While the famed Marina Beach and Meenakshi Temple will never suffer a dearth of visitors, there are some unique spots that offer just as much, if not more pleasure and interest. Set aside some time for them and you won’t be disappointed.

Tamil Nadu offers places that might need you to go the extra mile, but will reward you with more than just a beautiful vista.Besides being a marine biosphere reserve, the Gulf of Mannar is also one of the four major coral reef areas in India. Hill stations like Kotagiri offer opportunities for trekking and rock climbing, while places like Tharangambadi are of great historical and religious significance. For instance, besides Dansborg Fort, Tharangambadi also has the Zion Church, the oldest Protestant church in India, which was constructed in 1701, as well as the New Jerusalem Church, constructed in 1718. Similarly,Theni, now a bustling centre for cotton trade, has lent its brilliance to the history of the state right from the time when the flag of the Pandya Kings flew over Madurai and all its neighbouring regions, up till Tipu Sultan’s southern campaign and the British rule.