India12 days
South India: Temples, Ashrams & Coastal Pilgrimage — 12 Days
Chennai to Trivandrum through nine temple cities, including Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Tanjore, and Madurai
This 12-day itinerary traces the religious geography of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, moving south from Chennai through nine cities where major Hindu temples have anchored spiritual practice for centuries. The route includes Kanchipuram, known for its temples; the rock-cut monuments of Mamallapooram; Pondicherry, where the Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville represent spiritual movements; Chidambaram, site of the Nataraja Temple; Tanjore, whose Brihadeeswarar Temple is UNESCO-listed; Trichy, dominated by the Srirangam complex; Madurai, home to the Meenakshi Temple; and Trivandrum, where the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located. The itinerary balances temple visits with architectural study, local guides, and stays in established hotels. Transport throughout is by private vehicle with driver.
Highlights
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Chennai — a functioning Shiva temple in Mylapore
- Kailasanathar and Ekambareswarar Temples in Kanchipuram — two major Pallava-era temples, with the latter among India's oldest continuously inhabited temples
- Shore Temple and Arjuna's Penance at Mamallapooram — rock-cut monuments from the 8th century Pallava dynasty
- Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville in Pondicherry — representing spiritual and experimental communities
- Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram — dedicated to Shiva as the cosmic dancer, with significant iconography in South Indian Hindu tradition
- Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjore — a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Chola dynasty
- Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple in Trichy — one of the largest functioning Hindu temples, with concentric walls enclosing multiple sanctuaries
- Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai — an active temple complex with night ceremonies and ornate gopurams
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum — one of the wealthiest temples in India, with Dravidian architecture and a reclined Vishnu statue in the inner sanctum
Day by day
1Arrival in Chennai: City Tour and Temple VisitChennai International Airport · Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore · Marina Beach
Guests arrive at Chennai International Airport and are transferred by private vehicle to their hotel. The afternoon includes a brief city orientation visiting the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, an active Shiva temple, and Marina Beach. Overnight in Chennai.
2Kanchipuram Temples and Mamallapooram MonumentsMamallapooram · Kailasanathar and Ekambareswarar Temples · Shore Temple and Arjuna's Penance
Drive to Kanchipuram to visit the Kailasanathar and Ekambareswarar Temples, known for silk weaving and 8th-century architecture. Continue to Mamallapooram to visit the Shore Temple and Arjuna's Penance, Pallava-era rock-cut monuments. Overnight in Mamallapooram.
3Mamallapuram to Pondicherry: Ashrams and French Colonial StreetsAurobindo Ashram · Auroville spiritual settlement · French colonial quarters · Promenade Beach
Drive to Pondicherry and visit the Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville spiritual settlement. Visit the French colonial quarters on foot, then spend the evening at leisure on Promenade Beach. Overnight in Pondicherry.
4Chidambaram and Tanjore: En Route and Evening ArrivalTanjore · Nataraja Temple
The drive toward Tanjore includes an en-route stop at Chidambaram to visit the Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Shiva as the cosmic dancer. Guests continue to Tanjore, arriving in the late afternoon. Check-in and evening free. Overnight in Tanjore.
5Tanjore: Brihadeeswarar Temple and Traditional Bronze CraftsBrihadeeswarar Temple · Tanjore Palace · bronze-working studio · Tanjore Palace art gallery
Visit Tanjore's cultural landmarks: the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tanjore Palace, and its art gallery. Visit a bronze-working studio to witness traditional craftsmanship. Overnight in Tanjore.
6Trichy: Srirangam Temple and Rock FortTrichy · Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple · Rock Fort Temple
Drive to Trichy. Visit the sprawling Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, then ascend Rock Fort Temple for panoramic city views. Overnight in Trichy.
7Madurai: Meenakshi Amman Temple at NightMadurai · Meenakshi Amman Temple
Arrive in Madurai, one of India's oldest living cities. In the evening, witness the lively night ceremony at Meenakshi Amman Temple. Overnight in Madurai.
8Madurai: Meenakshi Temple, Palace, and MuseumMadurai · Meenakshi Temple · Thirumalai Nayakar Palace · Gandhi Memorial Museum
A full-day sightseeing tour takes in the Meenakshi Temple with its gopurams, the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, and the Gandhi Memorial Museum. Overnight in Madurai.
9Madurai to Trivandrum: Crossing into KeralaMadurai to Trivandrum · hotel · local markets near the accommodation
A southbound journey by private vehicle crosses from Tamil Nadu into Kerala, arriving in Trivandrum, the state capital. Guests check in to their hotel. The evening is free to rest or walk local markets near the accommodation. Overnight in Trivandrum.
10Trivandrum: Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Museums, and Optional BeachPadmanabhaswamy Temple · Napier Museum · Kuthira Malika Palace · Kovalam Beach
Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Napier Museum, and Kuthira Malika Palace to visit Trivandrum's religious and architectural heritage. Optionally visit Kovalam Beach in the evening. Overnight in Trivandrum.
11Trivandrum: Leisure and Optional WellnessTrivandrum · a local center
The day is unstructured, allowing guests to rest, return to sites of particular interest, or walk around the city at leisure. An optional activity includes a traditional Kerala Ayurvedic massage or consultation at a local center. Overnight in Trivandrum.
12Departure from TrivandrumTrivandrum International Airport
After breakfast, guests check out from their hotel and are transferred to Trivandrum International Airport for their onward journey, concluding the 12-day itinerary.
Where you go
- 1hotel
Included
- Mineral Water Bottles
- Lunch at 5 Star Hotel.
- Preferred Accommodations as Per Package.
- Air Condition Vehicle for All Airport Transfers, Tours and Intercity Travel as Per Itinerary.
- Private English-Speaking Guide,Approved by Ministry of Tourism (Other language guides also available upon request).
- Daily Breakfast at hotel.
- Toll Taxes, Parking, Driver Allowance, Fuel and all applicable taxes.
- Assistance by a dedicated tour manager and associates throughout the tour.