10-Day South India Temple Tour Itinerary: Exploring Tamil Nadu and Kerala's Sacred Sites

Day 1: Chennai Temple Start

Chennai, India on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy traditional South Indian breakfast favorites like idli, dosa, and filter coffee at this popular vegetarian restaurant.
INR200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this vibrant Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its colorful gopuram and intricate carvings.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Taste traditional idli and sambhar in this iconic Chennai eatery well-loved by locals.
INR150, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Parthasarathi Temple

Visit this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, featuring historic architecture and a peaceful temple tank.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Marina Beach

Enjoy a stroll along India’s second longest urban beach, a great spot for sunsets and local street food.
Free, 1h 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ponnusamy Restaurant

Relish authentic Tamil Nadu non-vegetarian dishes including Chettinad chicken and mutton curry.
INR400, 1h
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Day 2: Kanchipuram Temples

Kanchipuram, India on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in Chennai before departure

Have a quick South Indian breakfast at the hotel café.
INR150, 45m

8:00am

Travel to Kanchipuram

Drive 75 km southwest to the ancient temple city famous for its temples and silk sarees.
Transport cost varies, 2h

10:30am

Visit Kailasanathar Temple

Explore one of the oldest structural temples in Tamil Nadu, noted for its detailed stone carvings and Pallava architectural style.
INR50, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sri Krishna Bhavan

Enjoy a traditional vegetarian South Indian meal with fresh rice and sambar.
INR200, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple

See this large temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for its massive 60-meter high tower and sacred mango tree.
Free, 1h 30m

3:30pm

Visit Varadaraja Perumal Temple

A magnificent Vaishnavite temple with impressive architectural and artistic heritage.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Return to Chennai

Drive back to Chennai to prepare for next day’s journey.
Transport cost varies, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Buhari Hotel, Chennai

Taste the famous Chennai-style biryani and other local delicacies here.
INR400, 1h
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Day 3: Tiruvannamalai Spiritual Visit

Tiruvannamalai, India on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a wholesome South Indian breakfast before departure.
INR150, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Tiruvannamalai

Travel 188 km southwest to the spiritual town known for Arunachaleswarar Temple and sacred Annamalai hill.
Transport cost varies, 4h

12:15pm

Lunch at Sri Ramana Bhavan

Simple vegetarian South Indian meal, close to the temple area.
INR150, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Arunachaleswarar Temple

Dive into one of the largest Shiva temples in India, famed for its grand architecture and spiritual significance.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Evening walk on Annamalai Hill Base

Experience the spiritual ritual of circumambulating the hill at the temple base in the cool evening hours.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Ramana Residency

Enjoy local Tamil vegetarian cuisine in a comfortable setting.
INR300, 1h
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Day 4: Chidambaram Temple Tour

Chidambaram, India on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Tiruvannamalai hotel

Fuel up with a traditional South Indian breakfast for the day ahead.
INR150, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Chidambaram

Travel 70 km east to home of the famous Nataraja Temple, an important Shiva worship site.
Transport cost varies, 2h

10:30am

Tour Nataraja Temple

Explore this magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in his dancing form, featuring exquisite carvings and sacred halls.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Rajeswari Bhavan

Enjoy delicious vegetarian meals near the temple complex, known for quality South Indian dishes.
INR150, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Take a relaxing boat ride in the nearby mangrove forest if time permits, enjoying serene natural beauty (opens 8am-5pm).
INR500, 1h 30m

6:00pm

Drive to Thanjavur

Travel 90 km southwest to Thanjavur, known for its grand Brihadeeswarar Temple.
Transport cost varies, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Gnanam

Savor classic Tamil cuisine to end the day.
INR300, 1h
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Day 5: Thanjavur Heritage

Thanjavur, India on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a nutritious South Indian breakfast at the hotel.
INR150, 45m

8:30am

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, a magnificent 11th-century Chola temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its huge dome and frescoes.
INR100, 2h

11:00am

Explore Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery

Discover royal history and Chola bronzes at this palace complex.
INR50, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Sri Ariya Bhavan

