3-Day Tamil Nadu Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Tamil Nadu itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaTamil Nadu travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Tamil Nadu, incl. Madurai and Rameshwaram

  The sacred trail of Tamil Nadu spans 170km across three days, featuring the magnificent Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Ramanathaswamy Temple, and Dhanushkodi ghost town. Two nights at premium hotels with breakfast and AC transport.

  

  View itinerary Compare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Madurai

    Start early in Madurai to avoid the heat. Visit the Meenakshi Temple before 8:00 AM when crowds are minimal and morning light fills the 14 colorful gopurams. Remember to follow the dress code: shoulders covered and clothing below the knees. Get a local guide for the 1000-pillar hall. They'll walk you through the stories behind each detailed sculpture.

    
  • Day 2

    Madurai to Rameshwaram (170 km)

    Set out by 6:00 AM for Rameshwaram. The drive takes about 3.5 hours, and traffic picks up after 8:00 AM on Pamban Bridge. At Ramanathaswamy Temple, you'll take part in the traditional ritual of visiting 22 holy water tanks. Pack spare clothes and shoes that can get wet. In the afternoon, take a 4x4 to Dhanushkodi. You'll need a special permit for this trip. Plan your visit during low tide to safely see where the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea meet.

    
  • Day 3

    Madurai Departure

    Start your last morning at Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace. Visit between 9:00-11:00 AM to see sunlight streaming through the Indo-Saracenic domes. Book afternoon flights so you can visit the Gandhi Museum, which opens at 10:00 AM. It offers valuable insights into India's independence movement.

    

  View itinerary

• 3 Day Tamil Nadu Itinerary, incl. Chennai and Pondicherry

  A grand 455km circuit through Tamil Nadu reveals Chennai's Fort St. George, Kanchipuram's ancient temples, and Vellore Fort. The route encompasses 8 significant temples with luxurious stays at ITC Grand Chola and Le Pondy Resort.

  

  View itinerary Compare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Chennai Exploration

    Visit Fort St. George at 8:30 AM before the crowds arrive. The museum inside will give you great insights into Chennai's colonial past. Move on to Kapaleeshwarar Temple around 10 AM right after morning prayers. The temple's 120-foot tower looks stunning in the morning light. Plan to visit Marina Beach after 4 PM when it's cooler and you can join locals on their evening walks along the world's second-longest urban beach.

    
  • Day 2

    Temple Trail to Pondicherry (295 km)

    Start your journey by 7 AM. The drive to Kanchipuram takes about 2 hours. Make Kailasanathar Temple your first stop since it's less busy in the morning. It's also the city's oldest temple. Remember to take off your shoes before entering temples and bring a scarf if you're a woman. Next up is Vellore Fort plan to get there by lunchtime to avoid walking in the afternoon heat. Don't miss the Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple but note the strict dress code: no shorts or sleeveless tops. The drive to Pondicherry takes about 3 hours try to arrive before sunset to enjoy a walk along Beach Road.

    
  • Day 3

    Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram and Chennai (160 km)

    Take an early morning walk through Pondicherry's French Quarter. The colonial buildings look beautiful in the soft morning light. Visit Auroville before noon to see the Matrimandir's golden dome at its most spectacular. Stop at Mahabalipuram around 2 PM on your way back to Chennai. You'll need at least 2 hours to properly explore the Shore Temple complex. Wear shoes with good grip as the granite surfaces can be slippery. If you're flying out plan your departure time carefully Chennai's evening traffic can add up to 45 minutes to your airport journey.

    

  View itinerary

• 3 Days in South India, incl. Chennai and Pondicherry

  Ancient meets colonial in this 3-day Tamil Nadu tour featuring Chennai's Fort St. George and Mahabalipuram's UNESCO heritage sites. Approx. $400 per day includes Marina Beach, Shore Temple, Pondicherry's French Quarter, with 4-star hotels and visits to Aurobindo Ashram and Manakula Vinayagar Temple.

  

  View itinerary Compare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Chennai to Mahabalipuram

    Start at Marina Beach before the crowds arrive at 7 AM to watch local fishermen with their morning catch. The beach gets busy by 9 AM. Next, visit Fort St. George but remember the museum is closed on Fridays. Bring light clothes and sunscreen since Chennai can get very humid. Drive 90 minutes south to Mahabalipuram after lunch around 2 PM to avoid peak traffic. Visit the Shore Temple during late afternoon for the best photos. The Pancha Rathas are quieter after 4 PM when tour groups leave. Bring shoes with good grip because the old stone steps can be slippery, especially during the rainy season from October to December.

  • Day 2

    Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry

    Visit the Cave Temples early in the morning. A local guide at the entrance (about $15) will help explain the meaningful details in the mythological carvings. Leave for Pondicherry by 11 AM to arrive in time for lunch in the French Quarter. For afternoon visits to Aurobindo Ashram, wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Walk through the French Quarter in late afternoon when it's cooler. After 5 PM, take a sunset stroll on the Promenade between the Gandhi statue and Rock Beach with the locals.

  • Day 3

    Pondicherry and Return

    Start early at Manakula Vinayagar Temple (opens 5:30 AM) for the elephant blessing before crowds arrive. Book your Matrimandir viewing at Auroville one day ahead since the 2-hour slots fill up quickly. The visitor center sells quality Tamil Nadu crafts at good prices. Plan your return to Chennai (3.5 hours) based on your flight time. For international flights, leave Pondicherry at least 6 hours before departure because of lengthy airport security.

  View itinerary