, every day during noon, the priest of the temple dresses as a female dressed in saree and offers prayer to Lord Jambukeswarar. This noon prayer is attended by hundreds of devotees every day and provides a great insight into few unusual Indian traditions and customs to those travelling to India for the first time.

Temple Timings- 6:00am to 1:00pm and 4:00 to 9:30pm

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Kanchipuram , the ancient town of Tamil Nadu has been luring divinely inspired travellers to its divine shores where temples tell the mystic tales of Gods and behind their creation the grandeur and artistic brilliance of Pallava Dynasty. You will see some of the best temples from the period of Pallavas. The city’s dravidian heritage and glorious past will be etched to your soul once you visit this fascinating piece of wonder. The two prominent temples in Kanchipuram are –

• Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
• Ekambareswarar Temple

Located in Kanchipuram district of Tamilnadu, the ‘Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple’ is another one of the most famous pilgrim centres in South India. Dating back to the late 7th century-early 8th century, the temple is believed to have been built under the reign of the Pallava Dynasty.

Artistic Architecture

Carved entirely out of sandstone, the temple is the oldest temple in Tamil Nadu dedicated to Lord Shiva with its main sanctum enshrining a 16 sided Shivling made of a black granite. The architecture of the temple again showcases a brilliant Dravidian style with a delicately carved pyramidal shape tower on the main sanctum and 58 small Shiva shrines enclosed inside the complex.

Major Highlights

Prominent highlights of the temple are undoubtedly, the beautifully carved sculptures of Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati in different dance postures that can be seen adorning the inner walls. Standing tall as a symbol of grandeur of the Pallava kings, the ‘Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple’ today, attracts hordes of pilgrims from different parts of the country, especially on the occasion of Maha Shivratri when devotees throng here to seek the blessings of the God.

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Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram- Ethereal Vibes

The ‘Ekambareswarar Temple’ attracts thousands of pilgrims and other tourists from different parts of India and abroad. Counted amongst five ‘Panch Bootha Sthalas’ (five elements of the universe), the temple is dedicated to the element, Earth and holds a great religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva.

Goddess Parvati’s Penance

As per mythological beliefs, Goddess Parvati performed a penance here under a sacred mango tree, for Lord Shiva with a Shivling made of sand. Pleased with her devotion, Shiva appeared before her and came to be known as Ekambareswarar or the ‘Lord of Mango Tree’.

Astounding Architecture

The temple is believed to have been existing since 600 AD but the present structure is said to be dating back to the 11th-12th centuries. The architecture of the temple showcases a signature Shaivite structure with a lofty Gopuram, 5 concentric circumambulatory enclosures. The 1000 pillared hall adorning carvings of 1008 Shiva Lingam is believed to be added by the Vijayanagara kings during the 15th century. The inner sanctum houses the Prithvi Lingam.

Sacred Tree

The sacred mango tree, believed to be more than 3000 years old, can be seen in the temple premises. The speciality of the tree is that it bears four different types of Mangoes in four different seasons in the year.

For anyone on a pilgrimage tour in South India, a visit to the Ekambareswarar Temple provides for a great spiritual experience.

Temple Timings- 6:00am to 12:30 and 4:00to 8:30pm

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Ramanathaswamy Temple Rameshwaram- God’s Own Temple

One of the four primary pilgrimage destinations (‘Char Dhams’) for all Hindus across the world, the ‘Ramanathaswamy Temple’ is swarmed by hordes of pilgrims every day. Besides being one of the holy ‘Chardham’, the temple is also counted amongst the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

 Legends Divine

According to mythological legends, the story associated with the Shivling enshrined in the main sanctum of the temple goes back to the times of Ramayana. It is believed that after returning from Lanka, Lord Rama wanted to absolve his sins of killing the demon Ravana who was also a great Brahmin and scholar.

In order to do so, he decided to worship Lord Shiva and asked Lord Hanuman to get the biggest Shivling from the Himalayas. As it took very long for Hanuman to get the Shivling, and seeing the auspicious time for prayers being run out, Rama’s wife, Goddess Sita built a Shivling from sand.

The same Shivlinga, known as ‘Ramalinga’ is believed to have been residing in the sanctum of the Ramanathaswamy Temple for centuries. Enshrined next to Ramalinga is the ‘Viswalingam’, the Shivlinga that was brought by Hanuman.

As per the legends, Lord Rama seeing Hanuman disappointed, ordained that for any devotee visiting Rameswaram, the holy Yatra would be successful only if he first pays his obeisance to Vishwalinga and since then, all the rituals are first made at Viswalingam and then at Ramalinga.

Alluring Pillars

Located on the serene island of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu , the structure of this temple is believed to have been built during 12th century CE by the Pandya rulers. The tallest of its 4 Gopurams stands at the height of 126 feet metres and is built in typical Dravidian style.

The temple is also acknowledged for housing the longest corridor hall in India made of almost 1000 intricately carved granite pillars. A colossal statue of Nandi 6 metres tall also grabs the attention of many.

A visit to the Ramanathaswamy temple not only provides you with an unmatched spiritual experience but also gives you an opportunity to witness the grandeur and opulence of the kings in the times gone by.

Temple Timings – 5:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

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Mayuranathaswami Temple Mayiladuthurai

Located in the Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu, Mayuranathaswami temple is one of the very popular holy shrines of Lord Shiva. According to a legend, once Lord Shiva cursed Goddess Parvati and as a result Goddess Parvati was born as a Peahen.

In order to atone for her mistakes, she worshipped at Mayiladuthurai and Mylapore in the form of a Mayur (Peahen). Pleased by her devotion Lord Shiva forgave her. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Mayuranathar and Goddess Parvati as Abhayambikai.

Small shrines of Nataraja, Durga, and Ganesha also adorn the temple premises to shower their divine blessings to the devotees.

Don’t forget to take a holy dip in the month of November- December (Aippasi) as it is considered auspicious. The one who takes bath in this pond is free from karmic backlog and sins according to the beliefs.

Popular Festival – Mayura Natyajali festival – It’s an annual festival held every year.

Temple Timings – 5:30 am-12:00 am and 4:00pm-8:30pm

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Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai – Legend of Peacock Continues

Located in Mylapore district of Chennai , the ‘Kapaleeshwarar Temple’ was built under the reign of the Pallava Kings during 7th century CE. However, the temple structure that stands today dates back to 16th century CE owing to the fact that the original structure was devastated by the Portuguese and it was in the 16th century that the Vijayanagara Kings brought the temple back to its pristine splendour.

Rainbow Coloured Pillars

Dedicated to Lord Shiva who is revered here in the form of Kapaleeshwarar, the temple is one of the significant pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu for the Shaivites attracting hordes of devotees every day. Adorned with a huge rainbow-coloured Gopuram, pillared halls and a water body; Kapaleeshwarar Temple presents a fine example of a true Dravidian style of architecture.

Once upon a Time…

According to mythological legends, Goddess Parvati in the form of peahen or ‘Mayil’ as said in Tamil, performed a huge penance for Lord Shiva at this pious site. That is the reason, a small shrine of Goddess Parvati who is revered here in the form of Karpagambal is also present in the temple complex besides the main sanctum of Lord Shiva who is enshrined in the form of Shivling.

The Karpagambal shrine attracts huge crowds on Fridays when the presiding deity is bedecked with a garland of gold coins. Another interesting site of the temple is a small shrine under the old Punnai Tree in the courtyard that depicts the story of Goddess Parvati in the form of a peahen worshipping the Shivling.

One of the most sacred sites in Tamil Nadu, a visit here is sure to provide you with an unmatched experience of solace and divinity.

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Monolithic Rock Temples, Mahabalipuram- Rocking Rocks of the Divine

Known as the ancient temple town, Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to 7th century and is believed to have been built under the reign of Pallava dynasty. The town today stands as a testimony to some of India’s greatest architectural and sculptural achievements.

• The main highlight of this temple town is its five monolithic rock-cut temples in the form of ‘Pancha Rathas’ or chariots. Each ratha is believed to have been dedicated to a Pandava brother from the times of Mahabharata.
• With every ratha carved in different shape and size, adorning captivating sculptures of animals, humans and gods; the architecture of these structures provide you with a deep insight into the architectural skills of the sculptors during the Pallava rule.
• Another great attraction of the town is the beautiful ‘Shore Temple’ embellished with intricate carvings and sculptures. Unlike other temples of the region that have been carved out of monolithic rocks, this temple was made from granite blocks and stands as one of the earliest examples of stone built temples in South India.
• The inner sanctum of the temple enshrines a Shivling. Also, a shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu with an image of him reclining on the Sheshnag can be seen adorning the inner walls.
• The outer courtyard of the temple is decorated with multiple sculptures of Nandi bull. Located on the shores of Bay of Bengal overlooking the azure waters of the never-ending ocean, the temple not only showcases the artistic brilliance of the artisans of the bygone times but also the royal taste of the Pallava kings.
• A visit to Mahabalipuram is incomplete without witnessing its gigantic bas-relief works carved out of granite blocks dating back to the 7th century. Most famous amongst all reliefs is the depiction of River Ganges’ descent to earth with Lord Shiva shown taking her in his matted locks.
• Another amazingly beautiful relief work is of ‘Arjuna’s Penance’ depicting Arjuna undertaking a penance in order to obtain a powerful weapon from Lord Shiva that can lead to Pandavas victory over Kauravas in the battle of Mahabharata.

Temple Timings- 6:00am to 6:00pm

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Papanasam Temple, Tirunelveli – Destroyer of Sins

The Divine temple of Papanasam at Tirunelveli is dedicated to Lord Shiva. No one knows when this temple came into existence. According to a legend, Once Lord Shiva standing between the horns of Nandi gave his divine darshan to sage Patanjali and Vyaghrapada at the place where this temple stands today.

Another legend says that Lord Indra killed the son of Venus- Shukracharya who was performing yagna for demons. Lord Indra incurred the sin of Brahmahathi Dosha. To get rid of this sin he worshipped Lord Shiva, it is here at Papanasam Indra came to pray and only by entering its borders he got rid of his sin. Devotees from all over the world came here to atone for their sins and get the divine blessings of Lord Shiva.

