India’s most southerly state, Tamil Nadu is far less frequented than its touristy neighbour, Kerala. Enjoying the same lush verdant surrounds and pristine beaches it is ideal for those wanting to get away from the tourist trail and experience a more authentic India. Our pick of the best places to stay in Tamil Nadu are reflective of the region’s heritage and all provide a comfortable stay.
To the north of the state lies Chennai which has witnessed some rapid modernization in the last decade in a bid to keep up with the metamorphosing mega cities of India. The locals are infectiously positive about their ‘capital of the south’ and you cannot help but share their upbeat nature. Boasting some world-class restaurants and excellent hotels it is worth at least a one-night stay en-route to the rest of the state.
A world away from bustling Chennai, Pondicherry is delightfully quaint. Maintaining strong Francophile connections (some of the older locals even speak with a hybrid French accent) you will be enchanted by its allure. Cobbled streets are lined with bakeries and boutiques and there are plenty of small, independently run hotels and restaurants. Tamil Nadu’s take on Paris.
Whilst the best time to visit most of Tamil Nadu is between December and February owing to its high temperatures, you can visit the colonial summer outpost of Ooty all year (it only reaches the high 30s in summer and single figures in winter). Indeed the monsoon renders the valleys impossibly lush. Take the Nilgiri mountain railway, an impressively maintained steam train, through the verdant landscapes of the Western Ghats’ tea and spice plantations. Neighbouring Coonoor can also be enjoyed year round and without the crowds that stop at Ooty,
Tanjore is awash with history and cultural sites, one of its claims to fame is as birthplace to one of India's most extraordinary civilisations (the Dravidians).
Foodies should head to Kanadukathan, the region's culinary capital, famous for its Chettinad cuisine.
The Hotel Guru's selection of the best places to stay in Tamil Nadu is wide ranging: from budget to luxury there are plenty to suit all!
Homestays and boutique properties can often provide great value for money.
Some of the best places to stay in Tamil Nadu for showcasing the region’s heritage:
Still not sure which to book? From character to luxury browse through our list of the best places to stay in Tamil Nadu to start to plan your trip. Or contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.
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Coonoor (Singara Estate)
Surrounded by tea fields and above the clouds, relax in a serene and tranquil historic mansion. Big rooms, some with fireplaces, and a small menu has been made for the staying guests. Walks, reading and being one with nature is the theme of the area. A great country escape, a chance for fresh air.
Puducherry (Tamil Nadu)
Nineteenth century family home turned welcoming guesthouse stay. Le Club restaurant serves Indo-French dishes cooked with love. Rooms are simple yet colourfully decorated with plenty of black and white photographs and curios on the walls. Excellent value in a great location.
Puducherry (Tamil Nadu)
This 18th century property displays the best in colonial architecture. Today, full to the brim with Indian antiques: capacious four poster beds, printed fabrics, local artwork and rattan chairs. The restaurant is 'Exotic Marigold' worthy, achingly quaint and serves Creole and Continental dishes.
Puducherry (Tamil Nadu)
Located in Pondicherry's quaint French Quarter, Le Chateau but adds to the area's charm. Original features such as checkerboard flooring and wood-framed windows complete the look. There is a lovely roof-top restaurant with views across the Bay of Bengal.
Ooty (Upper Thalayatimund)
Sherlock Hotel in the southern hill station of Ooty lives up to its name. Victorian fireplaces and wooden furnishings. It boasts two dining rooms, a reading room, a games area as well as the great outdoors. The location lends itself to an activity filled holiday for the family, or a mini break.
Puducherry (Tamil Nadu )
Simple yet chic, rooms feature private balconies overlooking a sparkling pool. This bijoux property has many of the facilities of a resort hotel: a spa, pool and great food, all for a fraction of the cost. A little bit of French charm in Tamil Nadu.
Nagapattinam (Tharangambadi)
Perfect beach-side location in a property steeped in local history. Airy rooms, some with four poster beds, period furniture and light fabrics create an aura of peace. Unwind on the terrace, watch the waves break on the beach, and dine on flavourful, carefully prepared, local food.
Puducherry (Tamil Nadu)
White period facade, black and white tiles, four poster beds: this property ticks all the 'character' boxes. Fusion decor compliments the fusion menu, which consists of Indian and French dishes, served in an atmospheric dining room. You are within walking distance of Pondicherry's main attractions.
Tanjore
It is simply impossible to be bored at this delightful family resort. The cottages are colourful & stylish with great views over the river and paddy fields. Enjoy a traditional massage in the spa, relax by the pool or explore by bicycle. The restaurant menu is multi-cultural with plenty of choice.
