What to do in Tamil Nadu

Ancient stone chariots frozen mid-gallop and towering gopurams pierce tropical skies in this land of living temples. From the shore-carved sanctuaries of Mahabalipuram to Madurai's thousand-pillared halls, millennia of artistic mastery unfolds at every turn. Mountain railways climb through Ooty's tea plantations while aromatic filter coffee and crisp dosas fuel early morning temple visits. Whether you're wandering through Auroville's experimental utopia, tracking elephants in the Western Ghats, or watching silk weavers create golden Kanjeevaram masterpieces, Tamil Nadu serves up spirituality and tradition with generous helpings of spice-laden Chettinad cuisine.