7-Day Tamilnadu Itinerary in July 2023

1. Day 1: Mahabalipuram
   1 hour 20 minutes (36 miles) from Chennai

   Start your Tamilnadu journey by exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mahabalipuram, famous for its ancient temples and sculptures. In the morning, visit the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and Arjuna's Penance. In the afternoon, head to the beach for a relaxing swim and enjoy some local seafood. In the evening, witness the Light and Sound show at the Shore Temple.

2. Day 2: Kanchipuram
   1 hour 25 minutes (45 miles) from Mahabalipuram

   Visit the city of thousand temples, Kanchipuram. In the morning, visit the Kamakshi Amman Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple. In the afternoon, explore the Kanchi Kudil, a traditional house, and witness the weaving of the famous Kanchipuram silk sarees. In the evening, visit the Varadharaja Perumal Temple and witness the evening aarti.

3. Day 3: Pondicherry
   2 hours 10 minutes (102 miles) from Kanchipuram

   Head to the charming French colonial town of Pondicherry. In the morning, visit the Aurobindo Ashram and the Auroville, an experimental township. In the afternoon, explore the French Quarter, visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and enjoy some authentic French cuisine. In the evening, witness the sunset at the Promenade Beach.

4. Day 4: Chidambaram
   2 hours 10 minutes (84 miles) from Pondicherry

   Visit the temple town of Chidambaram. In the morning, visit the Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and witness the morning aarti. In the afternoon, explore the Thillai Kali Amman Temple and the Chidambaram Palace. In the evening, enjoy some shopping at the local markets and relish some traditional South Indian food.

5. Day 5: Thanjavur
   2 hours 35 minutes (112 miles) from Chidambaram

   Visit the cultural capital of Tamilnadu, Thanjavur. In the morning, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Thanjavur Palace. In the afternoon, explore the art and science museum and witness the Tanjore paintings being created. In the evening, enjoy a classical dance performance or music concert.

6. Day 6: Madurai
   3 hours 20 minutes (112 miles) from Thanjavur

   Visit the temple city of Madurai. In the morning, visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple and witness the morning ceremony. In the afternoon, explore the Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the Gandhi Museum. In the evening, enjoy some shopping at the local markets and relish some traditional South Indian food.

7. Day 7: Kanyakumari
   3 hours 30 minutes (136 miles) from Madurai

   End your Tamilnadu journey at the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari. In the morning, visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride to the nearby islands and witness the sunset at the Kanyakumari Beach. In the evening, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner and witness the night ceremony at the Kanyakumari Temple.

Recommendations

Don't miss the chance to witness the Mahamaham festival in Kumbakonam, happening in July 2023. Take a day trip to the hill station of Ooty and enjoy the scenic beauty. To maximize your fun, try some adventure activities like trekking and rock climbing in Yelagiri.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Shore Temple (2 hours, INR 40)
• Pancha Rathas (1 hour, INR 30)
• Arjuna's Penance (1 hour, INR 20)
• Light and Sound show (1 hour, INR 250)
• Kamakshi Amman Temple (1 hour, Free entry)
• Ekambareswarar Temple (1 hour, Free entry)
• Kanchi Kudil (1 hour, INR 100)
• Varadharaja Perumal Temple (1 hour, Free entry)
• Aurobindo Ashram (1 hour, Free entry)
• Auroville (2 hours, INR 500)
• Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (30 minutes, Free entry)
• Nataraja Temple (1 hour, Free entry)
• Thillai Kali Amman Temple (1 hour, Free entry)
• Chidambaram Palace (1 hour, INR 50)
• Brihadeeswarar Temple (2 hours, INR 40)
• Thanjavur Palace (1 hour, INR 50)
• Art and Science Museum (1 hour, INR 50)
• Classical dance/music performance (2 hours, INR 500)
• Meenakshi Amman Temple (2 hours, Free entry)
• Thirumalai Nayak Palace (1 hour, INR 50)
• Gandhi Museum (1 hour, INR 20)
• Vivekananda Rock Memorial (2 hours, INR 100)
• Thiruvalluvar Statue (30 minutes, INR 20)
• Boat ride (1 hour, INR 200)
• Kanyakumari Beach (1 hour, Free entry)
• Kanyakumari Temple (1 hour, Free entry)
• Seafood dinner (1 hour, INR 500)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2,200 (excl. accommodation and transportation)

Check https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo for the latest hotel and flight prices.