Recent Tourist Spots in Tamil Nadu
Kanniyakumari
Place ID: 12 | Loc ID: 38
Kanyakumari is special for being the southernmost tip of mainland India, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean meet, and for its unique sunrise and sunset views from the same spot. Other specialties include cultural and religious sites like the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue, as well as natural attractions like beaches and waterfalls.
Geographic and natural wonders
Triveni Sangam: The unique point where the three seas converge.
Sunrise and sunset: Kanyakumari is famous for being a spot where you can watch both the sunrise and sunset from the same location. On Chitra Paurnami (April-May), it is possible to see the sun and moon opposite each other on the horizon.
Beaches: There are many beaches with unique views, including the one near the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue.
Thirparappu Falls: A beautiful waterfall with a swimming pool.
Mathoor Hanging Bridge: The longest bridge of its kind in Asia.
Cultural and religious sites
Vivekananda Rock Memorial:
A memorial built on a rock in the sea to honor Swami Vivekananda.
Thiruvalluvar Statue:
A 133-foot tall stone sculpture of the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar.
Kumari Amman Temple:
A 3,000-year-old temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanya Kumari, located near Triveni Sangam.
Padmanabhapuram Palace:
A 16th-century wooden palace with intricate craftsmanship.
Gandhi Memorial Mandapam:
A memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
Tsunami Monument:
A memorial for the victims of the 2004 tsunami.
Local handicrafts and food
Handicrafts: You can find beautiful items made from seashells, coir, coconut shells, brass, and wood.
Food: Popular food items include banana chips, kothu, appam, and pazha sarbath.
Speciality: sunset
ooty
Place ID: 11 | Loc ID: 32
Special places to visit in Ooty include the highest point, Doddabetta Peak, and serene spots like Emerald Lake and the Government Rose Garden, known for its vast collection of roses. Other popular attractions are the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Mudumalai National Park, and Ooty Lake.
Nature and viewpoints
Doddabetta Peak:
The highest point in the Nilgiris, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Emerald Lake:
A tranquil and picturesque lake surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for nature lovers.
Ooty Lake:
A popular spot for boating and enjoying the scenic beauty.
Dolphin's Nose:
A viewpoint that provides stunning views of the Catherine Falls.
Pykara Falls and Pykara Lake:
A beautiful waterfall and lake area that is a must-see.
Kalhatti Falls:
A scenic waterfall located near the Kalhatti village.
Gardens and parks
Government Rose Garden: Spread across several acres, it boasts thousands of rose varieties and has won the "Garden of Excellence" award.
Ooty Botanical Gardens: A large garden with a variety of flora, including a fossilized tree trunk.
Mudumalai National Park: Home to a variety of wildlife, this park is a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
Cultural and historical sites
Nilgiri Mountain Railway: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this toy train offers a scenic and nostalgic journey through the hills.
St. Stephen's Church: One of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris region.
Tea Museum: A museum dedicated to the history of tea plantations in the Nilgiris.
Other points of interest
Wenlock Downs: A vast open grassland, popular for trekking and horse riding.
Shooting Point: A beautiful scenic location often used in films for its picturesque views.
Chocolate Museum: A place to learn about and taste different types of Ooty chocolates.
Speciality: Queen of Hills
Mannavanur Lake Kodai
Place ID: 10 | Loc ID: 14
Mannavanur Lake and Kodaikanal: My budget travel in under Rs 3,000
Mannavanur Lake and Kodaikanal will change your outlook of South Indian hill-stations.
Hill stations of South India have their own beauty.
Speciality: Kodai Nature
Dharmapuri
Place ID: 16 | Loc ID: 29
Dharmapuri is special for its many attractions, particularly the Hogenakkal Falls and religious sites like the Chenraya Perumal Temple and Theerthamalai Temple. Historically significant, Dharmapuri is also known for the legendary chieftain Adigaman Naduman Anji.
Natural attractions
Hogenakkal Falls: A large waterfall where the Cauvery River enters Tamil Nadu. The name means "Smoky Rocks" in Kannada, as the water falling on the rocks looks like smoke.
Krishnagiri Dam: A dam that offers a great view from the top and has a well-maintained garden.
Mookkanuraian Malai: The highest and most prominent mountain in the area.
Religious sites
Theerthamalai Temple: A Shiva temple where it is said Lord Rama worshipped.
