Day 1

Guest will be received at Chennai International Airport / Chennai Railway Station. Check-in to the hotel and freshen up. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore the immediate vicinity of your hotel or relax at the hotel itself. Overnight stay in Chennai. 

Day 2

Begin your day with the breakfast at your hotel. Start with a visit to Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, where the vast expanse of the Bay of Bengal can be admired. With a white sandy shore that looks as though extending to infinity, the landscape of Marina Beach is a mesmerising and serene sight to behold.   Next, head to Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, offers a glimpse into colonial history and houses a museum with fascinating artifacts. Continue your exploration with a visit to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its towering gopuram (monumental entrance tower) and vibrant festivals. Lastly, visit Santhome Cathedral, a beautiful church built over the tomb of St. Thomas. 

Day 3

Check-out from your hotel after breakfast. You will be transferred to Mahabalipuram. En route, you will explore the pious charm of Kanchipuram. Listed among the sacred Hindu cities and the Chola dynasty’s capital, Kanchipuram awaits you to partake in its holiness. This is also a significant center to learn about Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, home to the divine Goddess Kamakshi, who is believed to be an incarnation of Parvati, the Hindu goddess of love, fertility and strength. The Kamakshi Amman temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, which are sacred shrines built around the falling body parts from the corpse of Goddess Sati from heaven. It is believed the naval part of her body fell at this site, thus making it a holy abode. Then visit Ekambareswarar Temple, a fascinating temple with a rich history. It is one of the temples associated with Panch Bhoota Stalam. Panch Bhoota Stalam constitutes the five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. And these five temples hold prominent fundamental meanings. Being the manifestation of the five elements of nature: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space, Representing the fundamental meaning of life itself, the five elements with which every life is made. You can also visit the local silk weavers, who have been residing here for almost 400 years throughout the generations. After sightseeing in Kanchipuram, you will proceed to Mahabalipuram. Check-in to the hotel and freshen up. Overnight stay at the hotel. 

Day 4

Begin your day with the breakfast at your hotel. Visit the Shore Temple, one of the oldest South Indian temples constructed in the Dravidian style and depicts the royal taste of the Pallava dynasty. The work of the temple has been listed amongst the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It is located in Mahabalipuram and is one of the most photographed monuments in India situated on the shores of Bay of Bengal. Explore Arjuna's Penance, also known as the Descent of the Ganges, is an iconic bas-relief sculpture located in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The central theme of Arjuna's Penance revolves around a pivotal episode from the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, involving the hero Arjuna. However, the sculpture is commonly referred to as the Descent of the Ganges due to its depiction of a mythological tale associated with the descent of the sacred river Ganges from the heavens to the earth. The Five Rathas, also known as the Pancha Rathas, are a group of monolithic rock-cut temples located in Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Each of the Rathas is sculpted from a single piece of stone, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and artistry. Spend the evening relaxing at Mahabalipuram Beach and enjoying the coastal scenery. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram. 

Day 5

Check-out from your hotel after breakfast and embark journey to Puducherry. Puducherry means ‘New Town’ in Tamil. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel.  The distance between Mahabalipuram to Puducherry is 95 kilometres and it takes around approximately 1 hour 50 minutes drive. Upon arrival, visit Aurobindo Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, the ashram is a spiritual community that attracts seekers from around the world. It is centered around the samadhi (mausoleum) of its founders, which is draped in flowers daily and radiates a profound sense of peace. The ashram's activities encompass education, arts, and sustainable living, reflecting the founders' vision of integral yoga and human unity. The ashram's publications and handmade products are highly sought after for their quality and spiritual significance. Visitors can participate in collective meditations and explore the ashram's gardens and galleries.  Explore the French Quarter, or White Town, in Pondicherry, is a charming neighborhood known for its colonial-era villas, leafy streets, and a tranquil atmosphere that feels a world apart from the bustling Indian towns. The pastel-colored buildings, chic boutiques, and French bakeries offer a glimpse into the city's unique Franco-Tamil heritage. In the evening visit Promenade Beach, and enjoy a picturesque sunset. Overnight stay in Puducherry. 

Day 6

Begin your day with the breakfast at your hotel. Visit Auroville Matrimandir (viewing from outside). Explore Auroville, envisioned as a universal town where people from different nationalities live in harmony. Its iconic Matrimandir, a golden metallic sphere used for meditation, symbolizes the birth of a new consciousness. Spend the rest of the day exploring local markets for handicrafts, textiles, and other souvenirs. Overnight stay in Puducherry. 

