Tourism in Tamil Nadu

Marina Beach as seen from Light house.

Tourist vehicle south of Chennai. 2010

Tamil Nadu has the largest tourism industry in India with a percentage share of 21.31% and 21.86% of domestic and foreign tourist visits in the country. According to the 2020 Ministry of Tourism report, the number of domestic arrivals was at 494.8 million making the state the second most popular tourist destination in the country, and foreign arrivals numbered 6.86 million, the highest in the country, making it the most popular state for tourism in the country.

Tamil Nadu has more than 4,000 years of continuous cultural history. Tamil Nadu has some of the most remarkable temple architecture in the country, and a living tradition of music, dance, folk arts and fine arts. Tamil Nadu is well renowned for its temple towns and heritage sites, hill stations, waterfalls, national parks, local cuisine, natural environment and wildlife.

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple North Tower

Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple Gopuram

Thiruvannamalai Annamalaiyar Temple Raja Gopuram

Hogenakkal Falls bathing area

Parisal Boating in Hogenakkal falls in Tamil Nadu

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest 5

Economy and Tourism

Tamil Nadu with a GDP of $260 billion is the second largest economy of the country and Tourism is one of the main sources of its revenue. Tourism in the state is promoted by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation headquartered in the capital city of Chennai. Tamil Nadu is a year-round tourist destination, and the industry is the largest in the country.