TAMIL NADU

At the very bottom of eastern India, stretching all the way to the southern tip, lies a broad coastal state: Tamil Nadu. More than 70 million people live between the Indian Ocean and the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats and the Nilgiris, as well as in the capital city of Chennai. The state covers an area of 130,058 square kilometres – roughly the size of Greece. The population consists mainly of Tamils, who speak Tamil – just like the Tamil community in the northern part of neighbouring Sri Lanka. The majority of people in Tamil Nadu are Hindus (around 88%), with smaller Muslim and Christian communities. The state is known for its vibrant Dravidian culture, ancient temple architecture, and a strong film industry (“Kollywood”) that plays a visible role in everyday life.

Tamil Nadu has a tropical and hot climate in the lowlands, while the temperatures in the hills are more moderate. The weather is largely shaped by the monsoon. The northeast monsoon, which brings heavier rainfall between September and December, dominates the region. The southwest monsoon (July to September) tends to lose much of its rain as it hits the mountains before reaching the interior. From January to June, there is usually little rainfall. Overall, Tamil Nadu is noticeably drier than Kerala.

Geographically, Tamil Nadu offers a varied landscape: to the west, the Western Ghats rise with shady forests and tea plantations; to the east, the fertile coastal plain stretches along the Bay of Bengal. The state’s economy is diverse: in addition to traditional agriculture – rice, sugarcane, cotton, and tea – industry, textile production, and IT services play an important role. The capital, Chennai, located on the east coast, is a major economic hub with a large port and many technology parks. Urbanisation and education are driving strong economic growth, though social inequality remains an ongoing issue.

Tamil Nadu is historically renowned for its ancient temples in Madurai, Thanjavur, and Rameswaram – places that serve both as spiritual centres and as architectural masterpieces. Pilgrims and culturally interested travellers will find deeply rooted traditions and vibrant rituals that continue to shape everyday life.

Tamil Nadu is a fascinating destination for lovers of culture, nature, and city life alike. We are happy to assist in planning individual trips or group programmes that offer insight into the diversity and depth of this state. Our local partners place importance on responsible tourism and collaborate closely with the communities on site.

Below you’ll find some key information about Tamil Nadu that may enrich your stay. If you have any further questions, we’re happy to help!

Accommodation

Tamil Nadu offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different needs. In the larger cities and tourist centres, you’ll find stylish hotels and comfortable resorts. Particularly appealing are the many homestays and guesthouses in rural areas and near the famous temples, where guests are often welcomed with warmth and a family-like atmosphere. In the hill stations, cosy lodges and bungalows invite you to relax in a cooler climate. Just let us know what matters most to you when it comes to accommodation – and we’ll take care of the arrangements!

Culture

Tamil Nadu is rich in cultural heritage. Particularly well known are the colourful temple dances such as Bharatanatyam, which tell stories from Hindu mythology through precise gestures and expressive movements. Many of these dance performances take place in historic temples or during cultural festivals. Traditional music, especially Carnatic music, also plays a central role in the region’s cultural life. In addition, Tamil Nadu features a wide variety of theatre forms and folk festivals, which can often be incorporated into a travel itinerary. Traditional shadow puppetry (e.g. Tholpavakoothu) and puppet theatre complement the cultural offerings.

Tamil Nadu is also known for its rich tradition of craftsmanship. The intricate bronze sculptures from the city of Thanjavur, which have portrayed religious figures in great detail for centuries, are especially famous. Also noteworthy are the colourful Tanjore paintings, which depict mythological scenes on elaborately gilded panels. The region is also known for its fine handloom weaving and carpet-making, particularly in rural areas. Markets and craft centres offer travellers the chance to explore these art forms and purchase handmade items.

Kolam are intricate, usually symmetrical patterns drawn by women each morning in front of their homes — traditionally using rice flour, but sometimes also chalk powder or coloured pigments. These designs are made up of dots, lines, and loops, and are meant to bring good fortune, ward off evil spirits, and welcome guests. Creating kolam is not only an artistic practice but also a daily ritual that requires patience, skill, and creativity.

