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9 days 8 nights
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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Explore the cultural heart of South India with this immersive journey through Tamil Nadu — a land of ancient temples, sacred rituals, coastal charm, and rich heritage. Begin in the coastal town of Mahabalipuram, where shore-side marvels like the Shore Temple and Five Rathas stand as timeless testaments to Pallava artistry. Then, travel south along the scenic East Coast Road to Pondicherry, where French colonial charm blends seamlessly with spiritual retreats like Auroville and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Dive deeper into Tamil legacy in Thanjavur, home to the majestic Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Rameshwaram, one of India’s holiest pilgrimage towns, and witness mystical landscapes at Dhanushkodi, where land meets sea in a hauntingly beautiful setting. End your journey in Madurai, one of the oldest living cities in the world, where the grand Meenakshi Amman Temple comes alive with rituals, lights, and local devotion. With scenic drives, curated cultural stops, sacred sites, and relaxed coastal stays, this 9-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of discovery and serenity across Tamil Nadu. Ideal for travellers seeking heritage, spirituality, and coastal charm — all wrapped into one unforgettable South Indian experience.
Arrive at Chennai Airport and drive to Mahabalipuram (approx. 1.5 hrs). Check into a beachside resort. Explore the Shore Temple and Five Rathas before enjoying sunset by the coast. Overnight: Mahabalipuram
Visit Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna’s Butterball, and the cave temples. Afternoon at leisure by the beach or spa. Optional: Join a stone carving workshop to experience local craft. Overnight: Mahabalipuram
Scenic drive along the East Coast Road to Pondicherry (approx. 2 hrs). Check into a heritage hotel in the French Quarter. Explore Promenade Beach, French colonial lanes, and enjoy an atmospheric café dinner. Overnight: Pondicherry
Visit the experimental township of Auroville, the tranquil Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Evening free for shopping, yoga, or an optional sunset catamaran cruise. Overnight: Pondicherry
Drive inland to Thanjavur (approx. 4.5 hrs). En route, stop at the ancient Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. At Thanjavur, explore the grand Brihadeeswara Temple and Tanjore Palace. Overnight: Thanjavur
Early morning drive to Rameshwaram (approx. 5 hrs). Visit Pamban Bridge, the revered Ramanathaswamy Temple, and the ghost town of Dhanushkodi. Enjoy sunset at the edge of India. Overnight: Rameshwaram
Explore spiritual and coastal gems at your own pace. Visit the floating stone temple, take a spiritual bath, or simply unwind by the sea. Overnight: Rameshwaram
Drive to Madurai (approx. 4 hrs). Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple and witness its evening aarti. Explore local markets for handicrafts and jasmine-scented souvenirs. Overnight: Madurai
Depending on flight time, visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace or Gandhi Museum before flying out from Madurai Airport.
The ideal time is from October to March, when the weather is cooler and pleasant. Summers (April–June) can be hot, especially in interior towns like Thanjavur and Madurai.
Yes. The itinerary is well-paced with comfortable drives, heritage stays, and minimal trekking. It's a great fit for families, culture lovers, and spiritual travellers.
Yes, we can include local expert guides for places like Mahabalipuram, Brihadeeswara Temple, Meenakshi Temple, and Dhanushkodi. These guides add context and cultural insights to your visit.
You’ll stay in a mix of heritage hotels, beachside resorts, and boutique properties, all curated for comfort, authenticity, and local charm.
Expect a rich spread of South Indian cuisine, from seafood on the coast to Chettinad-style thalis. Most hotels and restaurants offer vegetarian options and can cater to dietary restrictions.
Yes. Carry clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Some temples like Meenakshi and Ramanathaswamy may also require removing footwear or avoiding leather items inside.
Definitely. You can opt for a stone carving workshop in Mahabalipuram, a sunset catamaran cruise in Pondicherry, or Ayurvedic spa treatments en route. All can be added à la carte.
Pricing depends on your travel dates, hotel category, and group size. As a ballpark:
