Discover historic sites and beautiful beach resorts when you visit Tamil Nadu. To experience all this region has to offer, choose a Scott Dunn holiday. Our specialists will take care of every last detail, so you can relax and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
On the southernmost tip of India, the state seamlessly blends ancient pilgrimage routes with vibrant, cosmopolitan areas, offering a beautiful, fascinating destination for a luxury getaway. Tamil Nadu spans over 130,000km² across South India, rising from flat plains lapped by the Indian Ocean to the peaks of the Western Ghats. Reminders of the region’s history can be seen in the huge temple complexes, beautiful rock carvings and evocative music and dance. The state is the homeland of the Tamil people, a culture with the world's oldest surviving language.
As well as the area's fascinating history, visitors can soak up the scenery. There are the coffee plantations of the Anaimalai Hills and scenic views from Lamb’s Rock and Dolphin’s Nose in Coonoor. For adventurers, Pichavaram Mangrove Forest near Chidambaram is the second-largest forest of its kind in the world.
If you long for a more sedate stay, there are plenty of places to visit for a relaxed holiday in Tamil Nadu. Travellers can experience the region's exotic beaches, wander around local markets and enjoy local cuisine, such as lentil-based stews and delicious breakfast pancakes.
There's so much to see in this part of India. Our specialists have travelled around this region and can share all their insider tips with you. If you hope to catch the most popular festivals or want to stay in luxury resorts in Tamil Nadu, our team can curate an unforgettable experience.
The Leela Palace Chennai
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Tamil Nadu is a diverse region and there are many ways to experience this captivating part of India. We’ll create an itinerary that allows you to explore this area in your perfect way. If you're looking for the best places to visit, let our experts share their insights based on personal experience.
Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is Tamil Nadu's bustling capital. The coastal city is a vibrant hub comprising a collection of urban villages. There's a diverse range of cultural and religious layers here. Striking, candy-coloured Dravidian temples contrast with simple, white-washed cathedrals, while the historic Fort St George – the first English fortress in India – slots in seamlessly alongside contemporary restaurants and bars.
The city sits on the Bay of Bengal and is home to waterside resorts and golden beaches, making the area popular with visitors. Chennai's artistic scene is another major draw for travellers. Having passed music and dance traditions down through the generations, the city was awarded a place on the UNESCO Creative Cities Index in 2017 – and this love of music is everywhere you look during a holiday in Chennai.
If you're looking for a getaway that offers all the buzz of a major city and relaxing days on the beach, Chennai is a great choice.
Until 1954, Pondicherry was under French colonial rule. Today, its wide boulevards, shuttered windows and laid-back atmosphere hint at its past, with a captivating fusion of Indian and French influences evident in its cuisine, architecture and language.
Also known today as Puducherry but often shortened to 'Pondy', this is a city that seamlessly blends Tamil life and traditions with its Gallic leanings. There are cafés serving croissants amid pastel-coloured, Parisian-style architecture, especially in White Town, Pondicherry's French Quarter.
There are beach resorts in Pondicherry that overlook the Bay of Bengal and visitors can while away their holiday here enjoying the white sands during the day before venturing to the many bars and eateries at night.
The best time to take a holiday to Tamil Nadu is between December and March. This is when it's hot and sunny during the day, at around 25-35°C, while the evenings are warm. The weather becomes hot and humid from April into May and, by June, the average temperature in Chennai is around 32°C, with highs of 38°C common.
July and August are usually covered by the summer monsoon, while September tends to be dry before the winter monsoon arrives in October and November.
While most of our tours to this part of the world are arranged for 10-14 nights, you can holiday in Tamil Nadu for as long as you like. We can tailor your trip to match the itinerary you have in mind. If you want to stay in both Pondicherry and Chennai during your travels in South India, we'll arrange travel between locations and ensure you're set up in luxury hotels at every stage.
It takes around 4.5 hours to fly direct from Singapore to Chennai. If you have a connecting flight, you can expect the journey to take longer.
We have a team of travel specialists who are skilled in creating curated holidays in India. They'll tailor-make a tour of Tamil Nadu for you based on what you expect from your holiday. Whether you're looking for a luxury beach hotel near Pondicherry or you want to know the best spots to visit in Chennai, we'll arrange everything for you.
Our team of travel specialists are waiting to help you book your adventure to India.
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning
