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Tamil Nadu

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Tamil Nadu Best Visit Time

Best Time to Visit:

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Introduction
Tamil Nadu, which lies along the Bay of Bengal, has a rich past that dates back centuries and is now paving the way for it to become one of India's most promising states. Tamil Nadu has one of the largest metropolitan cities, Chennai, which is also the state capital. It is known for its carnatic music, classical dance, and culture. 
 
Witness the glory of Dravidian architectural marvels. A plethora of ancient monuments and temples each have their own tale of artistic and cultural accomplishment, drawing history buffs from all over the world. Tamil Nadu is a beautiful destination to discover and appreciate our past cultural heritage while enjoying all of the modern conveniences.
 
This state has numerous tourist attractions, including wildlife sanctuaries, temple towns, hill stations, beaches, pilgrimage sites, adventure sports, and sightseeing. In most parts of Tamil Nadu, it is humid. The monsoon and winter seasons are the best times to visit either of the places in Tamil Nadu.
 
The pristine beauty of hill stations such as Ooty and Kodaikanal mesmerises tourists with its irresistible allure. The mosaic festivals such as Karthigai Deepam, Pongal, and others define the Tamil Nadu people's mystique belief. With Tamilnadu tourism, you can learn more about common dance forms like Bharat Natyam, which reflects the culture of Tamilnadu. Beach lovers will enjoy unforgettable beach vacations at the longest Marina Beach, Kanyakumari Beach, and Rameshwaram Beach. This state's residents dress up in traditional attires. You'll discover a one-of-a-kind exotic culture that retains old traditions while fitting in with modern times.
 
03 Nights / 04 Days

Visit Holy Temples of Tamil Nadu

3 Nights / 4 Days

Holy Temples of Tamil Nadu

14 Nights / 15 Days

Best of Two Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

05 Nights / 06 Days

Tamil Nadu Temple with Kerala Tour

03 Nights / 04 Days

Holy Temples of Tamil Nadu

03 Nights / 04 Days

Holy Temples of Tamil Nadu

05 Nights / 06 Days

Glimpse of Tamil Nadu with Tamil Cuisine Tour

05 Nights / 06 Days

Spirit of Tamil Nadu

Traditions and Culture
Tamil Nadu is a southern Indian state with a plethora of cultural and historical treasures. The citizens of Tamil Nadu are members of the prestigious Dravidian Family, which is regarded as one of the world's oldest civilisations. Since then, the Cholas, Pandyas, and Pallavas have ruled the kingdom, and it has prospered. Their inventions, art and architecture, are still used and preserved today.
 
Tamil Nadu's people enjoy a wonderful, comfortable lifestyle, and their art and culture are deeply ingrained in it. Tamil Nadu's people are aware of their cultural ethnicity and follow their community's customs and practises. Hinduism is the most common religion, with Hindus accounting for over 88 percent of the population. The majority of the population is made up of Christians and Muslims.
 
The people of Tamil Nadu's clothing is an important part of their culture and reflects their strong tradition. Sarees, which are known for their intricate yet elegant designs and vibrant colours, are typically worn by women. The Kanjeevaram saree is the most common form of saree in the state, and it is worn by many women, mostly on special occasions. The half-saree, which consists of a blouse, a full-length skirt, and a shawl known as Davani, is worn by young girls, while Tamil men wear lungis and shirts with an Angavastra. Men's angavastram is an integral part of their attire. Modern accessories such as chains, Oddiyanam, and gold payals are typically worn with traditional skirts. They even adore flowers in their heads.
 
Tamil is the most widely spoken language in this region. The Tamil language is predominantly a combination of two languages: English and Sanskrit. Many English words have been moulded with Sanskrit and used in the Tamil language. Many other countries, including Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Malaysia, and Singapore, use it. It is our first classical language, as well as one of the languages on our language list.
 