Popular Festival – Brahmotsavam Festival (April- May) and Thaipoosam – (Jan- Feb)

• River Tambiraparani from Pothigai Hills flows by this Temple is a fascinating site to behold.
• Picturesque views of Dams, water bodies, Agastyar waterfall and mountain range add to the serenity of this place.
• Kalakad mundanthurai Tiger reserve is one of the best places to visit here.

Temple Timings- 6:30 to 1:00pm and 4:30 to 8:00pm

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Srivilliputhur Andal Temple – Virudhunagar – Divine Love and Eternal Grace

Srivilliputhur Andal Temple is one of the most popular shrines of Lord Vishnu. This divine temple dates back to the 8th century BC. It was built by King Villi who saw Lord Vishnu in his dreams asking him to build a temple dedicated to him. The temple is associated with the legend of two saints Periyalwar and Andal.

Interesting Legend

As per the legends Andal who is an incarnation of Goddess Earth – Bhoodevi, was 5 years old was found in the temple garden Nandanavanam of Periyalwar. As he had no children of his own, he adopted Andal. Once Andal wore the garland in the absence of Periyalwar meant for Lord Vadabadrasayee and then replaced the garland in the flower basket.

Periyalwar, unaware of this, offered the garland to Lord Vadabadrasayee. This continued for some time. One day Periyalwar caught Andal and was extremely upset by seeing her doing this sacrilegious act. At that very night Lord Vadabadrasayee appeared in Periyalwar’s dreams and said he would only accept Andal’s garland. Since then, the garland adorn by Andal is offered to Lord Vadabadrasayee.

Center of Attraction

• This temple has the largest gopuram in Tamil Nadu and it is also used by Tamil Nadu Government as its emblem.
• The shrine of Lord Vatapatrasayi (Vishnu) is in the Northeast direction of the temple and Goddess Andal’s (Laxmi) Shrine is in the Southwest direction.
• Aadippoorem , the birthday of Andal is the most popular festival celebrated in the month of July- August.

Devotees from all over the world visit this sacred shrine to get the divine blessing of Lord Vishnu and Andal and embrace solace and divine bliss.

Temple timings- 4:00am to 1:00pm and 4:00to 8:30pm

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Nagaraja Temple, Nagercoil – Legend of Naga

Located in the Nagercoil town of Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, the ‘Nagaraja Temple’ is dedicated to the serpent king Vasuki. The presiding deity of this temple is the five-headed Naga God and is visited by hordes of devotees, especially on Sundays when a special Pooja is performed offering milk and turmeric to the deity.

The temple sees an uncountable footfall of people suffering from Naga Dosha during the Tamil month of Avani (August and September) when some distinct rituals are performed for 12 days.

Delightful Legends of significance

According to folk tales and legends, once a village girl was cutting grass in the area when all of a sudden, she noticed blood oozing out of her axe after accidentally hitting a stone. She hurriedly went to the village and brought a few villagers here, out of which one villager recognized the stone as an idol of a five headed snake.

Thereafter, the temple dedicated to Nagaraja was built with its walls made of mud and roof made of coconut leaves. The main sanctum of the temple still has these mud walls and thatched roof with the small stone idol of Nagaraja placed on the soil. The soil underneath the idol remains wet as it is believed that the blood is still oozing out of the deity till date. It is believed that this soil holds special powers and can cure any skin ailments; the soil is also given as prasadam to the visitors of the temple.

Temple Architecture

The architecture of the temple is quite simple with scores of sculptures and images of different snakes adorning the walls, trees and pond around. The main sanctum enshrines the deity and is guarded by two huge statues of five-headed serpents. Inside the temple premises, you will also find Shivling and idol of Vishnu on Anant Shayana position.

One of the very unique temples in India located amidst tranquil and peaceful settings, a visit here is sure to leave you with a blissful experience.

Temple Timings – 5:00am to 11:30am and 5:00pm to 8:00pm

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Kumari Amman Temple, Kanyakumari – 3000 Years Old Divine Destination

Located on the peninsula of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, the ‘Kumari Amman Temple’ is dedicated to the virgin Goddess Kanya Kumari, an avatar of Goddess Shakti. Dating back to 3000 years, the temple sits on the serene confluence of Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. The idol of the presiding deity is in the form of a charming young girl with rosary in her right hand.

Let’s travel back in time

As per mythological beliefs, in Puranic times, the demon king, Banasura obtained a boon from Lord Shiva that he could only be vanquished by a virgin.

With this boon in hand, he caused great agony to Devas who in turn worshipped Goddess Parvati to get them relieved from the harassment of the demon king.

As an answer to the prayers of Devas, Goddess Parvati appeared in the form of a young girl and performed a penance for Lord Shiva on the confluence of these three oceans to kill Banasura.

Enchanted with the beauty of KanyaKumari, Banasura tried to force her into marriage that resulted in a fierce battle ending in his death.

Relieved of the atrocities of Banasura, a temple was built here dedicated to Devi Kanya Kumari by Lord Parshuram. The idol of the deity is believed to be the same that was installed by Parshuram.

The nose ring adorned by the deity has another story associated; it is believed that the diamonds of the nose ring are so bright that in the past, few ships sailing in the sea mistook the brilliance of these diamonds as light from a lighthouse resulting in their wreckage upon the nearby rocks. Since those accidents, the eastern door (sea facing) of the temple remains closed.

One of the famous pilgrim destinations in Tamil Nadu, a visit to this temple is sure to leave you blessed with peace and prosperity.

Temple Timings- 4:30 am – 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

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Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram- Be one with the God

Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja or the cosmic dancer, the ‘Thillai Nataraja Temple’ is one of the most ancient temples of Tamil Nadu known for both religious and architectural significance.<>

Panchabhuta

The temple is believed to have been built during the time of Pallava rule in the 11th century and further renovations were made during Cholas, Pandyas and Vijayanagara reign. The Nataraja Temple is also one of the ‘Panchabhuta Sthalas’ with each one dedicated to five elements of universe – earth, air, water, fire and space; this temple signifies the fifth element, space.

• The place where the temple sits is believed to be the centre of earth’s magnetic field. The main sanctum known as Chitsabha, houses the deity of Nataraja and Sivakamasundri (Nataraja’s consort).
• The roof of Chitsabha is made of gold and is believed to have been built during the Chola rule. The temple also has a shrine for Sivakamasundri known as the Sivakami Amman Temple and a 1000 pillared hall designed in the form of a chariot.
• Dating back to the Chola period, the temple and the hall are adorned with figures of dancers, drummers and musicians on the walls.
• The lofty gopurams of the temple ornamented with carvings of Hindu gods, various manifestations of Lord Shiva and dancers representing 108 postures of Bharatnatyam, are also a sight to behold.

One of the most significant temples for Shaivites, a visit here is sure to provide you with an inner peace and solace.

Temple Timings – 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.

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Annamalaiyar Temple, Tiruvannamalai – Grandeur of Annamalai Hills

Another significant temple of the ‘Panchabhuta Sthalas’, the ‘Annamalaiyar Temple’ represents the element, fire and Lord Shiva here is revered in the form of Agni Lingam. The structure of the temple dates back to the 9th century when South India was under the rule of the Chola dynasty. Further additions were made to the temple by the Vijayanagara kings during the 15th century.

Architectural Marvel

Located on the foot of Annamalai hills, the temple spreads across an area of 25 acres and is built in typical Dravidian architectural style. The Rajagopuram of the temple stands tall at a height of 217 feet and can be seen from even a far-off distance.

This 11-tiered gopuram with intricate carvings showcases the artistic brilliance of the Vijayanagara artisans. Inside the temple complex, you will find 6 concentric enclosures with each enclosure housing shrines of various deities. The innermost enclosure has the sanctum that enshrines the Agni Lingam, the presiding deity of the temple.

While you will see the temple always crowded with devotees and pilgrims travelling from far off corners of the world, the footfall gets multi-fold during the annual ‘Karthigai Deepam Festival’.

Huge processions accompanied with drummers, dancers and people dressed in vibrant attires, this festival provides you with a colourful spectacle also, giving you an opportunity to get an insight into different rituals and customs of South Indian temple festivals.

Temple timings- 5.30 am to 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm

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Sripuram Golden Temple, Vellore – Solace and Eternal Peace

Situated on the hills of Malaikodi in the city of Vellore in Tamil Nadu, the ‘Sripuram Golden Temple’ is on the itineraries of almost all tourists on a trip to temples in South India. Standing tall in its stunning beauty and grandeur, the temple is truly a sight to behold. Built only recently in the year 2007, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity) known as ‘Sri Lakshmi Narayani’.

Temple of Fascinating Beauty

The astoundingly outstanding carvings, sculptures, artwork and exquisite lighting work done by these artisans on the walls, ceiling and pillars of the temple is sure to leave you awestruck.

The glittering reflection of the temple in the water body surrounding it, during night is just beyond words and is sure to leave you enchanted with its hypnotising beauty.

What’s in it for you?

The pathways leading to the main temple are designed in the shape of a star with each pathway adorned with messages from the Gita, Bible and Quran. As you walk along the pathways, taking in the essence of these messages, you are enlightened with deep wisdom and knowledge.

Crossing the pathways and pillared halls, devotees get the darshans of Maha Lakshmi enshrined in the inner sanctum. You would be amazed to know that the deity of Maha Lakshmi itself is made of 70 kilograms of gold.

Temple Timings- 9:00am to 7:00pm

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Bala Murugan Temple, Siruvapuri – Serene drops of Spirituality

Dating back to 500 years, the ‘Bala Murugan Temple’ is dedicated to Lord Murugan also known as Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that Lord Murugan here fulfils the wishes of all his true devotees and therefore, the temple is visited by hundreds of people every day. The temple has a special place amongst the devotees wishing to purchase a new house or property.

The presiding deity of the temple is of Lord Murugan standing tall at a height of 4.5 feet. Outside the sanctum sanctorum, a sculpture of peacock made with green emerald is also held to be religiously significant.

A shrine in the temple complex, dedicated to Lord Murugan and his consort, Devi Valli depicted in wedlock, is visited by many devotees wishing to get married; praying here on the day of Poosam star is believed to be highly auspicious and fulfils the wish of marriage for all boys and girls.

One of the very popular holy shrines in Tamil Nadu, a visit to this temple provides you with a unique experience and a spiritual bliss.

Temple timings 7:00am to 12:00pm and 4:30pm to 8:00pm

In the End – Get Ready Divinely Inspired Travellers!

Tamil Nadu is home to thousands of temples that are visited by scores of pilgrims and tourists every year. The above list of temples is just a conglomeration of few of the state’s best pilgrimage sites. Providing you a great spiritual and divine experience, a trip to few of these temples makes for a ‘must visit’ if you are on a pilgrimage tour in South India.

Having said so, make sure before visiting these pious shrines, you are dressed appropriately and have a respectful attitude towards the religious sentiments of the people here. A last tip – beware of touts, guides and pickpockets. Wishing you a blissful and fulfilling spiritual journey!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. what is the ticket price of shore temple of mahabalipuram.

For Indian the price is INR 10 and for Foreigners the price is INR 340 to visit the divine Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram.

Q. What is the oldest temple to visit in Tamil Nadu?

The oldest temple of Tamil Nadu is the Lord Murugan temple in Mahabalipuram. There is no evidence to prove this fact that it is the oldest temple but according to the ruins unearthed in 2005, there are two temple ruins that belong to the period Sangam and Pallava.

Q. What are the major festivals held at Ramanathaswamy Temple?

Some of the most popular festivals held at the sacred temple of Ramanathaswamy are -

• Mahashivratri
• Adi Ramalinga Prathistai
• Floating festival on Thai Poosam
• Adi Thirukalyanam

Q. Apart from the Meenakshi Temple, what are the other popular temples to visit in Madurai?

Apart from the divine Meenakshi Temple, some of the popular temples to Visit in Madurai are -

• Azhagar Kovil Temple
• Koodal Azhagar Temple
• Shri Solaimalai Murugan Temple
• Sri Mavoothu Velappar Temple
• Narasingam Yoga Narasimha Perumal Temple
• Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple
• Sri Sri Radha Mathurapati Temple (ISKCON)

Published: 06 May, 2021

About the author

Pallavi Roy

She is a candle who burns and melts in the chaos of infinity, from where her visceral whistles and leaves an imprint of desire in her heart to know the map of an Island where there are different sunrises and sunsets. Her curiosity brightens to conquer the hearts unrelieved and sometimes mysterious. Her name is - Pallavi Roy - A traveller by soul and a writer by Profession.

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48 Best Pilgrimage Sites in Tamil Nadu

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Situated on the banks of the River Vaigai, Madurai is the third-largest city in Tamilnadu and one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in India . The city is situated about 209 km from Coimbatore and 464 km from Chennai. Also referred to as Athens of the East, Madhurai is the oldest continually inhabited city in the Indian peninsula, with a history dating back to the Sangam period of the pre-Christian era. Madurai was the seat of power of the Pandyan Empire. Often considered the cultural capital of Tamilnadu, Madurai is one of the top places to visit in tamilnadu . The city is very well known for Madurai Meenakshi Temple, among the most visited temple in South India tour packages . Meenakshi Temple, also known as Madurai Meenakshi, is the biggest landmark of Madurai and is one of the largest temples in India. The temple has stunning architecture and a significant testimony for Vishwakarma Brahmins for their master architecture in sculpting this temple. Along with Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal & Koodal Alagar Temple are other important places to visit as part of Madurai tour packages .

2. Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu as well as in India. Situated at a distance of 562 km from Chennai, the town is home to the famous Rameshwaram Temple, among the must include places in Tamilnadu Tour Packages . Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Rameshwaram Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga temples in India, and is one of the top attractions you must visit as part of Rameshwaram tour packages . It is significant for Hindus as a pilgrimage to Banaras is incomplete without a Pilgrimage to Rameswaram. This is also the place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to cleanse away the sin of killing Ravana. Rameswaram along with Dwarka, Puri and Badrinath form the four Char Dhams. Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agnitheertham, Gandamadana Parvatham, Dhanushkodi , Kothandaraswamy Temple and Erwadi are some of the most visited attractions of Rameshwaram. Sri Ramanatha Swamy Temple is renowned for its magnificent corridors and massive sculptured pillars. The third corridor of Ramanathaswamy temple is the longest one in the world.

3. Srirangam

Srirangam, the beautiful river island, is one of the prominent places of pilgrimage in South India, and among the must include places in Tamil Nadu tour packages . About 13 km from Trichy, and 136 km from Madurai, it holds great cultural and religious significance in South India. Nestled between the Kaveri River and Kollidam River, Srirangam is home to Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, the world's grandest operational Hindu shrine. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is the foremost among the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu, and among the must-include places in Srirangam tour . Jambukeswarar temple, Uthamar Kovil, Uraiyur Vekkali Amman Temple, Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, Kumara Vayalur Temple, Gunaseelam Temple, Sri Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple, and the Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Temple, etc. are some other tourist places in Srirangam . The Chithirai car festival, Vasantotsavam, Jyeshtaabhishekam, Pavitrotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadashi, and Teppostavam are the popular festivals celebrated in Srirangam, Srirangam can be visited as part of Trichy packages as well.

4. Kanyakumari

Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, Kanyakumari is one of the famous pilgrimage places to visit as part of Tamilnadu tour . It is about 242 km from Madurai and 707 km from Chennai. A place of great natural beauty, Kanyakumari is one of the popular href='/tamilnadu/best' target='_blank'>Tamilnadu Tourist Places . Swami Vivekananda is said to have been lived here for a while and meditated. Situated at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean, this is the only place in India where one can enjoy the unique spectacle of Sunset and Moonrise simultaneously on full moon days. One of the main attractions in Kanyakumari is the Kumariamman Temple . Thiruvalluvar Statue, Vivekananda Rock Memorial , Gandhi Memorial, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Suchindram, Pechiparai Reservoir, Vattakottai Fort, St Xavier's Church and Udayagiri Fort are some of the top places to visit as part of Kanyakumari tour packages . Kanyakumari is also known for its spectacular beaches. Thengapattinam Beach, Sanguthurai Beach, and Chothavilai Beach are the important beaches near Kanyakumari.

5. Chidambaram

Chidambaram is a pilgrimage town in Tamil Nadu. Well known for Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram temple is one of the most celebrated shrines in South India and also one of the famous Tamilnadu places to visit . It is about 66 km from Pondicherry, and 217 km from Chennai. Also known as Thillai, the town is known for the Thillai Nataraja Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built during the 11th century, Chidambaram Nataraja Temple has a great religious as well as historic and cultural significance. This is one of the Panchabhoota Stalas signifying the five elements of wind (Kalahasti), water (Tiruvanaikka), fire (Tiruvannamalai), earth (Kanchipuram) and space (Chidambaram). Thillai Kaali Amman Temple, Pichavaram , Sattanathar Temple, Bhuvanagiri, Parangipettai, Annamalai University, Kollidam (river) and Poompuhar are the other prominent places to visit as part of Chidambaram tour packages . Brahmotsavam, Ani Thirumanjanam, Thai Poosam and Arudra Dharshan are some of the Nataraja Temple festivals that attract large crowds from far and nearby places. Natyanjali Dance Festival is a major festival held in February. Many eminent dancers give their performances during this festival.

6. Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram or Kanchi is one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu . It is situated at a distance of 75 km from Chennai. It is one of the most popular places to visit near Chennai . Located on the bank of the Palar River, Kanchipuram is one of the oldest cities in India and was served as the capital of the Pallava Dynasty. Kanchi is known for its temples and silk sarees which are woven manually. Kamakshi Amman Temple is the landmark of Kanchipuram, and among the most popular places to visit in Kanchipuram . Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Karchapeshwarar Temple, Sri Ekambarnathar Temple are the other prominent temples to visit as part of Kanchipuram tour packages . The temples of Kanchipuram are known for their grandeur and great architecture. Kanchipuram is a traditional center of silk weaving and handloom industries for producing Kanchipuram Sarees. In 2005, 'Kanchipuram Silk Sarees' received the Geographical Indication tag, the first product in India to carry this label.

7. Thanjavur

Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, is one of the popular places of href='/tamilnadu/heritage' target='_blank'>heritage in Tamilnadu as it has a rich historical heritage and is a prism of ancient as well as the modern south Indian civilizations. It is situated about 170 km from Madurai, and 326 km from Chennai. Situated on the banks of River Cauvery, it is one of the top places to visit as part of Madurai tour packages . The city was once the stronghold of the historic Cholas. Since then, Thanjavur has been one of the chief political, cultural and religious centers of South India. Thanjavur is famous for the Brihadeeswarar Temple built by Rajaraja Chola in the year 1010 AD. Also known as the Big Temple, Brihadeeswarar Temple is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and among the most important heritage sites in India. The temple is considered to be one of the best specimens of South Indian temple architecture and among the must-visit places as part of Thanjavur tour packages . Apart from Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur and the surrounding areas have several important tourist attractions like Thanjavur Palace, Kumbakonam , Darasuram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Thiruvaiyaru, Thirubuvanam, etc.

8. Tiruvannamalai

The sacred town of Tiruvannamalai is one of the prominent places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu, and among the best places to visit near Trichy . It is about 115 km Pondicherry, 191 km from Trichy, and 196 km from Chennai. Thiruvannamalai is known as one of the major pilgrimage centres of India as it is home to the Annamalaiyar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas of Lord Shiva, representing the 5 elements of nature. Legend has it that Shiva appeared as a massive column of fire in this temple. This temple features one of the tallest temple towers in India and is visited as part of Tiruvannamalai packages . Sri Ramana Ashram, Sathanur Dam, Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram, Virupaksha Cave, Mamara Cave, Skandashramam, and Annamalaiyar Temple View Point are some of the top places to visit in Tiruvannamalai . Thiruvannamalai boasts a vibrant culture centered on the renowned Annamalaiyar Temple. Visitors can also explore nearby sites such as Tirumalai Jain Temples, Gingee Fort, and Padaveedu. Thiruvannamalai can also be visited as part of Kanchipuram tour packages .

9. Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam is an ancient temple town located amidst the two rivers Cauvery and Arasalar in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. About 235 km from Madurai, and 282 km from Chennai, it is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu , and among the popular places to visit near Chennai . Kumbakonam is known for its temples and mutts (monasteries). There are around 188 Hindu temples within the municipal limits of Kumbakonam. Adi Kumbeswarar Temple , Nageswaraswamy temple and Kasi Viswanathar temple are the prominent temples to visit as part of Kumbakonam tour packages . Sarangapani temple is the largest Vaishnava shrine present in Kumbakonam. Patteeswaram, the Oppiliappan Kovil, the Swamimalai Murugan temple and the Airavateeswarar Temple are the other temples located in the vicinity of Kumbakonam. The town is well - known for its prestigious educational institutions and carved Panchaloha idols, silk products, brass, and metal wares. The important festival of Kumbakonam is the Mahamaham festival. It takes place once in 12 years during the Tamil Month of Masi (February/March) and lakhs of pilgrims visit Kumbakonam and takes a holy bath in the sacred Mahamaham Tank.

10. Tirunelveli

Tirunelveli is a city situated on the banks of the river Thamirabarani in Tamilnadu. About 158 km from Madurai, 291 km from Trichy, and 623 km from Chennai, Tirunelveli is the most popular places to visit near Trichy , and among the must include places in Tamilnadu packages . Also known as Nellai, Tirunelveli is positioned close to the southern tip of India and is very eminent for various geographical features. Tirunelveli has a rich cultural and architectural heritage which is evident from the various temples, and churches located here, and are the must include places in Tirunelveli packages . Nellaiappar Temple, Venkatachalapathy Temple, Sankaranainar Kovil, Allagammai Kashi Vishvanathar, Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Mela Tiruvenkatanathapuram Temple, and Mundanthurai-Kalakad Wildlife are some of the top tourist places in Tirunelveli . The city is also famous for Tirunelveli Halwa and also known as Halwa city and Oxford of South India. The annual Car Festival of Nellaiappar Temple is the major festival celebrated at Tirunelveli.

11. Tenkasi

Tenkasi is the second largest town in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. Situated on the Madurai - Kollam highway, it is one of the popular places to visit near Trivandrum , and among the top Tamilnadu places to visit . It is situated about 109 km from Trivandrum, 132 km from Kanyakumari, and 160 km from Madurai. Tenkasi is famous for numerous waterfalls spread around the region including the famous Courtallam Falls, among the must include places in Tenkasi packages . River Chittar flows through this picturesque destination favoured amongst tourists. The Word Tenkasi means Kasi of the South referring to the Kasiviswanathar temple situated in the town. Kulasekaranathar Temple, Kannimaramman Temple, Anggalap Parameshwari Temple, and Esakki Amman Kovil are the other prominent Tenkasi tourist places .

12. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple - Srirangam

At a distance of 1 km from Srirangam Railway Station, 9 km from Trichy Railway Junction, 62 km from Thanjavur, 145 km from Madurai & 327 km from Chennai, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a prominent Hindu temple situated at Srirangam near Trichy. It is one of the famous temples in South India , and among the most visited places in Tamilnadu . Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu, and among the important places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu . Built across an area of 156 acres, this temple is dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Hindu deity, Lord Vishnu. This temple lies on an island formed by the twin Rivers Cauvery and Kollidam. Though the temple existing since the 2nd century BC, the archaeological inscriptions are available only from the 10th century CE. Among the must include places in Trichy tour packages , this temple is also known by other names such as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam, and Bhogamandabam. It has seven enclosures formed by thick and huge rampart walls which run around the sanctum. Apart from the 7 enclosures with massive walls, the temple complex has 21 very colorful sculpted gopuras, 50 sub-shrines, 9 sacred ...

13. Thiruvanaikoil / Jambukeshwar Temple

At a distance of 2.5 km from Srirangam Temple and 11 km from Trichy Railway Junction, Sri Thiruvanaikoil or Thiruvanaikaval, is famous for Jambukeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built by Kochengon, one of the Early Cholas around 1800 years ago on Srirangam Island. Thiruvanaikoil Temple is one of the five major Shiva Temples known as Panchabhoota Sthala representing element of water. The sanctum has Shiva Lingam in the form of Appu lingam (water lingam). The sanctum of Lord Jambukeshwara has an underground water stream and one can see water coming out of that stream all the time. The presiding goddess is Devi Akilandeswari Amman. According to legend, Parvathi performed penance in the form of Akilandeswari in the Jambu forest. She made the lingam out of the water of river Kaveri, installed it under the Venn Naaval tree evolved out of Saint Jambu and commenced her worship. Lord Siva at last gave darshan to Devi Akhilandeswari and taught her Siva Gnana. According to Sthala Purana, there were two Siva Ganas by name Malyavan and Pushpadanta. They always quarrel with each other and fight for one thing or other. On top of all in one fight Malyavan cursed Pushpadanta to become an elephant and the latter cursed the former to become a spider. Both the elephant and the spider came to Jambukeshwaram and continued their Shiva worship. The elephant collected water from river Cauvery and conducted Abhishekam to the lingam under the Jambu tree daily. ...

14. Balamurugan Temple - Ratnagiri

At a distance of 17 km from Vellore, Ratnagiri Balamurugan Temple is an ancient temple located on top of a hillock in Ratnagiri on Vellore - Chennai National Highway. It is one of the important places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu , and among the must-visit places as part of Vellore tour . The Ratnagiri Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan. This temple was built in the 14th century by Arunagiri Nathar. It was renovated in the year 1980 by Bala Muruganadimai Swamy. The temple boasts a huge tower at the entrance. One of the special features of this temple is that the poojas are conducted in Tamil instead of common Sanskrit. The 14th Century poet Arunagirinathar has sung about this temple as Murugan, the God of Devas resides in Ratnagiri. According to the locals, the divine power in the temple manifests its blessings in three forms. First is in the form of the Lord Murugan idol installed inside the sanctum, the second is in the form of Balamurugan and the third is in the form of a devotee. The idol of the main deity Bala Murugan was installed in a chariot that is made of granite. The garbhagriha is made of granite and is modeled according to the Chola architecture. The wall surrounding the shrine has small idols of Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Murugan, Brahma, Durga, and Chandikeswarar. There are 2 temples for Lord Vinayaka, one on top of the hill and another at the bottom ...

15. Thirukkadaiyur

At a distance of 23 km from Karaikal , 23 km from Mayiladuthurai, 44 km from Chidambaram and 57 km from Kumbakonam, Thirukkadaiyur is a popular temple town located on the east coast of Tamil Nadu in the Nagapattinam district. The Amritaghateswarar - Abirami Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is the most famous temple in Thirukkadaiyur. The presiding deity of this temple is Sri Amirthalingeswara and his consort is Sri Abirami. Thirukkadaiyur is one of the 8 Veera Sthalas, where Yama was clashed with Lord Shiva. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Shiva protected Markandeya, son of Mrikandu, from Yama. The scar caused by the Yama's rope is visible on the Linga during abisheka times. The temple was built by Chola kings in 11th century in the traditional Chola architectural style. Spread over 11 acres, the temple has great architecture and has five enclosures, huge towers and spacious mandapas. Based on the inscriptions seen here, the main shrine (sanctum) was in existence before early 11th century. The brick walls of the temple were replaced with stonewalls and the front mandapa was constructed during the period of Kulottunga Chola I. According to legend, when devas and asuras churned milk ocean to get Amritham, they forgot to worship Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha hurt and stole the pot of Amritham and kept at Thirukkadaiyur. While there, Ganesha created a Shiva Lingam and poured some of the Amritham over it. ...

16. Thirukandiyur

At a distance of 12 km from Thanjavur and 35 km from Kumbakonam, Thirukandiyur is a temple town situated in Tamilnadu. The major attraction of Thirukandiyur is the Temple of Hara Sapavimochana Kandeswarar. The temple of Thirukandiyur is considered one of the 108 Divyadesams and is also known as Pancha Kamala Kshetram. As per history, the temple was built by Emperor Mahabali and is located between Kudamurutti and Vennar Rivers. According to a legend, Brahma became very arrogant and feet superior to Shiva. Brahma once visited Kailas to meet Shiva. Parvathi, the wife of Shiva got confused and performed pooja to Brahma instead of Shiva. Lord Shiva plucked off one head of Brahma to avoid the confusion between the two. This resulted in Shiva incurring a Brahmahathya dosha. The skull of Brahma stuck to the hands of Shiva which he could not separate despite all efforts. All the food offered to him was consumed by the skull and it was never filled. Holding the skull, Lord Shiva came down to earth for Bikshatana with his skull bowl. It is believed that Lord Shiva prayed to Goddess Kamalavalli and Lord Vishnu at Thirukandiyur and attained salvation from Lord Kamala Nathan in this temple. Finally, the head fell down at this place and disappeared. At last with the help of Lord Vishnu, Shiva got salvation from the curse; hence this place is called Hara Sapavimochana Temple. This temple is an excellent specimen of Dravidian style ...

17. Thirupparankundram Temple

At a distance of 8 km from Madurai Junction Railway Station, Thiruparankundram Temple, also known as Tirupparamkunram Murugan Kovil is renowned for its 8th century rock cut cave temple dedicated to Lord Murugan (Subrahmanya). It is one of the major sacred places to visit in Madurai. Tirupparankundram Temple is one of the six abodes of Murugan and considered as the first and foremost temple of Lord Muruga. Several myths and legends are associated with this temple and one of them says that it is at this place that the Lord Muruga defeated the demon Surapadman and got married to Deivayani, daughter of the king of heaven, Indra and worshipped Lord Shiva. The main shrine is an early rock cut temple which has cells that house the sanctums of Subramanya, Durga, Vinayakar, Shiva and Vishnu. There are several mandapas in this temple known as Kambathadi Mandapam, Ardha Mandapam, and Mahamandapam situated at different levels connected by steps. There are several architectural features of interest, especially the rock cut portions of this hill temple dating back to the Pandya period and the life sized sculptures in the mandapams of the Nayakar period. An Aasthaana Mandapam with several artistically carved pillars lead one to the Rajagopuram which is 150 feet high. The shrine, having 48 artistic carved pillars, is a large rectangular chamber excavated into the huge main rock. The sanctum sanctorum is constructed by a combination of nine minerals called Navabashana and ...

