Boasting cultural opulence; gorgeous coastline; wildlife richness; hill stations to be enamoured of; and temples with intricate carvings to imbibe spirituality, Tamil Nadu is a destination in India that cannot be ignored. Making its place in New York Times 2016’s edition as one of the top places to visit in the world, Tamil Nadu beckoned being a popular tourist destination worldwide. Need a relaxing holiday or a spiritual one, exploring the mystery of cosmic powers? Tamil Nadu caters to your interests, and thus, is the right travel destination in India for you to quench your thirst for exploration.

The art and culture are so deeply embedded in Tamil Nadu that as a tourist here, you have plenty of experiences to relish. Welcome to Tamil Nadu! The land where the tales and influence of Cholas, Pandyas, and Pallavas can still be seen and the beaut landscape, sacred temples, and imposing wildlife make you feel instantly connected with this tourist destination in India. While we mostly focus on the cultural side of this travel place located in South India, there is an urban vibe that we must endeavour to sight occasionally. The capital city, Chennai and several other cities in the state offer a delightful blend of modern and ancient, and thus, give any traveller a chance to revel amidst the fusion. The geography of the state makes it an unsurpassed gift for the nature lovers. From its western fronts where it enjoys the company of the lush Western Ghats to its east coast that is adorned by a long coastal stretch and an island of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu has plenty of tourist attractions dotting its length and breadth. Then there are copious things to do that further enhance your experience at this impeccable destination in India. Indeed, Tamil Nadu is an inviting tourist place the travel guide of which promises delightful experiences to cherish. In fact, the state opens its doors to those who are willing to get a new perspective without being skeptical about anything. Therefore, if you are visiting Tamil Nadu, you need to accept a different take on spirituality and culture. Yes, it is the land of Lord Murugan and Goddess Meenakshi but then it is also the abode of Mother Mary and the resting place of St. Thomas.

Rameshwaram Temple

Spiritual belief in the hearts of worshippers is something that keeps them going through thick and thins of life. And this temple here in Tamilnadu, is not just any temple, it is one of the holiest Hindu Char Dham sites. Rameshwaram along with Badrinath, Puri and Dwarka are the famous temples of India that are visited by pilgrims to attain salvation. Talking about this spiritual pilgrimage site of Tamil Nadu, it finds its place in the town of Rameshwaram and is one of the 274 Paadal Petra Sthalams which finds its special mention in the songs of the three famous Nayanars, Sundarar, Appar and Tirugnana Sambandar. With the coming of 12th century, Rameshwaram temple saw its days of evolution by the hands of Pandya Dynasty and is revered as a sacred site for Vaishnavites, Shaivites and Smarthas. The Indian epic Ramayana is associated with this temple where the Lord Rama worshipped the lingam of Lord Shiva to get rid of the sins he committed when he fought with Ravana, the king of Lanka.

Meenakshi Temple

Spreading it’s spiritual aura over the souls of worshippers is the oldest temple of Madurai, Meenakshi temple. This shrine that dates back to over 2500 years is considered as old as the city it adds shine to, etched on the southern bank of River Vaigai, Meenakshi is an avatar of Goddess Parvati the consort of Lord Shiva. Also known as Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, it is believed that it is the same place where Lord Shiva (Sundareswarar) and Goddess Parvati(Meenakshi) tied the knot. Donning the Dravidian style of architecture, this temple was once considered to be counted among the ‘ Seven Wonders of the World’. One of the things that you should not miss out while on a spiritual tour in Madurai, is the procession that is carried out by the priest of the temple. In the ceremony, a photo of Sundareswarar is carried in a chariot to the shrine of Meenakshi. Followed by a pooja that take place once the golden feet of the Lord are brought out of his consort’s temple. And throughout this process the chariot of the Lord is fanned.

Marina Beach

Heartbeat of Chennai City, Marina Beach makes for an alluring backdrop and is considered as one of the largest Urban Beaches in the world. Stretched in the area of nearly 13 km, this beach in Chennai is one of prominent tourist attraction in the city. Reckoned to be an urban beach, this tourist hot spot in Chennai attracts a heavy gathering of 30,000 tourists a day. Being a busy tourist attraction in Chennai, Marina Beach presently serves as a perfect stopover for the locals as well as tourists to spend their weekends at the beach. Not just the present of this resplendent tourist place in Chennai is beautiful but the past as well. During the period of Indian Freedom Movement, Marina Beach served as an eminent place for the social gatherings and public meetings. Despite this, swimming and bathing in Marina Beach are prohibited because of the turbulent undercurrent. Yet, you can savour your time here to the fullest by strolling around at the seashore or taking a horse ride or can also relish the flavours of South Indian seafood. At Marina Beach, one also has a once in a lifetime chance to sit delightfully on the seaside to take pleasure in the pulchritudinous views of sunrise and sunset. Besides, don’t forget to please your eyes with the candid vistas of the beach and the city from the 50 m high lighthouse which the beach houses.

Mudumalai National Park

The Mudumalai National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary resides on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains), in Nilgiri District, about 150 km north-west of Coimbatore city in Kongu Nadu region of Tamil Nadu. By sharing its boundaries with the states of Karnataka and Kerala, the sanctuary is divided into 5 ranges – Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota.

The Mudumalai Sanctuary is an important wildlife habitat due to its strategic position as a Wildlife corridor between several other protected areas making an essential part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Its north is being crusted with Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole National Park and at its west is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary along the south corner is flourished with Mukurthi National Park and Silent Valley National Park. These parks, sanctuaries and the adjoining Reserve forests cover over 3,300 sq kms of forest supporting a population of 1800–2300 elephants.