Places To Visit In Tamil Nadu: 9 Famous Historical Monuments

Tamil Nadu has numerous places of historical significance. These myriad heritage sites of Tamilnadu, many of which were built by the Chola and Pallava dynasties, are a treasure trove of science objects, artworks, bronze moulds, as well as paintings. Some of these historical landmarks in Tamilnadu are more than two thousand years old. Tamilnadu’s heritage monuments serve every religion, from Buddhist monasteries to mosques and churches. The monuments and historical structures include forts, palaces and temples.

 

How to reach Tamil Nadu

By air: There is an airport in almost every significant city in the state of Tamil Nadu. Chennai, Trivandrum, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, and Coimbatore are among the most active.

By train: Tamil Nadu is well-connected by rail. All major cities in India have trains to Tamil Nadu. The cheapest way to visit any Tamil Nadu city is via train.

By road: If you live in a neighbouring city or state, you may also travel to Tamil Nadu via roads and national highways. You may drive your own vehicle or take a bus to reach the destination by road.

Also check out the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu

 

9 historical places in Tamilnadu you must not miss

For those interested in history, Tamil Nadu is a goldmine. A dream come true for any history buff would be to visit this location and learn about the events that took place there. The following are some of the most important historical places in Tamil Nadu that tourists should not miss.

 

1. Mahabalipuram

 

A popular tourist destination in Tamil Nadu’s Coromandel Coast region, Mahabalipuram is recognised for its beautifully carved structures and rock-cut caverns. It is located along the Bay of Bengal. Mahabalipuram, which was subsequently renamed Mamallapuram, was once known as the residence of the infamous demon king Mahabali. The tranquillity, the enticing ambience and the spectacular scenery with numerous lovely white sand beaches studded with casuarina bushes are all arguments why one would wish to visit this great town.

One day is sufficient time to see everything at Mahabalipuram. You should arrive in Mahabalipuram early in the morning. Pay a visit to the Tiger Cave, which can be found just outside of the Mahabalipuram gateway. Pay a visit to the temples located in the Krishna and Varaha Caves. After lunch, you should spend some time browsing the many shops that specialise in handicrafts and offer lovely stone artefacts. After that, you should check out the Pancha Rathas. It is highly recommended that you check out the India Seashell Museum.

Mahabalipuram is teeming with unique and attractive eateries and cafés with a range of cuisines. Enjoy everything from street cuisine to a genuine thali to a variety of western fare in this blazing, vibrantly coloured space. Enjoy roasted fish, vegan thali, and other seafood while you’re here. You could also sample a classic South Indian menu which includes Idli, appam, upma sambar, dosa, sweet pongal, vada, kesari, payasam and more.

Bus services provided by the Tamil Nadu state government connect Mahabalipuram to a wide variety of towns in the region, including Chennai, among others. Along with public buses, there are also a few other private tourist buses that make the trip from Mahabalipuram to Chennai Central. The road system links Mahabalipuram to the cities of Chennai (54 kilometres away), Bangalore (346 kilometres away), and Hyderabad (708 kilometres away).

 

2. Madurai

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One of the cities in India that has been continually inhabited for the longest period of time is Madurai, the cultural centre of Tamil Nadu. It was ruled by Pandya rulers throughout the majority of its history, and it is known as the ‘Lotus City’ due to the fact that it was designed and constructed in the form of a lotus flower. The Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai is well-known for being devoted to the goddess Meenakshi. The temple also has a sanctuary for her husband, Sundareswarar.

In addition to Thiruparankundram, Madurai is home to a number of other well-preserved ancient temples. Due to the location’s historical trading connections with ancient Rome, it has a rich cultural legacy. Heritage walks are held at various times throughout the day in Madurai, a city known for its vibrant bazaars and delicious street cuisine. The city of Madurai has played an important role in the development of the Tamil culture.

Check out more Madurai tourist places

Madurai is a transportation hub that connects all of southern India. The bus station is located 6 kilometres from the centre of town. Buses with and without air conditioning are available for reservation. Coimbatore (221 kilometres), Kochi (234 kilometres), Trivandrum (258 kilometres), and Bangalore (449 kilometres) are all accessible from Madurai due to the city’s extensive and well-laid road network.

