Tamil Nadu Tourism

The clean air, the fantastic climate,  vibrant, colourful, bursting with life, the amalgamation of both tribal life and the modern Tamil settlements make Kodaikanal a big hit vacation spot all around the year. HolidayIQ reviewer Deepika says, "Kodai lake is very famous, there you can do boating or go cycling around the lake. Take a walk at Coakers to enjoy the Kodai view if the sky is clear." While HolidayIQ reviewer Amith felt "the viewpoint" is "romantic", HolidayIQ reviewer Narendra says that it is great for "children and senior citizens."

Must-see: St Peter Church, Mannavanur Lake, Solar Physical Observatory, Mahalakshmi Temple, Moir Point

Eco-friendly stay: Elephant Valley is a 100 acre nature reserve and organic farm has a stunning location on an old pachyderm migration route in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. Every bunglow has its own private garden, overlooking the Gangavaar River and the pesticide-free coffee plantation. Guests are offered fresh food made with produce from the organic garden and steaming cups of local filter coffee.

A famous dish from Tamil Nadu, Chicken Chettinad is special for its unique way of cooking. A variety of marinated spices are applied as a paste on the chicken which is then cooked until it is tender and super juicy. HolidayIQ Traveller Harihara says, “The best part was the food it’s very tasty and be it the breads or the humble Dhal, the taste was authentic and homely. They strive to make the foodie's experience good. Their Biryanis were tasty and spiced just right not taking away the aroma and the blending it for the right taste. The meat succulent and easy on the jaws and the Chicken Chettinad was very well balanced. The pepper and masala just well married to the chicken giving it a very wholesome spicy taste. The Urulai roast did justice to the little roasted potatoes, sinfully good never thought that term fitted a potato.”

Vannakkam is the most common word you'd here in all parts of Tamil Nadu. It's used to greet someone or to welcome someone. Except for knowing this word, you should also know that every part of this state serves amazing coffee!

HolidayIQ Traveller Priyam Goyal shares, "The state of Tamil Nadu is very multi faceted and is a unique blend of old world and new. Tamil Nadu has many ancient temples like Rameshwaram, Meenakshi Amman and Karaikal Ammayar temple. Historic monuments like The ancient temples and structures of the Pandaya empire are also very famous. Tamil Nadu is very famous for its Kanjivaram Sarees. A trip to Mahabalipuram is a must for Tamil Nadu tourists. There are many historic monuments to be explores, art to be appreciated and beaches for entertainment. Chennai is a hot spot for tourists. Rich in heritage and cultural, Chennai has many offerings for a keen traveller. Tamilnadu has a very unique cuisine and is a paradise for foodies."

Tamil cuisine revolves around rice as the staple dish and many vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian curries. Dishes like sambhar, rasam, paruppu, kuzhambu, etc. are mixed with rice. A number of sweet dishes and snacks are also eaten widely by locals. HolidayIQ Traveller Jayanthan says, “Tamil Nadu is a state with various cultural places. I live in Tamil Nadu and visited most of the famous destinations like Meenakshi Amman temple and Madurai. World's second largest beach Marina Beach is a great place. It is one of the largest state in India with more than seven crore people, so there are various cultures followed in each part of Tamil Nadu.The food is served on Banana leaves and is awesome. “

Pal Poli is a dish of maida rotis that are first deep fried, and then immersed in milk warmed with condensed milk and saffron. Adhirasam is like the Indian doughnut. It is made from rice flour, pepper, jaggery and butter. The sweet dish is popular as an offering to the gods during puja prayers, both at home and in temples in Tamil Nadu. "Please do not forget to try Tirunelveli Halwa at Irutukadai Halwaa shop” says HolidayIQ Traveller Chelladurai.