Fair and Festivals

Fairs and Festivals of Tamil Nadu:

Tamil Nadu, in the southern state of India, is known for its local festivals, which are celebrated with great pomp and pride by the Tamils who live there. Visiting Tamil Nadu during one of its auspicious local festivals can be well worth the trip since it allows you to learn about the Tamil people's culture and religious practises. Herewith mentioned are the most famous ones:

  • Pongal: Pongal is the most popular festival in Tamil Nadu, lasting more than three days. Tamilians celebrate Bogi Pongal on the first day of the month. Before sunrise on Bogi Pongal, people burn household items such as mats, brooms, and other items, and then give delicious treats to God. On the second day, Tamilians make an offering to the Gods by cooking Melagu Pongal and sarkarai pongal in earthen pots.Cattle are worshipped during Maatu Pongal (Maatu-cow). Cows are bathed and their horns painted before being brought to the temple. During this time, competitions are also held. On the fourth day, Kaanum Pongal is commemorated by the gifting of new clothes to maids and servants.
  • Thiruvaiyaru Festival: Thiruvaiyaru is a well-known music festival held in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. This festival is dedicated to Saint Thyagaraja, a well-known music composer. Saint Thyagaraja attained Samadhi on Pushya Bahula Panchami day, and this festival is held every year on this day. Every year in January, a large number of composers travel to Thanjavur to take part in the festivities.
  • Tamil New Year: The Tamil New Year, also known as Puthandu, occurs in mid-April, the first month of the Tamil calendar. Women decorate the entrances to their homes with beautiful Kolams on Puthandu morning. People spend the day looking at money, betel leaves, nuts, and fruits, among other items. A bath followed by a visit to the Kanni temple is important.
  • Thaipusam: Thaipusam is a popular Tamil Nadu festival that takes place in the Tamil calendar's Thai month. The festival commemorates the birth of Lord Subramaniam, Lord Shiva's younger son. The key attraction of the festival is devotees bearing ‘kavadis' over their heads to give penance to the Lord on the festival day. A ‘Kavadi' is a long stick with two hanging pots on either side with offerings of rice and milk in them.
  • Natyanjali Dance Festival: The Nataraja temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, is the best place to see this dance festival in all of its glory. The sense of the words Natya and Anjali is Dance and Offering, respectively. The basic concept of this festival is to make an offering to the Lord through our dance performance. Almost 500 dancers from all over the world come to pay their respects here.
  • Mahamaham Festival: Once every 12 years, the Mahamaham Festival takes place. As Jupiter enters the constellation of Leo, this festival happens. Mahamaham is a Hindu festival held in the Mahamaham tank in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. On this day, all of India's rivers are said to meet at the tank, and a purifying bath at the tank on this day is considered equivalent to the dip in all holy rivers.
  • Karthigai Deepam Festival: It is regarded as the 'Festival of Lights,' and it occurs in the Tamil calendar month of Karthigai (November to mid-December). On the day that the moon is associated with the constellation Karthigai, this occurs. The main aim of this festival is to keep bad things out of life while inviting good things in. This festival is held in Tamil Nadu for ten days.
 
Must Visit Place

Must Visiting Places in Tamil Nadu:

Tamil Nadu is a fascinating part of South India, with its distinct ancient Dravidian history. The state's towering, intricately constructed temples attract both visitors and pilgrims. Beaches and hill stations are also popular vacation spots. Some of Tamil Nadu's tourist attractions are mentioned below:

