When it comes to architecture, temples of South India are a class apart. Kings from various centuries dedicated their lives in creating and preserving temples, a symbol of their own rule. While most people visit the temples from a spiritual purpose, we visited them to admire the architecture. Prominent places to visit in Tamil Nadu include temples at Madurai, Thanjavur, Vellore, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari and Chennai
We went through Nirmala travels so that transport, food, accommodation is sorted. It was also through my father’s LFC- a perk for public sector employees
We include a brief view of what each place has to offer in Tamil Nadu where we spent most of the time. Sights in Kerala are covered separately
Places to visit in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has spots beyond temples of Kanchi, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Madurai. You can see hill stations of Ooty, Kodaikanal, beaches in Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, architectural marvels at Thanjavur, Madurai Mahabalipuram
Ooty
The Botanical garden is spread over 20 hectares, you can visit flower shows in May The rose garden is open between March- May
Ooty lake: For boating and relaxing around the shore
Doddabetta peak: Highest point that can give wonderful views on a clear day, but usually covered with mist
Nilgiri trees and tea slopes: Visible all around the region
Steam train: Only 30 tickets available on spot at Mettupalyam, it takes a scenic route. You can get this only if you go early morning around 4-5 AM
You can get fresh carrots, purple cabbage, turnips here
Palani
Visit Murugan temple after taking 650+ steps or the rope car. The mountains here one of the most dense forests in South India
Kodaikanal
Another hill station about an hour away from Palani. You can do boating in Kodai lake or Berijam lake. Kurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years grow here, visible in the Kurinjiandavar temple. Green valley view/ suicide point has good view of the region from the cliffs
Visit Silver cascade falls, about 5 km from Kodaikanal, almost on the road
Chidambaram
Home to the famous Nataraja temple, spread over 40 acres including a large lake. The temple was built in the 10th century by Chola Kings
Kumbakonam
Famous for the Kumbeshwarar temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple, brass lamps and articles that are made in the town. There are hundreds of temples in every street of the town
Thanjavur
We were mesmerized by the Brihadeeshwara temple, built by Cholas in the 10th century. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has one of the best carvings like no other temple in the world, magnificent size and one of the largest Shiva Lingas
Thanjavur paintings are famous for the design, stones and gold leaves
Velankanni
Famous for the white church, built by Portuguese in 16th century. The holy water from Matha well is available in bottles and quite revered by Christians for its healing power
Srirangam- Trichy
Ranganathaswamy temple that houses mortal remains of saint Ramanujacharya since 1000 years. The temple is believed to be the largest functioning temple in the world
Madurai
Visit one of the best temples of South India, the Meenakshi temple here. The scale of tall gopuram, endless corridors, thousand pillared hall, gold gilded vimanas, thousands of sculptures, temple pond are like no other. We were tired walking through the temple, so imagine how much efforts would have gone into building this. The temple has been built and expanded over the years from 6th century by Pandyan king Kulasekhara upto 16th century
Rameshwaram
Sri Ramanathaswamy temple is the main attraction. The temple has 22 wells where you can bathe in the morning with priests pouring water from each well one after the other
The crystal or Sphatika Linga darshan is at 5 AM in the morning. There is another Linga made of crystal salt.
See the Pamban bridge that connects Rameswaram island to the mainland. Dhanushkodi is at the end which has a nice beach and is the beginning of Ram Setu. The bridge to Lanka during Ramayan is beleived to start from here. Satellite images do show broken remains of the bridge to Sri Lanka. Former President Dr. Abdul Kalam was from Dhanushkodi.
Kanyakumari
Southern most point of India, houses the Vivekananda Rock. You can find different colors of sand, seashells, souvenirs made from sea shells sold here. You can see waters from Arabian sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean together
Suchindram nearby is the place with Thanumalayan Temple. Lord Indra was relieved from a curse here, giving the name. Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh are worshipped here
Mahabalipuram
We covered Chennai and Mahabalipuram on a separate trip. Mahabalipuram is 90 minutes, 60 km away from Chennai on the coast. Home to rock cut temples built by the Pallava kings, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site
You can rent Uber/ Ola at hourly rates to visit from Chennai or take the bus from Koyambedu. The ride on the cost is beautiful, so better to take a taxi so that you can stop where you want and enjoy the sea vibes
Monuments within the complex are within walking distance. Entry costs INR 40 for Indians, INR 600 ($7) for foreigners
Some of the highlights include
- Shore temple: The main large temple in the area
- Five chariots/ rathas: With the famous elephant design
- Carvings showing Arjuna’s penance
- Krishna’s butterball: Spherical rock on a hillock
- Caves: Mahishamardini, Varaha caves
- Lighthouse: For a nice view of the area
There are surfing classes nearby if you want to explore here
Madras crocodile bank
A conservation effort to protect Indian crocodile species- mugger, gharial and saltwater crocodiles. It is 15 km away from the temples. There are more than 2000 crocodiles lazing around of more than 25 varieties. You can also see different kinds of snakes and venom extraction
Puducherry
About 4 hours away from Chennai, you can see French architecture and wonderful beaches here
There are many monuments like French War Memorial, Bharati Park, Lighthouse in the town. Sri Aurobindo Ashram on the outskirts is another icon of Puducherry- a calm and serene place intended for self reflection
Puducherry is more a place to relax than find places to visit. The cafes get sold out in advance! So block your hotels, restaurants in advance if you are particular about what you want
Vellore
A modern golden temple was built here in 2007, dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narayana. Stay till late evening to see the shimmering gold and reflection in the water around the temple. There is another 16th century Jalagandeshwara temple inside a fort, with many paintings. This is 250 km from Bengaluru and 150 km from Chennai