6 Nights Itinerary Covering: Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Thanjavur - Trichy - Madurai - Chennai
The art and architecture connoisseurs along with devotees around the world consider South Indian Temples with high respect. The 7-day long Tamilnadu Temple Tour is designed in a manner so as to bring the best of these architectural marvels. Take a tour of these spectacular shrines not just to pay homage but also to appreciate & personify the period of Dravidian Architecture in South India. The well-planned itinerary covers destinations namely Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Trichy and Madurai. Besides sightseeing of the temples, the journey allows to soak in the charm of these popular South Indian cities.
After reaching Chennai, meet our representative at the airport. He will help you with a guided transfer to the hotel. Famed as the 'Gateway to the South', Chennai still exudes traditional charm. Complete the check-in formalities once you reach the hotel and unwind yourself. The rest of the day is to be spent leisurely.
Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, start your trip with a sightseeing tour of Chennai. The first attraction of the tour is Kapaleeshwarar Temple – dedicated to Lord Shiva, the ancient shrine presents a sight to behold. Next, you will visit St. Thomas Cathedral Church – also famed as the San Thome Church, the sacred site dates back to 16th-century.
From there proceed towards Parthasarathy Temple - one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu. The last attraction of the day is the Fort Museum – ranking amongst one of the best places to visit in Chennai, the fort is highly revered by the people. Leave by road for Mahabalipuram (55 km / 1.30 hours) in the afternoon.
Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
After breakfast, start your Tamil Nadu temple tour with Mahabalipuram sightseeing. Visit the Shore Temple – overlooking the shore of Bay of Bengal, the temple is exclusively crafted from blocks of granite. Next on the list is the Pancha Rathas – all carved from a single huge rock, the five raths nestled on the southern end of Mamallapuram beguiles the visitors.
Afterward, visit the Arjuna's Penance - one of the astounding attractions that showcase historic sculpture carved into boulders. The excursion ends at the Tiger Cave - a rock-cut Hindu temple deriving its name from tiger heads at the mouth of a cave.
Later in the afternoon, leave for Pondicherry (90 km /2 hours). Pondicherry is a former French Colony known for its French Palaces, cobbled streets and above all for Auroville Ashram. Once you reach check-in at the hotel and relax.
Enjoy an overnight stay in Pondicherry.
After breakfast, leave for an outing to Varadaraja Perumal Temple - dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the ancient shrine sits on the banks of the Thamirabarani River. This is followed by a trip to Manakula Vinayagar Temple which is in existence before the French came. The site is the revered as the holy abode of Lord Ganesha. Last but not least place to visit is Vedapureeswarar Temple – a Hindu temple where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Vedapureeswarar. In the afternoon, leave for Thanjavur via Chidambaram (177 km / 6 hours). Check-in at the hotel after reaching and either go out to explore the city on your own or soak in the comforts of your room.
Stay overnight in Thanjavur.
After breakfast, begin your temple trip in Tamil Nadu with a visit to Sri Brihadeshwara temple. Reckoned as one the largest temples in South India, the shrine is also famed as the 'Great Living Chola Temples', a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery is the next attraction of the day. Having seven different directions to explore, the palace is counted as one of the oldest museums in Tamil Nadu. Later, take a road journey to Madurai via Trichy (192 km / 6 hours). On arrival, complete the check-in formalities and call it a day at the hotel.
Stay overnight in Madurai.
After a leisurely breakfast in the morning, start your tour of Madurai covering Sri Meenakshi Temple - the star attraction of the city. Flaunting towers, gateway, a golden shrine and statues, the shrine presents a sight to behold. The Dravidian architectural style adds to its ethereal charm. From there, head towards Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal which is a 17th-century palace. Showcasing a perfect fusion of Rajput and Dravidian style of architecture, the palace is definitely a must-visit destination.
Your sightseeing tour proceeds towards the Thiruparankundram. A new town in Madurai, the place is famous for housing the Thirupparamkunram Murugan temple. Last attraction is Gandhi Palace – built in 1959, the museum is now one of the five Gandhi Sanghralayas in India.
Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
On the final day of South India Temple Tour, get transferred to the airport to board the connecting flight for Chennai. On arrival in Chennai, you will be received and transferred to the International Airport to board flight for onward destination.
