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Tamil Nadu Tourism
Tamilnadu Tourism is run by two government bodies: the Department of Tourism and the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC). TTDC was set up in July 1971 to build and run tourist facilities across the state. Today it operates hotels, boat houses, package tours and the yearly India Tourist and Industrial Fair in Chennai. This guide explains what TTDC offers and lists the main places to see in Tamil Nadu.
What TTDC offers
- Hotels: the Hotel Tamil Nadu chain at hill stations, temple towns and beaches. Some are run by TTDC and some are leased to private operators.
- Youth hostels: low-cost dormitory beds, useful in peak season at Ooty, Kodaikanal and Yercaud.
- Boat houses: boating at lakes such as Ooty, Kodaikanal and Yercaud.
- Telescope houses: viewpoints with telescopes in the Nilgiris.
- Package tours: AC and non-AC coach tours from Chennai to temple towns, hill stations and nearby states.
- Restaurants and snack bars: at some tourist spots.
- Online booking: TTDC was one of the first state tourism corporations to offer online booking of hotels and tours, starting in 2004.
India Tourist and Industrial Fair
TTDC organises this fair every year at Island Grounds in Chennai, usually from January to March. Government departments set up pavilions with working models, and there are rides, food stalls and shopping. The same grounds host smaller fairs, such as a summer fair and a Deepavali fair.
Top places to visit in Tamil Nadu
Hill stations
- Ooty and Coonoor: tea gardens, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and botanical gardens.
- Kodaikanal: a lake town in the Palani Hills.
- Yercaud: a small hill station near Salem.
Temple towns
- Madurai: the Meenakshi Amman Temple.
- Rameswaram: the Ramanathaswamy Temple and the Pamban bridge.
- Thanjavur (Tanjore): the Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Kanchipuram: temples and silk sarees.
- Kumbakonam and Tiruvarur: clusters of old temples.
- Tiruvannamalai: the Arunachaleswarar Temple and the full moon hill walk.
- Trichy: Srirangam and the Rock Fort Temple.
- Velankanni: the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health.
Coast and heritage
- Mahabalipuram: shore temple and rock carvings, a UNESCO site.
- Kanyakumari: the southern tip of India, with the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
- Chettinad: mansions and the famous Chettinad cuisine.
- Poompuhar and Thoothukudi: old port towns on the east coast.
Cities and districts
Chennai, Coimbatore, Vellore, Tirunelveli, Theni, Sivagangai, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Pudukkottai and Virudhunagar also appear on the state's tourist list. Many are good bases for nearby waterfalls, dams and temples.
Tamil Nadu is large, so most visitors pick one region per trip instead of trying to see the whole state at once. The circuits below are easy to combine with train and bus links.
Popular Tamil Nadu circuits
- East coast (3 to 4 days): Chennai, Mahabalipuram and Puducherry, with a stop at Kanchipuram for temples and silk.
- Temple south (4 to 5 days): Madurai, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari, adding Thanjavur or Trichy if time allows.
- Hills (3 to 5 days): Ooty and Coonoor, then Kodaikanal by road, or Yercaud as a short add-on from Salem.
- Delta temples (2 to 3 days): Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Velankanni.
How to reach and get around
Chennai is the main gateway, with a large international airport and two big railway terminals, Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore. Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy and Tuticorin also have airports. The state has a dense bus network run by state transport corporations, and good trains link most temple towns. For hill stations, Coimbatore and Mettupalayam are the starting points for Ooty, and Kodaikanal Road or Madurai for Kodaikanal.
Tips for temple visits
- Most large temples expect traditional dress; some ask men to remove shirts in the inner shrine.
- Temples usually close for a few hours in the afternoon. Plan visits for the morning or evening.
- Carry small change for footwear counters and offerings.
- Photography is often not allowed inside the main shrine.
Food to try
Try idli, dosa and pongal for breakfast, a banana leaf meal at lunch, and filter coffee any time. Chettinad chicken, Madurai jigarthanda and Tirunelveli halwa are regional favourites.
Best time to visit
October to March is best for the plains and temple towns. Hill stations are pleasant from March to June and again from September to November. The northeast monsoon brings rain to the coast from October to December.
Shopping
Kanchipuram silk sarees, Thanjavur paintings, bronze idols from Swamimalai, Chettinad cotton and Madurai sungudi sarees are good buys. Government emporiums such as Poompuhar sell handicrafts at fixed prices, which helps if you are not used to bargaining.
Tamil Nadu Tourism contact details
- Office: Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, Tourism Complex, No. 2, Wallajah Road, Chennai 600002
- Toll-free: 1800-425-31111
- Phone: 044-2533 3444
- Website: tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in
Plan your Tamil Nadu trip
GoldBox Holidays offers Tamil Nadu tour packages, including hill trips in the Ooty, Coonoor and Kodaikanal tour packages and temple circuits in the Madurai, Rameshwaram and Kanyakumari packages. For a single temple visit, see the Madurai Meenakshi temple tour package guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is TTDC?
TTDC is the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, a state government company formed in 1971 that runs hotels, tours and tourist facilities.
Can I book TTDC hotels online?
Yes. TTDC hotels and package tours can be booked on the official Tamil Nadu Tourism website.
Which are the UNESCO sites in Tamil Nadu?
The Great Living Chola Temples (including Thanjavur), the Mahabalipuram monuments and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
What is the best hill station in Tamil Nadu for families?
Ooty has the most facilities. Kodaikanal is quieter, and Yercaud suits a short weekend trip.