Enjoy authentic vegetarian meals in a family-friendly restaurant.
INR200, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Saraswathi Mahal Library

Browse thousands of ancient manuscripts and rare books in this historic library within the palace grounds.
INR50, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at hotel or local market

Spend downtime exploring local handicrafts or resting at your accommodation.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Gnanam

Feast on traditional Tamil dishes to round off a culturally rich day.
INR300, 1h
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Day 6: Madurai Temple Visit

Madurai, India on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before the travel day.
INR150, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Madurai

Travel 190 km south to Madurai, famous for the Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Transport cost varies, 4h

12:15pm

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

A great spot for vegetarian dishes and refreshing drinks.
INR200, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore this spectacular temple complex devoted to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, featuring impressive gopurams and vibrant sculptures.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum

Learn about the life of Mahatma Gandhi and India’s independence movement.
INR20, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy idli, dosa, and other South Indian dishes in a lively atmosphere.
INR300, 1h
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Day 7: Rameswaram Pilgrimage

Rameswaram, India on May 11, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast for the long drive ahead.
INR150, 45m

7:30am

Drive to Rameswaram

Travel 170 km from Madurai to Rameswaram, a sacred town on Pamban Island.
Transport cost varies, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Sri Murugan

Simple vegetarian food near the temple area.
INR150, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

One of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva, famous for its long corridors and sacred significance.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Tour Dhanushkodi Ruins

Visit the haunting ruins of the town destroyed in the 1964 cyclone, located at the tip of the island.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Relax on Rameswaram Beach

Enjoy an evening walk along the serene beach.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Tamil Nadu

Taste local seafood and vegetarian dishes.
INR400, 1h
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Day 8: Trivandrum Temples

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), India on May 12, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast and depart

Quick breakfast before flying or taking an early train to Trivandrum, Kerala (flight approx. 1.5 hours).
INR4000 approx. for flight, 2h

10:00am

Visit Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore this famous Vishnu temple renowned for its intricate architecture and spiritual importance.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Indian Coffee House

Taste light South Indian meals in a historic café.
INR150, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kuthiramalika Palace Museum

Explore the museum displaying royal artifacts, built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal.
INR50, 1h

4:30pm

Relax at Kovalam Beach

Unwind at the famous beach nearby, known for its scenic coastline and lighthouse.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Zam Zam Restaurant

Enjoy delicious Kerala-style biryani and seafood.
INR400, 1h
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Day 9: Guruvayur Temple Visit

Guruvayur, India on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a filling Kerala breakfast.
INR150, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Guruvayur

Travel approximately 190 km north to Guruvayur, Kerala’s famous Krishna temple town.
Transport cost varies, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Sree Guruvayur Residency

Enjoy classic vegetarian Kerala dishes near the temple.
INR200, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Guruvayur Temple

Experience the spiritual atmosphere of this ancient Krishna temple, revered by devotees.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Mammiyur Temple

Adjacent to Guruvayur, the Mammiyur Shiva temple adds a perfect balance to the spiritual day.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Sree Krishna

Savor authentic Kerala thali in a relaxed setting.
INR300, 1h
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Day 10: Kochi Historical Temples

Kochi (Cochin), India on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Guruvayur hotel

Fuel up with a traditional Kerala breakfast.
INR150, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Kochi

Travel 85 km southwest to Kochi, scenic city known for its cultural blend and temples.
Transport cost varies, 2h

10:30am

Visit Ernakulathappan Temple

Visit this beautiful ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the heart of Kochi city.
Free, 1h

11:45am

Visit Jewish Synagogue and St. Francis Church

Though not temples, these are important religious landmarks showcasing Kochi’s multicultural history.
INR25, 1h 15m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kashi Art Café

Enjoy fresh, organic meals in an artsy café setting.
INR300, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Fort Kochi Beach

Spend your afternoon unwinding on the beach famed for Chinese fishing nets and colonial charm.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Fort House Restaurant

Enjoy Kerala cuisine overlooking the sea as a perfect end to your temple tour.
INR500, 1h
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