Embracing vast cultural wealth within itself, Tamil Nadu is undoubtedly one of the most affluent Indian states in terms of history and heritage. With some of the most remarkable temples and pilgrimage sites, the state serves as a delightful place of attraction for devotees from all across the country. Besides temples, Tamil Nadu has won over global tourists with its beautiful beaches, attractive destinations like Ooty and Kanyakumari, rich wildlife, and scenic landscapes. Tamil Nadu tourism promises the visitors of this magnificent state a truly enchanting experience.
Tamil Nadu tour packages are a beautiful combination of the classical civilizations of the state that can still be experienced in its cultural heritage, along with some of its finest mix of attractions. Let us get some more details about this beautiful state to make your Tamil Nadu holidays all the more exciting.
Table of Content
Popular Tamil Nadu Tour Packages
Quick Facts About Tamil Nadu
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Population
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7.21 crore (Source: Census 2011)
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Things To Do
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Visit temples like Brihadisvara in Thanjavur and Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy in Rameshwaram, take walking tours in hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal, sightseeing at Chennai, Kanyakumari, and Madurai, explore beaches, churches, shopping, and more |
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Places To Visit
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Ooty, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Rameshwaram, Kodaikanal, Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Coimbatore, Thanjavur |
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Official Language
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Tamil |
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Famous Foods
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Sambar, Puliyodarai, Paruppu Payasam, Pollachi Nandu Fry, Rasam, Mutton Kola Urundai, Chicken Chettinad, Pongal, Murukku, Filter Kaapi |
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Currency
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Indian Rupee (INR) |
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Time Zone
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GMT+05:30 (India Standard Time) |
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Country
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India |
Best Time to Visit Tamil Nadu
The best time to visit Tamil Nadu is between December and February. So, unless you like the hot and humid season, plan your visit during the winter months.
Summer in Tamil Nadu
Summers in Tamil Nadu are quite harsh with scorching heat starting from mid-March and lasting till June. If you wish to visit the hill stations of Tamil Nadu, the weather remains pleasant during summer, making it ideal for spending relaxing Tamil Nadu holidays. It is cooler as well as wetter at times, and it can become quite chilly in the evenings. So, it is good to pack an extra layer to suit the temperature. For the other best tourist places in Tamil Nadu, it may not be the ideal time for a vacation.
Monsoon in Tamil Nadu
The rainy season in Tamil Nadu falls between the months of end-June and December. Monsoon comes in Tamil Nadu in two phases, Southwest Monsoon and Northwest Monsoon. While the Southwest monsoon starts in the end part of June and lasts till September; Northwest Monsoon starts in October and remains till December. This is not a great time to explore the several tourist places in Tamil Nadu.
Winter in Tamil Nadu
The winter months in Tamil Nadu are between the end part of December and February. You can expect the temperature to be between 22 and 30 degrees Celcius. As you plan your trip to the state during these months, you will be able to visit some of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu. In fact, all the tourist places in Tamil Nadu can be visited during these months.
How to Reach Tamil Nadu
The best part about booking Tamil Nadu tourism packages with us is that you can have worry-free travel without the hassle of making travel arrangements on your own. If you still want to know about how to reach Tamil Nadu, here are the three ways mentioned below you can use for planning your Tamil Nadu Travel.
By Air
Tamil Nadu has one of the best air network connectivity in the country with four international and several domestic airports. Thus, traveling to the city via air is a very comfortable option. International tourists can plan their arrival at any of the four International airports, as per their travel schedule. These include Chennai International Airport, Coimbatore International Airport, Madurai International Airport, and Tiruchirappalli International Airport. Air travel is easy and convenient for domestic visitors as well who want to explore the famous tourist places in Tamil Nadu.
By Rail
Tamil Nadu also has a good network of railway systems that connects the state with all other major cities and states in the country. There are a number of trains that ply between the major cities in Tamil Nadu and other important cities of the country. Almost all states of India, including Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala are connected with Tamil Nadu via the railway network.
