Tamil Nadu holidays are rich in texture and tradition, home to sacred temples, serene beaches, cool hill stations and deeply spiritual towns.
This southern Indian state pulses with classical art, language, and architecture – most strikingly in its monumental Dravidian temples, carved with extraordinary detail and devotion. Beyond the spiritual sites, you’ll find colonial charm in Pondicherry, cosmopolitan energy in Chennai, and panoramic coastal views at Kanyakumari, where three seas meet in a dramatic natural confluence. The food is distinctive too – bold, spiced and steeped in ritual – from banana-leaf breakfasts to temple offerings. The Nilgiri hills bring cool air, tea-covered slopes and quiet walking trails, offering a refreshing break from the vibrant, temple-studded plains below and a chance to experience a gentler, more reflective pace of life.
Chennai, once Madras, now blends heritage and modern life with luxury hotels, colonial forts, bustling markets and long beachfronts that draw locals at dusk. Temple lovers will be drawn to Madurai, Kanchipuram and Thanjavur, each offering intricate architecture, complex rituals, and deep cultural significance. Rameshwaram’s holy waters and Tiruvannamalai’s sacred mountain add meaning for spiritual travellers, while sunseekers may enjoy a short coastal break in Mahabalipuram or Pondicherry. ETG doesn’t recommend Tamil Nadu for extended beach stays – but for cultural immersion, colour and conversation, it’s unmatched. Hill stations like Ooty and Coonoor round off the experience with colonial-era charm, botanical gardens and misty plantation walks.
India
Birds of South India
Discover lesser-visited but beautiful areas of Southern India during this two week holiday. There is a particular focus on the region’s abundant birdlife, exceptional for casual and serious aficionados. Visit several sanctuaries and travel through the lush western ghats, known as a treasure house of endemic species, as well as the strictly protected wildlife of Bandipur National Park.
Highlights
Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary
End your journey with a visit to the Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary, home to some 170 exquisite bird species
Valparai
Explore Valparai’s remote landscapes through forest treks in an area full of wildlife, including some of the most endangered varieties of hornbills
Bandipur National Park
Spot elusive big game on sunrise and sunset safaris in Bandipur National Park
Gallery
