Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 52 travelers

Exploring South India: Chennai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Kanyakumari

  1. Day 1: Chennai
    30 minutes (14 miles) from Chennai International Airport

    In the morning, visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, one of the oldest and most revered temples in Chennai, and then head to the Government Museum to explore the rich history and culture of Tamil Nadu. In the afternoon, take a walk along the Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, and then visit the Fort St. George, a historic fortress and the first British establishment in India. For the evening, head to the Santhome Cathedral Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.

  2. Day 2: Thanjavur
    4 hours (190 miles) from Chennai

    In the morning, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest temples in India, known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. In the afternoon, explore the Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery, which houses a collection of rare paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts. For the evening, witness a cultural performance at the Sangeetha Mahal, an auditorium that showcases classical music and dance forms of South India.

  3. Day 3: Trichy
    2 hours (60 miles) from Thanjavur

    In the morning, visit the Rockfort Temple, a historic fort and temple complex that offers breathtaking views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in the world, known for its stunning Dravidian architecture and rich religious significance. For the evening, take a stroll along the Kallanai Dam, an ancient dam built across the Kaveri River, and enjoy the scenic views of the sunset.

  4. Day 4: Madurai & Kanyakumari
    5 hours (264 miles) from Trichy

    In the morning, visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a historic temple known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. In the afternoon, explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century palace with a fusion of Dravidian and Islamic architectural styles. For the evening, head to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, and witness the breathtaking sunset at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a monument dedicated to the famous Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda.

Recommendations

Don't miss the Pamban Bridge, the longest sea bridge in India, on your way to Rameshwaram from Madurai. You can also visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum and the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal in Madurai if you have more time. To maximize your fun, try the local cuisine such as dosa, idli, and sambar, which are popular breakfast items in South India. You can also take a boat ride to the Thiruvalluvar Statue, a 133-feet tall stone sculpture of the famous Tamil poet, in Kanyakumari.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kapaleeswarar Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Government Museum (2-3 hours, ₹10-₹100)
  • Marina Beach (1-2 hours, free)
  • Fort St. George (2-3 hours, ₹5-₹100)
  • Santhome Cathedral Basilica (1-2 hours, free)
  • Brihadeeswarar Temple (2-3 hours, ₹250-₹500)
  • Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery (2-3 hours, ₹10-₹100)
  • Sangeetha Mahal (2-3 hours, ₹200-₹500)
  • Rockfort Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (2-3 hours, free)
  • Kallanai Dam (1-2 hours, free)
  • Meenakshi Amman Temple (2-3 hours, ₹50-₹100)
  • Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace (1-2 hours, ₹10-₹100)
  • Vivekananda Rock Memorial (2-3 hours, ₹20-₹200)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹585-₹1500
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version