Tamil Nadu is one of the most visited tourist spots in India. Enriched with culture and traditions, Tamil Nadu is home to thousands of ancient temples. These temples are the state's main attraction, making them one of the go-to places for devotees.

This blog has listed all the most popular tourist places in Tamil Nadu you should check before visiting the state.

Tamil Nadu is a beautiful state, filled with popular tourist destinations. Apart from visiting these, you can also take part in unique festivals, like the car festival, where huge chariots carrying icons of Gods and Goddesses are pulled around the temple. From relaxing by the beaches to going for a trek, you can experience it all in Tamil Nadu. So, don’t forget to check the following places in the state.

Below you will find a concise list of 15 famous places in the state, along with the perfect time to visit and activities you can enjoy.

1. Chennai

Chennai has always been the central hub of all social, cultural, economic, industrial and commercial development of South India. Having many interesting places like museums, temples, beaches, and parks, Chennai is one of the most visited tourist places in Tamil Nadu.

• Places to Visit: VGP Golden Beach, Muttukadu, Elliot Beach, Pulicat Lake, Arignar Anna Zoological Park etc.
• Things to Do in Chennai: Photography, shopping and indulging in local foods
• Average expense: Starting from ₹28,000 (4 days/ 3 nights)
• Ideal Time to Visit: October to February
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 3-4 days
• How to Reach There:
  • Air: Chennai International Airport (15 km)
  • Bus: Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (<1 km)
  • Train: Chennai Central Railway Station (<1 km), Chennai Beach Railway Station (7 km)

2. Kanchipuram

The temples of Kanchipuram showcase the Dravidian era's strong dominance over this city. It is the home of 14 holy temples of Lord Vishnu. Other than temples, Kanchipuram is also known for its handwoven silk and Classical Carnatic music.

• Places to Visit: Ekambareswarar Temple, Thiru Ekambaranathar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Tiru Parameswara Vinnagaram, and Kamakshi Amman Temple
• Things to Do: Exploring, shopping, attending classical music concerts, etc.
• Average expense: Starting from ₹26,000 (4 days/ 3 nights)
• Ideal Time to Visit: October to March
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
• How to Reach There:
  • Air: Chennai's Meenambakkam Airport (65 Km)
  • Train: Kanchipuram Railway Station (<1 km)
  • Bus: Kanchipuram Bus Stand (<1 km)

3. Kanyakumari

Situated at the tip of the Indian peninsula, Kanyakumari is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. The town is situated between three water bodies, namely the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. You can witness a spectacular view of sunrise and sunset at the same beach.

• Places to Visit: Thiruvalluvar Statue, Gandhi Memorial,  Padmanabhapuram Palace, Udayagiri Fort, The Vivekananda Rock Memorial
• Things to Do: Photography, exploring nature, etc.
• Average expense: Starting from ₹20,000 (4 days/ 3 nights)
• Ideal Time to Visit: October to March
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
• How to Reach There:
  • Air: Trivandrum International Airport (85 km)
  • Train: Kanyakumari Station (0<1 km)
  • Bus: Kanyakumari Bus Station (<1 km)

4. Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is comparatively less commercialised than many other cities in Tamil Nadu. It has a lot of scenic natural attractions to offer to its tourists. Situated 7000 feet above in the southern tip of the upper Palani hills, Kodaikanal is a famous tourist place in Tamil Nadu for newlyweds.

• Places to Visit: Coaker’s Walk, Silver Cascade Falls, Kodaikanal Lake, Bear Shola Falls, Kurinji Andavar Temple
• Things to Do: Photography, Sightseeing, etc.
• Average expense: Starting from ₹30,000 (4 days/ 3 nights)
• Ideal Time to Visit: October to June
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
• How to Reach There:
  • Air: Madurai Airport (128 km) 
  • Rail: Kodai Road Station (79 km), Palani Railway Station (66 km) 
  • Bus: Kodaikanal Bus Station (<1 km)

5. Madurai

Most tourists coming to Madurai arrive here to visit ancient temples that are present all across the city. Built around the fertile lands of river Vaigai, Madurai serves as a prime location for agricultural activities. In the temples of Madurai, you will find stunning architecture and intricate sculptures.