 

3. Thiruvannamalai

 

Thiruvannamalai is a town that has a major history that is embellished by its many temples and ashrams. It is also the place where Hindu mythology is manifested in the form of gorgeous architecture.

It is most well-known for the Arunachala temple, which is only one of a large number of other shrines and sanctuaries in the area that are devoted to saints from bygone eras. The Sathanur Dam, Sri Ramana Ashram, and the Sri Seshadri Swamigal Bhawan are three of the most significant sites for devotees in addition to being popular tourist destinations. During the days of the Arunachaleswarar temple celebration, the neighbourhood shows a more vibrant side of itself.

Even if you can’t locate fantastic restaurants with decent facilities, the South Indian cuisine that’s served locally will still be delicious. The safest bet is to eat at a local establishment that is on the smaller side. These establishments will not only provide you with classic dishes that are genuine and delicious, but they may also offer some variation.

Roads provide convenient access to Thiruvannamalai. If you are travelling from Chennai, head over to Tindivanam (122 kilometres away). From Tindivanam, you may reach Tiruvannamalai (70 kms) by taking the bus or arranging for a cab from this location.

The closest railheads are located at Katpadi (65 kilometres) and Villupuram (76 kilometres). Both of these locations are well linked with the remainder of the state as well as the country.

 

4. Kumbakonam

 

Kumbakonam is a beautiful temple town located on the banks of the Cauvery and the Arsala rivers, which are two of the most important rivers in southern India. History buffs and others who are interested in learning more about the Hindu religion and the cultural foundations of India will find this town to be an ideal destination.

In addition, the town is well-known for the massive celebration known as the Mahamaham festival, which takes place there at Mahamaham Tank once every 12 years. The settlement is among the earliest in Indian history and is well-known for its illustrious temples, rich Chola architecture, and wonderful educational establishments.

The majority of the dishes served here are vegetarian, and the cuisine that is served is mostly Tamil. Also, don’t forget to try the filter coffee in Kumbakonam; it’s often considered to be among the finest in the world.

Regular bus services are provided by the Tamilnadu state transit authority. From the main bus stop, you may board deluxe, semi-deluxe, luxury, or private buses, depending on your travel needs. You also have the option of hiring a private cab or renting a vehicle in order to make your travel more pleasant. Tiruchchirappalli is located 78.6 kilometres away from Kumbakonam, whereas Pondicherry is 116.1 kilometres away, Madurai is 179.9 kilometres away from Kumbakonam, Chennai is 255 kilometres away, and Bangalore is 298.2 kilometres away.

 

5. Chettinad

 

Chettinad, which can be found in Tamilnadu’s Sivaganga district, is a place that exemplifies the state’s illustrious history, magnificent art, and spectacular architecture. In addition to its prominence as a holy city, Chettinad is recognised across Tamilnadu for its cuisine, which is often considered to be the best in the state. The word ‘Chetti’ comes from the Sanskrit language and means ‘wealth’. The term originates from the first merchants of the area, who traded goods such as salt and spices in exchange for stones and other adornments that they employed in the building of their homes and businesses. It is home to a culture that is intricately rich and dynamic, as well as a township that is excessively extravagant and filled with ridiculously extravagant palaces, palatial residences, majestic temples, and intriguing museums.

The majority of Chettinad is made up of a town called Karaikudi as well as 96 villages located in the immediate vicinity. The city is home to some of the most intricate and intriguing customs in addition to a culture that is quite wealthy. You will find temples, palaces, museums, amazing cuisine, and whatever else that your heart might want in a holiday destination here. Owing to the history of the place, as well as the genuinely unforgettable experience, this location will be ingrained in your mind.

Chettinad has excellent connections to all of the other regions in Tamilnadu. Chettinad is not difficult to get to and is situated in a picturesque neighbourhood known as Sivaganga. There is no airport in the vicinity. Tiruchirappalli Airport is the one that is located the closest to Chettinad. It is possible to take a cab all the way to Chettinad from the Tiruchirapalli airport. There is also the option of using a train to go to Chettinad.

 

6. Thanjavur

 

Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, is rich in both culture and history. It is also known as the city of temples. The town is particularly well-known for its stunning Tanjore paintings, as well as its crafts, artefacts, fabrics, saris, and temples that have magnificent carvings.

