Temple Trail
Eleven nights through Tamil Nadu, from the sculpted shores of Mahabalipuram and French Pondicherry to the Great Living Chola Temples and the mansions of Chettinad.
A journey for people who want the architecture explained rather than just photographed, travelling privately with expert local guides.
Private
Tailor-Made Journey
11
Nights in India
Daily
Breakfast Included
Private
Chauffeur Throughout
Expert
Local Guides
ATOL
Protected Holidays
Dravidian Stone and Living Tradition
A Rich Cultural Tapestry
This journey through Tamil Nadu is conceived as a rich cultural tapestry, where ancient traditions, sacred architecture and regional character unfold with depth and authenticity.
Beginning in Chennai, the route traces a graceful path through the temple towns of Kanchipuram and the sculpted shores of Mahabalipuram, before arriving in the French-inflected enclave of Pondicherry. Moving inland, it reveals Chidambaram, Kumbakonam and Thanjavur, where grand temples reflect centuries of craftsmanship. A distinctive interlude in Chettinad introduces heritage mansions, followed by Madurai and an excursion to Trichy.
Journey Highlights
Experiences You Will Never Forget
Enriched with handpicked stays, private journeys, and immersive cultural encounters.
The Shore Temple
The two-towered Shore Temple overlooking the sea, and The Five Rathas, each carved from a single large rock.
Arjuna's Penance
Arjuna’s Penance, a giant relief inscribed on two adjacent boulders, one of India’s greatest ancient artworks.
French Pondicherry
Auroville, ‘the City of Dawn’, then the French Quarter of Pondicherry and the Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple.
The Great Living Chola Temples
Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple and Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Brihadeeshwar at Thanjavur
Brihadeeshwar Temple, whose Vimana rises 66 metres, one of the tallest temple towers on earth.
Meenakshi Amman by Lamplight
The Meenakshi Temple Aarti with a tuk-tuk ride through the streets to the evening ceremony.
Your Journey
Chennai to Madurai Through the Temple Towns
A southward arc along the Coromandel Coast and inland through the Chola heartland to Tamil Nadu’s spiritual capital.
Chennai
Stop 1
Mahabalipuram
Stop 2
Pondicherry
Stop 3
Kumbakonam
Stop 4
Thanjavur
Stop 5
Chettinad
Stop 6
Madurai
Stop 7
Sample Itinerary
Your Temple Trail Journey
The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.
Day 1 : Arrive Chennai
Days 1
Arrive Chennai
A representative greets you with fresh floral garlands at Chennai Airport. Sightseeing takes in Fort St. George, the Govt. Museum established in 1851, Kapaleeswar Temple in Mylapore and Marina Beach, the longest natural urban beach in the country.
Day 2 : Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram
Day 2
The City of Temples
En route, explore Kanchipuram: Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalam, the Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple and Vaikuntha Perumal Temple. Continue to Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram.
Days 3 - 4 : Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
Day 4
Sculpted Shores and French Streets
The Five Rathas, the Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance, before driving to Pondicherry. The next day, Auroville, ‘the City of Dawn’, the Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple and a walk in the French Quarter of Pondicherry.
Days 5 - 6 : Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Kumbakonam - Thanjavur
Days 5–6
The Great Living Chola Temples
En route, the Nataraja Temple-at Chidambaram, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple and the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then Thanjavur (Tanjore) for Thanjavur’s royal palace and Brihadeeshwar Temple.
Day 7 : Thanjavur - Chettinad
Days 7
Heritage Mansions
Drive to Chettinad, a region of 78 villages known for its architecture, food and mansions. Explore the grand Chettiar houses of Karaikudi and Kanadukathan, and the majestic Chettinad Palace, with its antique markets and famous cuisine.
Days 8 - 9 : Chettinad - Madurai
Days 8–9
Where Tamil Nadu Claims Its Soul
Chennai may be the capital, but Madurai claims its soul. Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, then the Meenakshi Temple Aarti with a tuk-tuk ride in the evening.
Days 10 - 12 : Excursion to Trichy, then Chennai
Days 10–12
Trichy and Departure
An excursion to Tiruchirappalli for the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple on Srirangam island and The Rock Fort Temple, on its 85-metre rock. Then fly or take the train to Chennai for a final night before departure.