• Places to Visit: Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, Meghamalai, Samanar Hills and Koodal Alagar Temple
• Things to Do: Temple visits, photography, etc.
• Average expense: Starting from ₹26,000 (4 days/ 3 nights)
• Ideal Time to Visit: October to March
• Ideal Vacation Duration: Full day
• How to Reach There:
  • Air: Madurai Airport (10 Km)
  • Train: Madurai Junction (<1 km), Madurai East (4 km)
  • Bus: Mattuthavani Bus Terminus (8 km), Arappalayam Bus Station (3 km)

6. Ooty

One of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu, Ooty, is located in the Nilgiri Hills. The breathtaking view of hills and greenery makes Ooty the “queen of hill stations”. It is a perfect destination for a quick weekend getaway or a romantic holiday.

To explore Ooty, you can opt for a toy train ride. The train runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty.

• Places to Visit: Ooty Lake, Rose Garden, Tiger Hill, Botanical Garden and St Stephen’s Church
• Things to Do: Photography, exploration, indulging unique cuisines
• Average expense: Starting from ₹18,000 (4 days/ 3 nights)
• Ideal Time to Visit: October to May
• Ideal Vacation Duration:  2-3 days
• How to Reach There:
  • Air: Coimbatore Peelamedu Airport (91 km)
  • Train: Ooty Railway Station (<1 km), Metupalaiyam Railway Station (46 km), 
  • Bus: Ooty Central Bus Station (<1 km)

7. Chidambaram

Chidambaram holds many places with historical and cultural significance. The Panchabhoota Stalas in Chidambaram is one of the largest temple complexes in India. The temple houses massive towers signifying the five major elements of this universe- water (Tiruvanaikka), space (Chidambaram), wind (Kalahasti), earth (Kanchipuram) and fire (Tiruvannamalai).

There are also other famous temples and interesting places to visit in this tourist spot in Tamil Nadu.

• Places to Visit: Tirukkazhippalai Palvannanathar Temple, Govindaraja Perumal Temple, Thillai Nataraja Temple, Pasupatheswarar Temple, Pichavaram Backwaters
• Things to Do: Photography, nature exploration, sightseeing
• Average expense: Starting from ₹18,000 (4 days/ 3 nights)
• Ideal Time Visit: October to March
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 full days
• How to Reach There:
  • Train: Chidambaram Railway Station (<1 km), Villupuram Railway Station (65 km)
  • Air: Tiruchirapalli Airport (168 km)
  • Bus: Chidambaram Central Bus Station (<1 km)

8. Thanjavur

A place with immense cultural value, Thanjavur is quite famous for handicrafts, sarees, antiques and paintings. Thanjavur experiences tropical weather conditions throughout the year. Well known for metal sculptures, Thanjavur is one of the heritage places to visit in Tamil Nadu.

• Places to Visit: Brihadeeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur Palace, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Vijaynagar Fort
• Things to Do: Photography, learning about the culture, visiting historical places
• Average expense: Starting from ₹27,000 (4 days/ 3 nights)
• Ideal Time to Visit: October to March
• Ideal Vacation Duration:  1-2 days
• How to Reach There: 
  • Air: Tiruchirapalli Airport (55 km)
  • Train: Thanjavur Junction Railway Station (<1 km), Tiruchirappalli Junction (55 km)
  • Bus: Thanjavur New Bus Station (5 km)

9. Mahabalipuram

Widely known for its sculptures and historical monuments, Mahabalipuram is one of the famous places in Tamil Nadu. The Shore Temples, built in the 7th century, is a UNESCO heritage site and is known for its intricate designs. Mamallapuram Dance Festival is arranged annually by the Department of Tourism from December to January.

• Places to Visit: Cholamadal Artist's Village, Thirukadalmallai temple, Tiger Cave, Mahabalipuram Beach, Crocodile Bank
• Things to Do: Picnics, photography, unwind amidst nature, etc.
• Average expense: Starting from ₹27,500 (4 days/ 3 nights)
• Ideal Time to Visit: October to March
• Ideal Vacation Duration: One full day
• How to Reach There:
  • Air: Chennai International Airport (68 km)
  • Bus: Mahabalipuram Bus Station (<1 km)
  • Train: Chengalpattu Junction (24 km)

10. Coimbatore

Also known as the 'Manchester of India,' Coimbatore is a famous place among visitors in Tamil Nadu. The weather is pleasant all year round. Surrounded by various picnic spots, waterfalls and rivers, this city is bound to refresh your senses. Situated near the banks of the Noyyal River, Coimbatore is surrounded by the Western Ghats.

