Itinerary

Day 1, Mamallapuram

At Mamallapuram, barely an hour’s drive from Chennai, the 7th-century complex of monolithic rock-cut shrines and legendary Shore Temple are now a World Heritage Site. The stunning archaeological remains co-exist with a long white-sand beach, making Mamallapuram a favourite destination for travellers.

Stay at Sea Breeze Hotel

Day 2, Mamallapuram to Pondicherry

The coastal road from Mamallapuram leads to the former French colony of Pondicherry (2 hrs), a small town of multi-coloured villas, quiet, tree shaded lanes and a long boulevard along the sea. There are some delightful small heritage hotels reflecting the French influence.

Stay at Coloniale Heritage

Day 3, Pondicherry to Tranquebar

Further south from Pondicherry is Tranquebar (3 hrs), once a fort established by the Danish for exports of spices, silks and other textiles. Rest of your day is at leisure to relax on the beach. Overnight at the Bungalow on the Beach, the 19th-Century Collector’s Residence, now converted into a heritage hotel: a perfect place to chill and relax.

Stay at the Bungalow on the Beach

Day 4, Tranquebar to Thanjavur

From Tranquebar an inland road puts you back on the temple trail, leading to Chidambaram, Kumbakonam and Darasuram. The best bronzes and paintings can be found in Thanjavur (2 ½ hrs), a city which boasts of almost a hundred temples including the monumental Brihadeshwara Temple, built entirely from granite.

Stay at Ideal River View Resort for two nights

Day 5, Thanjavur

Your sightseeing tour will start with a visit to the extraordinary 10th century Brihadeshwara Temple, now a World Heritage monument. You will also visit the Palace, Tamil University Museum, Art Gallery and Saraswati Mahal Library which houses palm leaf & paper manuscripts. In the afternoon you make an excursion to Trichy where you visit the Rock Fort and the superb Srirangam Temple complex, probably the largest in India.

Day 6, Thanjavur to Karaikudi

Moving southwards from Thanjavur you reach Karaikudi, the bastion of Chettinads and home to some of the most exquisite heritage homes which provide genuine home-cooked Chettinad Food. Stay at The Bangala, an elegant boutique Heritage hotel, located on the outskirts of Karaikudi in a property that was built up over the last 75 years.

Stay at The Bangala

Day 7, Karaikudi to Madurai

From Karaikudi, Madurai is just a short drive (2 hrs). Here you find the magnificent Meenakshi Temple complex whose soaring temple towers are covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals and monsters, painted in vivid colours.

Stay at Royal Court

Day 8, Onwards from Madurai

Enjoy sightseeing of Madurai, the Meenakshi temple in the heart of the old town and the Tirumalai Nayak Palace where dance concerts are performed daily.

Your tour ends after the Madurai sightseeing tour. We can arrange a transfer for you to Madurai airport to board the flight to Chennai for your onward travel. Alternatively you can continue to Bangalore to explore Karnataka or Kochi to explore Kerala.