Tamil Nadu North Coast Travel Guide

Planning to explore Tamil Nadu North Coast? This comprehensive tour guide covers everything from list of places to visit, hiking routes, food scene, local culture, safety tips, and more.


Tamil Nadu North Coast: A Comprehensive Tour Guide

Located in Southern India, Tamil Nadu North Coast is a beautiful region that boasts a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and a long coastline overlooking the Bay of Bengal. The region is home to a host of temples, museums, scenic views, outdoor adventures, and delicious cuisine. This comprehensive tour guide covers everything from list of places to visit, hiking routes, food scene, local culture, safety tips, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu North Coast

Tamil Nadu North Coast has a wide range of attractions to offer, from culturally important museums and historical places to breathtaking natural wonders. Here’s a list of places to visit to make the most of your time on this beautiful coastline:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Government Museum, Chennai: This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts that highlights the region’s cultural and historical legacy.

  2. Fort St. George, Chennai: This is one of the oldest surviving British fortifications in India, built in 1644.

  3. Mahabalipuram: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which comprises of numerous beautiful rock-cut temples, rathas and a beautiful Shore Temple that stands on the shores of the Bay of Bengal.

Natural Attractions of Tamil Nadu North Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary: This beautiful bird sanctuary is home to more than 40,000 migratory birds during the season.

  2. Pulicat Lake: This large brackish water lagoon is a beautiful place to witness the stunning sunsets and indulge in water sports like kayaking and windsurfing.

  3. Yelagiri Hills: This beautiful hill station offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in the region along with beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and hills.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tamil Nadu North Coast

Tamil Nadu North Coast is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, biking, and trekking. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in the region:

  1. Chennai to Mahabalipuram: This 50 km stretch offers some of the most beautiful sites on the coast including the world-renowned Shore Temple.

  2. Pulicat Lake: The serenity of the Pulicat Lake is enhanced by the fact the lake is surrounded by hills, making it a perfect spot for relaxed biking and hiking.

  3. Yelagiri Hills: This beautiful hill station offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in the region, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.

Best Things to Do in Tamil Nadu North Coast: Activities and Tours

The North Coast is not only rich in natural and cultural heritage, but it also offers a wide range of exciting activities and tours to make your trip even more memorable:

  1. Surfing Lessons in Covelong Point: Covelong Point is famous for surfing, and it offers a range of surfing lessons and courses for all levels of surfers.

  2. Scuba Diving in Pondicherry: Pondicherry offers a whole range of aquatic pursuits such as diving in the Bay of Bengal and catamaran rides and sea kayaking.

  3. Temple Tours: Tamil Nadu North Coast is home to a plethora of magnificent ancient temples. A guided temple tour would help you appreciate their history and architecture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tamil Nadu North Coast

If you want to explore the region in depth, here’s a week-long itinerary for Tamil Nadu North Coast:

Day Activity
1 Visit Chennai’s iconic Fort St. George and Government Museum
2 Head to Mahabalipuram and explore the beautiful rathas and beaches
3 Relax at Pulicat Lake and indulge in water sports
4 Take a day-long hike in the Yelagiri Hills
5 Surf at Covelong Point
6 Explore the beautiful Pondicherry
7 Take a temple tour to Chennai’s Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mahabalipuram’s Shore Temple, and Pondicherry’s Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Food and Drink Scene of Tamil Nadu North Coast

The North Coast boasts of delicious and flavorful dishes cooked in traditional South Indian ways. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages when you’re in the North Coast:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Masala Dosa: A crispy rice and lentil crepe stuffed with spiced potato filling, served with chutney and sambar.

  2. Chettinad Chicken: Spicy and aromatic chicken curry, made with a blend of spices, coconut, and tamarind.

  3. Poriyal: A side dish of sautéed vegetables tossed with grated coconut and tempered with curry leaves.

Local Beverages

  1. Filter Coffee: The region is famous for its delicious filter coffee - freshly brewed coffee served with milk and sugar.

  2. Chai: chai is a popular drink in the North Coast, made with black tea, milk, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and cardamom.

