Top 5 Tourist Attractions of Tamil Nadu

1. Chennai and Mammalapuram Beach

Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, also known as the gateway to south India. Chennai is a sprawling and busy city, but yet conservative. The city is endowed with deep traditions and culture that are yet to give way to the growing foreign influence there. The main attraction of the city is beach, temples, museums and galleries, Old Portuguese style churches, and amusement parks.

Around the south Chennai, the tourist will find the best beach on the east coast - Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram). The Mahabalipuram beach has a thriving backpacker scene, and also it is popular among tourists who come to relax at the resorts there.

2. Madurai

Madurai, the ancient & traditional place of Tamil Nadu is the home town for the imperative and important temple in south India - the Meenakshi Temple. If you’re crazy about visiting the south Indian temple, you should definitely visit the Meenakshi Temple. The Madurai is 4,000 years old, and a cultured place that speaks about the Tamilian tradition, culture, management, outsourcing etc. During the peak of its history, when the Nayak dynasty ruled, many magnificant temples and buildings with superb architecture were constructed. Today, Madurai attracts pilgrims and tourists in more numbers. During the 12 days Chithirai Festival at the month of April each year, the city is featured with re-enacted celestial wedding of God and Goddess.

3. Ooty

Established in the early 19th century by the British government as the summer headquarters for Chennai government.  Ooty is now a restful place to escape the summer heat. During the peak season April and May, the place is crowded with more of foreigners and tourist of India.

Ooty's most popular attractions include the 22 hectare Government Botanical Gardens (a flower show is held there every May as part of the Summer Festival), Ooty boat house, Rose Garden, Shooting Spots, Pykara falls, and climbing Dodabetta Peak for an excellent view of the Nilgiri hills. To enjoy Ooty, come through a ride in toy train from Metupalaiyam.

4. Pondicherry

Pondicherry, located on the east cost of Tamil Nadu, India. Pondicherry was a former 18th century French colony, and still retains its distinctly French flavor. People who feel to have a break from Indian culture will enjoy the taste of French culture and the relaxed atmosphere.

Pondicherry's Sri Aurobindo Ashram attracts ample of spiritual seekers. It outfitted with plenty of glorious churches, temples, and gardens. Beach Road, bordered by the Bay of Bengal and a long stretch of hotels and restaurants, is the most happening part of the city.

5. Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is located on the furthermost tip of India, where the Bay of Bengal merges with the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. The unique feature of this spiritual town is the Swami Vivekananda Memorial and towering statue of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, located on a rocky island off the shore. The Swami Vivekananda meditated there in 1892, before setting out on his religious crusade. It’s also a home to a striking Gandhi Memorial, with architecture resembling that of an Orissan temple.

Tourist visiting  Kanyakumari on the full moon night of April, will be treated to the magical sight of the sun setting and moon rising simultaneously over the ocean.