9 Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu During Monsoon

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Are you looking for the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu during monsoon season? Blessed with holy temples, historical monuments, heritage structures, beautiful hill stations and pristine beaches Tamil Nadu is a state you should not miss. Although, Tamil Nadu is the tenth largest state in India size-wise it still takes the number one spot for domestic tourism. With a whopping 140 million domestic tourists visiting the state, you should not miss it either.

Unlike the states on the western coast of India that receive monsoon via Southwest monsoon winds, Tamil Nadu receives most of its rainfall via the North-East trade winds. The monsoon activity in Tamil Nadu begins in mid-June and lasts until November and mid-December. However, if rain is not an inconvenience to you Tamil Nadu can provide you with some of the best monsoon destinations in India.

In this blog post, we focus on some of the popular monsoon tourist places in Tamil Nadu that you can add to your list.

Kodaikanal

Nestled in the Western Ghats close to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, Kodaikanal remains one of the top romantic destinations in South India. Sitting on a plateau on the southern side of the upper Palani Hills, Kodaikanal has an elevation of 2194 m (7200 feet). Being one of the popular hill stations in Tamil Nadu this remains one of the best honeymoon places in India. If you are planning a honeymoon in Tamil Nadu you should add Kodaikanal to your list.

However, apart from the newlyweds, Kodaikanal is a great place for families and solo travellers as well. During the monsoon season, Kodaikanal transforms into a wonderland blessed with misty landscapes and a pleasant climate. With the mercury dropping, you can find yourself a nice accommodation to help you unwind.

As Kodaikanal wraps itself in a verdant green blanket you can enjoy the soothing sound of raindrops and discover the captivating charm of this iconic hill station in South India. If you are keen on adventure you can go walking in the lush Bryant Park and visit Silver Cascade Falls. Apart from this, you can spend time at the Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker’s Walk and Pillar Rocks Road. You can also try some hiking in the hills and explore locations like Dolphin’s Nose, Green Valley View and Thalaiyar Falls.

Ooty

Officially known as Udhagamandalam, Ooty remains one of the popular hill stations in Tamil Nadu. This hill station is often voted as one of the best romantic destinations in Tamil Nadu. Hence, if you are a newlywed planning a honeymoon you can add Ooty to your list. Apart from the newlyweds, Ooty is also ideal for couples and families who want a nice break from their chaotic urban lifestyle.

Ooty’s cool and pleasant climate is one of the reasons for its popularity. During the monsoon season, Ooty transforms into a cool small town that can offer you natural scenic views. Apart from the weather, bird enthusiasts can also explore Ooty and discover some friends chirping in the backyard. While you are here you can explore some of the popular local attractions including Ooty Lake, Emerald Lake, Pykara Lake, Catherine Falls, Kalhatti Falls, Ooty’s Botanical Gardens, Rose Garden, Doddabetta Peak, and Thread Garden.

If you are seeking outdoor adventure you can head out for various hiking trails in and around Ooty. However, make sure that you plan your rainy trip the right way for your convenience. When you are done exploring Ooty make sure you head to the local bakeries to shop local cakes, chocolates and teas.

Coonoor

Just a 45-minute drive southeast of Ooty is another charming hill station named Coonoor. If you are looking for a tranquil destination that allows you to disappear in the world of nature Coonoor is where you should head to. Being the second-largest hill station in the Nilgiri Hills, Coonoor is one of the best places to visit during monsoon season in Tamil Nadu. During the monsoon season, the region is packed with majestic waterfalls and luxuriant greenery which is a treat to the eyes.

Once you are done settling in your accommodation you can spend time walking the valleys and cut your way through the hills to discover untrodden paths. You can also head to Sim’s Park to watch birds and even capture them on your camera. Lamb’s Rock and Wellington Lake are two popular attractions that you should not miss when you are here.

You can also enjoy a ride on the Nilgiri Toy Train that chugs through the pristine countryside. This is a great way to soak in the natural beauty of the pine forests and the rolling hills that Nilgiris offer. The journey takes you on an almost five-hour train ride that adds to the experience. If you are an Indian movie fan you would remember the Chhaiya Chhaiya song which was shot and choreographed on this train.

Coimbatore

While Coimbatore might not have the kind of elevation Kodaikanal and Ooty offer you can still enjoy your monsoon holidays here. It is the second-largest city in Tamil Nadu and therefore accommodation options are going to be plenty. If you are a solo women traveller Coimbatore should be on your list as it ranks third in terms of women’s safety.

However, you need to take note that Coimbatore receives heavy rainfall and therefore planning is the key. You must keep a close watch on the weather to help you make the most of your trip. If you love to explore temples Coimbatore has many of them. The Adiyogi Shiva statue has become an internet sensation, especially on social media platforms. Apart from that, you can visit various other holy temples.

Apart from the temples, you can also explore various shopping malls, museums and botanical gardens that make Coimbatore a reasonably good choice for monsoon tourist places in Tamil Nadu.

Dindigul

Do you love history? Well, if you do Dindigul sounds like a perfect destination in Tamil Nadu for you. Dindigul is known for its rich heritage and history and many kingdoms and empires have flourished here. While you can explore the town’s rich history and culture it also transforms into a green natural paradise that you should not miss. Hence, Dindigul is one of the best South Indian destinations to visit in the monsoon season.

