Hill stations, temples and coast. Tamil Nadu has the Nilgiri and Palani hill stations of Ooty, Coonoor, Kodaikanal and Yercaud, the Pallava shore temples of Mahabalipuram and, next door, Pondicherry's French Quarter. Coimbatore, Madurai, Chennai and Salem are the main gateways.
Best time to visit: October – March
Ideal trip length: 3 – 6 days
Popular places: Ooty, Kodaikanal, Coonoor, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Yercaud