  1. Ooty- Ooty, once the summer capital of the British Madras Presidency, can safely be called "India's Switzerland." The magnificent hill station is situated within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is renowned for its delicate and exquisite ecosystem. It is best known as a "hotspot" in ecological terms, the term used to justify the listing of a part of the Western Ghats as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  2. Meenakshi Amman Temple- Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, also known as Meenakshi Amman Temple, is one of India's most important and famous pilgrimage sites. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Siva, is an architectural wonder. It was chosen as one of the top 30 New Seven Wonders of the World nominees. It is one of Madurai's most popular tourist attractions.
  3. Rameswaram- Rameshwaram, situated on a beautiful island, is one of India's holiest locations. A tiny Pamban channel separates it from Sri Lanka. This is where Lord Rama constructed a bridge across the sea to Sri Lanka, according to Hindu mythology.
  4. Chettinad- Chettinad, a secret area only a few kilometres from Madurai, is renowned for its ancient and old mansions, mouthwatering meat curries, and rich heritage. For those looking for a fun day out in Tamil Nadu, this area is the best place to visit. Chettinad is a foodie's dream, with a plethora of sights to see and delectable dishes to sample.
  5. Kanchipuram Temples- Kanchipuram, also known as the "City of a Thousand Temples," is well-known for its distinctive silk saris. Just around a hundred temples remain today, many of them of exceptional architectural excellence. The temples' diversity is especially noteworthy. Various rulers (the Cholas, Vijayanagar kings, Muslims, and British) built Shiva and Vishnu temples.
  6. Mahabalipuram- Mahabalipuram is known for its temples and monuments, especially the well-known Shore Temple. It is made up of three temples that were built together in a single complex in the 8th century. The Pancha Rathas is another well-known temple. They are a group of five temples sculpted in the shape of chariots, as the name indicates. The Ganga Descent is a massive rock with a steep incline.
  7. Chennai- The city, which is located on the Bay of Bengal's Coromandel Coast, is known for its beaches, museums, parks, temples, and historical sites. Marina Beach, the Government Museum, Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeswarar Temple, and San Thome Cathedral are just a few of the must-see attractions in Chennai.
  8. Auroville- Auroville, in Tamil Nadu, is about 15 kilometres from the city of Pondicherry and was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, a disciple of Aurobindo and affectionately known as the "Mother" of the Sri Aurobindo Society. This location exemplifies tranquilly and serves as an ideal retreat for those seeking peace.
  9. Brihadeeswarar Temple- Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil or Periya Kovil, is a magnificent example of Chola temple architecture at its pinnacle. Raja Raja Chola I, the mighty Chola Emperor, constructed it in 1010 AD. The temple is part of the 'Great Living Chola Temples' UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  10. Kanyakumari- Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of the Indian Peninsula, bordered by three seas: the Arabian, Indian, and Bay of Bengal. A small coastal town in Tamil Nadu, with elevated patches of hills, palm trees, and paddy fields lining the streets. Kanyakumari is also the only location in India where you can see the sunrise and sunset at the same time on the same beach.
  11. Madurai- The Meenakshi Temple, situated in ancient Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is the most impressive and important temple in south India. Madurai is a 4,000-year-old city that has remained a major centre of Tamil culture and education. Madurai's most prominent landmark is Meenakshi Temple. It is one of India's largest temples. The temple's architecture is beautiful, and it stands as a testament to the master craftsmanship of the Vishwakarma Brahmins who sculpted it. Other important places to visit in Madurai include Thirumalai Nayak Mahal and Koodal Alagar Temple.
  12. Thanjavur- Thanjavur is best known for the magnificent Brihadeshwara Temple (also known as the Big Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage Site built of granite in the 11th century by Chola king Raja Raja I. It's a feat of engineering. Its rulers, from the Cholas in the ninth century to the Bhonsles in the nineteenth, all shared a passion for patronising the arts and crafts. Apart from Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur and its environs are home to a number of notable tourist attractions, including Thanjavur Palace, Kumbakonam, Darasuram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Thiruvaiyaru, Thirubuvanam, and others.
  13. Kodaikanal- With its pure and untouched natural beauty, Kodaikanal, the town of romance, gives you a new feeling every time you go sightseeing to different places and makes you feel a step closer to Mother Nature's glory. Every year, a large number of visitors and travellers, as well as national and foreign explorers, flock to Kodaikanal.
     
Cuisine
Tamil cuisine was introduced by Tamils in Southern India several centuries ago. It is distinguished by the use of rice, legumes, and lentils, as well as the mixing of spices such as curry leaves, tamarind, coriander, ginger, garlic, chilli, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin, nutmeg, coconut, and rosewater to achieve its distinct aroma and flavour.
 
