Tamil Nadu heritage & coast

What you can do

• See the Mamallapuram shore temple and the rock carvings, all within a walkable area
• Walk Puducherry's French Quarter in the early morning light and along the promenade at dusk
• In Chennai, take Kapaleeshwarar temple, the Marina and a Chettinad lunch
• Add Auroville if you want a half day outside the city

Food to try

Start with idli, dosa, pongal and filter coffee, then move to Chettinad chicken, meen kuzhambu fish curry and banana leaf meals. Puducherry adds French bakeries and a rare good croissant in South India.

Culture & customs

Tamil culture is one of the world's oldest living traditions, expressed in Bharatanatyam dance, Carnatic music and temple architecture. Dress modestly at temples, remove shoes, and note that some inner sanctums are open to Hindus only.