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

Exploring the Temples and Coastline of Tamil Nadu

Viewed by 110 travelers

Day 1: Cultural Hub

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast, featuring the must-try dosas and idlis.
Located in the heart of Chennai.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Marvel at the architecture of this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring stunning gopurams.
Drive for 15 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Fort St. George

Discover the history of Chennai at this colonial-era fort, which houses a museum and the St. Mary's Church.
15-minute drive from the temple.
INR 100, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Savor traditional South Indian flavors, with their famous idlis and a variety of chutneys.
25-minute drive from Fort St. George.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Government Museum

Explore a range of artifacts from various periods, including bronze sculptures and ancient coins.
Drive for 15 minutes from the restaurant.
INR 100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Fisherman's Wharf

Relax at this coastal dining spot with fresh seafood and Chennaites' favorite dishes.
30-minute drive from the museum.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Beachside Wonders

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Adyar Ananda Bhavan

Enjoy a rich breakfast of sambhar rice or their signature sweets.
1.5-hour drive from Chennai.
INR 350, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Shore Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning granite architecture by the sea.
5-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 40, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Arjuna's Penance

Admire the massive rock carvings depicting Arjuna's penance, filled with intricate details.
10-minute walk from the Shore Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Sea Shore Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with an ocean view while savoring some South Indian coastal cuisine.
5-minute walk from the site.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Pancha Rathas

Marvel at these five monolithic temples, each carved out of a single rock, showcasing ancient craftsmanship.
10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Golden Temple Restaurant

Seek out the flavorful biryani and prawn curry for a delightful end to your day.
15-minute drive from Pancha Rathas.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Day 3: Spiritual Journey

Chidambaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Aakash Inn

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of idli and filter coffee, perfect for a day of exploration.
2-hour drive from Mahabalipuram.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Nataraja Temple

Witness the enchanting atmosphere of this famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in his dance form.
10 minutes from the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Vallanadu Nature Park

Enjoy the serene beauty of this park, which showcases local flora and fauna with various trails.
15-minute drive from the temple.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in traditional vegetarian thali, a feast that includes multiple dishes served on a banana leaf.
25-minute drive from the nature park.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Thillai Kali Temple

Explore this unique temple that stands as a symbol of both beauty and devotion.
15-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Muthuraman

Savor delicious Chettinad chicken curry and rice, a renowned local specialty.
20-minute drive from the temple.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chidambaram

Day 4: Heritage Sites

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sangam Hotel

Start your morning with a filling breakfast featuring a variety of South Indian dishes.
2-hour drive from Chidambaram.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore the grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its intricate carvings and massive dome.
10-minute drive from the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Thanjavur Royal Palace

Get immersed in the history of the Maratha kings, with fascinating artifacts and beautiful architecture.
15-minute drive from the temple.
INR 50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Banana Leaf

Taste the famous thali served on banana leaves, featuring a variety of spicy and savory dishes.
10-minute drive from the palace.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Art Gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library

Delve into the rich cultural heritage with rare manuscripts and art pieces.
15-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 100, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ananda Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Chettinad cuisine packed with spices and flavor to end your day on a high note.
20-minute drive from the library.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Thanjavur

Day 5: Sacred Island

Rameshwaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sunrise

Fuel up with a breakfast consisting of fresh local bread and spicy chutney to prepare for a day of exploration.
3-hour drive from Thanjavur.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Experience the spiritual energy and architectural beauty of this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
10-minute drive from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Relax at Dhanushkodi Beach

Enjoy the scenic view and the nostalgia of this once-inhabited town at the tip of Rameshwaram.
30-minute drive from the temple.
Free, 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at a Local Bhojanam

Savor a traditional meal prepared by local chefs, offering authentic coastal flavors.
30-minute drive back to Rameshwaram town.
INR 500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Agni Tirtham

Partake in this sacred pilgrimage spot for a holy dip in the waters believed to wash away sins.
10-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Ambica

Indulge in delightful seafood preparations to close your day beautifully.
15-minute drive from Agni Tirtham.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Rameshwaram

Day 6: City of Temples

Madurai and Srirangam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sree Sabari

Start your day with a classic Madurai breakfast, including a variety of idli and the renowned filter coffee.
2-hour drive from Rameshwaram.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Experience the awe-inspiring architecture and vibrant sculptures of this iconic temple in Madurai.
5-minute drive from the breakfast location.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Delve into the history of Madurai while witnessing the marvel of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
10-minute drive from the temple.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Aasai Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious and hearty vegetarian lunch with local specialties.
15-minute drive from the palace.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple

Admire this vast temple complex, one of the largest in India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
30-minute drive from Madurai.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Srinivasa

Close your journey with a rich meal consisting of traditional Madurai biryani for a flavor-packed finish.
30-minute drive from Srirangam.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Madurai and Srirangam
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed