Day 01ARRIVAL CHENNAI – SIGHTSEEING
Arrive at Chennai International Airport. Meet and greet by your tour representative and proceed for sightseeing:
- Marina Beach – One of the longest urban beaches in the world
- Fort St. George – The first English fortress in India, built in 1644
- Kapaleeswarar Temple – A fine example of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva
- San Thome Cathedral Basilica (optional) – Built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle
Overnight in Chennai Meals: Breakfast
Day 02CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM (58 KMS / ~1.5 HRS)
After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit:
- Shore Temple – A magnificent 8th-century structure facing the Bay of Bengal
- Five Rathas – Monolithic rock-cut temples representing architectural styles of chariots
- Arjuna’s Penance – A giant open-air rock relief, one of the largest in the world
- Krishna’s Butter Ball – A gravity-defying granite boulder on a hillside
Overnight in Mahabalipuram Meals: Breakfast
Day 03MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY (100 KMS / ~2.5 HRS)
Post breakfast, drive along the scenic East Coast Road to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, explore:
- French Quarters – Tree-lined boulevards, colonial buildings & cafés
- Manakula Vinayagar Temple – Historic temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram – Spiritual community established by Sri Aurobindo
- Auroville (Visit to Matrimandir’s viewing point)
Evening walk along the Promenade Beach.
Overnight in Pondicherry Meals: Breakfast
Day 04PONDICHERRY – CHIDAMBARAM – THANJAVUR (180 KMS / ~5 HRS)
Morning drive to Chidambaram to visit:
- Nataraja Temple – Ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance form
Continue onward to Thanjavur, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. Visit:
- Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple) – UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Chola architecture
- Thanjavur Palace (optional) – Featuring the Saraswathi Mahal Library & Art Gallery
Overnight in Thanjavur Meals: Breakfast
Day 05THANJAVUR – TRICHY (58 KMS / ~1.5 HRS)
After breakfast, drive to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli). Upon arrival, visit:
- Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple – One of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world
- Rock Fort Temple – A historic fort and temple complex perched atop a massive rock formation
- Jambukeswarar Temple (optional) – Dedicated to Lord Shiva, representing the element of water
Overnight in Trichy Meals: Breakfast
Day 06TRICHY – MADURAI (135 KMS / ~3 HRS)
Post breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Visit:
- Meenakshi Amman Temple – Iconic twin-towered temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwar
- Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal – A 17th-century palace with Indo-Saracenic architecture
- Gandhi Memorial Museum (optional)
Evening optional visit for sound & light show or temple aarti ceremony.
Overnight in Madurai Meals: Breakfast
Day 07MADURAI – DEPARTURE
After breakfast, transfer to Madurai Airport for onward travel or return journey.
Tour ends with divine blessings and rich memories of Tamil Nadu’s heritage trail.
