Kanyakumari, also known as the Cape Comorin, is the Southernmost tip of India where the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea converge. Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a blend of modern and traditional architectural styles dedicated to Swami Vivekananda and the holy feet of goddess Kanyakumari. Afterward, proceed to the Kanyakumari Temple, where the deity is Devi Kanyakumari, an avatar of goddess Parvati. Then, head to Tiruchendur, the second important temple of Lord Muruga after Palani. Visit the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple and witness its stunning Dravidian style architecture.
Rameswaram situated on Pamban Island is famous for the Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple which is regarded as one of the holiest Indian sites for pilgrimage. It houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and boasts of mesmerizing architectural elements. Later, visit Dhanushkodi, which is known for its breathtaking panoramic views and believed to be the place where Lord Rama built the bridge to reach Lanka. Explore the remnants of the town, such as the ruins of a church and a railway station, which was destroyed by the 1964 cyclone.
Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is famous for the Meenakshi Amman Temple. The temple houses Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati, who is worshipped as Goddess Meenakshi, and is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture with its towering gopurams which are extravagantly embellished with thousands of colorful sculptures that are stunning in detail. Witness the vibrant and lively "aarti" ceremony held every evening which is a must-see attraction of the temple. In addition to the temple, visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum to explore the life of Mahatma Gandhi and see an exhibit on South Indian village industries.
Chennimalai is a small town located at the foot of Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. The town is famous for the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swami Temple which is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is believed to be the final destination of the Skanda Shasti pilgrimage. The festival of Skanda Shasti is an important festival for the temple which is celebrated grandly every year. After exploring the temple, visit the nearby Khadi Weaving Center, which allows visitors to observe and participate in the creation of traditional clothing and textiles.
If you have extra time in Madurai, don't miss a scenic walk around the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, an ancient temple tank that's both a tranquil spot and home to an annual float festival. You can also explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace that depicts the architectural fusion of Dravidian and Rajput styles. If you have an extra day, you can visit the iconic Virupaksha Cave which is the deepest cave in India nestled at the eastern end of the Western Ghats. However, if you have less time, you can skip the Khadi Weaving Center in Chennimalai or the Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai.