The land of cultural and religious heritage, Tamil Nadu is one of the most beautiful places in India for tourists or pilgrims to visit. This state has seen the rise and fall of many dynasties like the Cholas, Cheras, and Pallavas, and each dynasty has enriched the place with its customs and traditions. Tamil Nadu is visited by many tourists to visit India's famous Meenakshi Temple, Kanyakumari, or the beautiful hill station of Ooty. The ruins of forts and palaces of the erstwhile great dynasties are a great attraction. The intricately carved structures of Mahabalipuram provide an insight into the architectural splendor of the Indian civilization.
Ooty
Ooty is a city in the state of Tamil Nadu. This city situated on the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is mainly known as a hill station. It is also called Udhagamandalam. Ooty is a beautiful town situated in the beautiful hills of Nilgiris. Many tourists come to this hill station located in the south of India. The city is a part of the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. The Nilgiri Hills surrounding the town of Ooty add to its beauty. These hills are also called the Blue Mountains. These flowers are blue and when these flowers bloom, they paint the valleys blue. Coimbatore is the nearest airport here. It is well connected by road to other parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, but to reach here one can take a train or toy train from Kannur.
Yercaud
Yercaud is a major tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. It is situated on the Sarvarayan mountain range on the Eastern Ghats. Cheaper than other hill stations, this place is slowly becoming popular among the people. But it is not as crowded as in Ooty or Kodaikanal. It is a suitable place for those who want to feel nature closely. It is situated at an altitude of 1515 meters and its natural beauty and pleasant weather attract many tourists. Although Yercaud is sometimes referred to as the poor people's Oottakmandalam as things are more affordable here than in the famous hill station Ooty. Yercaud is becoming increasingly popular with local and foreign tourists. Yercaud is mainly known for coffee, orange, jackfruit, guava, cardamom, and black pepper plantations.
Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is known for its beautiful Kanchipuram sarees and is also known as the 'Golden City of a Thousand Temples. Kanchipuram is a popular tourist attraction in Tamil Nadu. Kanchipuram is a good place for people who believe in Hinduism. It is especially known for being a cultural and philosophical center. The city is home to the famous Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, the consort of Lord Shiva. The Kailasanathar Temple is also popular and is known for its splendid architecture. The tallest, largest, and most impressive temple in the city is the Ekambaeshwar Temple, spread over 40 acres. The Kanchi Math hosts Kutchi or South Indian classical music programs in the evenings.
Madurai
Madurai is one of the oldest cities in India located in Tamil Nadu. The city was ruled by the Pandya kings for a long time and was built in the form of a lotus. Madurai is considered the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. The city houses the Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to goddess Meenakshi with a sanctum for her consort, Sundareswarar. Tiruppurkundram is one of the important old temples dedicated to Lord Muruga (Kartikeya) and is situated on a hill about 8 km from the town. The Gandhi Museum houses Gandhi's blood-stained dhoti and some other artifacts. Shopping here is fun and cheap. Madurai is popular for its amazing street food.
Yelagiri
Yelagiri, also known as Elagiri, is a small hill station situated in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu and is also known as a tourist's paradise. The entire Yelagiri used to be the private property of the zamindars whose houses are still present in Reddiyur. In the early 1950s, Yelagiri was taken over by the Government of India. The place is situated at an altitude of 1048 meters above sea level and is a cluster of about 14 villages with tribal populations. This hill station, populated by various tribes, is not as developed as other hill stations in Tamil Nadu such as Ooty or Kodaikanal.
Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a beautiful and scenic hill station situated in the Palani Hills in the Western Ghats. Kodaikanal Hill Resort in Tamil Nadu, 2133 meters above sea level, mesmerizes everyone with its beauty and peaceful atmosphere. This place situated between Pali Hill is the main hill station of South India. The fun of visiting here doubles when Kurinji is in bloom. The city is famous as the princess of hill stations due to its natural beauty and popularity. Located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, the city is on a plateau at an altitude of 2133 meters above sea level. The city of Kodaikanal is situated between the valleys of Parapar and Gundar. Kodaikanal is one of the most popular holiday destinations today. It is a favorite spot for honeymoon couples. Situated amid a dense forest with the wonderful natural beauty of trees, rocks, and waterfalls, a must-visit here.
Connor
Coonoor is one such hill station that leaves an indelible mark on the minds of tourists who visit here, bringing back simple yet wonderful childhood memories. It is a taluka and a municipal area in the Nilgiris district in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its tea production. Situated at an altitude of 1850 m above sea level, Coonoor is the second-highest hill station of the Nilgiri range after Ooty. It is considered an ideal place for trekking expeditions to the Nilgiri ranges. Its nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport located about 56 km from here.
Kotagiri
Being a major hill station, Kotagiri situated in the Nilgiris district can be placed in the category of Coonoor and Ooty. It is the last of the three in many respects, but not the last in terms of beautiful environment. It was from here that Ralph Thomas Hatchkin Griffith, the son of a Christian missionary, started the translation of the Vedas. The hill station, situated at a spectacular elevation of 1793 meters above sea level, is an ideal place for trekking expeditions. There are many other similar trekking sites located in many other parts of the Nilgiris. And where human civilization has not yet reached. The area just below Coonoor and the slopes of the Nilgiri Hills have been the traditional habitat for the Kota tribes. The name 'Kota-Giri' itself means 'mountain of Kota'. While the Toda caste has been the traditional farmers of the Nilgiris, the Kota caste are the traditional craftsmen who are well-versed in the art of pottery making and terracotta baking.
Mahabalipuram
Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram, famous for intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves, is a historically important tourist place located on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal in the state of Tamil Nadu. Mahabalipuram was renamed Mamallapuram, after the famous demon king Mahabali. Some of the famous tourist spots include the UNESCO World Heritage Site Shore Temple and the Five Rathas, the Crocodile Bank, which is home to some of the best species of crocodiles, and the beaches located at Kovalam and Sadar.
Valparai
Valparai is a hill station in the Amalai Hills, located at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. Ooty, Kodaikanal, and Coorg A good options for those traveling to similar hill stations. It is the 'seventh heaven'. Driven by an economy that largely consists of coffee and tea estates, this idyllic hill station also thrives on its thriving tourism industry.
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