18. Mariamman Temple - Samayapuram

At a distance of 1 km from Samayapuram Bus Stand, 11 km from Srirangam, 19 km from Trichy, 66 km from Thanjavur & 317 km from Chennai, Sri Mariamman Temple situated at Samayapuram on NH-45 is one of the popular temples in the state of Tamil Nadu. Sri Mariyamman Temple is dedicated to Samayapurathal or Mariamman, an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. The main deity in the sanctum is made of sand and clay and hence there are no abhishekams conducted to the main deity, but instead the abishekam is done to the small stone statue in front of it. According to legend, the present deity was at the Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam, and one of chief priests of the temple believed that the idol caused him illness and hence asked it to be removed from the temple. It is a common belief that such local deities have immense powers and they must always be satisfied by proper offerings and sacrifices. According to history, King Vijayaraya Chakaravarthi built the present day temple in 17th century. The Goddess Mariamman has enormous powers over curing illnesses and hence, it is a ritual to buy small metallic replicas made with silver or steel of various body parts that need to be cured, and these are deposited in the donation box. Devotees also offer mavilakku, a sweet dish made of jaggery, rice flour and ghee. Persons affected by Chickenpox and Smallpox come to this place, stay here and pray the Goddess for speedy recovery. Abisheka Theertham is sprinkled on them after Pooja. Car ...

19. Mayiladuthurai

At a distance of 37 km from Kumbakonam, 37 km from Karaikal and 42 km from Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai is a town and headquarters of the Mayiladuthurai Taluk in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. Mayiladuthurai is known for the Mayuranatha Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is one among the six temples which are compared as equivalent to the temple in Varanasi. The other 5 Shivasthalams are Tiruvenkaadu, Chaayaavanam, Tiruvaiyaru, Tiruvanchiam and Tiruvidaimarudur. This temple was reconstructed with stone in 10th century during the period of Sembiyan Mahadevi. However, the renovations from the 19th century have destroyed some of the older structures and the inscriptions. Some of the stone sculptures of Vinayakar, Natarajar, Dakshimamurthy, Lingodbhavar, Brahma, Ganga Visarjanamurthi, Durga and Bhikshatanar from the period of Sembiyan Mahadevi have been well preserved. The main diety is in the form of lingam called Mayuranathar and his consort Abhayambika appears as a peacock worshipping the Lord here. According to legend, Daksha, father of goddess Parvathi, conducted a Yagna but intentionally didn't invite Lord Shiva to humiliate him. Lord Shiva did not want Parvathi also to attend the Yagna. But Goddess Parvathi attended the function and was humiliated by Daksha. Lord Shiva in Veerabadra form and destroyed the Yagna. As Parvathi ignored Lord's advice, she was cursed to become a peacock. She came ...

20. Alagar Koil / Azhagar Koil

At a distance of 21 km north-east of Madurai, Alagar Koil is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu situated on a picturesque wooded hill. It is one of the major temples in Tamilnadu and an important pilgrimage site near Madurai city. The temple is the abode of Lord Vishnu and is the sacred place for several followers of Lord Vishnu in the region. It is situated in the Alagar hills and is also known as Azhagar Kovil. Here 'Vishnu' presides as Meenakshi's brother 'Azhagar'. The statue of the lord is made of stone and is a great masterpiece created from kallalgar. Several different statues in different postures of the Lord are all kept in the temple under the same roof and it is the best form of distinct temples in southern India. The impressive main tower at the entrance is believed to have been built by the Pandyan Kings. Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan (1251-1270 AD) has beautified the 'vimana' with gold plates. Later, during the reign of the Vijayanagar king Krishnadeva Raya, the temple has received good funding for conducting regular festivals. Timings: 9 AM - 6:30 PM

21. Sripuram

At a distance of 10 km from Vellore, 70 km from Kanchipuram, 120 km from Tirupati, 146 km from Chennai, and 212 km from Bangalore, Sripuram Golden Temple is a sacred Hindu temple situated in Tirumalaikodi at Southern Vellore, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the popular pilgrimage sites near Bangalore , and among the must visit places during Vellore trip . Sripuram Golden Temple is dedicated to the goddess Mahalakshmi. Constructed in the year 2007, The temple is built in 100 acres area of land and constructed by Vellore-based Sri Narayani Peetham, headed by spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Amma. The Vimana and Ardha Mandapa have been coated with gold both in the interior and exterior. Sripuram is the biggest structure made out of gold as one and a half tonnes of gold has been used for the construction of the temple with a cost of 600 crores. This is one of the prominent Vellore places to visit . The temple is built in Dravidian style with wonderful artwork. Sripuram design represents a star-shaped path (Sri chakra) running a length of over 1.8 km. The temple is positioned in the middle of a wonderfully maintained lush green landscape. One has to walk along the star path to reach the temple in the middle. One needs to walk about 1 km to reach the central gopuram from the main temple ...

22. Thiruvarur

At a distance of 2 km from Thiruvarur Junction, 40 km from Kumbakonam, 39 km from Karaikal and 62 km from Thanjavur, Thiruvarur is a famous temple town known for Sri Thyagaraja Temple is a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is the fore most form of the Saptha Vidanga Sthalams. Thyagaraja Swamy temple was first constructed by Aditya Chola I in 9th century. The temple was upgraded and rebuilt with stone by Rajendra Chola I in 11th century. The later expansions are attributed to Vijayanagar rulers. This temple is one of the biggest in the country and has the biggest temple chariot in Tamil Nadu. Sri Vanmikanathar (Lord Shiva) is the presiding deity of the temple. According to the legend, Vishnu worshipped Shiva in the form of Somaskanda, associated with Ajapa dance. Shiva is said to have appeared in an anthill to Vishnu. So, no abishekam is performed for Vanmikanathar. Daily poojas are offered to a small idol referred to as Marakatha lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Kamalambal. The image of Tyagarajar is the foremost of seven forms, which lord Indra had asked Muchukunda Cholan to pick up the original image of Somaskanda worshipped by Lord Vishnu. Muchukunda Cholan had picked the right one which is the present idol at Thiruvarur. Indra was pleased and rewarded all the 7 idols to Muchukundan, which he placed in 7 different temples in his territory which are Thiruvarur, Thirunallar, Thirukkuvalai, ...

23. Vaitheeswaran Koil

At a distance of 17 km from Mayiladuthurai, 27 km from Chidambaram, 45 kms from Karaikal , 54 km from Kumbakonam and 94 km from Thanjavur, Vaitheeswaran Koil is town in Nagapattinam district which is famous for the Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple. The temple is also known as Pullirukkuvelur. Vaidyanatha Swamy and Thaiyalnayaki are the presiding deities of this temple. The Selva Muthukumara Swamy shrine here is also considered to be of important. There are Shiva lingas said to have been worshipped by Rama, Jatayu, Skanda, Surya and Angaraka. It is believed that Rama and his brother Lakshmana cremated the vulture king Jatayu who was killed by Ravana when he tried to prevent the abduction of Sita at this place. There is a pond at this temple called Jatayu kundam. It is one of the Navagraha temples associated with the planet Mars (Angaraka). According to legend, Planet Mars was once afflicted with leprosy and was cured by Vaidyanatha Swamy and from then on it is treated as Angaraka sthalam. The temple has a five-tiered gopura and large enclosures. Lord Vaitheeswaran is worshipped as Shiva linga in the inner sanctum. The first enclosure around the sanctum has the image of Subramanya, worshipped here as Muthukumara Swamy. The other metal images in the sanctum are of Nataraja, Somaskanda, Angaraka and stone sculptures of Durga, Dakshinamoorthy, Surya and Jatayu. The shrine of Thaiyalnayaki who stands with the medicinal oil ...

24. Velankanni

At a distance of 1 km from Velankanni Railway Station, 31 km from Karaikal, 93 km from Thanjavur, 11 km from Nagapattinam, 161 km from Pondicherry, and 313 km from Chennai, the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health is located in Velankanni town of Tamil Nadu. Situated on the coast of Bay of Bengal, this is one of the most popular Christian pilgrimage in South India , and among the famous places to visit as part of Thanjavur trip . The Roman Catholic Latin Rite Basilica of Velankannin is devoted to Our Lady of Good Health. The Shrine of Our Lady of Velankanni is one of the most frequented religious sites in Tamilnadu . It can be traced back to the mid-16th century and is attributed to three miracles at different sites around where the Basilica currently stands. The appearance of Mary and Christ Child to a shepherd boy, the curing of a buttermilk vendor, and the rescue of Portuguese sailors from a violent sea storm are the miracles associated with this shrine. The shrine was started as a small structure in the mid-sixteenth century. The chapel was built by Portuguese sailors and became a parish church in 1771. Later in 1962 it was granted a special status of a Minor Basilica and merged with the Major Basilica of Mary in Rome on 3 November 1962 by Pope John XXIII. Representing a Gothic style of architecture, the ...

At a distance of 14 km from Karaikal , 85 Kms from Thanjavur, 9 Kms from Nagapattinam & 291 Kms from Chennai, Nagore is famous for a Muslim dargah dedicated to the 16th century saint Meeran Sahib. The Nagore Dargah shrines are situated at three locations, Nagore, Vanjur and Silladi. The main campus is at Nagore, spread over an area of about five acres, which is enclosed by compound wall, with four impressive entrances, one each on the north, south, east and west. In front of the western gate, just outside the compound, is a large tower, 131 feet tall, called 'Periya Minara'. Nagore Dargah literature discloses that Tanjore King Pratap Singh built -Periya Minara- around 1760 AD, about 200 years after the death of Meeran Sahib. He is said to have built it in appreciation of having received the grace of Meeran Sahib. Although this is a Muslim religious place, the dargah's rituals and architecture are influenced by Hinduism. Kandhuri festival during October and November is very popular.

