When the detour is the destination

Judging by current travel trends, dream vacations are just a detour away. Whether driven by budgets or the growing desire for “purposeful wanderlust”, Indian travellers are increasingly veering off the beaten path, swapping crowded tourist hotspots for hidden gems that offer unique experiences and an authentic taste of the region’s charm and culture.
Experts say 2025 will be the year of “detour destinations”. So, what does Tamil Nadu have to offer those looking to explore beyond the ordinary?
The private isle in the Gulf of Mannar

Less than 75km from Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi is the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve and National Park, off the Pichaimoopanlvalasi beach in Ramanathapuram district. From the park, you can book a one-hour ride into the sea, in a boat with a glass pane on its floor.
“Make sure you come on a sunny day to get a clear view of the coral reefs, seagrass and fish through the boat, which also takes you to a tiny but beautiful coral island or sand bank in the sea. It’s a different experience to be in the middle of the ocean, and we spent some 15-20 minutes on the island,” says Amutha Mozhi, a travel videographer. “Not to be missed is the delicious sea food lunch, which will be prepared fresh, by the time you return from the ride.”
Cutting past Kodai

Diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a condition that affected his mobility, software developer Abdul Basith decided to return home to Kodaikanal in 2018, where he founded Campers Valley.
“Being outdoors improved my health,” he says, and he wanted to offer others the same rejuvenating experience. “Travellers today want to be away from crowds, so we take them to lesser-known spots near Kodaikanal.”
One popular detour is Poombarai, 18km from Kodaikanal, known for off-roading and camping, along with astro photography workshops. “There is no light pollution here making it great for astro photography. The terrain makes it ideal for adventure activities.”
Another is Mannavanur, a farming village 35km away, famous for its sheep and rabbit farm. “Kookal is also gaining attention for its lake, with new homestays crop ping up,” says Basith. For trekking enthusiasts, there’s Vellagavi, a tribal village with about 50 houses. “There are no homestays. The only options are to camp there or return,” says Basith.
“These de tours have become so popular that most travellers now visit them first and then head to Kodaikanal almost like an after-thought.
Kinnakorai for the bikers

Just 15km from Ooty, this village has suddenly become a favourite with bikers, says Ashiq V of travel company Ooty Stays.
“They love the greenery, wildlife and quiet roads. The route is about 50km and takes about two hours by bike. Travellers then stay at Minjur. The landscape here is still unsullied and so, say travel operators, visit only if you are prepared to respect the local community and wildlife.
Sunny side up in Sundarapandiapuram

A 15km detour from Coutrallam, the village of Sundarapandiapuram lights up every summer as tourists make a quick stop for selfies by the sunflower fields this village has become famous for. Sunflower farm er Muthu C, whose three acres are among the pitstops, says that in the past few years more than three lakh tourists stop by every summer on the way to Courtallam.
“We have newlyweds dressed in all their finery coming here straight from the mandapam to dance around in the fields while being photographed. It’s fun to watch. My son says they put it up on Instagram. Our village also has a lot of history being on the border of Kerala but that never makes it to social media,” says Muthu.
Thirukurungudi’s temple of legends
How can a moving stone ball be carved inside the eye of a stone dragon? Witness all these and other architectural marvels at the Azhakiya Nambi Rayar Nambi temple in the village of Thirukkurungudi, an hour away from the famed Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple at Tirunelveli.
One of the 108 Vishnu temples, legend has it that it was the stepping stone for Hanuman for his leap to Lanka.
“The 2,000 artworks carved in granite and wood from the 17th century are of exceptional quality. One of them, for example, features Arab ships bringing in gold, camels and horses, and taking back elephants. It’s a slice of history,” says Pradeep Chakravarthy, historian.