Day 7

Check-out from your hotel after breakfast and embark journey to Thanjavur. The distance from Puducherry to Thanjavur is 215 kilometers and it takes around approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to reach.   For a short sightseeing spree en route, halt at Chidambaram and visit Chidambaram Temple, also known as Nataraja Temple, one of the five Panchbootha Sthala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of only five places where he is represented as an idol instead of a lingam. Continue your ride to Thanjavur. Check-in to your hotel, relax and freshen up. Begin with Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture with its towering vimana (temple tower). Explore Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery. The complex contains the Palace, the Rajaraja Chola Art Gallery, Saraswathi Mahal Library, and the Bell Tower. Overnight stay in Thanjavur. 

Day 8

After breakfast and embark journey to Tiruchirappalli. The distance from Thanjavur to Tiruchirappalli is 60 kilometres and it takes around approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to reach. Tiruchirappalli, colloquially known as Trichy, situated on the banks of the river Cauvery is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. You may choose to visit Rockfort Temple, the most popular place in all of Trichy. It derives its name from it's unique building style. The temple structure comprises a huge rock, which is believed to be the oldest rock in the world, even older than The Himalayan Mountains. 

After climbing 344 steps, the devotees reach the main temple area. The temple has two sub parts- the Thayumanaswamy, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Pillayar, which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The origins of the temple are traced back to the 7th century. The Shiva temple contains the Lingam form of the Lord.  You can visit nearby attractions or buy home souvenirs. Then, return to the hotel for an overnight stay. 

Day 9

Begin your day with the breakfast at your hotel. Embark on a sightseeing tour of Tiruchirappalli. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest temples in India dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The outstanding architecture of the temple includes 21 surrounding 'gopurams' along with an ornate gateway, which is also the tallest 'gopuram' of India. Explore Jambukeswarar Temple, also known as the Tiruvanaikoil or Tiruvanaikal, is a very old temple with stories dating to antiquity.  Spend the evening exploring local markets and sampling traditional South Indian cuisine. Then, return to the hotel for an overnight stay. 

Day 10

Check-out from your hotel after breakfast and embark journey to Madurai. The distance from Tiruchirappalli to Madurai is 138 kilometres and it takes around approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to reach. Check-in to the hotel and freshen up. Upon arrival, visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, at the heart of the city, is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture, famous for its intricately carved pillars and vibrant sculptures. It is a magnificent temple complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace,  a 17th-century palace, blends Dravidian and Rajput styles, offering a glimpse into the opulence of Tamil Nadu’s past rulers. This palace is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture known for its grandeur and beauty. Then, return to the hotel for an overnight stay. 

Day 11

Begin your day with the breakfast at your hotel. This day is marked by visiting the major attractions of the city. Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum, an important institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation. The museum houses a rich collection of artifacts, photographs, documents, and memorabilia associated with Mahatma Gandhi's life and the Indian freedom struggle. This includes personal belongings of Gandhi, such as his dhoti, shawl, spectacles, and the bloodstained garment he was wearing when he was assassinated. Explore Koodal Azhagar Temple, a Vishnu temple known for its intricate sculptures and religious significance. In Tamil language, Koodal stands for Madurai while Azhagar means ‘beautiful one’. This ancient temple of Madurai is located quite close to Meenakshi Amman Temple. A popular pilgrimage and an intricate part of Madurai tour, this temple is considered to be one of the 108 Lord Vishnu’s holy abodes. Later, relax at Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, a temple tank surrounded by lush greenery. Then, return to the hotel for an overnight stay. 

Day 12

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a day trip to Rameshwaram, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The distance from Madurai to Rameshwaram is 172 kilometres and it takes around approximately 2 to 3 hours to reach. Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples in the country. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama, along with his consort Sita and his brother Lakshmana, prayed to Lord Shiva at this site before embarking on their journey to Lanka to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. One of the unique features of Ramanathaswamy Temple is its sacred tanks, known as teerthams, where devotees perform ritual baths before entering the main sanctum. Explore Dhanushkodi Beach, known for its pristine beauty and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.  It is believed that Lord Rama, from the Indian epic of Ramayana, pointed to the end of his bow and asked his troops to build a bridge across the ocean to reach the demon king Ravana’s Lanka. Ravana had abducted Rama’s wife Sita and Rama had to reach Lanka to rescue her. Thus this place occupies a significant and important position in Indian mythology and history. Return to your hotel in Madurai for overnight stay. 

Day 13

Begin your day with the breakfast at your hotel. Travel back to Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Upon arrival, Check in to the hotel, relax and freshen up. You have the option to explore local markets such as T Nagar or Pondy Bazar for shopping and souvenirs. Indulge in some local cuisine and explore the vibrant culture of the city. Overnight stay in Chennai. 

Day 14

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping in Chennai. Carefully check your belongings and pack your bags before checking out from the hotel as this is the last day of your Tamil Nadu vacation. You will be transferred to the airport.