If you love to explore ancient temples, stunning landscapes, historical sites, beautiful beaches, and mouth-watering cuisines, Tamil Nadu is the answer for you. It is a spectacular land of rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions. So, if you plan to explore South India, check out these fantastic Tamil Nadu tourist places.
Six-day itinerary for Tamil Nadu Tourist Places
- Chennai to Kodiakanal
- Explore Kodiakanal
- Kodiakanal to Thanjavur
- Chidambaram & Pichavaram
- Explore Pondicherry
- Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram
Day 1: Chennai to Kodaikanal
Upon reaching Chennai, book a cab or drive by yourself. Booking an SUV would be a better option, considering one’s comfort during this week-long journey. For the first destination of your trip, be ready to witness the spectacular beauty of the picturesque hill station in Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats. “Kodaikanal”, which means Forest’s gift in Tamil, perfectly describes the evergreen and lush forest cover.
The Drive
Enjoy the scenic drive to this landscape, famous for its cool climate and alluring scenery. It will take around 6-7 hours to reach Kodaikanal, so if you start early in the morning from Chennai, you can reach Kodaikanal by evening. Take a rest for the day once you get there and enjoy the breathtaking view from your resort along with your evening tea.
Day 2 : Explore Kodiakanal
Start your day by exploring the Pine Forest site. You can walk among the giant pine trees placed very close together. Spend some quiet time in nature. Finding a peaceful spot and sitting there for 10 mins with closed eyes might be a good idea. Proceed to explore the Guna Caves. There are several standby eateries at the entrance of caves, if you want to stop to grab a small bite. These caves offer a mystic view with the fog coming down the narrow paths.
Exploring The Nature
The trees with their roots forming a maze-like arrangement, interrelated chambers, and narrow rock structures can remind you of your childhood show “Takeshi’s Castle”. Next, explore the botanical garden called Bryant Park. The diversity in shades of flowers, varying from yellow marigolds, pink and red roses, and white dahlias, will soothe your eyes, and it can be an excellent time to catch a breather.
Scenic Viewpoint
The viewpoint Pillar Rocks offers an uncluttered valley view. Before the day ends, you can go for Coaker’s Walk. This serene pathway presents a 180-degree view of cliffs and hills as you walk around. Overall, KodiaKanal reminds you how tiny you are in front of those majestic hills and valleys.
Day 3 : Kodiakanal to Thanjavur
Depart from Kodaikanal in the morning, and it will take around five hours to reach Thanjavur. Thanjavur has to be on your list as it has one of the most magnificent temples across India, a UNESCO World Heritage site – “The Brihadeeswarar Temple”.
The Brihadeeswarar Temple
The temple was built in 11th century AD by Rajaraja Chola, a profound devotee of Lord Shiva. The intricate carvings, fine architecture and genius engineering of the temple will leave you mesmerised and in awe of the artistic mastery of the Chola dynasty.
Interestingly you will find the main Shivling inside the temple wrapped up in Dhoti, a south Indian attire as a mark of respect. After spending a few blissful hours at the temple, it is time to move towards our next destination, Chidambaram. You can reach here within three hours and call it a day.
Day 4 : Chidambaram & Pichavaram
When we talk about the rich heritage and spiritual aspects of Indian temples, Chidambaram makes it to the list as it is known for its famous Nataraja Temple. Lord Shiva, a prominent Hindu deity known as Destroyer, is also portrayed as the celestial dancer Nataraja.
This temple is dedicated to Shiva’s Nataraja form. One might get to witness the annual grand procession of God’s idol, which is carried on grand majestic chariots across the pathways of Chidambaram.
The devotees dance and sing in front of heavily decorated chariots to welcome the Lord into their hometown. Rituals are performed and mantras are chanted that create a profound spiritual aura around you. By noon, proceed to Pichavaram which is 21 kms away from Chidambaram.
Pichavaram Mangrove Forests
Pichavaram mangrove forests are among the most extensive mangrove forests in the world. They serve as an essential habitat for various wildlife species, fueling biodiversity conservation. You can enjoy this elaborate mangrove vegetation water channel system by taking a boat ride for around one hour.
But safety first, make sure you wear your life jacket correctly. The ride takes you through one narrow water pathway to another, surrounded by dense plants and forests dipped under the water. After enjoying the boat ride, it is time to head towards the next destination, Pondicherry. It will take two hours to get there. By evening, you can reach Pondicherry and rest at your hotel.
Day 5: Explore Pondicherry
If you are a beach lover you are absolutely at the right place. Pondi is a perfect blend of French heritage and beautiful beaches. Most restaurants, cafes, and hotels have a French theme of pastel colours paired with balconies.
Begin your day by visiting Auroville. It is around 20-minute’ walk to Matrimandir, a tomb-shaped centre dedicated to meditation. You will find many artistic quotes along the way, advocating for a sustainable way of living.
The Local Environment
Explore local markets and streets projecting French-era buildings and houses. Cafes serve French-inspired cuisine such as bread and pastries. You can go to Paradise Beach after lunch. To reach this beach, you need to get on a boat. Therefore, get your tickets before 4 PM when the counter closes. Spend some leisure time by indulging in sports activities, taking a rejuvenating dip across the waves and sunbathing.
Day 6: Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram
Start your day by watching the beautiful sunrise at Serenity Beach. The beach has pathways formed from rocks where you can sit and enjoy the sunrise. Combining the cool breeze blowing on your face, the beautiful beach vibe and the sunrise will become one of your most cherished memories. If you like, make sandcastles at the beach and bid “Au revoir” to Pondicherry.
Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is around 95 kms from Pondicherry. It will take around two hours to reach here. This place is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for the ancient Shore Temple, where you can see the temple’s remains dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Visit “Pancha Ratha” to glimpse the Dravidian era, where temples formed from monolithic rock denote the chariot-like shape. When you visit “Krishna’s Butter Ball”, you will be amazed to see nature’s craft as a large and heavy rock stands by itself on a slope for ages. Visit the watchtower called Lighthouse, which used to work as a station to help ships in navigation. It will give you an excellent 180-degree view of the water body and Mahabalipuram.
Back to Chennai
Start your journey back, and it takes around one and a half hours to reach Chennai. If you have some time take an evening stroll at Elliot’s Beach. Try Ghee Roast Dosa, Onion uttapam, Medu Vada, and filter coffee before you say Goodbye to Chennai.
Do and Don’ts For Tamil Nadu Tourist Places
- Pre-book your stays and hotels and confirm your stay with the hotel to avoid any last-minute discomfort or surprise.
- Make sure to stay hydrated and carry tissues, wipes and munchies.
- Carry a change of clothes if you get wet at beaches.
- If elderly people accompany you, make sure you book your stays on the ground floor, as many resorts do not have lifts.
- Take care of your personal belongings, such as cameras and phones. Try to use the locker facility wherever possible.
- Carry an umbrella.
Final Thoughts on Tamil Nadu Tourist Places
The six-day itinerary for Tamil Nadu tourist places includes Kodaikanal, Thanjavur, Chidambaram & Pichavaram, Pondicherry, and Mahabalipuram. So, let’s hope to make your next trip memorable with the given itinerary for maximum exploration and thrill.
Helpful itinerary for anyone to plan long trip
Thank you Vamsi 🙂
Great work on Summarising this. Looking to read more blogs on different other places in Tamilnadu.
Thank you Devi. Means a lot 🙂