Tamil Nadu Tourism

Tamil Nadu - Let’s Indulge in Adventure Sports

Tamil Nadu offers some of the best adventure sports to experience the thrill when you are on its beautiful shores. Indulging in adventure activity is the best way to enjoy your holidays in Tamil Nadu. Some of the best adventure activities to enjoy in Tamil Nadu are-

• Trekking at Anamalai hills and forests, Pandaravadai Peak and Nilgiri sub-tropical and west temperate forests.

• Surfing at Mahabalipuram will blow your heart away.

• Rock and Paragliding at Yelagiri- Try it once, you won’t regret it.

• Dolphin’s Nose-Vellagavi-Kumbakkarai trail would be the most challenging treks of all.

• Sailing, Surfing, kiteboarding, kayaking and stand-up paddle are the best water sports to enjoy in Manapad near Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu.

• Snorkeling and diving Rameswaram beach would elevate your thrill to a different level.

• Hang- gliding at St Thomas Mount is one of the best things to do in Tamil Nadu.

All these adventure sports would make your holiday experience in Tamil Nadu the best one to remember. Not only will it give you thrill and excitement but also it will not make your day passive, you will not feel dull and bored. Tamil Nadu also has wildlife sanctuaries like Mudumalai to enjoy thrilling safaris as well as learn about rich flora and fauna.

Natural Beauty of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a paradise for nature lovers and solace seekers, its land is sparsely dotted with some of the most beautiful hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal that make an ideal escape during the peak summer season.

Yercaud, Yelagiri, Kodaikanal, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Velliangiri Hills, Kolli Hills are some of the most visited hill stations of Tamil Nadu. It is also a land of exquisite beaches, perfect for blissful beach vacation. The simple pleasures of life can be best seen in having a beach walk, clicking stunning pictures, listening to the soothing music of waves, indulging in some water sports and having delicious seafood.

Beaches of Tamil Nadu offer these simple pleasures of life to spend some moments with your closed ones. Some of the top beaches for a family vacation in Tamil Nadu are Covelong, Marina, Mahabalipuram, Rameshwaram, Auro, Elliot and Kanyakumari. Honeymooners from all over India, prefer beach destinations in Tamil Nadu to spend some moments of togetherness.

There is also no shortage of pristine lakes and waterfalls in Tamil Nadu. It is a home to the biggest saltwater lake in India - Pulicat Lake. Decked with rich flora and fauna and amazing sunset views Lakes in Tamil Nadu have created a special place in the heart of tourists. The glimmering waterfalls are equally stunning. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, these scenic waterfalls rejuvenate the mind, body and soul of the tourists. These are nature’s best gifts, preserved by utmost care in the Land of Tamil Nadu. One must visit the beautiful waterfalls and Lakes of Tamil Nadu.

Some of the best Lakes and Waterfalls in Tamil Nadu are –

• Courtallam Waterfalls

• Kumbakarai Waterfalls

• Monkey Falls

• Panchalinga Waterfalls

• Suruli Waterfalls

• Kaliveli Lake

• Veeranam Lake

• Pulicat lake

• Red Hills Lake

Culture and Heritage - Let’s Dig into the Ancient Past of Tamil Nadu

There are copious things to do that further enhance your experience at this impeccable destination in India. Indeed, Tamil Nadu is an inviting tourist place, the travel guide of which promises delightful experiences to cherish. To enhance the cultural tour experience in Tamil Nadu, you can include flavorsome Tamil Nadu cuisine that goes beyond the conventional idli, dosa, and sambar. Relish delicious seafood, rice dishes, and a lot of vegetarian delights.

There are many Museums that will give you the glimpse of India’s ancient Past and the rich cultures and heritage of Tamil Nadu. There Are 25 museums, observatories and art galleries in Tamil Nadu to be precise. If you are a history buff, three museums soothe your curious soul.

Gandhi Museum, Dakshinachitra Museum, India Seashell Museum, Kanyakumari Wax Museum, Chennai Rail Museum, Fort Museum and Click Art Museum are some of the best museums to visit in TamilNadu.

Moreover, festivals like Mamallapuram Dance Festival, Thaipusam, Meenakshi Kalyanam, and Pongal let you have a holistic cultural tour. The famed UNESCO World Site, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, monuments of Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), Chola temples at Thanjavur, Darasuram, and Gangaikondacholapuram simply add to Tamil Nadu's tourism. These are the exquisite destinations to know about the rich treasure of cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

Relax and Holiday Shopping: Best Things to Buy from Tamil Nadu

If the plethora of tourist attractions are not enough then wrap up your holiday with a session of some retail therapy and take back with your local handmade items and yes that soft and elegant Silk clothes. Your holidays in Tamil Nadu will be more delightful if you indulge in shopping. Every state in Tamil Nadu has its own charm for shopping.

Kanchipuram is very popular for silk sarees. If you are here then shop for authentic Kanchipuram sarees. You will find various designs like floral, stripes, checks and temple borders. Chennai houses authentic woodcraft. Your soul will be overpowered by the wood art work. It is generally made up of Bamboo, palm, grass, cane and reeds.

