Chennai to Chennai – Temples, Heritage, Coast & Hills

Your 14-day Tamil Nadu holiday begins at Chennai International Airport, Chennai Central or the confirmed pickup point. Meet your driver and begin the scenic East Coast Road journey towards Mahabalipuram.

Depending on arrival time, visit the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, Varaha Cave and Krishna’s Butter Ball. If your arrival is late, sightseeing can be moved to the next morning.

Check in to the pre-booked hotel on the Chennai–Mahabalipuram coastal corridor and enjoy a relaxed first night.

After breakfast, complete any pending Mahabalipuram sightseeing and continue south through the Coromandel Coast. A short stop near the Puducherry promenade can be included when the day’s timing permits.

Proceed to Chidambaram and visit the celebrated Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic-dancer form. Continue to Kumbakonam, a historic town known for its concentration of ancient temples and sacred water tanks.

Check in to the hotel and relax overnight in Kumbakonam.

After breakfast, check out and explore selected Kumbakonam temples according to available time. The town is celebrated for its sacred architecture, religious traditions and the Mahamaham tank.

Continue through Thanjavur, where an optional visit to the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple can be arranged. Then travel to Karaikudi in the Chettinad region, known for grand mansions, distinctive architecture, craftsmanship and cuisine.

Check in to the hotel for an overnight stay in Karaikudi.

After breakfast, travel towards the sacred island of Rameswaram. Cross the iconic Pamban Bridge and enjoy views of the sea before checking in to the hotel.

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, along with Agni Theertham and Ramar Patham. Continue to the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Memorial and selected coastal landmarks as time permits.

Return to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay in Rameswaram.

After breakfast, check out and begin the coastal drive to Tiruchendur. Visit the revered Subramaniya Swamy Temple, one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan and uniquely positioned close to the seashore.

Allow time for darshan and the temple surroundings before continuing to Tirunelveli. Check in to the pre-booked hotel and rest after the day’s long journey.

After breakfast, travel to Madurai, one of India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Begin with the grand Meenakshi Amman Temple, subject to opening hours and darshan arrangements.

Visit Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, known for its large sacred tank, and the Gandhi Memorial Museum with its photographs, documents and exhibits connected to India’s freedom movement.

Enjoy free time for Madurai’s street food, handicrafts and shopping before returning to the hotel for the night.

After breakfast, begin the mountain drive to Kodaikanal. Stop at Dum Dum Rock Viewpoint and Silver Cascade Falls, subject to route and weather conditions.

Continue to the Sacred Heart College Museum, Bryant Park and Kodaikanal Lake. Optional boating can be enjoyed depending on operating hours, weather and ticket availability.

Check in to the pre-booked hotel and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay in the hills.

Enjoy breakfast and a relaxed morning before checking out. Descend through the scenic hill roads towards Palani, one of Tamil Nadu’s most important Murugan pilgrimage centres.

Visit Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple. Access to the hill shrine may be by steps, winch or rope car depending on availability, queue conditions and official operations.

After darshan, check in to the selected hotel and rest overnight in Palani.

After breakfast, check out and travel to Tiruchirappalli, the historic city on the banks of the River Cauvery.

Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, Jambukeswarar Temple at Thiruvanaikaval and Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Temple. The final sequence will be planned around temple opening hours and arrival time.

Check in to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay in Trichy.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Tiruvannamalai at the foot of sacred Arunachala Hill.

Visit Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams associated with fire, and continue to Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram for a peaceful spiritual experience.

Girivalam, the approximately 14 km circumambulation of Arunachala Hill, may be included by prior request when time, fitness and local conditions allow. Overnight in Tiruvannamalai.

After breakfast, check out and travel to Tirupati. Darshan at Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple will be planned according to the confirmed ticket slot, reporting time and current entry procedures.

After seeking the blessings of Lord Balaji, visit Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple at Tiruchanur when the day’s schedule permits.

Check in to the pre-booked hotel and relax overnight in Tirupati.

After breakfast, travel to Kanchipuram, one of India’s seven sacred cities and a celebrated centre of temple architecture and silk weaving.

Visit a selection of Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Ulagalantha Perumal Temple and Kumarakottam Murugan Temple according to opening hours.

Enjoy time for authentic Kanchipuram silk saree shopping before hotel check-in and overnight stay.

After breakfast, travel from Kanchipuram to Chennai. Begin the city tour with selected attractions such as Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort St. George, San Thome Basilica and Government Museum or National Art Gallery, subject to weekly holidays and opening hours.

Later, visit Vivekananda House and enjoy Marina Beach or free time for city shopping. Check in to the hotel for your final overnight stay.