For budget travelers, this wide rail service serves as the best option to visit beautiful and top tourist places in Tamil Nadu.
By Road
If you love long drives, you would enjoy the long stretch through NH 544 or NH 44 to reach Tamil Nadu. Most neighboring states of Tamil Nadu are connected via wide roads that allow thrilling drives through highways for travel enthusiasts. For reaching the state through the network of roads, you can either drive your personal car, rent a taxi, or board a bus at your convenience.
Visa Process Information for Tamil Nadu Travel Packages
All International passengers must apply for a valid Visa or e-Visa to India in order to visit Tamil Nadu, as per the Government of India mandate. Furthermore, every traveler coming from abroad must also have a valid passport to enjoy a holiday in Tamil Nadu.
Best Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu
There are several great places to visit in Tamil Nadu for any traveler. Here are some of the most wonderful destinations that no one would like to miss while exploring tourist places in Tamil Nadu:
- Chennai
- Kodaikanal
- Kanyakumari
- Ooty
- Kanchipuram
- Madurai
- Pondicherry
- Coimbatore
- Yelagiri
Chennai
Chennai is not only the capital city of the state but also one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu. Chennai has a vivacious combination of ancient Tamil culture that blends well with the modern layer of multi-ethnicity. The city offers tourists diverse places of interest, including beaches, architectural marvels, appealing temples, neo-gothic churches, and much more. The best time to go for Tamil Nadu tours is between November and February if you are planning to visit Chennai.
Kodaikanal
Referred to as the 'Princess of Hills', Kodaikanal is a popular hill station in the state and one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu. It is located at an elevation of over 7000 feet above sea level. This beautiful and cozy destination is ideal for honeymooners looking for recluses from the maddening cities. To visit Kodaikanal, you should plan your holiday in Tamil Nadu between April and June.
Kanyakumari
This is another magical destination with unrivaled scenic beauty that enthralls tourists. Be it the beaches, temples, or waterfalls, Kanyakumari makes tourists long for more. One of the must-visit attractions in Kanyakumari is the Vivekananda Rock Memorial situated on an island. The best time to visit Kanyakumari is between October and March.
Ooty
Ooty or the 'Queen of Hills', as it is popularly known, is a destination in Tamil Nadu that is famous not just in all of South India but across the country. It’s a beautiful city with superb tea plantations, ancient and majestic bungalows portraying its colonial past, pristine churches, and amazing natural beauty. All this and much more await the wanderlust eyes in Ooty. In fact, Ooty is one of the top tourist places in Tamil Nadu for all good reasons. If Ooty is on your mind, you should plan your Tamil Nadu holidays between March and June.
Kanchipuram
If you’re looking at exploring the ancient yet majestic temples, you must include the city of Kanchipuram in your Tamil Nadu tourism packages, which is popularly known as the 'Golden City of Thousand Temples'. Besides, there are several sanctuaries and forts that interest tourists. October to February is the best time to visit Kanchipuram.
Madurai
Madurai is a mystical yet soulful city that is soaked deep in Tamilian culture. Famous for its Meenakshi Temple, Madurai offers numerous other places of attraction as well such as churches, shrines, museums, and more. Pick dates between the months of December and February to visit Madurai.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu which must be visited during your trip to this state. You may even find Pondicherry featured in several Tamil Nadu tour packages. From the French colony to serene beaches, there are so many things to see and do in Pondicherry. When you are here, you must visit the vibrant cafes that offer delicious cuisines. You can plan your trip to Pondicherry between October and March.
Coimbatore
Coimbatore, also called Kovai, is also one of the top tourist places in Tamil Nadu that you must visit. The attractions that you can explore here are GeDee Car Museum, Pattiswarar Temple, TNAU Botanical Garden, etc. The best time to visit Coimbatore is between September and March.
Yelagiri
Yelagiri is one of the tourist places in Tamil Nadu that is much sought-after. This hill station is a cluster of 14 villages. The place is visited by people who are mostly fond of adventure activities such as climbing and trekking. If you want to stay away from adventure activities, you can even visit the rose gardens and orchards here. If you happen to visit Yelagiri during the summer season, you will be able to attend the Summer Festival where you can witness flower shows, dog shows, and many more. The ideal time to visit Yelagiri is between November and mid-February.
The Tamil Nadu tour packages list is also incomplete without naming some of the other tourist hubs like Mahabalipuram, Chidambaram, Krishnagiri, and Namakkal.
Things to do in Tamil Nadu
While exploring a majestic land like Tamil Nadu, you have no dearth of things that you can do across the length and breadth of the state. Here are some wonderful things to do in Tamil Nadu to keep you busy during your holidays:
- Puducherry sightseeing
- Zip lining in Ooty
- Shopping
- Temple hopping
Puducherry sightseeing
Puducherry or Pondicherry, as it was earlier known, is a Union Territory located near Tamil Nadu that you can explore on a day trip from Chennai. Once a French Colony, there is much to see and do around this beautiful city. With attractions including Auroville, beaches, scuba diving, parks, museums, and more, you would love your stay in Puducherry. Besides, it is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu that you must visit.
Zip lining in Ooty
If you want to feel the adrenaline rush through your veins, you must go for an adventurous zip-lining experience across the hills of Ooty. The activity is guided by an instructor so that you have a safe and exciting experience. The attractions and things to do make Ooty one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu.
Shopping
No vacation is complete without shopping and in Tamil Nadu, you get so much to explore and collect as souvenirs in the numerous local markets of Chennai, Puducherry, and Ooty. There are numerous local goods and items that you can buy to take back home as a memory of your Tamil Nadu trip. And as you visit various tourist places in Tamil Nadu, you can indulge in shopping in each of those places.
Temple hopping
Tamil Nadu is one of the states in India that is dotted with temples. If you are traveling with elderly members of the family, you can surely visit the temples in the state. These temples in Tamil Nadu are not only visited by pilgrims but also by tourists who appreciate architecture. Some of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu that are also popular for housing ancient temples are Madurai, Kumbakonam, Vellore, etc. You can accordingly choose from the Tamil Nadu tour packages for family.
Foods to Eat in Tamil Nadu
Like shopping, food is another very important element of a vacation. Hence, your Tamil Nadu tour package has to have some lip-smacking delicacies on the platter to make your visit to the state memorable to your belly as well! Here are some of the most popular foods in Tamil Nadu to treat your taste buds as mentioned below:
- Uttapam
- Banana Bonda
- Dosa
- Murukku
Uttapam
Made with split black lentils (urad dal) and rice powder, Uttapam is a dish similar to Dosa. The dish has toppings of onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables and is served with coconut chutney. Tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu where you can eat the best Uttapam are Chennai, Madurai, etc.
Banana Bonda
This is a unique Bonda stuffed with banana, which is then deep-fried to leave a sweet taste in your mouth. It is normally served with tea.
Dosa
Dosas are the most favorite food item in all of South India, including Tamil Nadu. They are available in different types, in several shapes, and are served with coconut chutney and hot sambar.
Murukku
This is another snack served with tea and is loved by everyone in Tamil Nadu. Made with rice flour and split black lentils (urad dal), this snack is deep-fried in oil.
Tamil Nadu is a versatile land that can be experienced not just for its culture and customs but also for its varied cuisine.
Best Restaurants in Tamil Nadu
While on a tour of Tamil Nadu, you cannot escape the culinary flavors of the state found across its different cities and towns. Below are some of the most popular restaurants in Tamil Nadu that you must visit during your stay in the state.
