8-Day Tamil Nadu Tour Itinerary

1. Day 1: Chennai Beaches
   30 minutes (12 km) from Chennai International Airport

   Spend the day lounging on the Marina Beach, take a dip at Covelong Beach and visit the Kapaleeshwar Temple.

2. Day 2: Mahabalipuram
   1 hour 20 minutes (58 km) from Chennai

   Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shore Temple and witness the magnificent rock-cut sculptures like Pancha Rathas at Arjuna's Penance.

3. Day 3: Kanchipuram
   1 hour 25 minutes (65 km) from Mahabalipuram

   Visit the Kailasanatha Temple, which is one of the oldest structures in Kanchipuram, and shop for beautiful silk sarees at Ekambareswarar Temple.

4. Day 4: Pondicherry
   2 hours 25 minutes (136 km) from Kanchipuram

   Experience the French colonial architecture and culture while visiting Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the unique Matri Mandir, and Paradise Beach.

5. Day 5: Thanjavur
   5 hours (284 km) from Pondicherry

   Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Brihadeeswarar Temple and marvel at the stunning architecture. Explore the Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery.

6. Day 6: Madurai
   2 hours 30 minutes (160 km) from Thanjavur

   Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple and explore the local bazaars for souvenirs. Get a panoramic view of the city from the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal.

7. Day 7: Kodaikanal
   4 hours 30 minutes (120 km) from Madurai

   Indulge in trekking and photography at the beautiful Bryant Park. Relax in the cool breeze at Lake Kodaikanal and take a view from the Dolphin's Nose.

8. Day 8: Ooty
   4 hours (240 km) from Kodaikanal

   Experience the beautiful Doddabetta Peak and botanical garden at the Government Rose Garden. Ride the heritage train to Coonoor and back again.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Entry fee at Shore Temple (1 hour, Rs. 500)
• Silk saree shopping at Kanchipuram (1 hour, varies)
• Entry fee at Brihadeeswarar Temple (2 hours, Rs. 10-250)
• Entrance fee at Meenakshi Amman Temple (3 hours, Rs. 50)
• Boating fee at Lake Kodaikanal (1 hour, Rs. 150 per person)
• Entry fee at Government Rose Garden (1 hour, Rs. 30-50)
• Heritage train ride (2 hours, Rs. 50-200)
Total Estimated Costs: Rs. 1,050-1,480

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add a trip to Rameswaram to explore the magnificent Ramanathaswamy Temple or visit the wildlife sanctuaries like the Mudumalai National Park. If you have less time, you can skip visiting towns like Kodaikanal or Coonoor, or spend less time at places such as Sri Aurobindo Ashram or Lake Kodaikanal.