8-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Sacred Sites of Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Arriving in Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tamilnadu Hotel

Kickstart your journey with a hearty South Indian breakfast, including idli and sambar.
Located conveniently on the main road.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, revered for its intricate architecture and sacredness.
15-minute walk from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Splendid Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious seafood thali featuring fresh local catch.
Just a 10-minute walk from the temple.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Dhanushkodi

Take a thrilling trip to the ghost town of Dhanushkodi, where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean.
Hire a jeep, approx. 30 minutes drive.
INR 2000, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Rameshwaram

Relax and prepare for dinner.
30 minutes back to Rameshwaram.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel MCM Towers

Indulge in a traditional South Indian buffet.
Located near the local market.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Exploring Madurai

Madurai, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy fluffy idlis served with chutney and piping hot sambar.
Start your journey early; about a 2.5-hour drive.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Meenakshi Temple

Marvel at the stunning multi-coloured gopurams (towers) and intricate carvings of this renowned temple.
Located in the city center.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Savor a delicious vegetarian meal featuring the famous Madurai jigarthanda.
Short walk from the temple.
INR 250, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Admire the grand architecture and beautiful gardens of this 17th-century palace.
15-minute drive from lunch.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about India's freedom movement and the role of Mahatma Gandhi.
Approx. 10-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to hotel and freshen up

Get ready for the evening.
5-minute drive.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at The Sri Meenakshi Bhavan

Delight in an authentic South Indian feast served on a banana leaf.
Located near the hotel.
INR 350, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Pathala Sembu Murugan Temple

Pathala Sembu, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast before starting your journey.
Eat at the hotel to save time.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Pathala Sembu Murugan Temple

Journey through scenic landscapes to reach the temple.
Approx. 2-hour drive.
INR 1500 (car hire), 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Pathala Sembu Murugan Temple

Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of this serene temple.
Onsite parking available.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at a local eatery

Taste some homemade meals from nearby villagers.
Ask locals for recommendations.
INR 200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Return to Madurai

Make your way back to Madurai to rest.
Travel back the same route.
INR 1500, 2 hours

4:00PM

Free time at the hotel

Relax and refresh after an adventurous day.
Enjoy the amenities available.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Madurai Heritage

Enjoy traditional Madurai cuisine, including mutton biryani.
Situated near the hotel.
INR 350, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Srirangam Exploration

Srirangam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start off the day with a sumptuous breakfast buffet.
Located within the hotel.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Srirangam

Head to the beautiful Srirangam, the temple town known for the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple.
1.5-hour drive.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Absorb the sprawling temple complex and participate in the rituals.
Easily accessible on foot.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Feast on a delicious vegetarian lunch featuring local specialties.
Short drive from the temple.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Jambukeswarar Temple

Visit this beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its water shrine.
15-minute drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Madurai

Head back to your hotel in Madurai.
1.5-hour drive.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Konar Kadai

Lastly, try some mutton sukka and parotta before retiring for the night.
Located near historical landmarks.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Day in Thanjavur

Thanjavur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast before heading to Thanjavur.
Onsite dining.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Thanjavur

Set out early for the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, famous for its temples.
2-hour drive.
INR 1500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site with its awe-inspiring architecture.
Directly in the city center.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Thanjavur Royal Highness

Relish traditional Thanjavur meals amidst royal décor.
Short walk from the temple.
INR 350, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Thanjavur Maratha Palace

Visit this historical palace that reflects the grandeur of the Maratha dynasty.
5-minute walk.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Art and Crafts Tour

Engage in local art and crafts by visiting artisans and learning about Thanjavur art.
Guided tours are available.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Brihadeeswarar Hotel

End your day with some authentic Tamil dinner while enjoying traditional music.
Located in the area.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Kumbakonam and Temples

Kumbakonam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with a nutritious breakfast to start the day.
Onsite dining.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kumbakonam

Set out for Kumbakonam, known for its temple architecture.
1.5-hour drive.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Adi Kumbeswarar Temple

Explore this important Shaivite temple and its beautiful surroundings.
Located within the town.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Kumbakonam

Enjoy local cuisine including the famous Kumbakonam Degree Coffee.
Short drive from the temple.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Mahamaham Tank

Rejuvenate by the sacred tank that hosts an important festival every 12 years.
Walk from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Nageswara and Kasi Vishwanathar Temples

Marvel at the architecture and spirituality of the twin temples.
Short drive.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to hotel and refresh

Take some time to relax before your evening meal.
25-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Kannappa

Savor local Kumbakonam meals served in a traditional style.
Located in the town.
INR 350, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Spiritual Retreat in Chidambaram

Chidambaram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Chidambaram.
Onsite dining.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Chidambaram

Journey to Chidambaram, famous for the Nataraja Temple.
2-hour drive.
INR 1500, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Nataraja Temple

Experience the enchantment of the dance of Lord Shiva in the temple's grand halls.
Easily accessible on foot.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a classic South Indian platter.
Short walk from the temple.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Chidambaram's local market

Shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Session includes a guided tour.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Thillai Kali Amman Temple

Be immersed in the vibrations of divine energy in this sacred temple.
15 minutes drive.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to hotel

Relax and prepare for dinner.
15-minute drive.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Ananda Bhavan

Indulge in a delightful meal of thali and desserts.
Located near your hotel.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Journey to Arunachalam

Arunachalam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast while reflecting on your journey.
Onsite dining.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Arunachalam

Set off for Arunachalam, known for the serene temples and nature.
Approx. 2-hour drive.
INR 1500, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Arunachalam Temple

Explore the beautiful surroundings and partake in meditation.
Follow local signs to the temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Dhabha

Experience authentic local cuisine for your last meal.
Ask locals for recommendations.
INR 200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Nature Walk in the Surroundings

Take a peaceful nature walk and reflect on your journey.
Explore trails near the temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Travel Back or to Next Destination

Decide if you want to return home or continue your travels.
Based on your preference.
INR 1500 (if returning), 2 hours
View Hotel Availability