Temple Tour - 9 Days

Day 01 : Arrival in Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai Airport or Railway Station, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant city blending colonial heritage, Dravidian culture, and coastal charm. After check-in, the day is free at leisure for rest or independent exploration. You may visit Marina Beach, local markets, or enjoy a traditional South Indian dinner. Overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 02 : Chennai Sightseeing

After breakfast, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Chennai. Visit Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, followed by a visit to San Thome Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an excellent example of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva. Continue to the Government Museum and National Art Gallery, housing a rich collection of bronze sculptures and archaeological relics. Conclude the day with a relaxing stroll at Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 03 : Chennai to Mahabalipuram (65 kms / approx. 1.5 hrs)

Post breakfast, drive to the coastal heritage town of Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram), a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exquisite stone carvings and ancient shore temples. On arrival, check into your hotel and later explore the famous Shore Temple, a granite marvel overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Visit Arjuna’s Penance, a giant open-air rock relief, and Five Rathas, monolithic chariots carved out of a single rock. Also, take time to admire Krishna’s Butter Ball, a gravity-defying boulder resting on a slope. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

Day 04 : Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (100 kms / approx. 2 hrs)

After breakfast, continue your journey along the scenic East Coast Road to Pondicherry (Puducherry), a charming town with French colonial architecture and spiritual roots. On arrival, check into your hotel. Later, explore Auroville, an experimental township promoting peace and human unity, and visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a center of yoga and meditation. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Promenade Beach, lined with colonial buildings and cafes. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Day 05 : Leisure at the Hotel in Pondicherry

Enjoy a relaxed morning with breakfast at the hotel. This day is reserved for leisure and personal activities. You may choose to rejuvenate at your hotel spa, explore French Quarters, go café hopping, shop for handmade paper, fragrances, or cotton fabrics, or take a cycle rickshaw through the old French lanes. Optional water sports or boat rides in Chunnambar Backwaters can be arranged. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Day 06 : Pondicherry to Tanjore (170 kms / approx. 4 hrs)

After breakfast, proceed towards Tanjore (Thanjavur), one of Tamil Nadu’s cultural capitals known for its classical art, bronze sculptures, and majestic temples. On arrival, check in to your hotel and proceed for sightseeing. Visit the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple), a Chola architectural masterpiece with a massive central dome and intricate carvings. Also explore the Tanjore Palace, Saraswathi Mahal Library, and the Art Gallery, home to rare bronze artifacts. Overnight stay in Tanjore.

Day 07 : Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai (approx. 200 kms / 5 hrs including sightseeing)

After breakfast, depart Tanjore and drive to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), an important temple town located about 60 km away. Visit the famous Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world, and Rock Fort Temple, set atop a rocky hill offering panoramic city views. Continue your drive to Madurai, Tamil Nadu’s spiritual heart. On arrival, check in to your hotel. In the evening, witness the night ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman Temple, where the divine couple’s idols are brought to rest in a beautiful traditional procession. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 08 : Madurai Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and known for its towering gopurams and elaborate carvings. Also visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century Indo-Saracenic marvel, and Gandhi Memorial Museum, which houses memorabilia from the freedom movement. Stroll through the bustling textile markets in the evening. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 09 : Departure from Madurai

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Madurai Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey, carrying back memories of ancient temples, colonial towns, and rich cultural experiences across Tamil Nadu.