Your Holiday
Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End
Your Journey Includes
- 11-night accommodation on sharing double/twin room basis with breakfast
- Complete transport in AC vehicle with driver
- English-speaking tour guide for sightseeing as per program
- Meenakshi Temple Aarti with a tuk-tuk ride in Madurai
- Presently applicable taxes
- Warm welcome with fresh flower garlands at Chennai Airport
- Water bottles in vehicle throughout
Tailor Your Holiday
- Choose from four hotel collections, including CGH Earth heritage properties
- Stay at Chettinadu Mansion or Visalam for a heritage Chettinad night
- Fly rather than take the train on the Madurai to Chennai leg
- Add monument and activity entrance fees to your package
- Extend across the Ghats into Kerala
- Add extra nights at Pondicherry for the beaches and cafes
- Adjust the pace and number of nights in each place
Choose Your Tamil Nadu Experience
Travel Tamil Nadu Your Way
Choose the style of holiday that suits you. Every journey is privately arranged and can be personalised around your travel dates, preferred hotels, pace and experiences.
Temple Trail Classic
Based on two adults sharing
- Zone by The Park, Madras Grand or RS Regenta Central in Chennai
- Ideal Beach Resort or Grand Continent at Mahabalipuram
- Anandha Inn, Shenbaga or Hotel Atithu in Pondicherry
- Great Trails River View or Indeco Swamimalai near Kumbakonam
- Chettinadu Mansion in Chettinad
- Fortune Pandiyan or Poppys Hotel in Madurai
- Private chauffeur and air-conditioned vehicle
Temple Trail Luxury
Based on two adults sharing
- Hyatt Regency, Park Plaza OMR or Turyaa in Chennai
- Welcomhotel by ITC or Four Points by Sheraton at Mahabalipuram
- Accord Puducherry or Le Pondy
- Mantra Koodam, a CGH Earth property, at Kumbakonam
- Svatma Thanjavur
- Visalam, a CGH Earth hotel, in Chettinad
- Courtyard by Marriott or Heritage Madurai
Temple Trail Exceptional
For an extraordinary private journey
- ITC Grand Chola, Taj Coromandel or Taj Connemara in Chennai
- Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay or Kaldan Samudhra Palace
- Palais de Mahe or Maison Perumal, both CGH Earth, in Pondicherry
- Mantra Koodam and Svatma Thanjavur
- Visalam, a CGH Earth hotel, in Chettinad
- Courtyard by Marriott or Heritage Madurai
- Bespoke private touring and a completely personalised itinerary
Prices are per person based on two adults sharing and vary according to travel dates, availability and final hotel selection. Rates for 4-6 and 7-9 travelling together are lower and available on request. International flights are not included in the guide prices above but can be added to create a complete ATOL-protected holiday where applicable.
Looking for something even more exceptional?
We can create a fully bespoke Tamil Nadu journey built around CGH Earth and Taj heritage properties, and extend it across the Ghats into Kerala.
Make It Your Own
Add Extraordinary Private Experiences
Personalise your holiday with special experiences designed around your interests.
Visalam at Chettinad
Stay at Visalam, a CGH Earth restored Chettiar mansion, rather than a standard hotel.
Continue into Kerala
Cross the Western Ghats to Thekkady, the backwaters and the Malabar Coast.
All Entrances Included
Add every monument and activity entrance fee so nothing is payable as you travel.
Longer in Pondicherry
Add nights in the French Quarter, with its cafes, shopping and beaches.
Travel With Confidence
Why Book With India Vacations?
Your holiday is created by specialists who understand India and know how to make a complex journey feel effortless.
India Specialists
Knowledgeable consultants with first-hand understanding of the destination.
ATOL Protection
Financial protection when your holiday is booked with qualifying flights.
Tailor-Made Travel
Every itinerary can be adapted around your interests, dates and preferred level of comfort.
Personal Assistance
Support before departure and dependable local assistance while you travel.
Your Tamil Nadu Story Starts Here
Let Us Create Your Perfect Journey Through India
Speak to an India specialist and receive a personalised itinerary based on your preferred dates, hotels, experiences and budget.
All itineraries are subject to availability and can be tailored to your requirements.