Below mentioned are worth trying:
  • Milagu Pongal: This is a light breakfast dish made with rice and moong dal, which has been sautéed with cumin, pepper, and asafoetida. This light and heavenly-tasting dish, also known as "ven pongal," has a mouth-watering aroma and is the comfort food of a majority of Tamilians. It is primarily consumed for breakfast, but it is also consumed for lunch and dinner.
  • Rasam: Rasam is a popular South Indian dish. It's basically a soup-like liquid that goes well with a variety of foods. However, it is better served as a soup rather than as a side dish. Rasam is a spicy dish with a lot of coriander leaves. It's peppery and garlicky, and it's usually fine for digestion. It has a good taste and is believed to be a magical remedy for colds and coughs.
  • Kulambu: Kolambhu, also known as kozhambu, is a thin vegetable stew with spices. It can also come in a number of ways. The most popular form is moar kulambu, which uses buttermilk as a base and thickens it with a rice and lentil paste to create a spicy stew with vegetables inside.
  • Dosa: In Tamil Nadu, dosa or dosai is one of the most common breakfast dishes. It's made with rice flour and gramme, and it's typically eaten with sambhar and chutney. Masala Dosa, Paneer Dosa, Mushroom Dosa, Ghee Dosa, Egg Dosa, and many other varieties are commonly available. Dosas are usually crisp and paper-thin, with the batter thinly distributed around a pan during the cooking process.
  • Sakkarai Pongal: Sakkarai Pongal is a sweet dish served as a main course during the Pongal harvest festival. Boiling rice is used to make this sweet dish, which is then covered with nuts and dried fruits. Cardamom and green gram are among the ingredients used in the dish's preparation.
  • Idli: Idlis are made in a variety of ways in South India, each with its own traditional process. However, everybody uses the same cooking method, which is steaming. The most common version uses urad dal and parboiled rice. The batter is made by grinding both ingredients separately and fermenting them overnight. It's steamed in the idli vessel the next day.
  • Filter Kaapi: Coffee is a widely consumed beverage around the world. Filter Kaapi, also known as "Filter Coffee," is an Indian beverage created by mixing frothed milk and brewed coffee powder in a filter. The drink is known as Kaapi, which is Tamil for "coffee." The drink is well-known in cities such as Chennai and Kumbakonam, where it is known as "Kumbakonam Degree Coffee." The aroma of filter kaapi is divine, and it will transport you to another world.
  • Rava Kesari: This is a roasted semolina or "sooji" dessert. It's a common dish that's made with rava, sugar, ghee, cashews, and cardamom powder. This is an aromatic, "melt-in-your-mouth" dish that is one of the desserts that can be made quickly. “Kesari” refers to the saffron that is used to colour the dish and make it even more delicious. 
Apart from this, Chettinad cuisine from Tamil Nadu has special mention and category of fans. Chettinad cuisine is far from the bland cuisine of traditional Tamilian Brahmins—it is one of the spiciest, oiliest and most aromatic in India. The dishes are hot and pungent with fresh ground masalas.
 
FAQ’s

Rameshwaram, Yercaud, Kodaikanal, Ooty, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Madurai, Coimbatore, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, Coonoor, Madumalai, Velankanni, Kumbakonam, Sallem, Pollachi, etc. are the most popular tourist destinations in Tamilnadu.

The state of Tamil Nadu is highly known for its temple towns, historical landmarks, national parks, waterfalls, native food, and wildlife. You should include Tamil Nadu in your tour plan if you are interested in the stunning architecture, cultural history, beaches and lush green hill stations.

The best time to visit Tamil Nadu is in the winter, specifically from November to February, when the weather is mild and it is enjoyable to explore the state's attractions. Travelling through Tamil Nadu during the monsoons is not recommended due to the tremendous downpour that they bring. But summer is the best time to visit the hill stations. Because visiting in the off-season may be exceedingly inconvenient for some, tourists can choose the place they want to visit based on the season.