• Places to Visit: Marudamalai Temple, Eachanari Vinayagar Temple, Perur Patteeswarar Temple, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Siruvani Waterfall
• Things to Do: Exploration, trekking, photography
• Average expense: Starting from ₹27,000 (4 days/ 3 nights)
• Ideal Time to Visit: July to March
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
• How to Reach:
  • Air: Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) (<1 Km) 
  • Train: Coimbatore Main Junction (<1 Km)
  • Bus: Gandhipuram Central Bus Stand (1.8 Km)

11. Tuticorin

Known as Thoothukudi, this city is one of the most beautiful places to visit. It has a wildlife sanctuary and a pretty beach to explore. It is also home to many spectacular churches and temples, making this place a must-visit for explorers looking for spiritual tourist places in Tamil Nadu.

• Places to Visit: Hare Island, Basilica of Our Lady of Snows, Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Thiruchendur Murugan Temple and Muthu Nagar Beach
• Things to Do: Exploration, photography
• Average expense: Starting from ₹22,000 (4 days/ 3 nights)
• Ideal Time to Visit: November to March
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2-3 days
• How to Reach There:
  • Air: Tuticorin Airport (14 km)
  • Train: Thoothukudi Railway station (<1 km)
  • Bus: Thoothukudi Bus Stand (<1 km)

12. Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is considered to be the Varanasi of the South. It is one of the four Char Dharams other than Dwarka, Puri and Badrinath. Situated in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, Rameshwaram is a famous place to visit among pilgrims.

• Places to Visit: Tirupullani, Sethu, Uthirakosamangai, Olaikuda, Danushkodi and Pamban
• Things to Do: Watching the migratory birds and scuba diving
• Average expense: Starting from ₹18,000 (4 days/ 3 nights)
• Ideal Time to Visit: July to August and November
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1-2 days
• How to Reach There:
  • Air: Tuticorin Airport (142 km)
  • Bus: Rameswaram Central Bus Station (3 km)
  • Train: Rameswaram Railway Station (<1 km)

13. Tirunelveli

Located on the west bank of River Thamirabarani, Tirunelveli is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu. It has loads of interesting and fun locations for tourists to explore. There are breathtaking waterfalls, gorgeous scenic beauty temples, and so much more that you can enjoy with your family or friends.

• Places to Visit: Papanasam Falls, District Science Centre, Nellaiappar Temple, Holy Trinity Cathedral and Sri Subramania Swamy Temple
• Things to Do: Photography, exploring
• Average expense: Starting from ₹20,000 (4 days/ 3 nights)
• Ideal Time to Visit: October to February
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
• How to Reach There:
  • Air: Vagaikulam Airport (20 Km)
  • Train: Tirunelveli Junction Railway Station (<1 km)
  • Bus: Veinthankulam New Bus Stand (<1 km)

14. Auroville

The concept of Auroville is quite an interesting tourist place in Tamil Nadu. This is where people from all around the globe, belonging to different cultural backgrounds, come to live together in peace and harmony. Located 15 km from Pondicherry, Auroville is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

• Places to Visit: Matrimandir, Vérité Learning Centre, Savitri Bhawan, Sadhana Forest and Adishakti Laboratory For Theatre Arts & Research
• Things to Do: Volunteering, photography, meditating
• Average expense: Starting from ₹18,000 (4 days/ 3 nights)
• Ideal Time to Visit: November to March
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 -10 days
• How to Reach There:
  • Air: Chennai Airport (135 km)
  • Train: Puducherry Railway Station (14 km)
  • Bus: Pondicherry Bus Stand (1.3 km)

15. Vellore

Situated on the Palar River banks, Vellore is a city of several pilgrimage sites and ancient historical monuments. Vellore has a spirited cultural atmosphere and is home to several famous tourist spots. It also has two premier institutions, including the Vellore Institute of Technology and Christian Medical College.

• Places to Visit: Amirthi Zoological Park, French Bungalow, Science Park, The Vellore Fort, and Vainu Bappu Observatory
• Things to Do: Take pictures, explore
• Average expense: Starting from ₹20,000 (4 days/ 3 nights)
• Ideal Time to Visit: October to March
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1-2 Days
• How to Reach There:
  • Air: Chennai International Airport (131 Km)
  • Train: Vellore Town Railway Station (<1 km), Katpadi Junction (6 km)
  • Bus: Vellore Central Bus Station (2.5 km)