Textiles in Tamil Nadu are one of a kind. Premium quality silk, cotton dhotis and fabrics are produced here. Moreover, Thanjavur is one of the best places for shopping in Tamil Nadu. Large number of musical instruments, metal arts, Thanjavur paintings which are world famous will soothe your shopper soul if you are on a holiday in Tamil Nadu.

If you are fond of sculptures and statues, then there is no better place than Mahabalipuram and jewelries in Madurai will set your heart in a plane to fly for bliss. If you want to pamper your loved ones then make them happy by buying some awesome gifts and souvenirs.

If this is not enough, you can also soothe your eyes with home decors and traditional gifts. Tamil Nadu has no dearth of places for shopping. You just have to explore and be one with the soul of colorful markets.

Best Time for Visiting Tamil Nadu for Holidays

Tamil Nadu can get extremely hot during the summer season but the hill stations are the best places to visit here. During the winter season, the temperature is cool and favorable for sightseeing or enjoying adventure activities.

Top 10 Most Visited Attractions & Tourist Places of Tamil Nadu

Chennai – Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is the gatekeeper of South Indian culture, art and traditions. It is one of the top 10 visited cities of Tamil Nadu as it is the only place where one can find unique blend of modernity and Traditionality. From heritage monuments, churches, museums to pristine beaches, theme parks and cafes, it serves as an all-in-one place for tourists.

Ooty – Decked with the highest peak in the Nigiris- Ootacamund, dotted with lush green hills and enchanted forests and the scenic charm of Doddabetta, and perfect weather makes Ooty the most attractive and one of the top 10 places to visit in Tamil Nadu.

Madurai – The oldest cities of Tamil Nadu is a must not miss place as it is very popular for its ancient grand temples of exquisite architecture and artwork. It houses the world famous Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple. Moreover, it is also famous for its unique handmade products.

Kodaikanal – Princess of Hills Kodaikanal is world famous for its Neel Kurinji flowers which blooms after every 12 years in December, turning the whole landscape into a blue paradise. Ancient temples, scenic waterfalls, Palani hills and grand churches makes Kodaikanal the land of beauty and magnificence.

Rameshwaram – Rameshwaram is a beautiful spiritual retreat for tourists and devotees in Tamil Nadu. Known for Shri Ramanathaswamy Temple along with other religious sites, it is one of the most visited pilgrimage places to visit in India.

Kanchipuram – Silk and Spirituality are the two things that define Kanchipuram. The rich legacies of Pallava dynasty in the form of mesmerizing temples is the specialty of Kanchipuram. Moreover, the renowned Kanjiwaram Sarees of premium quality can only be found in Kanchipuram. This is why Kanchipuram being one of the top 10 places to visit in Tamil Nadu.

Coimbatore – Coimbatore is known as ‘Manchester of South India’ due to its top-quality Village cot sarees and gold and diamond cut jewelries. It also houses the fascinating Western Ghats which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is of great universal value. It is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu.

Vellore – This city has a diverse cultural heritage as it is a voice of different cultures. Pallava, Chola, Nayaks, Maratha, Carnatic Nawab and Bijapur’s Sultan Kingdoms have ruled Vellore for hundreds of years and played a great role in the development of the state. Vellore is also known as the Fort City of Tamil Nadu.

Kanyakumari – Kanyakumari is situated at the meeting point of three oceans- Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean which makes it a popular point of tourist interests in Tamil Nadu. Sunrise and Sunset from the ocean can only be witnessed from this place. Don’t miss the landmark destination of Kanyakumari – Kanyakumari Temple.

Mahabalipuram – Mahabalipuram is a place which can not be missed if you are visiting Tamil Nadu. It is decked with several UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples of Mahabalipuram is a greatest and the most unique art piece of Pallava Dynasty and in the history of mankind. This place is also famous for its seashell jewellery.

A Quick Information About the State - Tamil Nadu

Tamil Region	South India
Tamil Nadu Capital	Chennai
Coordinates of Tamil Nadu	11.1271° N, 78.6569° E
Total Population of Tamil Nadu	72.14 million (According to 2011 Census)
Geographical Area	1,30,058 sq.km.
Total Districts in Tamil Nadu	38
Religion	Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism, Buddhism
Major Tribes in Tamil Nadu	Toda, Kota, Kurumbas, Irulur, Paniyan and Kattunayakan,
Languages	Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam
State Animal of Tamil Nadu	Nilgiri Tahr
State Bird of Tamil Nadu	Multicoloured Emerald Dove
State Tree of Tamil Nadu	Palmyrah
Major Tourism Cities in Tamil Nadu	Chenna, Coimbatore, Madurai. Tiruchirappalli,Salem,Erode,Vellore. Thoothukudi, Thanjavur, kodaikanal, Rameswaram, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Kanyakumari,Tuticorin, Chidambaram, Theni and Vellore,
Major Tourist Attractions	Forts, Palaces, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves, Temples, Lakes, Waterfalls & Museums
Awesome Gifts and Souvenirs to Buy from Tamil Nadu	Silk Sarees, Woodcraft, Musical Instruments, Jewelries, Sculptures and Statues, Paintings, Textiles Items