Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Chennai
You'll touch down at Chennai International Airport where an MTA representative will meet you after immigration. The afternoon includes a city tour taking in Marina Beach, which stretches for miles along the coast, San Thome Basilica built on the site of St. Thomas the Apostle's tomb, and Kapaleeshwarar Temple with its distinctive Dravidian architecture. After checking into your hotel, you'll have the evening to settle in.
Included Activities
- Visit Marina Beach
- Visit San Thome Basilica
- Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Landmarks/POIs Marina Beach San Thome Basilica Kapaleeshwarar Temple - Day 2
Chennai to Trichy
Following breakfast, you'll drive toward Trichy, heading into a city known for temples dating back centuries. Once you check in and grab some rest, the afternoon takes you to Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest functioning temples with colorful gopurams reaching skyward. From there, you'll see Jambukeshwarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, then climb up to the Rock Fort Temple perched on ancient rock formations overlooking the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
- Visit Jambukeshwarar Temple
- Visit Rock Fort Temple
Landmarks/POIs Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Jambukeshwarar Temple Rock Fort Temple - Day 3
Trichy to Tanjore
After breakfast, you're headed to Tanjore, a city tied closely to classical art and music traditions. You'll check in and then make your way to Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed in the 11th century showcasing masterful Tamil architecture. Next, you'll see the Nandi Temple which houses one of India's largest monolithic bull statues. The day wraps up at the Royal Palace Complex, where you can walk through structures reflecting Tanjore's royal past.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Brihadeeswaraj Temple
- Visit Nandi Temple
- Visit Royal Palace Complex
Landmarks/POIs Brihadeeswarar Temple Nandi Temple Royal Palace Complex - Day 4
Tanjore to Madurai
You'll leave after breakfast and travel to Madurai, one of India's oldest cities with over 2,500 years of history woven into its streets. After settling at your hotel, the Meenakshi Amman Temple becomes your first stop, sitting in the city's heart with vibrant towers and intricate sculptures covering its walls. Later, the Gandhi Memorial Museum gives you insight into India's independence movement through rare photographs. Your final visit goes to Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, which blends architectural styles from two different traditions into one structure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple
- Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum
- Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
- Rickshaw ride experience in Madurai
Optional Activities
- Madurai - Heritage Walking Tour - USD 55 per person
Landmarks/POIs Meenakshi Amman Temple Gandhi Memorial Museum Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace - Day 5
Madurai to Rameshwaram
After breakfast, you'll head to Rameshwaram, a sacred town with deep mythological roots. Once you check in, you'll start with Ramanathaswamy Temple, considered one of Hinduism's holiest shrines where Lord Rama is said to have worshipped before his journey to Lanka. The afternoon takes you to Dhanushkodi, an abandoned town with haunting ruins and layered history. You'll also visit Kothandaramaswamy Temple, tied to events from the Ramayana epic.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple
- Visit Dhanushkodi
- Visit Kothandaramaswamy Temple
Landmarks/POIs Ramanathaswamy Temple Dhanushkodi Kothandaramaswamy Temple - Day 6
Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari
You'll drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of India where three bodies of water meet. After checking in, you'll visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial, honoring where the spiritual leader meditated. Next comes Suchindram Temple with its intricate carvings and detailed work. You'll also stop at the Gandhi Memorial where Mahatma's ashes were held before being immersed. End the day at Kanyakumari Beach where the sun sets and moon rises at the same time, a rare occurrence you might catch.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial
- Visit Suchindram Temple
- Visit Gandhi Memorial
- Visit Kanyakumari Beach
Landmarks/POIs Vivekananda Rock Memorial Suchindram Temple Gandhi Memorial Kanyakumari Beach - Day 7
Kanyakumari Departure
After breakfast, you'll check out of your hotel and head to Trivandrum Airport or Railway Station to begin your journey onward, bringing your South India temple tour to a close.
- Meals
- Breakfast
