Tamil Nadu Heritage & Temple Trail

Duration: 06 Nights - 07 Days
Places Covered: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Thanjavur – Trichy – Madurai

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: ARRIVAL 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

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Day 02: CHENNAI – 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 03: MAHABALIPURAM – 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 04: PONDICHERRY – 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

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Day 05: THANJAVUR – 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 06: TRICHY – 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 07: MADURAI – 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.