26. Thiruchendur

At a distance of 59 km from Tirunelveli, 35 km from Tuticorin and 92 km from Kanyakumari , Thiruchendur is a small coastal town in the Toothukudi district of Tamil Nadu and is a popular pilgrimage destination situated in the Gulf of Mannar. Thiruchendur Murugan Kovil is the prime attraction of the town. This temple is considered to be one of the six Padai Veedu (Battle Camps) of Lord Murugan, the others being Thiruparamkundram, Palani, Swamimalai, Thiruthani and Pazhamudhircholai. This temple is known as the second Padai Veedu of Lord Muruga. Lord Muruga won the battle with the demon Surapadma and worshipped Lord Shiva at this sacred place. It is believed that the temple existed since the Vedic period, as it is mentioned in many ancient scripts. The main entrance to the temple faces south although the sanctum faces east. The 133 feet Rajagopura, built close to the shores of Bay of Bengal, is an outstanding example of Dravidian architecture. The Gopura consists of 9 storeys there are nine Kalasas at the top of the gopuram. This is the only Murugan temple situated on the sea shore. This temple was built by three holy saints. Lord Murugan is represented in various forms in the temple, the presiding deity (Moolavar) being Balasubramanya in standing posture. The other forms are Shanmugar, Jayanthinathar, and Kumaravidanga Perumal. The temple has two large enclosures. Adjacent to the sanctum is the Panchalingam ...

27. Srivilliputhur Andal Temple

At a distance of 80 km from Madurai and 100 km from Tirunelveli, Srivilliputhur Andal Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated at Srivilliputhur in Virudhunagar district of Tamilnadu. This is one of the popular temples in Tamilnadu and also one of the 108 divya desams of Lord Vishnu. The 11 tier Raja gopuram is the tallest in Tamilnadu and is also the Emblem of Tamil Nadu Government. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as Vatapatrasayi and his consort Lakshmi as Andal. It is believed to be the birthplace of two of the Alwars, namely Periazhwar and his foster daughter Andal. The Alwars lived in 8th century, so that the existence of the temple can be traced even before. Vatapatra Sayanar Temple was constructed by the King Villi who ruled the place. The tall temple tower was constructed by Peria Alwar with the help provided by the Pandian king Vallabadevan (765-815 AD). The Andal Shrine had been constructed by different kings of Pandya dynasty at different times. King Thirumalai Nayak had done many renovations. Srivilliputhur Temple is associated with the life of Andal, who was found under a Tulsi plant in the garden inside the temple by Periazhwar. She is believed to have worn the garland before dedicating it to the presiding deity of the temple. Periazhwar, who later found it, was highly upset and stopped the practice. It is believed Vishnu appeared in his dream and asked him to dedicate the garland worn by Andal to him daily, which is a practice ...

28. Swamimalai

At a distance of 9 km from Kumbakonam and 37 km from Thanjavur , Swamimalai, situated on the banks of river Cauvery, is known for Sri Swaminatha Swami Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. Swamimalai is famous for being one of the six Padai Veedugal (Battle Camps) of Lord Murugan, the others being Thiruparamkundram, Thiruchendur, Palani, Thiruthani and Pazhamudhircholai. The temple of Swaminatha is very ancient one and believed to be existed before 2nd century BC. It is said that Parantaka Chola I upgraded this temple. The temple was greatly damaged during the Anglo-French war between Hyder Ali and British in 1740. The presiding deity Lord Murugan is depicted here as expounding the meaning of Pranava mantra 'Aum' to his father Lord Shiva. According to legend, Brahma disrespected Murugan at the time of visiting Mount Kailash. The child Muruga got angry with Brahma and asked him how he was creating living beings. Brahma said that he was creating with the help of the Vedas. On hearing the reply, Muruga asked Brahma to recite the texts from Vedas. At that time Muruga stopped Brahma and asked him to explain the meaning of the Pranava Mantra. Brahma could not reply and hence Muruga got him imprisoned and took up the role of the creator. Devas requested Shiva to negotiate with Muruga to release Brahma. Shiva came to Muruga and asked him to release Brahma from imprisonment. Muruga refused to release him stating Brahma was ...

29. Thirubuvanam

At a distance of 500 m from Thirubhuvanam Bus Station, 9 km from Kumbakonam and 50 km from Thanjavur, Thirubhuvanam is well known for Kampahareswarar Temple, also known as Sarabeswarar temple. It is an ancient temple situated in Thirubhuvanam on Mayiladuthurai - Kumbakonam road. The Kampaheswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; the temple enshrines Kampaheswarar as the presiding deity, worshipped in the form of a Shiva Linga. According to legend, Shiva is believed to have relieved Kampa (quaking) of a king haunted by evil spirits on account of the king killing a Brahmin by mistake. This led to the name of Kampaheswarar. The temple was built by Kulottunga Chola III (1178-1216), to celebrate a military victory. However, Pandyan kings have completed the construction of this temple. The architecture of the temple resembles Brihadeshwarar Temple of Thanjavur, Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple. It is believed that the temple was the last holy place to have been built by the Chola Kings. The temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture. Similar to Brihadeswarar Temple, the vimana of the temple is extremely high compared to the Rajagopura. The 130 ft high tower (gopuram) of the sanctum sanctorum boasts several exquisitely carved sculptures. There are two gopuras and two enclosures, inner sanctum, artha mandapa, maha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The inner sanctum is a square-shaped structure. The Vimana has six ...

30. Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple

At a distance of 19 km from Coimbatore, Sri Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple also known as Anuvavi Subramaniar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Anuvavi Hills in Periya Thadagam in the outskirts of Coimbatore. It is one of the ancient temples in Coimbatore, and among the must-visit places as part of Coimbatore Tour Packages . Located on the Anaikatty highway, Sri Anuvavi Subramaniar Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is one of the religious shrines in the region. In earlier days, this place was actually called Hanu Bhavi where the word Hanu stands for Sri Anjaneya, and Vavi means Water Source in Tamil. As per the mythology, Sri Anjaneyar felt thirsty while passing through this hill with the Sanjeevi mount. He prayed to Lord Muruga here for water. Lord punched a place here with His Vel from where water sprang up and flowed like a river. Till now, the origin of the spring in the temple could not be discovered. As Kumara-Muruga helped Hanuman, the hill is also praised as Hanumakumaran Malai. It is believed that the sanctum sanctorum of the temple was built by Karikala Chola in the early Christian Era. The Ardha Mandapa and Mahamandapa were built during the Kongu Chola Period (11th to 13th centuries). From 14th to 17th centuries, the Hoysala, Vijayanagar, and Nayaka kings gave endowments. The famous Kanaka Sabhai was built by Alagadri Nayak of Madurai in the 17th century. Tippu Sultan of Mysore attached half of ...

31. Eachanari Vinayagar Temple

At a distance of 15 km from Coimbatore, Arulmigu Eachanari Vinayagar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Eachanari near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Situated on Coimbatore - Pollachi Main Road, it is one of the prominent temples in Coimbatore, and among the must-visit places during your Coimbatore Tour . Eachanari Vinayagar Temple is dedicated to elephant god Ganesha. There is an interesting little legend to this temple. It is said that when the idol of Lord Vinayagar was being transported from Madurai in a cart for installation at Perur Pateeswarar Temple, the axle of the cart broke. When the devotees tried to move the idol, the efforts did not materialize and this is how this temple came into being. The construction of the temple was done around 16 century AD, and it has been an important religious center ever since. The temple follows typical Dravidian-style architecture. The temple tower rises in layers, with many Hindu gods and goddesses and sacred animals and other motifs inscribed on it. The main deity's idol is about 6 feet in height and is 3 feet in diameter. The deity's face is black with a tilak on the forehead - typical to idols in the South Indian temple. The body of the deity was plated with bright gold in 2004. The main attraction of the Eachanari Vinayagar Temple is the daily Ganapathi Homam held everyday early morning at 5.30 PM, and is a costly affair, to both perform the offerings as ...

At a distance of 41 kms from Kodaikanal, 108 Kms from Coimbatore & 487 Kms from Chennai, Palani is one of the padi veedu for Lord Muruga and is an important pilgrim centre for Hindus. Palani is one of the popular pilgrimage sites in Tamilnadu and another popular attraction not to miss in a Kodaikanal tour package . Puranas have a story that Lord Muruga disappointed for Gnanapazham came here to stay alone. Lord Shiva & Goddess Uma Devi convinced him by saying that he itself is the fruit of knowledge (Gnanapazham) and called him as Pazham Nee. Thus the town got its name 'Pazhani'. The temple of Pazhaniandavar is situated in the Palani Hills at the height of about 1400 feet from the sea level. From the temple prakaram one can see the Idumban Hill, the Kodaikanal Hills, the rivers flowing around Palani, the greenfields and even the Kurinjiandavar temple in Kodaikanal hills on a clear day.

33. Thirumoorthy Hills & Waterfall

At a distance of 38 km from Pollachi, Thirumoorthy Hills is one of the charming outdoors near Pollachi. A part of the Anamalai range of the Western Ghats, it is one of the famous places to visit in near Pollachi. At the foot of the hills is the Thirumoorthy Temple, also known as Sri Amanalingeswarar Temple. A perennial stream flows by the side of the temple. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu trinity, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. Legend says that Athri Maharishi and his wife Anasuya Devi resided in these hills, and the Gods of the Hindu trinity had come down to test their devotion. The Gods asked Anasuya Devi to make their offerings in nudity. She agreed and changed the Gods as babies with her devotion, fed them & put them to sleep in a cradle. Athri came back afterward and hearing the story from Anasuya praised the three gods sleeping in the cradle. Later, the Trinities come back to their original form and give a boon to Anasuya. According to her wish, three children were born to her - Shiva is born as Sage Durvasa, Vishnu as Dattatreya, and Brahma as Chandra (Moon). Hence, this region is named as Thirumoorthy Hills. Thirumoorthy Dam has been constructed adjoining the Thirumurthy Hill near Amanalingeswarar Temple. The panorama of the Anamalai Hills surrounding the shimmering blue waters of the reservoir is a sight to behold. This area is a popular spot for shooting films thanks to the beauty of the region. It is the perfect place for tourists who love ...

