Listed: Top 10 Things to do in Tamil Nadu | India travel

It’s all about the southern charm and southern hospitality, isn’t it? Tamil Nadu tourism doesn’t really shy away from embracing the travellers in a huge and warm hug.

From majestic hills to tranquil beaches, lip-smacking idlis to tingling coconut milk, and tea estates to temples, there’s everything that will captivate you and make you never want to leave.

Furthermore, Tamil Nadu is as magnificent as it gets. With the vibrant culture and opulent heritage mirroring the Dravidian era, this southern enigma is so much more than what meets the eye.

We list out the top 10 things you should unfailingly see and do in this very incredible southern wonder.

Madras Music Season – a Hum a day keeps the doctor away

Are you an art fanatic? Does the sound of rich classical music come down as euphoric to your ears? Indian classical music is one culturally and historically opulent genre of music.

Be that as it may, Chennai hosts a colossal musical event every year on 15th of December where you can indulge in to come across a series of concerts, musically rich performances, intellectual debates, and lectures on the same.

Moreover, this extravaganza paved ways for you to meet like-minded people from all the walks of life.

Surprisingly enough, this vibrant festival stretched for a period of 2 months. Brace yourself for an unforgettable melodious experience with the ever-so-Grand Carnatic music throughout your stay.

And it doesn’t even end there, the little shops, eating shacks, and the very attire of the concert comprising of colourful silk kurtas and dhotis steak the show. Ready for some Gala time?

Let our Tamil Nadu itinerary lure you into this whirlpool of art and extravaganza!

Ride on the railway!

Fancy taking a fun ride on the Nilgiri mountain railway? Amidst the tunnels, caves and winding tracks you’ll find beauty in the littlest of things in here.

Moreover, starting from Mettupalayam the train gives you a journey of a lifetime adorned with spectacular views and out of the world experience looming over the hill station.

As a matter of fact, it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. Get ready for a 46 km long journey through the verdure of nature.

The sky, the mountains and the lush greenery adding up to the southern charm can never get old.

Be ready to be smitten while you bask in the air peeping outside from your windows. The Nilgiri hills rest to enchant you and make you never want to leave.

Kodaikanal Lake, Kodaikanal

Venture into the realm of beauty while you bask in the spectacular views around the world famous Kodaikanal Lake.

Surprisingly enough, it is a man-made lake built and designed in a shape of a star by the British Vera Levinge. Embraced by Palani hill this beautiful lake is at 2285 metres above sea level proud and boastful of its beauty.

Furthermore, do you like boating? As a matter of fact, this is the best place to be a part of one of the most interesting and incredible boat clubs in India.

Take one shiny colourful baby and get it floating like nobody else. You’ll be denying if you said you weren’t rejuvenated.

It’s the hills around, the lake, and the feels.

Shine bright like a diamond!

The Great Living Chola Temples – the pride in divine

One of the best things to see in Tamil Nadu is the group of the Great Living Chola Temples.

Are you a history buff?

Do myths and legends intrigue you?

On top of that, do you appreciate art? Do intricacies and carvings mesmerise you with their timeless aura?

Then, the great living Chola temples, namely Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, Brihadeeswarar at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram will entice you with an odd sense of spirituality and contentment when you visit them.

The grand Dravidian architecture is one to look out for. Furthermore, the idols of deities, kings, warriors, and dancers are made out of granite giving them an extra ounce of beauty.

Get ready to go back 200 years in the past where the stories of that time would leave you spellbound. The legends associated with the rulers of the Chola dynasty are intriguing and full of wonders.

As a matter of fact, the sculptures and the painting reflect the past in some beautiful and quintessential manner.

Read more on top temple tour to India.

The East Coast Road – A dotted wonder of nature

How about grabbing the keys to your bikes and cars and heading for a long drive? Some of the best things to do in Tamil Nadu undoubtedly involve taking a long road drive along the quaint east coast road.

The palm trees lining up the pavement and the one-way route to Cuddalore from Chennai reflects the grandiosity of nature.

Take a stop or two to indulge in some water play at the Bay of Bengal coastline.

Furthermore, while you appreciate the surreal beauty of nature, why don’t you take some time out to meet the local fishermen and check out their hamlets.

Get to know about their lifestyle and dig deep into the local culture before running your engine for the journey ahead.

Explore top road trips in India.