Chenraya Perumal Temple: A famous Perumal (a form of Lord Vishnu) temple.
Shri Theerthagirishwarar Temple: Located near Dharmapuri.
Kottai Kovil: A significant temple mentioned as a place of interest.
Hanuman Theertham: A place to visit for religious purposes.
Historical and cultural significance
Sangam Era History: Dharmapuri was the capital of the ancient kingdom ruled by chieftain Adigaman Naduman Anji during the Sangam period.
District Formation: The Dharmapuri district was formed in 1965 from the Salem district.
Festivals: The district celebrates festivals like the 10-day Masi Brahmotsavam at the Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple.
Speciality: Mango Capital of India
Bodinayakanur
Place ID: 3 | Loc ID: 20
Bodinayakanur is a town in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.[1] Nestled at the base of the Western Ghat Hills, the town is widely known as India's cardamom capital for its pedigree in cultivating that crop.[2]
Despite a population estimated to be no higher than 0.2% of Tamilnadu's total population, Bodinayakanur has been the constituency for 2 of 12 Chief Ministers of the state.[3]
Etymology
Centuries prior, the town was called Thenkasiyampathi (தென்காசியம்பதி). Legend has it that the town got its contemporary name from a ruler who once reigned over it, Bodinayakanar.
Demographics
Population and Literacy
According to India's 2011 census, Bodi had a population of 75,676 with an estimated 1,018 females for every 1,000 males, much higher than India's national average of 929.[4] The literacy rate of the town stood at 76.18%, compared to the national average of 72.99%.[4] The town had a total of 20,333 households. There were a total of 30,234 workers.[5]
Speciality: Heven
Marina Beach
Place ID: 7 | Loc ID: 1
The Marina is a primarily sandy beach, with an average width of 300 m (980 ft)[5] and the width at the widest stretch is 437 m (1,434 ft). Bathing and swimming at the Marina are legally prohibited because of the dangers, as the undercurrent is very turbulent. It is one of the most crowded beaches in the country and attracts about 30,000 visitors a day during weekdays[6] and 50,000 visitors a day during the weekends and on holidays.[7][8][9] During summer months, about 15,000 to 20,000 people visit the beach daily.[10]
Speciality: Beach
Cuddalore
Place ID: 15 | Loc ID: 24
Cuddalore's "special" attributes include its status as a historic port city, its diverse tourist attractions, and key agricultural products. Highlights include the beaches like Silver Beach, the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, and numerous temples such as the Padaleeswarar Temple. Agriculturally, it's known for cashew nuts and sugarcane.
Attractions
Beaches: Silver Beach (the second longest on the Coromandel Coast), Samiyar Pettai Beach, and Kodiyampalayam Beach are notable for their scenery.
Mangrove Forest: Pichavaram, one of the largest mangrove forests in the world, is a scenic site with unique flora and a destination for migrating birds.
Temples: The city is home to several significant temples, including the Padaleeswarar Temple, the Devanathaswamy Temple, and the Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple.
Other: Other points of interest include Veeranam Lake and the Porto Novo Light House.
Agriculture
Cashew nuts: The district is a major center for cashew nut production.
Sugarcane: It is also known as the "Sugarbowl of Tamil Nadu" for its sugarcane cultivation.
Panruti Jack: The district is famous for its sweet jackfruit, known locally as "Panruti Jack".
Speciality: Sugar Bowl of Tamil Nadu
Kallakurichi
Place ID: 18 | Loc ID: 30
Kallakurichi is special for its historical significance as "Nadu naadu" (Mid-land), its agrarian economy, and its connection to prominent figures and geological formations. It is also home to famous temples and is the birthplace of director A.R. Murugadoss.
Historical and administrative
Historical region: Kallakurichi was historically a strategic region, known as "Nadu naadu" (Mid-land) due to its location between Chola naadu and Thondai naadu. It was ruled by various dynasties, including the Cholas, Pallavas, and Gingee Nayaks.
New district: Kallakurichi is the 33rd district of Tamil Nadu, formed in 2019 by bifurcating the Viluppuram district.
Economy and agriculture
Agrarian economy: The district is primarily agrarian, with major crops including paddy, maize, and sugarcane.
Largest revenue village: Thenkeeranur is the largest revenue village in the Kallakurichi taluk.
