Of course. Here are 100 magnificent tourist spots in the culturally profound and scenically diverse state of Tamil Nadu, organized by its 38 respective districts (zillas) as of September 2025. This list covers the state's majestic temples, serene hill stations, beautiful beaches, ancient monuments, and vibrant cities.
Chennai Zilla
Marina Beach: The second-longest urban beach in the world, a bustling hub of activity in the heart of the city.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore: A vibrant 7th-century Dravidian temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its towering gopuram.
Fort St. George: The first English fortress in India, now housing the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and a museum.
Government Museum, Egmore: One of the oldest museums in India, with a rich collection of archaeological and numismatic artifacts.
San Thome Basilica: A Roman Catholic minor basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo): One of the largest zoos in South Asia, spread across a vast area.
Valluvar Kottam: A monument dedicated to the classical Tamil poet-saint Tiruvalluvar, featuring a massive stone chariot.
Guindy National Park & Snake Park: A unique protected area located completely inside a city.
Besant Nagar (Elliot's) Beach & Karl Schmidt Memorial: A calmer beach popular with locals, featuring a prominent memorial.
DakshinaChitra: A living history museum that showcases the art, architecture, and lifestyle of South India.
Kanchipuram Zilla
Kailasanathar Temple: A stunning 8th-century temple, the oldest in the city, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Ekambareswarar Temple: The largest temple in Kanchipuram, one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams representing Earth.
Varadharaja Perumal Temple: A grand temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the 108 Divya Desams.
Kanchi Kudil: A heritage house that offers an authentic glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the region.
Chengalpattu Zilla
Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram): A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a spectacular collection of 7th and 8th-century rock-cut temples, mandapams, and rathas.
Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram: A structural temple complex overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots), Mahabalipuram: Five monolithic rock structures, each carved in the shape of a chariot.
Arjuna's Penance, Mahabalipuram: A massive open-air rock relief, one of the largest in the world.
Krishna's Butterball: A gigantic granite boulder resting precariously on a short slope.
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary: One of the oldest bird sanctuaries in India, a haven for migratory birds.
Madurai Zilla
Meenakshi Amman Temple: A historic and architecturally brilliant temple complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, the heart of Madurai.
Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal: A grand 17th-century palace known for its majestic pillars and stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Gandhi Memorial Museum: Housed in a historic palace, it showcases the life of Mahatma Gandhi and India's freedom struggle.
Alagar Koyil (Azhagar Kovil): A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, situated at the foothills of Alagar hills.
Thanjavur (Tanjore) Zilla
Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a magnificent Chola temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, an architectural marvel.
Thanjavur Maratha Palace & Art Gallery: A vast palace complex that houses a museum, art gallery, and a library with rare manuscripts.
Great Living Chola Temples (part of the UNESCO site): Includes the Brihadeeswarar Temple.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram (in Ariyalur district, but a primary part of the Chola temple circuit): Another magnificent Chola-era temple.
Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) Zilla
Rockfort Temple (Ucchi Pillayar Temple): A temple complex built on a massive ancient rock, offering panoramic views of the city.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam: One of the world's largest functioning Hindu temples, a premier Vaishnavite pilgrimage site.
Jambukeshwarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval: A beautiful temple representing the element of 'water' among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams.
Kallanai Dam (Grand Anicut): One of the oldest water-diversion structures in the world still in use, built across the Kaveri river.
Dindigul Zilla
Kodaikanal: Known as the "Princess of Hill Stations," a popular getaway with lakes, forests, and waterfalls.
Kodaikanal Lake: A man-made star-shaped lake, the centerpiece of the town, offering boating.
Coaker's Walk: A picturesque paved pedestrian path offering stunning valley views.
Pillar Rocks: Three giant rock pillars standing shoulder to shoulder, a magnificent viewpoint.
Berijam Lake: A serene and pristine reservoir located in a reserved forest area.
Palani Murugan Temple: One of the Six Abodes of Murugan, a major pilgrimage site located on a hilltop.
Nilgiris Zilla
Ooty (Udhagamandalam): The "Queen of Hill Stations," a famous colonial-era hill station.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a historic toy train that travels through picturesque valleys.
Ooty Lake & Boat House: A popular artificial lake offering boating.
Ooty Botanical Gardens: A beautiful garden spread over 55 acres, showcasing thousands of species of plants.
Doddabetta Peak: The highest peak in the Nilgiri Mountains, offering stunning panoramic views.
Coonoor: A quieter hill station near Ooty, known for its tea plantations.
Sim's Park, Coonoor: A beautiful botanical garden with rare trees and plants.
Dolphin's Nose, Coonoor: A viewpoint offering a spectacular view of the Catherine Falls.
Mudumalai National Park: A tiger reserve and wildlife sanctuary, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Kanyakumari Zilla
Vivekananda Rock Memorial: A sacred monument on a small island, where Swami Vivekananda is said to have attained enlightenment.
Thiruvalluvar Statue: A towering 133-foot stone statue of the great Tamil poet and philosopher.
Kanyakumari Triveni Sangam: The southernmost tip of mainland India, the confluence of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean.
Padmanabhapuram Palace: A magnificent wooden palace of the Travancore rulers, a masterpiece of Kerala architecture.
Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple: A unique temple dedicated to the trinity of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.
Ramanathapuram Zilla
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram: A major Hindu pilgrimage site (Char Dham) with the longest temple corridor in the world.
Pamban Bridge: A cantilever railway bridge connecting the island of Rameswaram to the mainland, an engineering marvel.
Dhanushkodi: A ghost town at the south-eastern tip of Pamban island, a place of surreal beauty and history.
APJ Abdul Kalam National Memorial: A memorial dedicated to the former President of India.
Tirunelveli Zilla
Nellaiappar Temple: A massive and ancient temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Agasthiyar Falls (Papanasam): A sacred waterfall on the Thamirabarani River, believed to wash away sins.
Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: A vast and pristine protected area in the Western Ghats.
Tenkasi Zilla
Courtallam (Kutralam) Falls: Known as the "Spa of South India," a series of waterfalls with supposed medicinal properties.
Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Tenkasi: Famous for its massive and artistic gopuram.
Coimbatore Zilla
Marudhamalai Hill Temple: A popular hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Murugan.
Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple (Isha Yoga Center): A powerful meditative space with a unique dome structure at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains.
Adiyogi Shiva statue: A 112-foot statue of Lord Shiva, recognized as the "Largest Bust Sculpture" by Guinness World Records.
Siruvani Waterfalls and Dam: A scenic waterfall and dam, the source of Coimbatore's famously sweet drinking water.
Tiruppur Zilla
Thirumoorthy Hills and Dam: A scenic spot with a dam, waterfalls, and a universal peace foundation.
Salem Zilla
Yercaud: A serene hill station on the Shevaroy Hills, known for its coffee plantations and orange groves.
Yercaud Lake (Emerald Lake): A beautiful natural lake surrounded by hills and gardens.
Mettur Dam: One of the largest dams in India, built across the Kaveri River.
Vellore Zilla
Vellore Fort: A large 16th-century fort, a fine example of military architecture, with a temple, mosque, and church inside.
Sripuram Golden Temple: A spiritual park with a temple covered in pure gold.
Jalakandeswarar Temple: A beautiful temple located inside the Vellore Fort.
Tiruvannamalai Zilla
Arunachaleswarar Temple: A magnificent temple at the base of the sacred Arunachala Hill, representing the element 'fire'.
Sri Ramana Ashram: A spiritual center founded by the modern sage Ramana Maharshi.
Gingee Fort (Senji Fort): One of the most impregnable forts in India, a massive complex spread across three hillocks.
Villupuram Zilla
Auroville: An experimental universal township dedicated to the ideal of human unity.
Matrimandir, Auroville: The spiritual centerpiece of Auroville, a golden metallic sphere for silent concentration.
Pichavaram Mangrove Forest (in Cuddalore, but a primary excursion from this region): The world's second-largest mangrove forest.
Cuddalore Zilla
Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer, one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams representing 'sky'.
Pichavaram Mangrove Forest: Offers stunning boat rides through a labyrinth of water channels and roots.
Sivaganga Zilla
Chettinad: A region famous for its grand, ornate mansions (havelis) of the Chettiar community and its unique, spicy cuisine.
Kanadukathan: A village with some of the most impressive Chettinad mansions.
Nagapattinam Zilla
Velankanni Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health: One of the most important Christian pilgrimage centers in India.
Mayiladuthurai Zilla
Poompuhar: An ancient port city with a museum and monuments commemorating its glorious past.
Thiruvarur Zilla
Thyagaraja Temple: A massive temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, the center of the Tyagaraja cult.
Namakkal Zilla
Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple: Famous for its giant, 18-foot monolithic statue of Lord Hanuman.
Kolli Hills (Kolli Malai): A scenic mountain range known for its 70 continuous hairpin bends and the Agaya Gangai waterfalls.
Erode Zilla
Bannari Amman Temple: A powerful and revered temple dedicated to Goddess Mariamman.
Kodiveri Dam and Waterfalls: A popular local picnic spot.
Virudhunagar Zilla
Srivilliputhur Andal Temple: A famous temple dedicated to the goddess Andal, with a towering gopuram that is the emblem of the Tamil Nadu government.
Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) Zilla
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple: One of the Six Abodes of Murugan, a magnificent temple located on the seashore.
Kattabomman Memorial Fort, Panchalankurichi: A memorial fort dedicated to the 18th-century freedom fighter Veerapandiya Kattabomman.
Krishnagiri Zilla
Hogenakkal Falls: Often called the "Niagara of India," a series of spectacular waterfalls on the Kaveri River.
Dharmapuri Zilla
Hogenakkal Falls (partially in this district): The main access point is often through Dharmapuri.
Theerthamalai Temple: A hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its sacred springs.
Karur Zilla
Pasupatheeswarar Temple: An ancient Shiva temple in the heart of Karur town.
Ariyalur Zilla
Gangaikonda Cholapuram: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a magnificent temple built by Rajendra Chola.
Ariyalur Fossil Museum: A site museum showcasing the region's rich fossil deposits.
Perambalur Zilla
Ranjankudi Fort: A historic 17th-century fort.
Tirupattur Zilla
Yelagiri Hills: A small and serene hill station, ideal for trekking and quiet getaways.
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