34. Thiruttani

At a distance of 13 km from Arakkonam, 44 km from Kanchipuram, 86 km from Chennai and 65 km from Tirupati, Thiruthani is a holy town located in Tiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu and is famous for the Murugan Temple. This temple is one among the six Padai Veedus (Battle Grounds) of Lord Murugan, other five are Palani, Swamimalai, Tirupparangunram, Pazhamudircholai and Thiruchendur. This place represents the site where Subramanya stayed after destroying the demon Surapadman. Tiruttani is also said to be the place where the Lord Subramanya married Valli - one of his two consorts. This temple has been mentioned in the Sangam period work Tirumurugaatruppadai composed by Nakkeerar. According to legend, Devayani, daughter of Indra married Lord Murugan and was presented Indra's elephant Airavatam as part of his dowry offering. Upon Airavatam's departure Indra found his wealth waning. Lord Subramanya is said to have offered to return the white elephant, however Indra refused to accept a gift that he had made and instead requested that the elephant face his direction, hence the image of the elephant in this temple also faces the east. The hill temple is reachable by a motorable road and is also accessed through a plight of 365 steps. The temple has 4 enclosures and a series of temple towers. There is a shrine to Aapat Sahaaya Vinayakar who helped the Murugan in winning Valli's hand in marriage. The processional image of Murugan is housed in a Rudraksha tower. The large ornament ...

35. Adikesava Perumal Temple - Thiruvattaru

At a distance of 7 km from Marthandam and 45 km from Kanyakumari, Sri Adikesava Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple located in Thiruvattaru. It is one of the 108 divya desams of Sri Vaishnavas and also one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Kanyakumari. The temple is dedicated to Sri Adikesava Perumal, meaning 'Foremost Friend'. According to the legend, Lord Adikesava defeated the demon Kesi. The demon's wife prayed to the River Ganges and River Thamirabarani and created destruction. They came in spate to wash off the Lord. Mother Earth simply raised the ground level where Perumal was reclining. Both Rivers went round the Lord, prayed to Him and continued to flow round as two garlands. Thus, the formation of the rivers made in a circle came to be known as Thiruvattaru. The temple was built in Dravidian style architecture with wooden pillars, doors and roofs. The presiding deity here is in reclining posture along with Goddess Maragathavalli Nachiar. Though there are similarities between the Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple of Thiruvananthapuram, the Thiruvattar temple is older. The gigantic idol of the Lord stands at 22 feet, bigger than Anantha Padmanabhaswamy. The presiding deity is made of mustard, lime powder and jaggery. The lord is lying on his snake couch and has to be viewed through three doors. Adikesava Perumal's feet is on the left and head on the right; it is the reverse in Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple. A Shiva lingam is situated near Lord Adikesava ...

36. Papanasam Temple

At a distance of 15 km from Ambasamudram and 47 km from Tirunelveli, Papanasam is a small town in Ambasamudram Taluk of Tirunelveli district in Tamilnadu. It is one of the popular picnic spots in Tirunelveli. Papanasam has a famous temple called the Papanasam Sivan Temple which lies on the banks of Thamirabarani River. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati who are worshipped as Papanasanathar and Ulagammai respectively. This is the place where Saint Agasthiyar got the Kalyana dharshan of Lord Shiva and Parvati along with his wife Lopamudra. The Shiva lingam of the temple is completely made up of Rudraksha. Of the nine Kailash Kshetras - Nava Kailash, Papanasam is the first place and is attributed to Sun God. Hence, the place is known as Surya Kshetra and Surya Kailash. Devotees strongly believe that Lord Shiva in this temple is most powerful and cures all kind of diseases. The temple is famous for its Chittirai Peruvila where the festivities used to happen for 13 days. Another attraction of this village is the Papanasam Dam, also known as the Thamirabarani River Dam. It is believed to have been built during the British era and is surrounded by high mountains and huge trees. The dam is about 240 m high, 5.4 m wide and 265 m long and has a total catchment area of around 147 sq. km. Boating is possible in the lake but swimming is strictly prohibited as it is populated with crocodiles. ...

37. Sivasailam Temple

At a distance of 12 km from Papanasam and 47 km from Tirunelveli, Sri Sivasailanathar Paramakalyani Temple is a 500 year old Saivaite temple situated on the banks of River Gadana at Sivasailam in Tamilnadu. Popularly called as Sivasailam Temple, this is one of the famous Shiva temples near Tirunelveli. The Sivasailam Temple is dedicated to Lord Sivasailanathar and Goddess Parvati. Built by Pandiyas, the temple is surrounded by Velli malai, Mulli malai and Podhigai hills. It is believed that the Shiva Lingam in the sanctum is swayambhu lingam. At the back of the statue, there are lines that appear like hair, so he is also called Sadaiappar. This can be seen through a hole while strolling around the sanctum sanctorum. This is visible only when the Archakar gives Aarathi at the back of the lingam. The temple is huge with many mandapams and carved pillars. The principle gopuram has five stories and is embellished with numerous statues. The specialty of the temple is the huge statue of Nandi. Legend says that the Nandi was sculpted so beautifully that if came to life and started to lift off. Hence, the sculptor had to stroke it on its back so that it remained seated. The mark of the stroke can be seen today. Besides Lord Shiva, Vinayakar, Murugan, 63 Nyanmars, Dakshina Moorthy, and Natarjar are the other deities in this temple. There is a separate shrine for Goddess Paramakalyani which is situated next to the main sanctum. There are also some stone inscriptions ...

38. Narubunatha Swamy Temple

At a distance of 16 km from Ambasamudram and 30 km from Tirunelveli, Narubunatha Swamy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated at Thirupudaimaruthur near Veeravanallur in Ambasamudram Taluk of Tirunelveli district, Tamilnadu. Situated at the merging place of Gadana River & Thamirabarani River, this temple is one of the oldest temples in Tirunelveli region. Also known as Thirupudaimaruthur Temple, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is more than 1200 years old. Maravarman, the king of Madurai and his son had built a small temple in 650 BCE. After that, Pandiyas, Vijayanagara Kings and Kalakkad Kings expanded the temple. The sanctum sanctorum has a huge Shiva lingam, which is known as Pudaar Jeeneshwarar or Narumbunathar. The Shiva lingam leans slightly towards the left side and has marks of scratches made by deer and sickle cut. According to the legend, the region was under the rule of Maravarman then. He came to this place dense with Marudha trees for hunting. He targeted a deer which hid itself in the hole of a tree. The king ordered to cut the tree to get the deer out. But blood came out of the tree where the king found a Shiva lingam with a hit on the head caused by the instrument. He heard a voice saying that Shiva himself graced them through the deer. He built the temple as directed by the Lord. Situated in 6 acres of land, Thirupudaimaruthur Temple's compound walls measure 575 feet in length. The temple gopuram has five tiers. There are many ...

39. Thirupullani

At a distance of 15 km from Ramanathapuram, and 66 km from Rameshwaram, Thirupullani is a temple town situated near Rameshwaram. It is one of the prominent places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu, and among the must-visit places during your Rameshwaram Trip . The town is known for Aadi Jagannatha Perumal Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Popularly known as Thirupullani Temple, it is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples of Lord Vishnu. It is also known as Dharbasayanam as Rama took rest on a couch of grass at this place. Other names of this place are Thiruvadanai, Pularanyam, Adhisethu and Ratnaharam. This ancient temple not only attracts visitors because of its sacredness but also for its historical background and architectural excellence. Built during the reign of Cholas, various contributions were made to this temple during Pandyan rule and the rule of Sethupathy Kings. It is now maintained by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of Tamil Nadu Government. Built-in the Dravidian style of architecture, the presiding deity of the temple is Lord Dharba Sayana Rama. The specialty of this temple is that Lord has been shown in a reclining posture. There are also separate shrines for Goddess Padmasini, who is the consort of Lord Adi Jagannatha, Goddess Shridevi, Goddess Bhudevi, Lord Krishna. Timings: 7 AM - 12.30 PM & 3.30 PM - 8.30 PM

40. Sri Sankaranarayana Swamy Temple - Sankarankovil

At a distance of 16 km from Thirumalpuram and 56 km from Tirunelveli, Sri Sankaranarayana Swamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple situated at Sankarankovil in Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu. It is one of the top pilgrimage places to visit in Tirunelveli region and also one of the popular temples in Tamilnadu. The temple is dedicated to Sankaranarayanar, who is the combined manifestation of Shiva and Vishnu. This temple was built by Ukkira Pandiya Thevar in the 11th century AD. This temple also called as Avudaiamman Kovil or Davasu Kovil. According to mythology, once the devotees of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva quarreled with each other to determine whose god is powerful. Then Lord Shiva appeared as Sankaranarayanar to mark his devotees to understand that both Hari and Shiva are one and the same. So it is held sacred by Saivites and Vaishnavites as well. Hence this temple depicts the concept of Hari and Haran being one God. The temple of Sankaranarayana is situated on 4.5 acre site in the heart of the Sankarankovil Town. It is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalas in the South Pandiya country. With an imposing Rajagopuram, rising to a height of 135 feet with nine tiers, this temple is surrounded by high walls and the tower has many beautiful images. Lord Sri Sankaranarayana is the main deity in this temple. The right portion of the idol has sandal and indicates Lord Siva, with cobra around his neck & moon above his head. The left side of the idol indicates Lord Vishnu ...

