Spiritual Journey Through Tamil Nadu: A 5-Day Tamil Nadu Temple Itinerary

Day 1: Chennai Temples

Chennai, India on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with an authentic South Indian breakfast including dosas and filter coffee at this iconic Chennai eatery.
INR250, 1h

9:30am

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this beautifully Dravidian style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; a vibrant cultural and spiritual hub in Mylapore.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Parthasarathy Temple

Visit this ancient Vaishnavite temple famous for its splendid architecture and intricate sculptures.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Maharaja Bhavan

Enjoy traditional Tamil cuisine with freshly made thalis and vegetarian delights in a vibrant setting.
INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Although not a temple, this historic basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas offers a unique spiritual experience and stunning architecture.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Evening stroll and shopping at T Nagar

Explore bustling markets for religious souvenirs, silk sarees, and temple jewellery.
Varies, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ratna Cafe

Savour Chennai’s beloved authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes in a casual atmosphere.
INR350, 1h
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Day 2: Kanchipuram Temples

Kanchipuram, India on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at Hotel Saravana Bhavan, Chennai

Have a quick and hearty traditional breakfast before travelling to Kanchipuram, about 2 hours away by car.
INR250, 1h

9:00am

Ekambareswarar Temple

Visit one of the largest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva with magnificent corridors and a sacred mango tree believed to be over 3,500 years old.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Explore this captivating Vishnu temple known for its intricate carvings and historical significance in Kanchipuram’s temple landscape.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sri Krishna Bhavan

Enjoy a traditional South Indian vegetarian thali lunch famed for its authentic flavours and local specialities.
INR350, 1h

2:30pm

Kailasanathar Temple

Admire this ancient Pallava-era temple, one of the earliest structural temples in Tamil Nadu, famous for its sandstone sculpture work.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit local silk weaving centre

Discover Kanchipuram’s famed silk sarees and watch weavers demonstrate their craft in traditional workshops.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Vasanta Bhavan

Relish another sumptuous South Indian dinner with a variety of dosas, idlis, and chutneys.
INR350, 1h
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Day 3: Thanjavur Temples

Thanjavur, India on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Kanchipuram

Have a quick early breakfast before travelling approximately 4 hours to Thanjavur by car.
INR300, 1h

12:00pm

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, a grand Chola dynasty temple featuring stunning architecture and one of the largest Shiva lingams in India.
INR40, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed South Indian vegetarian meal specialising in wholesome thalis and snacks.
INR400, 1h

3:45pm

Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery

Visit the palace complex housing art, sculptures, and historic exhibits related to the Chola period and beyond.
INR50, 1h30m

6:00pm

Evening temple visit or local market

Optionally revisit the Brihadeeswarar Temple at sunset or explore local crafts and bronze statue markets.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Dine on Tamil Nadu’s local cuisine with fresh ingredients and aromatic spices in the hotel restaurant.
INR400, 1h
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Day 4: Madurai Temples

Madurai, India on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Thanjavur

Eat an early breakfast before a 3-hour drive to Madurai, the temple city.
INR300, 1h

11:00am

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Visit the iconic Meenakshi Temple with its extraordinary towers and rich cultural heritage; a must-see spiritual and architectural marvel.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy authentic South Indian idlis, dosas and chutneys in a fast-paced traditional eatery loved by locals and visitors alike.
INR200, 1h

3:00pm

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Explore this museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi's life, showcasing exhibitions on India's independence movement.
INR30, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening prayer at Meenakshi Temple

Experience the temple’s evening Aarti and vibrant rituals, a deeply spiritual event.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Modern Restaurant

Dine on a blend of South Indian and North Indian cuisine in an elegant setting near the temple.
INR500, 1h
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Day 5: Rameswaram Pilgrimage

Rameswaram, India on May 3, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hotel in Madurai

Begin your day early with a simple, wholesome breakfast before the 3-hour drive to Rameswaram.
INR250, 1h

10:00am

Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore this renowned temple famous for its magnificent corridors, sacred water tanks, and as one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Sea Prince

Enjoy fresh local seafood and traditional Tamil meals with a view of the ocean.
INR600, 1h

2:00pm

Dhanushkodi Beach

Visit the tranquil beach with historic ruins and stunning ocean views; perfect for a relaxing walk after temple visits.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Temple shopping and local market

Explore shops selling handicrafts, religious souvenirs, and incense around the temple area.
Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Rameswaram

Conclude your spiritual journey with a final traditional Tamil dinner featuring vegetarian and seafood options.
INR500, 1h
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