Tamil Nadu - The Land of Tamils or Tamil Country OR land of varied beauty

The state with perhaps the most impressive cultural background and most amazing temple architecture in India, Tamil Nadu is located in South India. The Bay of Bengal is on its east while the Indian Ocean is on its south. The state has a long coastline which is 1000-odd kms. The land of the Tamils, Tamil Nadu boasts of a great history that goes back to many thousand years.

Tamil Nadu Tourist Hotspots

Much like many other Indian states, Tamil Nadu boasts of several attractions and tourist hotspots with these being the key ones:

Chennai: The state’s capital and also its biggest city, Chennai, was a prominent British port in India. Presently, one of the biggest metros in the country, Chennai boasts of several attractions that make the place a hit with the visitors. Fort St. George, Marina Beach…these are just some of the many key attractions of this beautiful capital city.

Madurai: Much famous for Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple and the "Hall of a Thousand Pillars", Madurai is also the second biggest city of the state and a lovely tourist destination.

Kodaikanal: A beautiful hill station, Kodaikanal is also known for its fine educational institutions, not to mention the Solar Physical Observatory. Then there is the star-shaped lake in the center of Kodaikanal which is yet another attraction of the place.

Kanyakumari: Located in the extreme south, Kanyakumari is a lovely tourist place. Here, the waters of three different water bodies mingle, namely, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The USP of this tourist hotspot is the Vivekananda Memorial which is located nearly 400 metres from the mainland. There’s a wonderful statue of Swami Vivekananda on a rock at the site.

Rameswaram: This Island is a famous place of pilgrimage and famous for its beautiful temples which inspire the religiously inclined visitors no end.

Tiruchirapalli: Another temple town of the southern state and a leading tourist place, Tiruchirapalli’s fame rests on its many beautiful temples. It also has a fort, called the Fort of Trichy, which is strategically situated -- right on the top of a rock.

Kanchipuram: The City of a 1000 Temples, Kanchipuram is also a historic city. Earlier, it was the capital of the Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara Empires. Kanchipuram is also known for its thriving silk weaving industries.

Mahabalipuram: Earlier a key port and capital of the erstwhile Pallavas, Mahabalipuram, situated about 60 km from the capital, is famous for its lovely temples and amazing sculptures.

Tanjore: Much known for its striking Brihadeshwara Temple, this former capital city of the Cholas is located in the Cauvery River delta and is a great tourist destination.