Temples of Tamilnadu Tour from Chennai

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and some relaxation, begin your city tour of Chennai, a gateway to South India’s cultural heritage. Visit Fort St. George, a historic colonial landmark that houses a museum reflecting the British era. Continue to St. Mary’s Church, one of the oldest Anglican churches in India. Begin the temple visits with Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an iconic Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, followed by Vadapalani Murugan Temple, known for its spiritual significance. Later, explore the Government Museum, showcasing a vast collection of art and artifacts, and visit Dakshinachitra Museum to understand South Indian traditions. Conclude the day with a visit to Santhome Cathedral and a relaxing walk along Marina Beach. Return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Vellore (Approx. 140 km / 3–4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Vellore with an en route visit to Kanchipuram, famously known as the “City of Thousand Temples.” Begin the temple tour with Kailasanathar Temple, one of the oldest temples in Tamil Nadu, followed by Ekambareswarar Temple, representing the Earth element among the Pancha Bhoota temples. Continue to Varadharaja Perumal Temple, a major Vaishnavite shrine known for its intricate architecture. After exploring Kanchipuram, proceed to Vellore and check in at the hotel. Visit the magnificent Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, covered in gold and known for its peaceful ambiance. Later, explore Vellore Fort, a well-preserved 16th-century fort, and visit Jalakandeswarar Temple located within its premises. Return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Vellore.

Day 3: Vellore – Tiruvannamalai – Trichy (Approx. 280 km / 6–7 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Trichy with a spiritual stop at Tiruvannamalai. Visit the sacred Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in South India. Explore the surroundings of Arunachala Hill, believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Continue your drive to Trichy and check in at the hotel. In the evening, visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam and witness the divine evening aarti ceremony, offering a deeply spiritual experience. Return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Trichy.

Day 4: Trichy – Madurai (Approx. 135 km / 3 hrs)

After breakfast, begin your Trichy sightseeing tour. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple again for a deeper exploration of this vast temple complex, followed by Rock Fort Temple, perched on a massive rock offering panoramic city views. Continue to Jambukeshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and representing the Water element among the Pancha Bhoota temples. Later, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, begin the city tour with a visit to Meenakshi Amman Temple, renowned for its towering gopurams and vibrant sculptures. Continue to Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, known for its grand architecture, followed by visits to Alagar Koil, Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, and Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple nestled in scenic surroundings. Return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Madurai.

Day 5: Madurai – Rameshwaram (Approx. 170 km / 3–4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Rameshwaram, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and begin your temple visit at Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, famous for its long corridors and sacred water tanks. Continue to Agnitheertham, a holy bathing ghat near the temple. Later, visit Dhanushkodi, a ghost town located at the tip of the island, offering stunning coastal views where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean. Explore the mythological site of Rama Setu (Adam’s Bridge), associated with the Ramayana. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Rameshwaram.

Day 6: Rameshwaram – Chettinad – Thanjavur (Approx. 250 km / 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur with a cultural stop at Chettinad. Explore the famous Chettinad Mansions, known for their grand courtyards, teak wood carvings, and heritage architecture reflecting the affluent Chettiar community. Continue the journey to Thanjavur and check in at the hotel. Later, visit the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Chola dynasty and known for its architectural brilliance. Also explore the Thanjavur Palace Complex and Art Gallery, showcasing sculptures, paintings, and royal artifacts. Return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Thanjavur.

Day 7: Thanjavur – Darasuram – Chidambaram – Pondicherry (Approx. 180 km / 4–5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry with multiple heritage stops en route. Visit the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, part of the Great Living Chola Temples and known for its intricate carvings. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, another architectural masterpiece of the Chola dynasty. Proceed to Chidambaram to visit the famous Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dancing form. After sightseeing, continue to Pondicherry and check in at the hotel. In the evening, explore the charming French Quarter, known for its colonial architecture, colorful streets, and relaxed ambiance. Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 8: Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram – Chennai (Approx. 160 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Auroville, an experimental township promoting peace and harmony, followed by Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual center attracting visitors from around the world. Later, explore Promenade Beach and the colonial landmarks of Pondicherry. Drive toward Chennai with a stop at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rock-cut temples and monuments. Visit the Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna’s Butterball, and the Cave Temples, each showcasing ancient Pallava architecture. Continue your drive to Chennai and transfer to the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your temple tour.

• Assistance on arrival at airport
• 7 nights accommodation in selected category hotels
• Daily breakfast at hotels
• Private AC vehicle for transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per program
• English-speaking guide during sightseeing
• Monument entrance fees as per itinerary
• Bottled drinking water in vehicle
• Government taxes

Hotels used or similar for 7 nights accommodation

Chennai x 1 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The  Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai/ Hilton Chennai

Vellore x 1 night
3* - Hotel Khanna Fiesta/ POPPYS Anukula Residency
4* & 5* - Regency Sameera Vellore by GRT Hotels/ Fortune Park

Trichy x 1 night
3* - Red Fox Hotel/ Grand Gardenia
4* & 5* - Sangam Hotels

Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Rameshwaram x 1 night 
3* & 4*- Daiwik Hotel
5* - Hyatt Place Rameswaram

Thnjore x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort
5* - Svatma

Pondicherry x 1 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

• Any flight tickets
• Camera charges at monuments
• Meals other than mentioned
• Personal expenses (laundry, tips, drinks, etc.)
• Gratuities and optional activities
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions