Destinations that attract Tourism to Tamil Nadu

With a continuous cultural history of over two thousand years, Tamilnadu, one of the four Dravidian states of India has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.

One of the two southernmost Dravidian states of India (the other one is Kerala) Tamilnadu is a favored destination for tourist and travelers coming from all over India. With over 2000 years of cultural history, it has some of the most remarkable offerings for the visitors. Especially the most remarkable temple architectures of the state are something that is highly revered by tourists and travelers from overseas.

Multiple Interests in the State

However it is not only the temple architecture that makes Tamilnadu the second most important state on the tourism map of India. It offers a number of other interests as well.

• Tamilnadu has some of the best hill stations of South India.

• It has some of the exotic sea beaches.
• Art, music, dance, culture, and heritage are very rich.

• For nature lovers there are waterfalls, national parks, and heritage sites.
• Last but not least are the delicate cuisines and shopping facilities in all important locations in the state.

Substantial Growth Rate

With so much to offer; Tamilnadu has been experiencing a great surge of tourism industry of late. The annual growth rate is 16% which is higher than most other states in the country.

Major Cities

Major cities in Tamilnadu are Chennai that is the capital city of the state, Coimbatore that is the gateway to the queen of hill stations Ooty and to Karnataka and Kerala, historical city of Tiruchirappali, Madurai where the famous Meenakshi Temple is there, Tiruneleveli, and Tuticorin. Besides; Kanyakumari is also coming up very fast as a major tourist attraction. All these cities have numerous hotels, guest houses and all type of accommodations from luxurious to budget and also offer great shopping experience for the visitors.

Major Temples

Tamilnadu temples are one of the big attractions for the visitors. Some of the famous temples are –

• UNESCO World Heritage Site;

• Monuments in Mahabalipuram;
• Parthasarthy Temple in Chennai;

• Chola Temples;
• Minakshi Temple in Madurai; and

• Rameswaram temple.

Famous temple cities of Tamilnadu are Chidambaram, Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Kancheepuram, Kannya Kumari, Madurai, Rameswaram, Kumbakonam, Tiruchendur, Palani, Thrivanamalai, Nagore and Velankanni, and Melmaaruvathur.

Hill Stations

Though the state due to its nearness to Equator comes in the warmer zone, Tamilnadu also have a few exotic hill stations. Notable Tamilnadu hill stations are Udgmandalam that is popularly known as Ooty, the queen of hill stations in the south, Kodaikanal; another major tourist attraction in the state, Yercaud, Kolli Hills, and Coonoor.
Lovers of nature may enjoy the waterfalls at Courtaliam, Hogenakkal, Catherine, Killyur, Suruli, and Tirparappu or enjoy the exotic beaches like Marina beach in Chennai, Elliot Beach, Mahabalipuram, Poopuhar Beach, and Kanyakumari where the Indian Ocean joins with Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. They can also enjoy the major festivals like Bhogi, Pongal, and Mattu Pongal to have a close look at the culture and heritage of the state.