Ancient and current South Indian civilisations both owe their origins to Thanjavur, a city recognised for its own rich historical legacy. Pilgrims from all around India go to Thanjavur, which serves as a major pilgrimage centre. Among the places to visit in Thanjavur, Brihadeshwara Temple is one of the most prominent temples in Thanjavur and is followed by Alangudi Guru Temple, Chandra Bhagavan Temple, and many more notable temples.

One of the methods to go from Chennai to Thanjavur (343.4 km) is to take a bus and make the journey. It takes around 7 hours and 34 minutes by bus to get all the way from Chennai to Thanjavur. The cost of a ticket on the bus for the whole trip is around Rs 570.

 

7. Chidambaram

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Chidamabaram is a stunning temple town located in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore District. It is well known for being the location of the magnificent Lord Nataraja Temple, as well as the renowned Chariot Festival. Chidambaram, which is located around 250 kilometres distant from the metropolis of Chennai, has been a site of architectural splendour and religious significance ever since ancient times.

It was controlled throughout the course of history by a number of different dynasties, including the Cholas, the Pandyas, the Vijayanagar emperors, the Marathas, and the British. It claims to have a rich legacy and traditions due to the various influences that have shaped it.

Apart from its rich historical past, it is ideal for anyone who likes being in touch with nature and watching birds. One of the numerous things that make this area so special is the Pichavaram backwater. For visitors, Chidambaram is mostly about savouring nature’s splendour and absorbing the spiritual atmosphere.

Train travel, which takes 4 hours and 15 minutes and costs between Rs 170 and Rs 950, is the most convenient and cost-effective method to travel from Chennai to Chidambaram. You also have the option of taking a bus, which would take longer.

 

8. Nagapattinam

 

The town of Nagapattinam is located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, and in addition to having significant historical value, it is also well-known as a pilgrimage centre, since it is home to the Divya Desam of Velankanni, in addition to a large number of other temples and mosques. It is said that the historical and cultural importance of Nagapattinam is worthy of appreciation. The name Nagapattinam comes from Nagur, which is known as the region of serpent gods. In addition to a number of religious sites, this area is home to a significant portion of the beachfront.

Nagapattinam is served by frequent bus services that go both to and from the city. Buses are available 24 hours a day, from locations such as Chennai (301.9 km). You also have the option of using cabs or shared taxis for the same journey.

 

9. Rameshwaram

 

The holy city of Rameshwaram, found in Tamil Nadu, is situated on a breathtaking island and located at a distance of 558.5 km from Chennai. It is physically separated from Sri Lanka by the Pamban channel, which is a narrow body of water. This is the location, according to Hindu legend, where Lord Rama built a bridge that went all the way to Sri Lanka.

The towns of Mandapam, Pamban Island, and Rameshwaram are all connected to one another and to Rameshwaram via the world’s first sea bridge. The deserted village of Dhanushkodi may also be found on Pamban Island, which used to be a thriving community until it was wiped out by a hurricane in 1964.

See also: Interesting places to visit in Rameshwaram

South Indian dishes and thalis are available at Rameswaram, which are generally vegetarian. Non-vegetarian options may be found in the hotels, as well as an abundance of seafood served by locals. North Indian, Chinese and continental cuisines may also be found in the surrounding region.

Roads lead easily to and from Rameswaram to the majority of the other major cities in Tamilnadu. Buses operated by the Tamil Nadu Road Transport Corporation make frequent trips to Rameswaram from a number of cities around the state, including Kanyakumari, Chennai, Madurai, and Trichy.

Know about: Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu)

FAQs

Which structure is the oldest in Tamilnadu?

The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram is considered to be one of the oldest temples in all of Tamil Nadu. Because of its pyramidal shape, it is also referred to as the ‘Seven Pagodas’. This famous temple consists of two towers that rise over shrines dedicated to the deities Shiva and Vishnu.

What makes Tamil Nadu so well-known?

Apart from its rich Tamil history, the region is also renowned for its celebrations, temples, and appreciation of the arts. The gorgeous temples and sculptures in Mamallapuram have developed into highly visited places of interest for tourists.

When is the ideal time to go to Tamil Nadu?

The time period from November to the middle of March is considered to be the ideal time to visit Tamil Nadu. It is a vast state and hence, has a combination of colder, moist days in the Nilgiri Hills and extreme heat along the coast.