South India Temple Highlights
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Set off from Chennai on a 7 day journey through Tamil Nadu – finishing back in Chennai – that blends grand temples, coastal heritage and French tinged charm. You’ll explore Kanchipuram’s sacred masterpieces and Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO treasures – the Shore Temple, rock cut caves and Krishna’s Butterball. Drift through Pondicherry’s French Quarter, Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville’s visionary community. Expect to see Chidambaram’s Nataraja shrine, Chola showpieces at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, and Thanjavur’s mighty Brihadeeswarar Temple. Continue to Trichy’s Rock Fort and vast Sri Ranganathaswamy complex, then on to Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple and Tirumalai Nayak Palace before flying back to Chennai.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
7 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
ChennaiEnds
ChennaiMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaPassengers
R 31 430,00
R 9 999,00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See
Chennai
Chennai (Madras)
Kanchipuram
Mahabalipuram
Pondicherry
Auroville
Chidambaram
Darasuram
Thanjore
Thanjavur
Trichy
Tiruchirappalli
Madurai
Dindigul
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Chennai - Madras
Arrive in Chennai, where our representative will meet you for a seamless transfer to your hotel. After check-in, you have time to relax before we begin a half-day city tour.We drive past the striking Madras High Court – an Indo–Saracenic and Gothic Revival landmark with a distinctive red brick façade – and the elegant Ripon Building, a Neoclassical seat of the Chennai Corporation since 1913. We then continue to Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, to explore its museum and trace Chennai’s colonial history. We finish at Kapaleeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where intricate carvings and vibrant rituals showcase living traditions. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram
Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (120 km – approx. 3 hours). We depart Chennai for Kanchipuram, the City of a Thousand Temples, to explore the 8th‑century Kailasanathar Temple, a Pallava masterpiece dedicated to Lord Shiva with finely carved sculpture. We also visit Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas representing the element of Earth, where an ancient mango tree is venerated as a symbol of fertility and prosperity.We then continue to Mahabalipuram to take in its UNESCO‑listed monuments. We visit the Shore Temple – built of granite in the 7th century during the reign of King Narasimhavarman II Rajasimha – with two Siva shrines and a carving of Anantasayana Vishnu. We explore the Five Rathas, monolithic shrines hewn from single boulders and traditionally associated with different deities, and the Cave Temples, whose relief panels reflect the Mamalla style of the Pallava period and show traces that they were once plastered and painted. We also see Krishna’s Butterball, a striking granite boulder balanced on a short slope. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (100 km – around 2 hours). We drive south to Pondicherry, where French and Indian influences meet. We visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, a centre for integral yoga and quiet reflection. We then explore Auroville, an experimental township promoting peace, sustainability and cultural diversity. Later, we stroll through the French Quarter to take in its colonial architecture, lively cafés and serene promenades that reflect Pondicherry’s distinct heritage. Overnight in Pondicherry.
Day 4 - Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Darasuram - Thanjore - Tanjore
Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Darasuram – Thanjavur (170 km – 4 hours approx). We depart Pondicherry by road for Thanjavur, stopping first at Chidambaram’s Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance form and noted for its finely carved pillars and towering gopurams that reflect Chola-era craftsmanship. We continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the former Chola capital under Rajendra Chola I, to see its grand temple complex and intricate sculpture work. We then visit the Darasuram Temple, a superb example of Dravidian architecture with detailed carvings and inscriptions.On arrival in Thanjavur, we explore the Royal Palace and Art Gallery, which houses a rich collection of artefacts, paintings, sculptures and royal memorabilia that speak to the region’s heritage, including the Chola period. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - Thanjore - Trichy
Thanjavur – Trichy (60 km – about 1.5 hours). We begin at the UNESCO‑listed Brihadeeswarar Temple, the Chola masterpiece renowned for its soaring vimana and impressive Nandi statue. We then drive to Trichy and ascend the Rock Fort Temple, set atop a 272–foot–high outcrop with panoramic views of the city. We continue to the vast Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple to explore its intricate halls and colourful gopurams. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 - Trichy - Madurai
Trichy to Madurai – 140 km – about 3 hours. We drive to Madurai, one of India’s oldest and holiest cities, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant temple architecture. On arrival we visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a vast complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, noted for its towering gopurams, intricately carved pillars and colourful mandapams. We then explore the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, built in the 17th century, with its grand courtyard, ornate pillars and fine stucco work. Later, we visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, housed in the historic Tamukkam Palace, to trace the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi through its galleries and exhibits. Overnight at hotel.
Day 7 - Madurai - Chennai
Madurai – Chennai (flight) After a leisurely breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Chennai – on arrival, continue from the airport for your onward journey, carrying lasting memories of South India’s history, spirituality and architecture.
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Tour Reviews
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Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
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Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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