- Basil with a Twist, Chennai
- Dakshin, Chennai
- Ooty Coffee House, Ooty
- Ten Degrees, Kodaikanal
Basil with a Twist, Chennai
This restaurant serves as one of the finest dine-outs with its magnificent nine-course meal. You can enjoy a mesmerizing evening with your loved one at a candlelight dinner here.
Dakshin, Chennai
Dakshin offers sumptuous treats that foodies simply love to indulge in. The restaurant serves as a landmark in the opulent food circuit of Chennai with a lavish offering of immaculately served dishes.
Ooty Coffee House, Ooty
When in Ooty, visit this cafe for a unique taste of the iconic South Indian coffee that satiates you with its enchanting aroma.
Ten Degrees, Kodaikanal
Enjoy the delectable South Indian and international cuisine in this Kodaikanal restaurant to satisfy your appetite. The lemon chicken and Wasabi-coated prawns are a must-try here, along with the equally delicious desserts.
Ideal Places for a Honeymoon in Tamil Nadu
Honeymoon tours are special for everyone, as you get to know your partner and also get an opportunity to explore common interests. If you are looking for some fabulous and best tourist places in Tamil Nadu that are perfect to spend your honeymoon, you can consider these honeymoon destinations. You can accordingly choose from the honeymoon packages in Tamil Nadu.
- Ooty
- Coonoor
- Yercaud
- Kodaikanal
- Kanyakumari
- Meghamalai
Ooty
Ooty is hands down the perfect getaway for a romantic recluse in Tamil Nadu. With its superb tea plantations, ancient and majestic bungalows, pristine churches, and amazing beauty, this is a cozy destination for couples. You are most likely to find Ooty in the honeymoon packages in Tamil Nadu that we offer.
Coonoor
Coonoor is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu, especially for couples who want some time aloof from the hustle and bustle of their usual life. Some of the attractions that you must not miss out on visiting here are Law's Falls, Catherine Falls, Hidden Valley, and Dolphin's Nose. This hill station is smaller than Ooty and quieter as well. If you and your partner are fond of peaceful places, then Coonoor is the best option for you.
Yercaud
One of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu for honeymooners is Yercaud. The hill station is perched at a height of 4970 feet and the attractions that you can visit here are Bear's Cave, Emerald Lake, and Lady's Seat. You cannot help but are bound to fall in love with the beauty of this place.
Kodaikanal
A popular hill station, it is also known as the best honeymoon place in Tamil Nadu. Located at an elevation of over 7000 feet, Kodaikanal serves as a cozy destination for honeymooners looking for solace from the maddening crowds of the cities.
Kanyakumari
This is another magical destination for the newly-weds offering unrivaled scenic beauty in its beaches, temples, waterfalls, and much more. It is certainly one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu that is visited by honeymooners.
Meghamalai
One of the tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu, Meghmalai also serves as a beautiful spot for honeymoon couples looking for respite amidst hills with secluded places that are apt for lovebirds.
Indulging in a little shopping is a great way for you to explore a tourist destination. Not only do you get to see the indigenous craftsmanship, local produce, and unique artwork, but you can also pick up some memorable curios for yourself and your loved ones back home. Here are some of the best places in Tamil Nadu for a great shopping experience.
- Pondy Bazaar, Chennai
- Town Hall Market, Coimbatore
- Main Bazaar, Ooty
- T. Nagar Market, Chennai
Now let us see what these shopping sites have to offer.
Pondy Bazaar, Chennai
This market with its varied collection of fashionable clothes and accessories is a must visit for tourists. Here, you can buy clothes, footwear, electronic items and even street food.
Town Hall Market, Coimbatore
This market provides you the opportunity to shop for all sorts of items like jewelry, footwear, books, home decor, and much more.
Main Bazaar, Ooty
You will find a range of ornaments, paintings, handicrafts, clothing and other rare items in this market.
T. Nagar Market, Chennai
Here, you can buy sarees, jewelry, and much more at reasonable rates.
