City: Tamil Nadu
Top Things to do in Tamil Nadu
Top 10 Ancient Ruins in Tamil Nadu, India
^# Jana Gana Mana is the national anthem, while "Invocation to Tamil Mother" is the state song/anthem.
^† Established in 1773; Madras State was formed in 1950 and renamed as Tamil Nadu on 14 January 1969
^^ Tamil is the official language of the state. English is declared as an additional official language for communication purposes.
Restaurants in Tamil Nadu
1. Dutch Church
2. Vedaranyeswarar Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Companion145831
If you've ever felt that our ancient heritage needs to be preserved, visit this temple that is more than 1300 years old according to verifiable historical sources. It is mentioned in the 7th Century Thevaram written by the Nayanars or Tamil Saint Poets. However, the legend transcends history. Agasthya is said to have witnessed Shiva and Parvati's wedding here. The Vedas, oldest scriptures of Hinduism originated here. Lord Rama came here to absolve his son of killing Ravana. This is the temple that magically opened and closed its doors to the songs of Appar and Sundarar, saint poets of the 7th and 8th centuries. If this doesn't represent our heritage nothing else will. And that brings me to the Crux of the issue. Vedarayaneswarar Temple needs patronage. It is a little run down and requires maintenance. If you find yourself in the vicinity of Nagapattinam or Velankanni, take the trouble to drive down to Vedarayanam. It is a beautiful one hour drive through some of the most picturesque paddy fields in India. Go to the temple and get a rare darshan of Shiva and Parvati together. Then donate whatever you can afford. Vedarayaneswarar and Vedanayaki will bless you.
3. Madurai Amma Mitto
4. Monuments at Mahabalipuram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,684 reviews
Many interesting rock-cut temples and giant open-air reliefs from the 7th and 8th centuries.
Reviewed By 369gillianj - Clitheroe, United Kingdom
Beautiful beach side setting, lovely village with good shops and restaurants, and so many amazing things to see - ancient rock carvings, cave-like temples hewn from granite, beautiful shore temple, lovely old working lighthouse and gravity-defying Krishna's Butterball Boulder! All within easy walking distance - a real treasure trove.
5. Krishna Mandapam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By Trvelly
Mammalapuram,(Mahabalipuram) has a lot to offer, which would pave way to the history/civilisation and a lot more to think. When you are here you forget your time and go on to memories. Great place to see all the Sculptures and do visit the temple inside the mandapam
6. Chitharal Hill Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By sathyajeet - Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), India
The visit to arguably the southernmost Jain Chaitya in the sub-continent is worth the journey on a meandering route and the arduous trek it calls for. The Kshetra(Chaitya) at Chitharal enshrines Parswanath and Mahaveera, the 23rd and 24th Theerthankaras of the world's oldest school of thought founded by Rishabhadeva, the history of this sect of Sanathana Samscruthi ,Nirgranthas, goes as far back as 600BCE. Caves typical of the Jain ascetics' shelters suggest that they must have been in existence for over 2300 years, if indeed the Jain order spread to southern parts of Bharthavarsha following Bhadrabahu I and Chandragupta Maurya's sojourn in the region. There is nothing surprising about the serenity of the shrine as the Jain ascetics, unlike the Buddha Bikshus, were known to lead a strict renunciatory life devoid of social contacts and patronage. The bas-reliefs on the rock face are noteworthy not only from the historical point of view but aesthetic perspective as well. The steep climb up the stone-paved path to the rock-cut temple more than redeems the effort when the hilltop finally offers a panoramic view of Nagarcoil and Sahyadri, apart from the tranquillity and the fresh air in abundance. As one of the reviewers remarked, one has to carry water bottles since no such facility is currently available atop the hillock. The Caves, Shrines,Vimana, garden and the moat are all maintained in excelent fashion. There is a keeper, a local resident, appointed by ASI to take care of the heritage site which remains open 8am to 5 pm everyday. It would have been better, had ASI put up the descriptive plaques right in front of the carvings/edicts rather than just at the entrance. It is an ideal place for anyone who would like to soak in the air of antequity and sit by oneself lost in the silence of the higher terrains. From atop this hillock, the history of this land beckons its posterity.
7. Somaswarar Temple Pazhayarai
8. Dolmen Circle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Footprints727663
I went to Dolmen Circle. This place owing to its history and artefacts is an absolute must-visit on all the explorers out there. Also, the surrounding scenic views and the greenery is a relief to the eyes. It is great place to go.
9. Mahishasura Rock
10. Danish Fort
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By njan45 - Kochi (Cochin), India
Tarangambadi or Tranquebar was the only Danish colony in India from 1620 to 1845. It was then sold to British East India Company. This 17 th century fort popularly known as Dansborg stands as a testimony to the engineering skills of Danes. It withstood the Tsunami and still in good condition. There is a small museum inside. The fort is closed on Fridays. Entry fee is only five ruppees and camera fees is thirty rupees.
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