Visit the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the oldest stone temple in Tamil Nadu. Marvel at the intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Continue to Pancha Rathas, a group of five monolithic temples dedicated to the five Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata. Kids will enjoy the elephant-shaped rock cut-out. Finish your day at Mahabalipuram Beach and watch the sun set over the Bay of Bengal.
In the morning, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the largest and finest examples of Indian architecture. The statue of the Nandi Bull is a must-see. Next, take a tour of the Tanjore Royal Palace and Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the reign of the Nayak and Maratha dynasties. For lunch, try Sathyamurthy's Kitchen, known for its South-Indian vegetarian meals. In the afternoon, check out the Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of the oldest libraries in Asia, and home to thousands of rare manuscripts.
Begin your day at Airavateswara Temple, built in the 12th century and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kids will love the elephant sculptures at the entrance. Next, head to Swamimalai Murugan Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, and climb up the 60 steps to reach the sanctum sanctorum. For lunch, try the local speciality, Thirunelveli Halwa, from Iruttukadai Halwa Shop. End your day with a visit to the Mahamaham Tank, a sacred tank where Hindus believe a dip will wash away sins.
For a longer trip, consider spending a day at the DakshinaChitra Museum, showcasing the art, architecture, and culture of South India. Alternatively, take a detour to Trichy to see the Rockfort Temple, a blend of Pallava and Nayak architecture. If pressed for time, skip the Saraswathi Mahal Library and explore the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple instead, famous for its intricate carvings and gopurams.