Located just a 150-minute drive away from Kodaikanal, Dindigul is a lesser-known monsoon destination in Tamil Nadu. The town was known for its locks industry, leather and handloom industries. While you are exploring the town you can explore some of the places where you can still find locals working on padlocks and cloth manufacturing processes. While you are here you may also want to explore some of the holy temples that attract a lot of visitors to this town. If you are looking for some adventure you can head to Dindigul Rock Fort or enjoy spectacular views of the hills from Kamarajar Sagar Lake.

India is famous for its biryanis and as you travel across the country you will come across different types of biryanis. Dindigul Biryani is something that you should try when you are enjoying your monsoon holidays.

Megamalai

Located 3 hour’s drive from Dindigul, Megamalai is a small town perfect for a monsoon retreat in Tamil Nadu. If you are looking for unique places in Tamil Nadu, Megamalai is one of those. With the kind of greenery and natural landscape it has to offer it is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu during monsoon.

While this town might not have the best accommodations, you can always look for hotels and resorts nearby which would allow you to stay and explore this town. If you prefer to walk and hike this would be one of the nicest places in Tamil Nadu. The good thing about visiting and exploring Megamalai is that it is not as insanely popular as Ooty or Kodaikanal. This means fewer crowds and plenty of time to unwind.

When visiting Megamalai you should also explore the Chinna Suruli Falls, Manalar Dam, Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, and Iravangalar Dam.

Tirunelveli

Known for its grand history, Tirunelveli is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu this rainy season. While this is not one of the top choices on most websites it can provide you with the great monsoon holiday experience you expect. Known for its rich culture and heritage, you can find a lot of Dravidian architecture as you explore the streets and lanes of this small town.

With plenty of greenery around during the monsoon period, you can have a great time unwinding. As you explore the town you can visit some of the popular temples here. If you love hiking you can put on your walking shoes and head to discover various waterfalls like Banatheertham Falls, Shivamathungai Falls and Manimuthar Falls.

When you are staying in Tirunelveli you can visit Agasthyamalai Hills located on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Additionally, if you are sweet-tooth you should not miss the special gourmet treat known as Tirunelveli Halwa which is quite famous in Tamil Nadu.

Valparai

One of the best places to visit in South India in monsoon is Valparai. This hilly hamlet is a perfect spot for families, couples and newlyweds during the monsoon and winter months. The town offers you panoramic views of the Anamalai Hills in the Western Ghats and the nearby tea estates. Valparai is just a three-hour drive from Coimbatore and therefore you have easy access to this lesser-known place in Tamil Nadu.

Located at an elevation of 1059 m (3474 feet), Valparai can surprise you with its rustic charm and simplicity. Dotted with tea plantations and coffee estates you can drive through some hairpin curve roads while enjoying the spectacular sight of the landscape. If you are a hiker, Valparai is the place you should choose for its natural hiking routes. You can head up to Nallamudi View Point, Hornbill View Point and Akkamalai Grass Hills.

Wildlife lovers can explore the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Anamali Tiger Reserve where you can spot local animals and birds. When you are done exploring the wildlife head into the forest and be rewarded with the spectacular views of Chinnakallar Falls and Monkey Falls.

Yercaud

Nestled in the Shevaroys range of hills, Yercaud is a paradise for nature lovers. The word Yercaud comes from a combination of two words Yeri meaning lake and Kaadu which means forest. Hence, the word Yercaud means lake and forest. With plenty of green landscapes to admire, Yercaud remains one of the best places in Tamil Nadu to visit in August.

If you love nature and the outdoors, Yercaud has many places that you can visit when you are here. You can explore Emerald Lake, Lady’s Point, Pagoda Point, Tipperary Viewpoint, Shevaroy Hills, and the much popular Botanical Garden. If you love boating you can head to the lake for some boating activity. However, keeping in mind the monsoon season make sure that you plan it right.

Bonus

Puducherry

While Pondicherry a.k.a. Puducherry is a Union Territory and not a part of the state of Tamil Nadu you can still visit it. This former French colony on the east coast of India sits right on the coast and is just three hours from Chennai. Hence, it is one of the best places to visit in monsoon near Chennai. Known for its tranquil beaches and French colonial architecture Puducherry can offer you a great monsoon holiday experience.

With its moderate rainfall and relaxed vibe you can get rid of your worldly stress and enjoy the panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal. The vastness of the ocean combined with some delicious culinary treats can turn into an unforgettable experience.

If you are looking for some meditation options you can visit the Aurobindo Ashram and explore the facilities they have. This includes their art gallery, bakery, dairy farms, a printing press and paper store and a library. Seafood lovers are going to have a great time here as they can choose from a variety of options on the menu. Architecture fans can admire the Old Lighthouse and churches that date back to the colonial era. You can also enjoy some heritage walks which allow you to explore colonial buildings and structures. When you are leaving the city you can shop for perfumes, chocolates and boutique clothes.

Conclusion

Tamil Nadu has remained the land of vibrant culture, holy temples, soothing beaches and charming hill stations. Hence, it has remained one of the most visited states in India. During the monsoon season, things can get a bit inconvenient but with the right planning, you can have a great time exploring the monsoon tourist places in Tamil Nadu.

With the arrival of monsoon, these places transform into a misty wonderland offering you an escape from the worldly routine and finding inner peace. You can head up to the hill stations or explore some of the cities with religious and historic significance. These places also offer you a great culinary experience which adds to the experience as you watch the raindrops fall outside your window.

If you are planning a trip down south you can always consider these places to visit in Tamil Nadu during monsoon season to help you make the most of your time and money.