Tamil Nadu is a beautiful state in South India, home to breathtaking landscape, rich history, and ancient Dravidian architecture wonders. The grand rock cut temples with intricate carvings and sculptures, let’s you know about the vibrant traditions of the state. Tami Nadu is not just a tourist destination, but lets you travel back to time; it is one of the oldest surviving civilizations in the world.
The towering temples of Madurai and the rock cut temples of Mahabalipuram are some of the wonders of Tamil Nadu that tells you story of devotion and the rich culture of the state. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or spiritual traveler, you will simply love exploring the place.
This is a short guide regarding the best historical places to visit, with the tips and guidance of the best Travel Agents in India plan your trip to India.
1. Madurai, the Cultural Capital
Madurai is one the oldest city in India which is inhabited till date, and is home to the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple. This temple was built around 2500 years ago, and its present form you see today was built by the 16th century rulers. The architectural style of the temple is Dravidian architectural style and comprises of 14 temple towers (known as gopurams) which are covered with colorful sculptures of Gods.
Other important attractions in Madurai:
- Gandhi Memorial Museum
- Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
- Koodal Azhagar Temple
How to Reach Madurai:
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Madurai Junction, major railway stations are connected from here.
- By Air: Nearest airport is Madurai International Airport which is connected to all the important cities of India.
- By Road: Those wishing to travel by road, it is connected by national highways from Chennai (460 km) or Coimbatore (215 km).
For a hassle-free experience, the best way to explore Madurai is by opting for India Tour Packages.
2. Thanjavur, the City of Temples and Chola Glory
The temple of Thanjavur was built by the ruler of Chola dynasty, Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century. This temple is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its amazing architectural design. The temple tower known as vimana stands at a height of 66 meters above sea. One of the highlight of this temple is that the central dome of the temple is carved from a a single 80-ton granite block.
Other important attractions in Thanjavur:
- Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery
- Schwartz Church
- Saraswathi Mahal Library
How to Reach Thanjavur:
- By Train: Closest railway station is Thanjavur Railway Station, major railway stations are connected from here are Chennai, Trichy, and Madurai.
- By Air: Closest airport is Trichy International Airport which is connected to all the important cities of India, and is only 55 km away from Thanjavur.
- By Road: Those wishing to travel by road, it is connected by national highways from Madurai and Chennai (345 km).
3. Kanchipuram, the City of Thousand Temples
Kanchipuram, once a capital of the Pallava dynasty, is famous for its ancient temples and silk sarees. The 8th-century Kailasanathar Temple, built by Narasimhavarman II, is the oldest structure in the city and a brilliant example of early Dravidian stone architecture with intricate sandstone carvings.
Other important attractions in Kanchipuram:
- Ekambareswarar Temple
- Kamakshi Amman Temple
- Varadaraja Perumal Temple
How to Reach Kanchipuram:
- By Train: Closest railway station is Kanchipuram Railway Station, major railway stations are connected from here to Chennai and Arakkonam.
- By Air: Closest airport is Chennai International Airport which is connected to all the important cities of India, and is 75 km away from Kanchipuram.
- By Road: Those wishing to travel by road, it is connected by national highways from Chennai and Vellore.
4. Mahabalipuram, Ancient Rock-Cut Marvels
Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its ancient rock cut temples, built in the 7th and 8th century. These intricately carved temples were built by the rulers of the Pallava dynasty. One of the world-famous ancient rock cut temple that stands facing the Bay of Bengal is the Shore Temple, for a hassle free tour experience, let the best Travel Agents in India plan your trip.
Other important attractions in Mahabalipuram:
- Krishna’s Butter Ball
- Arjuna’s Penance (Descent of the Ganges)
- Mahishasuramardini Cave Temple
How to Reach Mahabalipuram
- By Bus: If you want to travel by bus or taxi you can travel from Chennai and Chengalpattu.
- By Air: Closest airport is Chennai International Airport which is connected to all the important cities of India, and is 55 km away from Mahabalipuram.
- By Road: Those wishing to travel by road, it is connected by scenic East Coast Road (ECR) from Chennai.
5. Chidambaram, Cosmic Dancer’s Abode
Chidambaram’s temple is one of the stunning temples built by the rulers of the Chola dynasty. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the highlight of this temple is that the main idol is Lord Shiva as Nataraja (the cosmic dancer) and houses one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing connection between science, spirituality, and art.
How to Reach Chidambaram:
- By Train: Closest railway station is Chidambaram Railway Station, major railway stations are connected from here to Chennai and southern Tamil Nadu.
- By Air: Closest airport is Trichy Airport which is connected to all the important cities, and is 195 km away from Chidambaram.
- By Road: Those wishing to travel by road, it is connected by national highways (NH-32) from Pondicherry (65 km) and Trichy (175 km).
6. Rameswaram, the Southern Pilgrimage Town
Rameswaram is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, and is famous for the Ramanathaswamy temple which was built in the 12th century. With the best India Tour Packages, you can experience the longest corridor among Indian temples with intricate designs, built in Dravidian architecture style. Explore this spiritual destination to its fullest.
Other important attractions in Rameswaram:
- Agni Theertham (it is regarded as a sacred beach)
- Pamban Bridge
- Dhanushkodi ruins
How to Reach Rameswaram:
- By Train: Closest railway station is Rameswaram Railway Station, major railway stations are connected from here to Madurai, Chennai, and other towns.
- By Air: Closest airport is Madurai Airport which is connected to all the important cities.
- By Road: Those wishing to travel by road, it is connected by national highways from Madurai it is 170 km.
7. Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the Forgotten Chola Wonder
The Gangaikonda Cholapuram was built in the 11th century by ruler of the Chola dynasty, Rajendra Chola I, the son of Raja Raja Chola. It is known for its stunning architecture.
How to Reach Gangaikonda Cholapuram:
- By Train: Closest railway station is Kumbakonam Railway Station, major railway stations are connected from here.
- By Air: Closest airport is Trichy Airport which is around 130 km away, connected to all the important cities.
- By Road: Those wishing to travel by road, it is connected by national highways from Thanjavur (around 70 kms away), and Chidambaram (around 40 km away).
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