Where to Stay in Tamil Nadu North Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The North Coast has a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. Here are some of the best places to stay in the region:

  1. Beach Park Resort, Chennai: A beachfront resort with spacious rooms, stunning views, and excellent amenities.

  2. AB Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram: A budget-friendly yet comfortable resort that’s located on the beach and offers coco hut-style rooms.

  3. Olive De Villa, Pondicherry: A quaint guesthouse that has a beautiful garden, ideal for those looking for a traditional experience.

What to Buy in Tamil Nadu North Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The region is known for its handicrafts and textiles, which make great souvenirs. Here are some items to purchase:

  1. Kanchipuram Sarees: These sarees are made in the city of Kanchipuram, known for its traditional handwoven silk sarees.

  2. Tanjore Paintings: These are traditional Indian paintings, originating from the town of Thanjavur, known for their rich colors and intricate details.

  3. Brass Lamps: These are beautifully crafted brass lamps that are traditionally used in Hindu prayer ceremonies.

Local Culture and Customs of Tamil Nadu North Coast

The North Coast region has a rich cultural heritage and is particularly famous for its classical dance form - Bharatanatyam. Here are some customs and cultural practices you should be aware of:

  1. Dress modestly when visiting temples or holy places.

  2. Take off shoes before entering homes or temples.

  3. Tamil is the most commonly spoken language in the region, but English is also widely spoken and understood.

Best Time to Visit Tamil Nadu North Coast

The best time to visit Tamil Nadu North Coast is between October and March when the weather promises to be in the range of 20-30 degrees Celsius.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tamil Nadu North Coast

To ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip, here are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture and customs.

  2. Keep hydrated in hot weather.

  3. Carry cash as ATMs might be few and far between in some areas.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t litter. Throw garbage in the bins provided.

  2. Don’t take pictures without permission.

  3. Don’t make fun of or insult local customs, religious beliefs or people.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tamil Nadu North Coast

Tamil Nadu North Coast is generally safe for tourists. However, it’s wise to be cautious and keep a watchful eye over your belongings in crowded places.

Health in Tamil Nadu North Coast

To stay healthy while traveling to Tamil Nadu North Coast, you should take a few basic precautions such as:

  1. Drink bottled water and avoid street food.

  2. Apply mosquito repellent to avoid mosquito-borne diseases.

  3. Wear sunscreen and keep yourself hydrated in hot weather.

Getting to Tamil Nadu North Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tamil Nadu North Coast

  1. Chennai International Airport: This is the nearest major airport to Tamil Nadu North Coast, located approximately 21 km from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Tamil Nadu North Coast

  1. Chennai CMBT Bus Terminal: This is the main bus station of Chennai and is well-connected to most cities in South India.

  2. Pondicherry Bus Stand: This is the main bus station of Pondicherry and is well-connected to most cities in Tamil Nadu.

Other Options

  1. Train: Tamil Nadu is well-connected to most major cities in India by rail.

  2. Private Taxi: Private taxis and cabs are easily available in Tamil Nadu to explore the region at your own pace.

How to Get Around in Tamil Nadu North Coast

The most popular modes of transportation in Tamil Nadu North Coast are local buses and private taxis, but you can also choose to rent a car or a bike.

Where to Go Next from Tamil Nadu North Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you want to explore more of Tamil Nadu or South India, here are some nearby destinations that are worth visiting:

  1. Puducherry: A former French colony with a beautiful beach, stunning architecture, and scenic backwaters.

  2. Kanchipuram: A city renowned for its ancient temples, sarees, and silk fabrics.

  3. Ooty: A beautiful hill station surrounded by tea gardens, rolling hills, and stunning views.

Conclusion

Tamil Nadu North Coast is a region that’s rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. It’s a perfect destination for those looking to explore the beaches, hills, and temples of Southern India. So pack your bags, and head out to Tamil Nadu North Coast to enjoy a perfect vacation!



    Chennai
    Cuddalore
    Kalpakkam
    Kanchipuram
    Karaikal
    Neyveli
    Poompuhar
    Tiruvallur
    Tiruvarur
    Virudhaachalam