Tamil Nadu Temple Trail (7 Nights, 8 Days)

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Chennai

Upon your arrival in Chennai, you will be transferred to your hotel. After checking in and taking some time to relax, you will embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history and culture.

1. Kapaleeswarar Temple: Visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its Dravidian-style architecture and intricate carvings are a sight to behold.
2. Government Museum: Explore the Government Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts, including a world-renowned bronze gallery and a gallery of ancient Amaravati sculptures.
3. Marina Beach: Enjoy a relaxing evening at Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. You can take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the sea breeze, and watch the sunset.

Day 2: Chennai to Pondicherry (via Mahabalipuram)

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel and begin your journey to Pondicherry. The drive will take you along the beautiful East Coast Road, with a stop at the ancient port town of Mahabalipuram.

1. Arjuna's Penance: Visit Arjuna's Penance, a massive open-air relief carved on a rock face. This UNESCO World Heritage site depicts scenes from the Mahabharata and is a marvel of ancient Indian art.
2. Pancha Rathas: Explore the Pancha Rathas, a group of five monolithic temples, each carved out of a single rock. These temples are a unique example of Pallava architecture.
3. Auroville: Upon arrival in Pondicherry, you will visit Auroville, a unique experimental township founded on the principles of peace and sustainable living. You can visit the Matrimandir (view from outside) and experience the tranquil atmosphere of the community.

Day 3: Pondicherry to Thanjavur (via Kumbakonam)

Today, you will be transferred from Pondicherry to Thanjavur. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours.

1. Royal Palace and Art Gallery: Upon arrival in Thanjavur, you will visit the Royal Palace and Art Gallery, which houses a superb collection of Chola bronze sculptures, intricate paintings, and ancient artifacts. The palace itself is a magnificent example of Maratha architecture.
2. Thanjavur Maratha Palace: Explore the Thanjavur Maratha Palace, a sprawling complex that includes the palace, a museum, and a library. It offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Maratha rulers.

Day 4: Thanjavur to Chettinad (via Tiruchirappalli)

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel and drive to Chettinad. On your way, you will visit the city of Tiruchirappalli, famous for its temples. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours.

1. Rock Fort Temple: Visit the Rock Fort Temple in Tiruchirappalli, a historic temple complex built on a massive rock. You can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
2. Srirangam Temple: Explore the Srirangam Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in the world. This magnificent temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu.
3. Chettinad: Upon arrival in Chettinad, you will check into your hotel. Later, you'll visit a local museum and explore the famous old houses of the region, known for their unique architecture, intricate carvings, and use of teak and other precious woods.

Day 5: Chettinad to Rameswaram

Today, you will be transferred from Chettinad to Rameswaram. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours. Rameswaram is a holy island and a major pilgrimage site for Hindus.

1. Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple: Visit the Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for its magnificent corridors, which are the longest in the world.
2. Kothandarama Swamy Temple: Explore the Kothandarama Swamy Temple, located at the southernmost tip of Rameswaram. This temple is believed to be the place where Lord Rama met Vibhishana, the brother of Ravana.

Day 6: Rameswaram to Kanyakumari

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel and drive to Kanyakumari. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours. Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of mainland India, where the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea meet.

1. Vivekananda Rock Memorial: You will take a ferry to visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built on a small island off the coast of Kanyakumari. It is a beautiful monument dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, who meditated here before his famous Chicago speech.

Day 7: Kanyakumari to Madurai

Today, you will witness the stunning sunrise at Kanyakumari before being transferred to Madurai. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours. Madurai is an ancient city, known as the "Athens of the East," and a major cultural center of Tamil Nadu.

1. Amman Temples: You will visit the beautiful Amman Temples in Kanyakumari, which offer a spiritual and tranquil atmosphere.
2. Thiruvalluvar Statue: See the magnificent Thiruvalluvar Statue, a 133-foot-tall stone statue of the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, located on a small island near the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
3. Madurai Meenakshi Temple: Upon arrival in Madurai, you will visit the Madurai Meenakshi Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. This sprawling temple complex is a living example of ancient Indian art and culture.

Day 8: Madurai Departure

1. Your journey through the beautiful temples and historical cities of Tamil Nadu concludes today. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Madurai Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey.

Inclusions

1. Accommodation: 1 night in Chennai, 1 night in Pondicherry, 1 night in Thanjavur, 1 night in Chettinad, 1 night in Rameswaram, 1 night in Kanyakumari, and 1 night in Madurai.
2. Meals: Daily breakfast is included in your stay.
3. Transportation: All transfers and sightseeing tours are included as per the itinerary in a private vehicle (e.g., sedan, SUV, etc.).
4. Sightseeing: All the mentioned locations in the itinerary are included in the tour plan.

Exclusions

1. Lunch and Dinner: Meals other than breakfast are not included.
2. Entry Fees: Entry tickets, camera fees, or any other charges for monuments, museums, and parks are not included.
3. Personal Expenses: Expenses of a personal nature such as shopping, laundry, tips, and phone calls are not included.
4. Travel Insurance: This package does not include travel insurance.
5. Airfare/Train Tickets: This package does not include airfare or train tickets to and from Chennai/Madurai.