South India Temple Tour

After breakfast, begin your private guided tour of Chennai. Visit Kapaleeshwar Temple, one of the city’s most important temples, followed by San Thome Basilica, built near the traditional burial site of Saint Thomas the Apostle. Continue to Marina Beach and visit the Marina Lighthouse for views across the coastline, subject to opening hours and weather conditions.

Later, explore the busy streets and markets of George Town, where historic buildings, local shops and everyday street life provide excellent opportunities for people and travel photography. After sightseeing, return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Chennai.

After breakfast, leave Chennai and drive to Kanchipuram, one of the holiest temple cities in India. Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple. These important temples represent different periods of South Indian history and display the religious traditions and Dravidian architecture for which Kanchipuram is known.

After completing your temple visits, continue your drive to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

Please note: All three temples close around 12:30 PM for the afternoon break and reopen between 3:45 PM and 4:00 PM. We recommend leaving the hotel in Chennai by 8:00 AM to complete the temple visits comfortably before their midday closure.

After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your guided exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Mahabalipuram. Created by the Pallava rulers during the 7th and 8th centuries, these monuments represent some of the earliest forms of Dravidian temple architecture.

Visit the Pancha Rathas, selected cave temples, Ganesha Ratha, the Descent of the Ganges rock relief and the Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Your guide will explain the stories, sculptures and architectural development represented at these important sites.

After sightseeing, leave Mahabalipuram by approximately 11:30 AM and drive to Thanjavur, with a lunch stop along the way. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and rest after the journey. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.

After an early breakfast, begin your guided tour with Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur. Built by Rajaraja Chola I during the 11th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the finest achievements of Chola architecture. Explore its monumental tower, sculptures, inscriptions and spacious temple courtyards.

Continue to the Thanjavur Palace complex to visit Sangeetha Mahal, a historic music hall associated with the Thanjavur Maratha court. Also visit Schwartz Church, built in 1779 and closely connected with the relationship between missionary Christian Friedrich Schwartz and Maratha ruler Serfoji II.

Later, drive to Darasuram near Kumbakonam and visit Airavatesvara Temple before its midday closure. Built by Rajaraja Chola II during the 12th century, the temple is known for its detailed stone carvings and chariot-shaped design. After lunch, continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Visit the grand Brihadisvara Temple, built by Rajendra Chola I after he established the city as his imperial capital. After exploring the temple, return to Thanjavur for an overnight stay.

Please note: Airavatesvara Temple and Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram generally close around 12:00 or 12:30 PM and reopen at approximately 4:00 PM. An early departure from the hotel is necessary to complete Airavatesvara Temple before its midday closure and visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram after it reopens.

After an early breakfast, leave Thanjavur around 7:00 AM and drive to Tiruchirappalli, commonly known as Trichy. Upon arrival, visit the Rockfort Temple complex, built around an ancient rock formation rising above the city. Climb the steps to Ucchi Pillayar Temple for panoramic views across Trichy and the surrounding landscape. The climb involves approximately 400 steps.

Continue to Srirangam and visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest functioning Hindu temple complexes in the world and an important centre of the Vaishnavite tradition. Explore its monumental gateways, courtyards and sacred shrines with your guide.

Next, visit Jambukeswarar Temple at Thiruvanaikaval. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple represents the element of water and is one of the five Pancha Bhoota temples of South India. After sightseeing and lunch, continue your drive to Madurai. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Please note: Some shrines at Rockfort close around 12:00 PM, while Jambukeswarar Temple generally closes between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. We recommend leaving Thanjavur around 7:00 AM to complete the Trichy sightseeing before the midday closures.

After breakfast, begin your guided tour of Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India. Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, the spiritual centre of the city, known for its towering gopurams, detailed sculptures and active religious traditions. Continue to Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, built during the 17th century by King Thirumalai Nayak. Explore its grand courtyard, massive pillars and architectural details reflecting the history of the Nayak rulers.

After lunch and some time to rest, visit Koodal Azhagar Temple when it reopens in the afternoon. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this historic temple is known for its multi-level sanctuary and traditional Dravidian architecture. You may also explore the surrounding streets and local markets before returning to the hotel. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Please note: Meenakshi Amman Temple generally closes from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM, while Koodal Azhagar Temple usually closes from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Temple timings may change during festivals and special ceremonies.

After an early breakfast, leave Madurai and drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India. Upon arrival, take the ferry to Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built on the offshore rock where Swami Vivekananda is believed to have meditated. The ferry visit is subject to sea conditions and operating schedules.

After returning to the mainland, visit the ancient Bhagavathy Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kanya Kumari. Continue to Triveni Sangam, the symbolic meeting point of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean, followed by Gandhi Mandapam, built in memory of Mahatma Gandhi.

If time permits, drive to nearby Suchindram and visit Thanumalayan Temple after it reopens in the evening. Dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, the temple is known for its detailed stone carvings and musical pillars. Alternatively, remain in Kanyakumari to watch the sunset over the sea. After sightseeing, check in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Kanyakumari.

Please note: The ferry to Vivekananda Rock Memorial normally operates between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM and may be suspended during rough sea conditions. Bhagavathy Amman Temple generally closes during the afternoon and reopens around 4:00 PM. Suchindram Temple normally reopens around 5:00 PM.

After breakfast, our driver will transfer you to the Trivandrum International Airport for onward journey.