தமிழ்நாட்டின் பாரம்பரியம்

Heritage of Tamil Nadu

Explore centuries of art, architecture and culture

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

நீலகிரி மலை ரயில்

British Colonial British India (Madras Railway)

A UNESCO-listed heritage railway climbing the Nilgiri Hills on a rack-and-pinion system — one of the steepest in Asia, hauled by century-old Swiss steam locomotives.

Visiting temples and monuments

Most temples are living places of worship: dress modestly, remove footwear at the counter outside, and expect crowds and closed sanctums around midday. Photography is never allowed inside sanctums, and many temples now ask you to deposit phones. Each site's own rules are listed under its etiquette.

Local customs: Walk clockwise around shrines, keep your voice low near the sanctum, do not touch idols or priests, and follow the queue. Offerings are optional.
Accessibility: Temple complexes are large with stone floors and steps into many shrines; ASI monuments often have ramps at the entrance. Ask at the office for wheelchair access.

What to bring

Clothing that covers shoulders and knees (a dhoti, saree, churidar or long skirt is ideal)
A shawl or stole
Socks for hot stone floors
Small change for footwear and phone counters

Take the pledge →

பொறுப்புள்ள பயணம்

Travel as a welcome guest

Dress for the sanctum, ask before photographing, leave only footprints.

Take the pledge →