Tamil Nadu has emerged as the country’s preferred destination for domestic tourists for the third year running.

While the state received more than 344 million tourists in 2016, Uttar Pradesh came second with 229 million, according to data released by the Union tourism ministry on Thursday, as per a Times of India report by B Sivakumar.

There was a 3% increase in domestic tourist arrivals to Tamil Nadu in 2016 as compared to the previous year.

The state’s hallowed temples continue to be a big attraction, according to travel agents and the state tourism department, besides the excellent healthcare facilities on offer.

VKT Balan, chairman of Madura Travel, told ToI, "Unlike in temples in other states, here, pujas are done at least 6 times a day in big temples. Tourists can see the abhishekam being performed, often in their names. Many people feel happy after visiting temples in the state."

According to a tourism department official, an efficient law and order system also makes it easy for tourists to visit the state with confidence, the report adds.

There are also several tourists who come to attend conferences and meetings in view of the large number of IT and manufacturing companies in the state.

Madhya Pradesh comes third followed by Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.