City: Tamil Nadu
Top Things to do in Tamil Nadu
What to do and see in Tamil Nadu, India: The Best Historic Sites
^# 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. Great Living Chola Temples
2. Ekambareswarar Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 365 reviews
Reviewed By 100parag - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Considered one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalam this Shiva temple will definitely boost your sense of spirituality and bliss. From the stunning architecture, to the sound of nadeswaram in the inner sanctum, to the centuries old mango tree where the union of Shiva and Parvati took place there is so much to see and take in. I even found space to meditate in peace for a while here and eat prasadam after, without being rushed out.
3. Chettinad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By BharathiMani - Bengaluru, India
Not quite sure why Chettinad features here. The Chettinad mansions are mind blowing phenomenal. Their facades are imposing. We were lucky to be invited by a Chettiar couple to see their house while exploring the facades. The scale of the house cannot be described. The Burma teak and tiles from UK were exquisite. The courtyards will leave you spell bound. Do drive around the villages of Athangudi and Kanadukathan.
4. Jambukeswarar Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
Reviewed By gpadmana
What struck me was that from the first entrance, one could almost see through to the sanctum sanctorum. And it was a beautiful view. The temple is also knows as Thriuvanakovil. Better to go in the evening at around 6, spend a couple of hours. Would be cooler than the mornings. The temple is clean and has 3 praharams. The pillars, art are amazing. The main diety is in a sort of cave. Buy a ticket for Rs. 10 to see the deity from closer quarters. Prasadams like Puliyogare are available. Parking is there on the surrounding streets. If you are visiting Srirangam, do visit this temple.
5. Descent Of The Ganges
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By Tanumita - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
A beautiful piece of art carved on a monolithic rock. It is built on the same rock as Arjuna's penance and has a mythological and historical significance to it. The descent of the Ganges is depicted in the form of Cobras and it is an exceptional sculpture built during the Pallava rule.
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. Gingee Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By wandering_booknerd - Bengaluru, India
One of the most beautiful place that I happen to visit on a road trip. Though just ruins now, it still holds a certain charm of the old Indian architecture. Built by the Kona dynasty and then further improved by the Cholas, this fort was impregnable and couldn’t be conquered by invaders for a long time. Eventually, the fort passed on from one dynasty to another and many additions were added. The British called it “Troy of East” because of it’s ingenious architectural marvel. Definitely worthy of a visit.
8. Vivekananda House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Reviewed By Zyz4653
We visited this place during out tour. It is inspiring place. we were told that Vivekanand swami stayed there for few days . He also used to to do meditation in that room. Very very peaceful place. One can learn many great things about him. It is worth seeing this place and spend some time in that peaceful place.
9. Kattabomman Memorial Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By RajeshJeyapaul
Happy to write this comment on the day of Kattabomman Birthday today(Jan 3rd). Have visited this place many times. This time took my family and especially my son who has a book to study about Kattabomman history in his curriculum. It is a historical site and not a tourist location. About 4 KM drive from the main 4 way lane from Kurukuchallai arch in the Tuticorin-Madurai highway. Little dry drive with lots of cattles roaming around and few houses. There is a small shop outside the fort which will help you to get some snacks, water and ice cream. Rs. 2 INR is charged as entrance fee. 1) Get into the fort and understand the history through the paintings which has both Tamil and English descriptions. Replica of the fort painting available at London Muesuem is available as well. 2) Visit the old fort area, now fenced by the ASI India, to understand the attempt to rebuild the fort using jaggery in 6 days. Royal court , kitchen, some rooms and old utensils used could be visible from outside 3) Some of the mani mandapam's (Bell tower) outside the fort area are visible as well About 1 hour can be spent and can be relaxed under the tree shade for a while before returning back. MUST visit for family, kids and any history lovers. It is NOT a tourist attraction.Govt should consider improving the surrounding Garden area.
10. Arultharum Mutharamman Thirukoil Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
