Historical Places in Tamilnadu For A Truly Heritage Circuit

Known For : Shore Temple Mahabalipuram Beach Five Rathas

Famous for its intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves, Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram as it is famously known, is a historical place in Tamilnadu and well-loved tourist location situated on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal, in the state of Tamil Nadu. Some famous tourist spots include the UNESCO world heritage site Group of Monuments like the Shore Temple and the Five Rathas, the Crocodile Bank which is home to some exquisite species of crocodiles and alligators, and the beach resorts in Kovalam and Sadras.

Best Time: November to February

Known For : Meenakshi Temple Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal Vaigai Dam

Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of India. Ruled by Pandya kings for the longest time in its history, Madurai is constructed in the form of a lotus.

Best Time: October to March

Known For : Sathanur Dam Annamalaiyar temple Gingee Fort

Thiruvannamalai is a town that offers a significant historical place in Tamilnadu is adorned in its countless temples and ashrams. Thiruvannamalai is where Hindu Mythology takes its form in stunning architecture.

Best Time: October to March

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Known For : Adi Kumbeshwara Temple Nageswaran Temple Shopping in Kumbakonam

Sandwiched between two great rivers of southern India, Cauvery and Arsala, Kumbakonam is a gorgeous temple town in the heart of the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. The town is a place for the lovers of history and those seeking to understand India's cultural roots and Hinduism.

Best Time: November to February

Known For : Chettinad Palace Chettinad Museum Vairavanpatti

Located in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, Chettinad showcases the rich heritage, striking art and grand architecture of the state. The word "Chetti" is a Sanskrit term meaning wealth. It is derived from the original traders of the region who dealt in salt and spices for marbles and other decorative items used in the construction of their properties. The place is touted as a temple town, but it is also a foodie’s paradise. There is more to Chettinad other than just an exotic cuisine. It has an elaborately vibrant culture and an over the top extortionate township comprising of ridiculously opulent mansions, palatial homes, magnificent temples and fascinating museums.

Best Time: November to March

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Known For : Thirparappu Falls Vivekananda Rock Memorial Thanumalayan Temple - Sthanumalayan Kovil

Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula, Kanyakumari is a coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu. Ever since ancient times, Kanyakumari has been one of the major centres of religion, art and culture. Famous for being the only place in India where you can observe the sunrise and sunset at the same beach, Kanyakumari is a very popular historical place in Tamilnadu, not just because of this unique geographical phenomenon, but also because of its pristine beaches as well as its heritage temples and monuments which attract a huge number of tourists to this city all year round.

Best Time: October to February

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Known For : Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram Cafes in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry and commonly referred to as just Pondy, is one of the seven Union Territories of India. is often famously referred to as the French Riviera of the East, and it is indeed one of the most charming and historical places in Tamilnadu. Pondicherry is a little town tucked away on the south-east coastline of India, and it is a destination that promises travellers sanctity and serenity, in the real sense of the terms.

Best Time: October to March

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Known For : Brahadeshwara Temple Gangaikonda Cholapuram Shiva Ganga Garden

Also known as Tanjore or the city of temples, Thanjavur has a lot of cultural value and is known for its famous Tanjore paintings, antiques and handicrafts, textiles and saris, its Carnatic music and musical instruments and of course the temples. Thanjavur is a rich historical place in Tamilnadu and holds a very important position in the moulding of ancient as well as modern south Indian civilization. Being of religious importance, this place is a must for all pilgrims. There are many religious places in and around the district. Siva Ganga Garden, Art Gallery, Palace & Saraswathi Mahal Library, Sangeetha Mahal are the main tourist attractions.

Best Time: October to March

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Known For : Marina Beach Government Museum, Chennai MGR Film City

Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is the fourth largest city in the country, and it is the capital city of Tamilnadu. A city that has a rich cultural history, Chennai perfectly balances its heritage with its thriving modern lifestyle. A metropolis with a heart, Chennai’s skyline is famous for its towering skyscrapers which form a scenic vista along the coast, but the heart of Chennai still remains in the multitude of old temples and churches dotting various parts of the city. Steeped in rich South-Indian history, Chennai is a city that has a plethora of dimensions that one can explore, and regardless of where you go, the city has an old-world charm to it that refuses to be overshadowed.

Best Time: October to March

Known For : Fort Dansborg The town gate The Zion Church

Forgotten to be touched by time, and still known for its tranquillity, is Tharagambadi, otherwise known as Tranquebar- The land of the singing waves. Tied up together still, and surviving the storms of time, Tranquebar is the ultimate historical place in Tamilnadu for heritage buffs.

Best Time: August to February

Known For : Pichavaram Mangrove Forests Shopping in Chidambaram The Nataraja Temple

A beautiful temple town in the eastern part of Tamil Nadu, Chidambaram is famous for housing the marvelous Lord Nataraja Temple and a few others which highlight its importance as a special place of pilgrim.

Best Time: October to January

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Known For : Dutch Fort Archaeological Museum Sikkal Singaravelar Temple

Nagapattinam is a town on the coastline of Bay of Bengal with a major historical place in Tamilnadu which is also a renowned pilgrim centre with many temples, churches and mosques spread all over.

Best Time: October to March

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Known For : Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary Papanasam Agasthiyar falls

Tirunelveli is a big city in the midst of numerous small towns, each with its own bounty of beautiful sights, temples, waterfalls and much more. Unlike many temple towns, it also does offer many other places to its tourists, including some breathtaking waterfalls. The city is located on the west bank of the Thamirabarani River.

Best Time: October to February

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Known For : Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary Kalugumalai Tuticorin Port

Coming across a city like Tuticorin is not common. It is a beach town, also one of the busiest ports, has a wildlife sanctuary, houses numerous temples and churches and tens of other monumental sites. It is a very famous historical place in Tamilnadu.

Best Time: October to March

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Known For : Kamakshi Amman Temple Varadharaja Perumal Temple Devarajaswami Temple

Widely known for its beautiful 'Kanchipuram sarees' and also referred to as the 'golden city of a thousand temples', Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu is a popular tourist attraction. Kanchipuram or Kanchi attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world who are interested in Hinduism or just want to enjoy the marvel of South Indian architecture and grandeur. It is particularly known for being a culture and philosophical hub. With such an association being made with the city, it is only natural that this destination has become such an influential centre in these avant-garde times.

Best Time: October to May

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Known For : Rameshwaram Temple Dhanushkodi Temple and Beach Glass Boat Ride at Pamban Bridge

Rameshwaram is one of the holiest places in India and is located on a beautiful island. It is separated by a small Pamban channel from Sri Lanka. According to the Hindu mythology, this is the place where Lord Rama created a bridge across the sea to Sri Lanka.

Best Time: Throughout the year

View packages starting from ₹ 11,200