Tamil Nadu travel guide
Tamil Nadu travel guide - Unexplored South India
Located in the southeast of India, you will find Tamil Nadu. The cultural hub of the country with tons of vibrant and impressive designed temples. This state is less touristy, and you will notice this in everything. Locals look at you as if they have never seen a foreigner before, activities are less touristy, you are overloaded with street vendors and finally; you hardly meet another tourist. Embrace the Indian lifestyle and learn more about the customs and traditions of the country by checking out my Tamil Nadu travel guide!
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Temples & sights in this Tamil Nadu travel guide
Pancha Rathas - Mahaballipuram
To begin with Pancha Rathas, this wonderful Hindu temple complex which consists of carved granite stones that were chiselled from a single rock. Five stunning masterpieces have been created here, each named after the Pancha Pandava brothers and their shared wife, Draupadi. Pancha Rathas has been stealing the show since the 7th century and has been declared a UNESCO list since 1984.
Shore Temple - Mahaballipuram
The Shore temple sits adjacent to the sea, providing stunning views of the Mahaballipuram beaches. Given its location in India, the beaches are often bustling with crowds due to nearby markets. Constructed from granite stones and dating back to the 8th century, this temple has rightfully earned its place on the UNESCO list.
Mahaballipuram Hill Park
Furthermore, a visit to the charming and green Mahaballipuram Hill Park is a recommendation. The park is filled with stunning sights, such as: the Varaha Cave, where you can admire awesome sculptures, the Thirumoorthi Cave featuring three holy gods, the Krishna’s Butter Ball that looks like it is about to roll away and the Lions Throne. Additionally, it is possible to climb the lighthouse for amazing views of this town. Cross the street, and you will find the Arulmigu Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple.
Auroville, Tamil Nadu travel guide
Auroville is the spiritual city born out of an experiment led by Mirra Alfassa, a disciple of the Indian philosopher Sri Aurobindo. Established in 1968, the unique, gold-coloured dome is strictly reserved for the community that lives there. They find peace and tranquillity by meditating in the meditation centre, which has a beautiful underlying philosophy. “Advancing humanity towards its wonderful future by bringing together people of good will and striving for a better world”. Everyone is welcome here, regardless of their beliefs, politics, or nationality. The goal to achieve is ‘to realize human unity’.
Not intended as a tourist attraction
Markedly, it has become a tourist attraction, drawing people to come and visit. Hence, the temple itself is not open to tourists, but only to the community. Nevertheless, the whole area is fantastic, with a peaceful and serene atmosphere that is quite different from the rest of India. The entire complex is surrounded by greenery, including a giant tree whose roots hold up the branches, so there is plenty of shade for a leisurely stroll.
Darasuram Temple - Kumbakonam
Another gem on the UNESCO list, is this detailed Hindu temple that dates back to the 12th century. It steals the show for its art and architecture. The Darasuram temple is on the list of ‘Great Living Chola Temples’, which also includes the Brihadishwara Temple in Thanjavur and the same-named Brihadishwara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Again, these Chola temples are all UNESCO listed.
Sarangapani Temple - Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
This brightly coloured Hindu temple with particularly precise sculptures immediately catches the eye. The temple originated between the 7th and 9th centuries. Moreover, twelve holy poets composed lines for poems during this period, including a lady from the lowest caste. Remarkably, she penned a beautiful poem praising the vibrant colors of the temple. Additionally, she is considered one of the first feminist women.
Furthermore, during our visit, we observed people openly counting all the tips received. Additionally, it is not uncommon to encounter a stable housing cows within the temple premises. Likewise, it is not unusual to spot bats hanging from the ceiling.
Brihadishwara Temple - Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu
This Hindu temple boasts a fascinating story. In addition, atop the temple, you will discover a gigantic granite ball, weighing approximately 80 tons, contrasting with the limestone used in the rest of the complex. Remarkably, it was transported inside the temple with the assistance of elephants, a process that spanned a remarkable 6.5 years.
Schoolchildren walking hand-in-hand
Moreover, it is not uncommon to witness schoolchildren visiting the temple, walking hand in hand. Interestingly, when greeted with a wave, they respond with bright smiles.
Maratha Palace - Thanjavur
Maratha Palace is the old palace of the Thanjavur Nayak kingdom and comes from the 17th century. With its lovely coloured and walled forms, it truly feels like you are walking through ancient corridors.
Inside the palace, you will find a lot of bronze statues in all shapes and sizes. You can visit one of the sculpture workshops in Thanjavur to see how these bronze statues are made. They are made from a heated clay mixture that is poured into a hot stone, then opened the next day to let the statue cool down before being painted with bronze and gold.
Sri Meenakshi Temple - Madurai, Tamil Nadu travel guide
Lastly and in my opinion, the most impressive temple featured in this Tamil Nadu travel guide is the Sri Meenakshi temple. Notably, it comprises two separate temples, one designated for women and the other for men. If you wish to seek atonement for sins, then you can do so at Shiva’s altar by offering flowers, which you can either bring along or purchase at the entrance and lay at her feet. Moreover, you can perform a traditional dance while holding your earlobes with crossed hands, ensuring to do so earnestly, as Indians regard this practice with great seriousness.
Strict regulations
Furthermore, the temple complex, adorned with two golden domes, offers a striking sight visible from a specific point in the complex (a golden stone). However, strict regulations govern entry into the temple. Notably, visitors are prohibited from bringing phones or cameras, which must be temporarily surrendered at the entrance. Additionally, you must wear clothing that covers your body well, like pants that go down to your ankles, covered shoulders, and preferably a scarf to cover women’s chests. Non-Hindus are not allowed in certain sacred areas.
Mahaballipuram - Tamil Nadu travel guide
In this Tamil Nadu travel guide you will find out that Mahaballipuram is an authentic fishing town where you have a lovely long beach. Keep into account that swimming is only possible if the current is not too strong. Take a beautiful bike or scooter ride through the city and the small villages around it to learn more about the local life. Wander around the charming village to find the best souvenirs and enjoy a delicious meal at Moonrocks, which has excellent reviews for their fresh seafood. I personally found it to be delicious.
Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu
Pondicherry is the former capital of the French East Indies, although they were alternated by the British over the years, between 1674 and 1954. Earlier, the French were in power until 1954, and the French influences can still be clearly seen in the city. Stroll through the beautiful colourful streets, searching for the most appealing murals, and relax on the beach.
Kumbakonan, Tamil Nadu
Despite the city’s chaotic atmosphere, there are numerous charming shops perfect for shopping. You can visit a silk factory in Kumbakonan to witness the process of silk weaving. Moreover, if you seek gold and silver items, this destination is ideal, although it is worth noting that prices are often inflated for tourists, sometimes up to five times higher, making haggling a recommended practice. Additionally, you have the opportunity to experience a traditional dance performance, allowing you to observe the vivid expressions on the dancer’s face.
Madurai - Tamil Nadu travel guide
Madurai is a wonderful city to explore with Tuk Tuk, or opt for the typical Indian rickshaw, but personally, I prefer the Tuk Tuk. Admire all kinds of vegetable markets or the flower market famous among Indians. In fact, they come here from far away to buy sacrificial flowers. Above all, be surprised by all the delightful colours and smells you will pick up at the flower and vegetable markets.
Last update: 15-02-2024 © Doris Leone