Visiting Kanyakumari – Down to Cape Comorin

Brace yourself to witness the erstwhile Alexandria of the east. On your trip to Tamil Nadu give yourself the luxury to witness the confluence of three oceans at the southernmost point of the Indian Peninsula. Let the meeting point of Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea enchant you with its timeless beauty.

Furthermore, The multi coloured sand in the beaches here will leave you spellbound.

Moreover, the southern charm of Kanyakumari doesn’t end there. Every art, music, and culture lover will find solace in this place. The opulent architecture and heritage of Kanyakumari is the talk of the town all the time.

Be that as it may, it is a very significant pilgrimage centre for the Indians and one thing that you cannot miss out on is the stunning beauty of the town during the sunrise and the sunset.

Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, happy and wise!

Marina beach, Chennai – A long stretch of beauty undeniable

Furthermore, Take a walk in the world’s second largest beach. Marina beach is one of a kind and it’s a promise that it’ll enchant you with its golden charm and even more golden sand.

Go grab your bikinis and Hawaiian shirts while you get ready to play beach ball or maybe, just plop down on the beach and take a long satisfying sunbath.

Be that is it may, the plethora of food shacks lining the bitch will only fill your hungry tummy after you spend your day playing and then resting on the beach.

It’s a flip-flop kinda day here if you happen to visit. Furthermore, The seafood is to die for.

And if everything makes you a little bored after a certain point in time, take a walk around the beach and hit some of the famous edifices around. You can thank us later, peeps.

Looking to plan beach holidays? Explore our beach and coastline travel theme page for more information.

Murugan Idli Shop, Madurai – Food we worship!

Is your trip to Tamil Nadu ever complete without experiencing the famous southern hospitality?

If it is topped with the spike of southern taste tingling on your taste buds, it’s even better.

Visit Murugan Idli Shop in Madurai to taste the best of the South Indian cuisine on your travel.

The soft and round idlis served with a vegetable curry smelling so good that t makes your tummy twist with hunger are what you’ll be helping yourself too.

This shop is famous all over the world and the owner makes it his priority to give you the best of eating experience while you’re there.

Oh, and by the way, if you really happen to hit this mouth savouring restaurant, make sure to try their best beverage of all time, Jigarthanda.

Check out Madurai Destination page for some detailed India travelling tips for your travel to Madurai.

Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram – On the knees for the divine

Alright, time to walk in the land of the divine.

This majestic island in Rameshwaram houses a stunning architectural marvel that welcomes thousands of people every day.

Guess what!

Ramanathaswamy temple has one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. Shaivites, vaishnavites and smarthas come here in abundance to offer prayers and love to Lord Shiva. The 1000 Pillar hall steals the show with its stunning height and even more intricate architecture. The temple tanks invite the visitors for a holy dip.

Furthermore, Do you think you can take a long walk in the longest corridor among the temples in India?

Yes, it has got the longest one! Care to see?

High field tea factory, Coonoor – Out in the grasslands

At 1850 m above the sea level is where the bliss resides.

Nestled sweetly in the Nilgiri hills of the western ghats is the High field tea factory where one tour will leave you satisfied and happy in an odd way.

In the highland tests this factory where you can go and learn about how tea plantation is done and how tea is extracted and presented for the world to enjoy and appreciate.

You’re a tea lover, right?

You have so got to check this place off from your bucket list. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best things to do in Tamil Nadu.

Oh, and by the way, there is a big treat for you waiting in there.

Let us give you a hint. Chocolates!

Ah, caught your attention, didn’t we? Tingle your taste buds with authentic homemade chocolates in here and make this trip to Tamil Nadu an unforgettable one.

Tamil Nadu tourism is nothing short of a miracle served on a platter for you.

The southern charm takes you in an instant and all you leave with is memories unparalleled for a lifetime.

The grand Indian route – Luxury Tours To India Company makes it its responsibility to deliver the best to you.

Priyadarshni Bishnoi

Priyadarshni Bishnoi - Content Writer

An engineering graduate who decided to follow her passion for writing.

An avid reader who loves traveling and experiencing cultures and traditions in variety. A foodie at heart and a music enthusiast to the soul, she dreams of traveling the world especially Europe for its rich culture and history.

(Also food!) She feels that planning and materializing the best travel plans gives her the satisfaction of seeing people live what she designed for them.

Young and open to learning, she is self-motivated and seeks to achieve greater heights in the field of travel and music journalism. The rawness and the simplicity of the local people of India are what fascinate her. The cultural diversity and a stark variety in Indian social setup compel her to research and write more.

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