Culture and religion
Temples: The district features several notable temples, such as the Suambu Sree Annamaliyar Temple, Sree Sadaiappa Temple, Lord Venkateshwara Temple, and Drowpathi Amman Temple. The Sree Sadaiappa Temple's car festival occurs only once every twelve years.
Geology
Kallakurichi Formation: A specific geological formation of the Ariyalur Group, dating back to the Late Cretaceous period, is named after the area.
People
Director A.R. Murugadoss: The district is the birthplace of acclaimed film director A.R. Murugadoss.
Speciality: Home of Agriculture
KOOMAPATTY ISLAND
Place ID: 8 | Loc ID: 13
Koomapatti is a peaceful and beautiful village surrounded by green fields and fresh air. The people of Koomapatti are kind, hardworking, and always ready to help one another. It’s a place where traditions are respected, nature is close to your heart, and every sunrise feels calm and pure.
Speciality: 🌾 “Koomapatty – Where Nature and Kindness Grow Together.”
Kodaikanal
Place ID: 9 | Loc ID: 14
Kodaikanal Special: Nature, Adventure & Local Delights Await ...
Kodaikanal is special for its scenic beauty, cool climate, and attractions like the star-shaped Kodai Lake, Pillar Rocks, and Guna Caves. It is also known for special local products such as Kodai cheese, homemade chocolates, and various handicrafts. The "Princess of Hills" offers natural landscapes like forests, waterfalls, and viewpoints, as well as unique cultural experiences and local markets.
Tourist attractions
Kodai Lake: A man-made, star-shaped lake where you can go boating.
Coaker's Walk: A pedestrian path with beautiful views of the surrounding valleys.
Guna Caves: Also known as Devil's Kitchen, known for its deep, narrow tunnels and unique tree roots.
Pillar Rocks: A set of three giant rock pillars that provide scenic views.
Berijam Lake: A serene and picturesque lake surrounded by forests.
Silver Cascade Falls: An 180-foot waterfall that is a popular stop on the way to the hill station.
Pine Forest: A rustic and picturesque forest with old pine trees.
Dolphin Nose: A viewpoint that requires a moderate trek to reach, offering panoramic views.
Mannavanur Lake: A calm and beautiful lake with meadows, mountains, and unique birds.
Special local products and food
Kodai cheese and chocolates: Homemade chocolates and a variety of cheese are local specialties.
Handicrafts: You can find various handcrafted items like woolen shawls, wood articles, and brass jewelry.
Spices and oils: Shops like Spices Corner sell local spices such as clove, cinnamon, and pepper, along with herbal drinks.
Fresh produce: The area is known for its fresh produce, including garlic from villages like Poombarai.
Speciality: Nature, Adventure & Local Delights
Ariyalur
Place ID: 5 | Loc ID: 26
Ariyalur District came into existence by the bifurcation of Perambalur District as per G.O.(Ms)No.683 Revenue(RA1(1)) Department dated 19.11.2007. It is bounded on the North by Cuddalore, South by Thanjavur, East by Cuddalore and Thanjavur and West by Perambalur and Tiruchirapalli districts. Ariyalur has been functioning as a separate District since 23.11.2007.
Speciality: 😊
Kanchipuram
Place ID: 19 | Loc ID: 10
Kanchipuram is special for its ancient temples, world-renowned silk sarees, and rich cultural heritage. Key highlights include being called the "Golden City of a Thousand Temples" and being an important center for pilgrimage, as well as its significance in the silk industry.
Temples and spirituality
Architectural Marvels: Kanchipuram is known for its stunning temple architecture, often described as the "Golden City of a Thousand Temples".
Prominent Temples: Some of the most famous include the Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, and Varadharaja Perumal Temple.
Religious Significance: It is considered a sacred city, revered by Hindus for centuries and was also a historical center for Buddhists and Jains.
Silk and culture
Kanchipuram Sarees: The city is world-famous for its silk weaving industry, producing authentic and beautiful Kanjeevaram silk sarees.
Cultural Capital: Kanchipuram is also known as the "cultural capital of Tamil Nadu," with a history of classical music and devotional dance.
Other attractions
Natural Beauty: The Palar river runs through the area, and the city is a gateway to sanctuaries like the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary.
Museums: The Kanchi Kudil offers a look into the region's traditional lifestyle and heritage.
Speciality: City of Thousand Temples