Tanjore
Elegantly updated colonial townhouse in great central location. Bedrooms are sleek and modern with accents in the hotel's signature vibrant blue. Large windows flood the rooms with natural light. Charming and stylish rooftop restaurant overlooking the palace, serving Indian and international fare.
Chennai
Built in 1854 as the Imperial Hotel, it has been renamed and revamped to welcome guests with modern interiors and facilities.Rooms are luxurious and light, the pool and spa are a welcome oasis from the city and its many historical landmarks.With two restaurants and a nightclub, it really has it all.
Ooty (Ooty)
Set amid six acres of lush grounds Taj Savoy offers colonial cottage style accommodation including a range of rooms and suites with an old school charm vibe. There's loads of on site activities plus an Ayurvedic spa, art, cooking and yoga classes. A hill top paradise for total country escape.
Coonoor
The right mix of colonial architecture and modern decor. This hotel prides itself on no two rooms being the same but all revelling in luxury and taste. Rolling lawns overlook luscious southern hills, as well as tea plantations and golf ranges close by. A great retreat to relax at the spa.
Puducherry (Tamil Nadu)
This boutique offering has a combination of trendy modern and retro chic bedrooms. Colourfully tiled floors, hindi motifs and locally produced fabrics. The menu, serving gourmet fusion dishes in an open air restaurant, is well renowned in town. An ideal stay for your young couples or small families.
Tamil Nadu (Senjai)
The Bangala is a dose of Chettinad history, architecture and cuisine all rolled into one. The rooms are furnished in the ornate style, the pool is a welcome new feature and the library boasts a range of old classics. Get involved in a cooking class, step out to see the town or relax at the spa.
Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
Housed amidst some impressive lawns this hotel provides classic contemporary accommodation. Rooms are decorated with fresh colours, light wood and include all mod cons. Southern Indian dining can be sampled at the Samudra restaurant whilst Cinnamon is multi cuisine. 5* relaxation at your fingertips.
Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
A palatial hotel from the Leela providing opulence with unobstructed views of the Adyar River. Rooms are divine, feature fine silks, sparkling chandeliers, and are beautifully upholstered. Several fine dining options including an indulgent patisserie. A five star stay.
Puducherry
This intimate hotel combines contemporary comfort with sophisticated elegance. Airy rooms are classically decorated in a colonial style with ceiling fans and wooden furnishings. Accents of vibrant colour punctuate the colonial French decor, adding a Tamil influence. Simple and stylish.
Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
Chic and contemporary five star luxury. Contrasting palettes of yellow, grey and black give rooms a quirky edge, as do the modern lines and egg shaped baths. There is a huge outdoor pool and a private stretch of beach. Dine on local, Chinese and Western dishes or indulge at the champagne lounge.
Tamil Nadu (Tamil Nadu)
Ingenious and utterly charming. An 18th century palace constructed by the Maharaja of Travancore and re-erected in the Western Ghats by Jeremy Fry in the 1990s. Enjoying a cool climate there is no AC - just large sliding doors. Understated chic reigns supreme. Communal dinners are delicious.
Puducherry (Lal Bhadur)
Palais de Mahe perfectly echoes its setting; with simple elegance and colonial charm this hotel is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area. Rooms are spacious and airy; classically decorated, with wooden furniture, simple white linens and smooth painted floors. A slice of history.
Coonoor (Kurumbadi)
The Nilgiri Mountain Train takes you to the rolling blue mountains and this poolside, nature immersive hotel offers luxurious rooms with stunning views and contemporary decor. The outdoor dining boasts local cuisines while the location is perfect for both Ooty and Coonoor and the sights there.
Tamil Nadu (Thanjavur)
A chic boutique property in the heart of the historic city of Thanjavur. Individually styled rooms are pleasingly colourful and mix traditional design with a contemporary feel. A courtyard pool and indulgent spa provide the perfect spots for unwinding after a day's exploring. Highly recommended.
Kanadukathan
Eco-friendly historic mansion, with pool and library, a secluded spot to relax and soak up regional culture. The hotel restaurant allows you to taste the flavours of Chettinad, the culinary capital of Tamil Nadu. Rooms evoke an atmosphere of old-world India's grace and timeless elegant grandeur.
Puducherry
A chic retreat on a sleepy street in Puducherry’s charming Old Quarter. With beautiful rooms, delicious French food and a lovely rooftop swimming pool, this is a haven of calm and tranquillity.