The coolest places in Tamil Nadu include Ooty and Kodaikanal.
 

Ooty and Kodaikanal generally experience pleasant weather all year round. However, during a few weeks of peak summers it may be a bit hot but still not unbearable to travel to these places.

Tamil Nadu cuisine is traditionally served on a banana leaf, and diners eat while seated on the ground. Rice, Sambhar (a sort of curry), two different kinds of veggies, curd, and a pickle make up a traditional dinner. The foods associated with Tamil Nadu cuisine include dosas, idlis, upma, parota, sambhar, rasam, and pongal. The sweet delicacies of this cuisine include Payasam, Kesari, and Sweet Pongal. A speciality of south Indian cuisine is filter coffee. Although, during your stay at the hotels, you will have the options of continental food as well. We recommend you give the local delicacies a try at least once during the Tamil Nadu tour for the authentic taste and real feel of the region.

The top beaches in Tamilnadu include Covelong, Marina, Mahabalipuram, Rameshwaram, Auros, Elliot, and Kanyakumari, while each beach is exceptional in its own way.

 

 The 'Land of Temples' is a title for Tamil Nadu. Believers from all over the world have revered Tamil Nadu's well-known temples. Tamil Nadu, which has more than 33 000 temples, includes some notable names among the largest and most respected temples in India. Kapaleeshwar Temple, Brihadeeswarar Temple, Meenakshi Temple, Ramanathaswamy Temple, Kanyakumari temple, Naganathaswamy Temple, Nataraja Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and Mahabalipuram Shore Temple are some of the must see temples in Tamil Nadu.


 

The closest airport to Ooty is in Coimbatore, which is 85 kilometres away and requires a 2.5-hour journey. Due to better connection, guests occasionally book flights up to Bangalore; however, the airport is 279 km away and takes 6 hours to drive to.



 

Toy train that runs to and fro to Ooty is famously known as Nilgiri Mountain Railways and is enlisted as a World Heritage Site under UNESCO. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is the only daily-running mountain railway in South India. In order to handle the large influx of tourists during the busiest summer months, the train makes one trip to and from each destination every day. Ask us for more details when willing to plan a tour to Tamil Nadu.

 

There is no dearth to what you can buy from Tamil Nadu. From lovely Kanchipuram Silk Sarees to Tanjore paintings, Terracotta toys and bobble head dolls, Niligiri Tea and metal figurines of deities can be easily bought. If you wish to buy some local snacks which are non perishable, we recommend murukku, filter coffee powder, chettinad spice mix, etc.
 

Puducherry is a Union Territory and is not a part of the state of Tamil Nadu. However, due to close proximity, most of the tourists cover Puducherry along with their tour to Tamil Nadu.

Pondicherry, a bustling Indian city on the country's southeast coast, is frequently referred to as the "French Capital of India." This French colony is filled with unspoilt beaches, historic buildings, French and Tamil neighbourhoods, historical temples and churches, and a colonial feel.

 

One of the biggest tourist attractions in India is Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry. Travellers from all over the world and India are drawn to the city by its picturesque beauty and tranquillity. In the past, Pondicherry was India's biggest French colony. Through its many attractions, cuisines, customs, and traditions, the city continues to show the influence of French culture and heritage. The city has a variety of tourist attractions to keep visitors interested. Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Auroville, French Institute, Raj Niwas, and Pondicherry Museum are a few of the significant tourist attractions in Puducherry. This lovely Union territory is also blessed with umpteen beaches such as Promenade, Paradise, Serenity, etc.

 

Tamil Nadu has had a sharp increase in interest in adventure sports and activities in recent years, and the state now has a significant number of trekking clubs, adventure sports sites, and outdoor activity possibilities. One can try hill trekking in Kodaikanal, Paragliding in Yelagiri, Jungle trek and Safaris in National Parks (Mudumalai National Park, Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Mukurthi National Park, and Guindy National Park.), ATV riding and Jet skiing in Chennai, Surfing in Puducherry & Mahabalipuram and a lot more.
 

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