Start your Tamil Nadu adventure in the capital city of Chennai, where you can explore various cultural and heritage sites. Start your morning with a visit to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Marvel at its impressive architecture and intricate carvings, and take part in rituals like aarti and prasad distribution.
Next, make your way to the Fort St. George, a relic of Chennai's colonial past. Take a tour of the fort or visit the museum, which houses a fascinating collection of artefacts and memorabilia.
For lunch, head to Buhari Hotel, one of Chennai's oldest and most iconic restaurants, where you can taste the city's famous biryani and other South Indian delicacies. Then, explore the Government Museum, which showcases a variety of exhibits including ancient artefacts, sculptures, and artwork.
Today, explore the sacred temple towns of Tamil Nadu. Start your journey by visiting Arulmigu Ramanatha Swamy Temple in Rameswaram, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Here, you will witness magnificent Dravidian architecture and take part in the temple's rituals and ceremonies.
Next, make your way to Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, one of the largest temple complexes in India. Here, you will witness the colourful gopurams, intricate carvings, and sculptures of gods and goddesses.
For lunch, head to the Murugan Idli Shop in Madurai, which serves delicious idlis and other South Indian delicacies. Afterward, visit Marina Beach in Chennai, the second-longest urban beach in the world.
If you have more time, consider visiting other temple towns in Tamil Nadu such as Kanchipuram, Thanjavur, and Tiruvannamalai. Alternatively, you can explore the Nilgiris and visit hill stations like Ooty and Coonoor. If you have less time, you can skip one of our suggested locations and spend more time in the other places. It is also advisable to dress modestly while visiting temples and other religious sites.