Religion

Almost 90% of Tamil Nadu’s population follows Hinduism. The temples in this region are architecturally distinct from those in other parts of India and are particularly worth visiting. Many of the more than 30,000 temples are several centuries old, some even over 800 years. Their pyramid-shaped towers, called Gopurams, rise high into the sky and can be seen from afar. Some remain in their original sandstone form, while others are brightly painted in vivid colours. The towers are decorated with deities, figures from Hindu mythology, and intricate ornamental details.

The most famous temple complex is the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. In addition to its towers, it features pillared corridors, halls, and a sacred water tank. And there is an elephant. In exchange for a small offering, it gently touches the heads of devotees with its trunk as a blessing. Temples are usually busy and lively, and the activity of worshippers is fascinating to observe. Visiting temples should definitely be part of any trip to Tamil Nadu.

Food

As is typical for South India, rice is the main staple in Tamil Nadu, more so than bread. The food tends to be spicier, but usually less oily than in northern regions. Meat plays a minor role in everyday meals, while a wide variety of flavourful vegetable dishes takes centre stage. Thanks to the long coastline, fish also appears regularly on the menu. In some places, meals are not served on plates but on banana leaves. And although it may feel unfamiliar at first – eating an entire meal by hand at least once is a memorable experience.

Also quite unique is the culinary experience in the former French colony of Pondicherry. Baguettes, croissants, coq au vin, ratatouille, and bouillabaisse are not unknown here. A French-style café in the middle of India is certainly an interesting change of pace.<

Tea is cultivated in the region’s own hill areas, and coffee also grows well in the local climate.

Mountain Area

In the western part of Tamil Nadu, the Eastern and Western Ghats stretch across the landscape – mountain ranges that reach elevations of over 2,600 metres. The so-called hill stations, such as Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Coonoor and Kodaikanal, are especially well known. Originally established by the British as retreats from the heat of the plains, they now offer a cooler climate, green hills, tea plantations and forested areas – a welcome contrast to the tropical lowlands.

In Ooty and Coonoor, expansive tea plantations shape the landscape. Walks through the hills, rides on the historic Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and visits to small tea factories provide insight into the everyday life of the region. Kodaikanal is more remote, with quiet forests, waterfalls and hiking trails.

These highland areas are also home to rare wildlife, including wild gaurs, several monkey species and a wide range of birds. Small villages and local markets give a glimpse into life away from the cities. Those who enjoy peaceful, green and cooler surroundings will find this region especially appealing.

School-Visit

Tamil Nadu has a wide network of public and private schools, though the quality of education varies significantly – especially between urban and rural areas. English (alongside Tamil) is used as the medium of instruction in many schools. School visits are generally possible by prior arrangement, and we are happy to include one in your travel itinerary. Sometimes it’s also possible to arrange a spontaneous visit on site. These visits offer a glimpse into everyday school life and allow for meaningful exchanges with students and teachers – a unique insight into the education system and the daily lives of children and young people in Tamil Nadu.

Villagetourism

Village tourism in Tamil Nadu offers a close-up view of rural life, away from the cities and main tourist attractions. In some areas – such as the hill regions or the Kaveri Delta – small initiatives allow travellers to stay in homestays, observe agricultural work, or take part in local craft or cooking activities. These kinds of stays provide meaningful experiences and create opportunities for interaction with the village community. It’s a way to gain a more grounded impression of everyday life in India.

Coast

Tamil Nadu has a coastline of 1,076 km along the Indian Ocean, characterised by long sandy beaches, small fishing villages, and important port cities (notably Chennai). One of the most well-known coastal sites is Mamallapuram, famous for its seaside stone temples and rock carvings – a popular stop south of Chennai. Further down the coast, quieter stretches of beach can be found, some lined with palm groves, others more open and windy. Swimming, however, is generally not recommended – strong currents, lack of infrastructure or lifeguards, and unpredictable sea conditions can pose risks.

At the southern tip lies Rameswaram, a pilgrimage town on an island connected to the mainland by a long railway bridge. Here too, daily life is closely linked to the sea. For those interested in maritime ways of life, early morning markets, or fish processing, the Tamil Nadu coast offers plenty to observe and learn – without the tourist crowds found in Kerala or Goa.