The South Indian state of Tamil Nadu continues to be the top destination by tourist arrivals for the fifth consecutive year.
The state is popular amongst tourists for several reasons, including some of the most beautiful temples in the country and a combination of untouched beaches as well as hill stations. It is also the centre of many ashrams and yoga centres that attracts tourists from across the globe.
Many people travel to the state for its festivals that offer the most colourful immersion in the culture of the region, such as the four-day harvest festival of Pongal, held in January every year. Read more about it here.