41. Thirukkurungudi

At a distance of 45 km from Nagercoil, 46 km from Tirunelveli and 49 km from Kanyakumari, Thirukkurungudi is a holy place for Hindus situated on the banks of Nambi River at the foot hills of Mahendragiri in Tamilnadu. There are five Nambis in this Kshetram. They are Ninra Nambi (Standing posture), Irundha Nambi (Sitting posture), Kidandha Nambi (Sleeping posture), Thiruparkadal Nambi and Thirumalai Nambi. Of these, Ninra Nambi Temple is the main temple and is located in the center of the town flanked by four big Mada Veethis. The Nambi Rayar Temple or Thirukkurungudi Temple is 1300 years old. It is also called as Vaamana Kshetram and is one among the 108 divya desams of Lord Vishnu. According to the legend, Goddess Bhudevi was abducted by the demon Hiranyaksha and hid her deep under the ocean. All the deities and sages prayed to Lord Vishnu to retrieve Mother Earth from the demon. Lord Vishnu transformed into a wild boar and plunged into deep under the ocean. Lord Varaha had fierce battle with Hiranyaksha and saved Mother Earth. After this glorious incident Lord Vishnu along with Goddess Bhudevi arrived on this sacred land. He passionately looked upon Goddess and shrunk his terrifying size into normal. Thus, this place has got in its name 'Thirukkurungudi'. Covering an area of 18 acres, the temple has five prakarams, and is surrounded by a massive wall, crowned with a five tiered gopuram. The Vijayanagara rulers and the Nayaks of Madurai have made several ...

42. Sorimuthu Ayyanar Temple

At a distance of 12 km from Papanasam and 61 km from Tirunelveli, Arulmigu Sorimuthu Ayyanar Temple is situated between Papanasam and Karaiyar Dam in Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu. Located on the bank of River Thamirabarani, this is one of the 6 important Sastha Temples in South India. The presiding deity of the temple is Mahalinga Swamy. Lord Dharma Sastha appears with his left leg bent and the right hanging down. Sorimuthu Ayyanar is a kuladevata for many families in the area. Families that are not aware of their kuladevata are also welcome here. As it is the first Ayyappan temple, people who resolve to begin the Sabarimala yatra, come here to wear their mala. The name of the temple is derived from 'Pon Soriyum Muthiar', which means the Lord who pours down golden rain on the plateau. Here, Muthianar is worshipped along with his two consorts - Pushkala and Poorna. Ayyappa's lieutenants, Sangili Bhootham, Thoosi Madan, Thulasi Madan, Pechi, Isakki and Pattavarayan are also worshipped here. There are also shrines dedicated to Vinayaka, Bhairava and Devi. Interestingly, this temple has many unique offerings. Here, devotees offer wooden legs and cloth dolls to the deity with humble prayers. People who suffer from leg and joint ailments offer wooden legs. Couples without children come here to pray for progeny by presenting rag dolls to express their desire. People offer bronze bells to Bhoothanathar and chappals to Valai Pagadai. Ashada Amavasya is celebrated ...

43. Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple - Srivaikuntam

At a distance of 29 km from Tirunelveli and 39 km from Thoothukudi, Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple is an ancient temple situated at Srivaikuntam in Thoothukudi district of Tamilnadu. Located on the banks of the river Thamirabarani, this is one of the 108 divya desams of Lord Vishnu and the first of the Navatirupathis. Also called Srivaikuntam Temple and Kallapiran Temple, Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Vaikuntanathar. It is believed that this temple was used as a fort in the fight between the legendary freedom fighter Veerapandiya Kattabomman and the British in the 1800s. The temple is classified as a Navatirupathi, the nine temples revered by Nammazhwar located on the banks of Thamirabarani River. This is the first in the series of these nine Tirupathi Temples. There are many legends associated with this temple. According to one legend, Somuka, a demon stole the four Vedas from Lord Brahma. Brahma was helpless and he did severe penance on the banks of Thamirabarani River seeking favour from Lord Vishnu. Pleased with the penance of Brahma, Vishnu agreed to help Brahma. Vishnu killed the demon and restored the Vedas to Brahma. Lord Vishnu set his abode as Srivaikuntam and resided there as Vaikuntanathar. Another story goes that the Lord, disguised as the thief, presented himself before the King to save the thief Kaaladhushakan, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hence, the Lord here is also known as 'Kallapiran'. The ...

44. Sri Kailasanathar Temple - Srivaikuntam

At a distance of 1 km from Sri Vaikuntanatha Swamy Temple, 30 km from Tirunelveli and 39 km from Thoothukudi, Sri Kailasanathar Temple is another important Hindu temple situated in Srivaikuntam town of Tamilnadu. Sri Kailasanathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is the 6th Nava Kailasam temple which is dedicated to Planet Saturn. The temple is originally believed to be built by the Pandiya king, Chandrakula Pandiya. He built the central shrine and vimana of the temple. Veerappa Nayak (1609-23 AD), a ruler of Madurai Nayak dynasty built the Yagasala, flag staff and Sandana Sababathy hall. According to the legend, Sage Romasa wanted to install the Shivalingas on the banks of the Thamirabarani. So, he asked his guru Agasthiya about this, who advised to throw flowers used for Shiva puja on the river and do the installations wherever the flowers reached the shores. Based on his advice, sage Romasa threw lotus flowers, nine of these flowers reached the bank. One lotus flower reached Srivaikuntam and is dedicated to one of the planets Sri Sani Bhagawan. The temple was constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. It has three precincts. Shiva is worshipped as Kailasanathar and his consort Parvati as Sivakami. Sri Sani Bhagawan Sannidhi is situated separately. Those who are affected by Sani dosha pray to Sri Kailasanathar and Sri Sani to get the curse relieved. It is a belief that this is equal to Thirunallaru Sani Bhagawan temple. A guardian deity, ...

45. Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple - Mannargudi

At a distance of 36 km from Kumbakonam, 45 km from Thanjavur and 96 km from Trichy, Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple is a Vaishnavite shrine located in the town of Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu. Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple is dedicated to Rajagopalaswamy, an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The temple was first constructed by Kulothunga Chola I. Successive kings of the Chola Empire, Rajaraja Chola III, Rajendra Chola III and kings of Thanjavur Nayaks, Achyuta Devaraya expanded the temple. The temple contains inscriptions of the Hoysala kings and some Vijayanagara grants and many records of the later Nayaks and Marathas. The Thanjavur Nayaks made the temple as their dynastic and primary shrine and made significant additions. The temple is spread over an area of 23 acres and is one of the important Vaishnavite shrines in India. The temple is called Dakshina Dwarka along with Guruvayoor by Hindus. The sanctum of the temple enshrines a 7 feet high image of Vaasudeva with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhoodevi. The Utsava murthi idol is of exquisite beauty and is adorned with precious jewellery and colourful flowers. Along with him are his consorts Rukmani and Satyabhama. The temple also has 24 shrines, 7 mandapams, 9 theerthams, 16 gopurams and 7 prakarams that were constructed by Kulothunga Chola I. The temple complex has intricate carvings and depicts the architecture grandeur of Cholas and Thanjavur Nayaks. The present shrine along with a 1000-pillard hall and the big compound wall ...

46. Parvathamalai

At a distance of 36 km from Thiruvannamalai, Parvathamalai is a mystical mountain situated at Thenmathimangalam village in the Tiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu. Located in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, it is one of the top pilgrimage places near Chennai, and among the best places to visit near Madurai . Parvathamalai holds great spiritual significance and is known for its natural beauty. The name Parvathamalai means Mountain of the Goddess in Tamil, highlighting its connection to Hindu mythology and spirituality. At the peak of Parvathamalai stands the Parvatha Malaiyappan Temple, dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, believed to have been established by Siddhars, individuals with extraordinary spiritual abilities known as siddhi. The temple has no door and remains open at all times, showcasing the divine powers of the deity. Legend has it that the hill is a fragment of the Sanjeevani Mountain carried by Lord Hanuman to revive Lakshmana, Lord Rama's brother, containing potent herbs capable of curing deadly diseases. Wise saints decided to construct a temple atop the hill for meditation purposes. Parvathamalai is considered a place of hidden supreme powers where miraculous events occur. Locals and pilgrims alike believe that Siddhars reside in and around the hill, engaging in meditation and occasionally granting darshan to fortunate visitors. Devotees embark ...

47. Sri Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple / Sundararaja Perumal Temple

At a distance of 34 km from Srirangam Railway Station, and 41 km from Trichy, Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple, also known as Sundararaja Perumal Temple is a HIndu temple situated at Anbil village in the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli in Tamilnadu. It is one of the best places to visit near Trichy, and among the must-visit tourist places in Srirangam tour . Also known as Thiru Anbil, Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Sundararajan and his consort as Sundaravalli. The temple is mentioned in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the ancient Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th-9th centuries CE. Located on the northern bank of the river Kollidam, the temple is believed to have been constructed by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century CE, with later contributions from Vijayanagara kings and Madurai Nayaks. Inscriptions on copper plates found in Anbil reveal the generous support provided by the Chola kings to this temple. Presently, the temple is maintained and overseen by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. According to legend, the Hindu god of creation Brahma believed that he was the most handsome individual in the world as he created all the human beings. Upon learning this, Lord Vishnu cursed Brahma to be born as an earthly being. Brahma worshiped Vishnu for ...

48. Alangudi Guru Bhagavan Temple / Apatsahayeswarar Temple

At a distance of 17 km from Kumbakonam, and 37 km from Thanjavur, Apatsahayeswarar Temple, or Guru Sthalam or Tiru Irum Poolai is a Hindu temple located in the village of Alangudi near Kumbokanam. It is one of the significant places to visit during your Kumbakonam tour packages . Apatsahayeswarar Temple is dedicated to Shiva, who is worshipped here as Apatsahayeswarar, the one who consumed the poison of Vasuki Nag to protect humanity during samudra manthan.His consort Parvati is depicted as Elavarkuzhali in this temple. Originally built by the Cholas, the current structure dates back to the Nayak period in the 16th century. The temple is revered as Paadal Petra Sthalam by the Nayanmars in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram. Alangudi Temple is also known for being the holy abode of the planet Jupiter or Brihaspati, Often referred to as the 'Guru Sthalam', this is one of the Navagraha Temples in Tamilnadu where Lord Guru is worshipped as Sri Dakshinamurthy. Thousands of devotees visit Alangudi, especially during Jupiter's transit, seeking protection from Guru Bhagavan. Spanning over two acres, Apatsahayeswarar Temple is surrounded by three holy rivers namely, Cauvery, Kolidam, and Vennaru. The temple has a 5-tier rajagopuram surrounded by two prakarams. The main deity, Apatsahayesvarar, is in the form of Lingam and is believed to be Swayambulinga. Alangudi Temple is unique for its ...

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