Best Places to visit in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu, heartland of southern India, is the birthplace of Dravidian civilization. It is the place for long meandering coastlines, thick forests, lush mountains, elaborate temple architectures, rock sculptures, multi colored gopurams, and classical music & dance.

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN TAMIL NADU

Chennai

Chennai, the first British settlement in India, was established in 1639 by the East India Company. Modern day Chennai is now an amalgamation of monuments of British Raj period, brightly colored Portuguese churches, Hindu temples and modern buildings. It is a good starting point to start your journey into the cradle of Dravidian civilization.

Things to see and do : Vivekandana Illam (Ice House), Kapaleeshwar Temple, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Marina Beach, San Thome Cathedral, Government Museum, Theosophical Society, and day trip to Dakshinachitra.

When to go : November to February.

Our 2 cents :

• If you are going further south to Mammallapuram, then you can stop at Dakshinachitra on the way.
• Chennai has a selection of excellent vegetarian restaurants. Try Cholayil Sanjeevanam, Murugan Idly Kadai (Shop) and Vegnation.

Mammallapuram

Mammallapuram, once a busy port city of the Pallava Dyanasty, is famous for its giant monolithic temples. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a good starting point for those setting off on the popular Tamil Nadu Temple Route.

Things to see and do : Arjuna’s Penance, Five Rathas, Shore Temple, Krishna’s Butterball, and Krishna’s Mandapam.

When to go : November to March.

Our 2 cents :

• Spend at least one night here so that you can visit Shore Temple and the Panch Rathas early in the morning before the day trippers arrive from Chennai.
• All the other sites are pretty much in the same complex. You can cover them on the day you arrive at Mammallapuram.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

The city of Gangaikonda Cholapuram was founded by Rajendra Chola to commemorate his victory over the Ganga empire. It is now known for the magnificent Gangaikondacholisvaram temple which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Great Living Chola Temples.

Things to see and do : Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple

When to go : December to March.

Our 2 cents :

• Since it is not an in use temple, one can complete the tour in about 2-3 hours.
• Apart from the temple, there is nothing much to see here. Hence drive on to your next destination after visiting the temple.

Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam, a temple town nestled in the Cauvery Delta, is home to many intricately carved Chola temples. It is here that Lord Shiva shot an arrow to break the celestial pot (Kumbam) so that life could begin again after the Great Deluge.

Things to see and do : Kumbeswarar Temple, Mahamaham Tank, Sarangapani Temple, Airavateeswara Temple at nearby Darasuram (14 Kms), Gangaikondacholapuram Temple Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram (36 Kms).

When to go : December to March.

Our 2 cents :

• Gangaikonda Cholapuram can be done as a detour visit on the way between Kumbakonam and Chidambaram. Hence plan your itinerary accordingly.
• Kumbakonam has a lot more accommodation options. Hence use it as a base to explore the neighboring regions. It also a good place to pick up brass souvenirs and/or antiques.

Thanjavur

Thanjavur, the capital of the Cholas, is one of the most fertile cities in the region due to its location on the Cauvery Delta. The gorgeous Brihadeeswar Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) makes Thanjavur a worthy detour stop on your way to either Thiruchirapalli or Chettinad.

Things to see and do : Brihadeeswar Temple

When to go : December to February.

Our 2 cents :

• Thanjavur is best covered as a detour on your itinerary.
• Thanjavur paintings are a popular souvenir.

Tiruchirapalli

Tiruchirapalli, fondly called Trichy, is home to two remarkable temples – Malaikittai Fort Temple and Ranganathaswamy Temple. The name Tiruchirappalli literally translates to “City of the Three-Headed Demon”.

Things to see and do : Malaikittai Fort Temple, Ranganathaswamy Temple and Grand Anaicut.

When to go : December to March.

Our 2 cents :

• Go to Malaikottai Temple in the evening so that you can view the city from up there after sundown.
• The view tower at Ranganathaswamy Temple offers fabulous views.

Chettinad

Chettinad is a cluster of villages around Karaikudi known for its fabulous cuisine and gorgeous mansions built by the merchants.

Things to see and do : Chettinad mansions and gorge on the great food.

When to go : November to February.

Our 2 cents :

• Chettinad is a great place to hunt for souvenirs.
• Sample the local cuisine which is a unique twist on the traditional south indian fare.

Madurai

Madurai, one of the oldest cities in South India, is a great place to take a peek into the vibrant culture of Tamil Nadu. Birth place of legendary writer and poets, Madurai is home to the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple.

Things to see and do : Meenakshi Amman Temple, Day trip to Rameswaram

When to go : October to March.

Our 2 cents :

• Evening aarti at Meenakshi Amman Temple is quite an experience.
• There are privately run buses which offer day trips to Rameswaram.

Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, is the place where one can see the confluence of the three seas – The Bay of Bengal, The Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is also one of the best places to catch spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Things to see and do : Vivekananda Rock, Thirivalluvar Memorial, Devi Kumari Temple, Guhanadeeswara Temple, Sunrises & Sunsets.

When to go : November to March.

Our 2 cents :

• Puja holidays (October to November) can get very busy.
• The sunrises and sunsets are quite magical.