Tamil Nadu · 12 destinations & hidden spots
Built during the reign of Pallava king Narasimhavarman II in the early 8th century, the Shore Temple is one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India. Overlooking the roaring waves of the Bay of Bengal, its twin pyramidal towers (vimanas) house sanctums dedicated to Shiva and a reclining Vishnu.
Carved during the 7th-century reign of Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I, the Pancha Rathas are five monolithic stone structures named after the Pandavas and Draupadi. Each ratha is carved out of a single large pink granite whale-back rock with exquisite carved elephants, lions, and dvarapalas.
Measuring 96 feet long by 43 feet high, this colossal 7th-century relief carved onto two massive granite boulders depicts the descent of the sacred river Ganga to earth through Shiva's locks. Over one hundred carved figures of gods, rishis, celestial nymphs, and animals gather around the central natural cleft.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Karpagambal, Kapaleeshwarar Temple is the spiritual nucleus of historic Mylapore. Built in classic Dravidian style, it features an ornate 37-meter east-facing gopuram densely sculpted with colorful stucco figures, pillared corridors, and a serene step-well temple tank.
Rising gracefully near the shores of Marina Beach, San Thome Basilica is one of only three known basilicas in the world built directly over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus Christ. Rebuilt in 1896 by British architects in pristine neo-Gothic style, it features soaring spires, ribbed vaults, and stained-glass panels.
Hidden Gem
Straddling the border of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh just north of Chennai, Pulicat Lake is an expansive 759-square-kilometer coastal lagoon. Separated from the Bay of Bengal by the Sriharikota barrier island, it attracts tens of thousands of migratory pink flamingos, pelicans, and storks every winter.
Built during the reign of Pallava king Narasimhavarman II in the early 8th century, the Shore Temple is one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India. Overlooking the roaring waves of the Bay of Bengal, its twin pyramidal towers (vimanas) house sanctums dedicated to Shiva and a reclining Vishnu.
Carved during the 7th-century reign of Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I, the Pancha Rathas are five monolithic stone structures named after the Pandavas and Draupadi. Each ratha is carved out of a single large pink granite whale-back rock with exquisite carved elephants, lions, and dvarapalas.
Measuring 96 feet long by 43 feet high, this colossal 7th-century relief carved onto two massive granite boulders depicts the descent of the sacred river Ganga to earth through Shiva's locks. Over one hundred carved figures of gods, rishis, celestial nymphs, and animals gather around the central natural cleft.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Karpagambal, Kapaleeshwarar Temple is the spiritual nucleus of historic Mylapore. Built in classic Dravidian style, it features an ornate 37-meter east-facing gopuram densely sculpted with colorful stucco figures, pillared corridors, and a serene step-well temple tank.
Rising gracefully near the shores of Marina Beach, San Thome Basilica is one of only three known basilicas in the world built directly over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus Christ. Rebuilt in 1896 by British architects in pristine neo-Gothic style, it features soaring spires, ribbed vaults, and stained-glass panels.
Hidden Gem
Straddling the border of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh just north of Chennai, Pulicat Lake is an expansive 759-square-kilometer coastal lagoon. Separated from the Bay of Bengal by the Sriharikota barrier island, it attracts tens of thousands of migratory pink flamingos, pelicans, and storks every winter.
