7 Amazing Historical Places In Tamil Nadu You Cannot Miss (2024)

There are many historical attractions in Tamil Nadu. These marvels of Tamil Nadu hail from the era of Chola and Pallava rulers, and they are a treasure of artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and bronze castings. These historical places in Tamil Nadu go back to over 2000 years and is a must-visit. Many of these sites are popular tourist destinations and protected monuments under the UNESCO World Heritage and the Archaeological Survey of India. Here are some of the best historical places in Tamil Nadu you just cannot miss.

7 Amazing Historical Places In Tamil Nadu You Cannot Miss

1. Mahabalipuram

One of the most famous historical places in Tamil Nadu is Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram. Many of the places here are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This historically significant and renowned tourist attraction is located along the Bay of Bengal on the Coromandel Coast in Tamil Nadu. Mahabalipuram was once the abode of the well-known demon king Mahabali, and it was named after him itself. It was later renamed as Mamallapuram.

The inviting environment and scintillating setting of Mahabalipuram with its beautiful white and silver sandy beaches are just one of the reasons to visit this town. The famous tourist attractions of Mahabalipuram, including the Five Rathas and the Shore Temple, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There is also a unique crocodile and alligator bank that is home to several exquisite species of these animals. The many beach resorts in Sadras and Kovalam are also popular tourist attractions here.

Here are some of the main tourist places you should visit when in Mahabalipuram:

• Shore Temple
• Mahabalipuram Beach
• Five Rathas
• Alamparai Fort
• Arjuna’s Penance
• Sadras

The best time to visit Mamallapuram is in the winter, during October and March, when the climate is not that humid and hot. Warm days and cold nights make it ideal for exploring the town and doing outdoor activities.

 

2. Madurai

The Lotus City of Madurai is known as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the oldest cities in India that has been continuously habited. The town was once ruled by the Pandya kings for the longest time and was constructed in the shape of a lotus. Thus it is often referred to as the Lotus City. Madurai is a historically significant city in India and is famous for the Meenakshi Amman Temple, which is dedicated to the Goddess Meenakshi and her consort Sundareshwarar.

The Meenakshi Temple is a famous pilgrimage spot, and pilgrims from all over India gather here to pay their obeisance to the Goddess. There are many other ancient temples located in Madurai, including one of the most important ancient temples dedicated to Lord Karthikeya or Murugan, known as the Thiruparankundram Temple. This temple is situated on a hill nearly 8 km from the city.

Madurai is culturally significant as it had trade ties with ancient Rome. Many bustling bazaars and delicious street food have made Madurai a popular tourist destination. Maduran has many heritage walks that take place during the day, and you can opt for taking a guided tour throughout the city.

3. Kanchipuram

Located on the banks of the Vegathi River is the beautiful city of Kanchi or Kanchipuram. The city has been ruled by several major dynasties of Tamil Nadu in the past. It was also a major center of religion and education for both Buddhism and Jainism. Kanchipuram is also one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites of Hinduism in India. The silk weaving industry of Kanchipuram is famous, and you can buy beautiful silk sarees here at very cheap rates.

There are many ancient temples located in Kanchipuram that are known for their exquisitely sculpted architecture. These temples wonderfully showcase Dravidian architecture.

Kanchipuram holds a lot of importance in history, and it is an extremely important religious place as this city has seen many religions flourish here. The ancient Hindu temples of Kanchipuram are still used while the remains of the many Jani temples are protected archaeological monuments.

4. Thiruvannamalai

Home to the Arunachala Temple, Thiruvannamalai, is a major historical site in Tamil Nadu. This town is home to countless ancient ashrams and temples. Thiruvannamalai is the city where Hindu mythology comes alive in the form of its stunning architecture.

The holy town of Thiruvannamalai is situated on top of the Malai Hill. The town is renowned for the Arunachala Temple, amongst the many other temples and ashrams that are dedicated to ancient saints. Sathanur Dam, Sri Ramana Ashram, Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram, Gingee Fort, Virupaksha Cave, and Skandashramam are some of the famous tourist spots of Thiruvannamalai.

A great time to visit Thiruvannamalai is during the Arunachaleswarat Temple festival.

5. Thanjavur

Thanjavur is known as the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu, and it was the ancient capital of the Chola kingdom. This was followed by the Marathas and the Nayaks. Thanjavur was a major center of learning and culture in the olden days.

The Brahadeeswara Temple of Thanjavur is one of Dravidian architecture’s biggest landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple’s spectacular architecture is unmatched, and it is a magnificent showcase of temple architecture in typical South Indian style.

Even though Thanjavur is primarily known for its agriculture, it is also an important cultural hub due to Thanjavur’s diverse religions and population.

6. Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam is the Cambridge of India. Located between two of the greatest rivers of South India, the Arsala River and the Cauvery River, Kumbakonam is one of the most beautiful temple town situated in the heart of Thanjavur. Kumbakonam attracts history lovers from all over India. The city is famous for the grand festival of Mahamaham, which is celebrated once in every 12 years at the Mahamaham Tank. Kumbakonam is one of the oldest historical towns in India, famous for its ancient temples, its Chola heritage, and some of the best educational institutes.

7. Kanyakumari

Also known as Cape Comorin or the Land’s End, Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of India. It is the meeting point of three seas, the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea. Kanyakumari is a small coastal town in Tamil Nadu that was earlier known as Cape Comorin. The historical city is a beautiful beach town with a mountainous terrain with coconut trees, elevated patches of hills, and lined with beautiful paddy fields.

Kanyakumari is a historical tourist place in India, and there are many iconic monuments here that attract many tourists throughout the year. The Kanyakumari Temple, Statue of the Poet Thiruvalluvar, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the Vattakottai For, the Gandhi Memorial, and the Padmanabhapuram Palace are some of the historically important sites in Kanyakumari.

The state of Tamil Nadu is a beautiful combination of culture and history. Human inhabitation has been in existence in the state from the very early days of civilization. It has stood testimony to different dynasties and different rulers. The towns of Tamil Nadu have gone through many major events, right from the colonial times. These towns co-existed with other cultures and blended well to become a part of the culture of Tamil Nadu today.