Travel to the best and most beautiful beaches and temples of South India with travel packages from Kolkata and elsewhere

Embark on a captivating journey through South India’s rich cultural and historical heritage. This 12-day tour covers the bustling metropolis of Chennai, the ancient temples of Kanchipuram, the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mahabalipuram, the French colonial charm of Pondicherry, the tranquil shores of Tranquebar, the artistic marvels of Thanjavur, and the spiritual vibrancy of Madurai.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai

Fort St. George Museum, Chennai

Land at Chennai International Airport where our representative will warmly welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. Relax and refresh after your journey.

Afternoon:

Start your exploration of Chennai with a visit to Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shoreline and experience local life.

Visit Fort St. George, historical fort built in 1644. This now houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and Secretariat. Explore the Fort Museum showcasing artifacts from the British colonial period.

Evening:

Go and visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a stunning Dravidian temple from the 7th-century dedicated to Lord Shiva. Experience the evening aarti (prayer ceremony) for a spiritual ambiance. Enjoy authentic South Indian cuisine at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Chennai

Day 2: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram

Morning:

Shrine vimanas of Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram

Have and early breakfast and check out from the hotel. Leave for Kanchipuram. This is a two-hour drive from Chennai. Once in Kanchipuram, go around and visit the temples.

Kanchipuram is home to numerous ancient temples, some of which date back to the Pallava and Chola dynasties. Prominent temples include Ekambareswarar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple and Kailasanathar Temple.

Ekambareswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has massive gopuram and thousand-pillar hall. Kamakshi Amman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and it showcases exquisite architecture and spiritual significance. Kailasanathar Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kanchipuram. This was built by the Pallava king Rajasimha in the 8th century. It is famous for its Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings.

Later, go and visit Silk Weaving Center. Kanchipuram is famous for its exquisite handwoven silk sarees. These sarees are known for their rich colors, heavy silk fabric, and intricate zari work. They are a symbol of elegance and are often worn during weddings and special occasions.

Afternoon:

Relish local Tamil Nadu dishes at a local restaurant. Afterwards, depart for Mahabalipuram, which is around 1.5 hours drive from Kanchipuram.  Check into a hotel on arrival after reaching Mahabalipuram.

Evening:

Relax and spend the evening by the beach or by taking a stroll in the local markets. Enjoy seafood specialties at a beachfront restaurant.

Overnight: Mahabalipuram

Day 3: Mahabalipuram

Morning:

Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram

Get up in the morning and after freshening up walk up to explore Shore Temple, which is an iconic 8th-century temple. Enjoy its beautiful views in the early morning. This is one of the most important landmarks of Pallava dynasty monuments.

Return to the hotel and enjoy your breakfast. Get ready and go on to explore the other attractions of Mahabalipuram. Start with Pancha Rathas. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five monolithic temple structures, each carved from a single stone.

Also enjoy Arjuna’s Penance, which is a massive open-air rock relief.  Intricate carvings depict the story of the descent of the Ganges and Arjuna’s penance. Go and visit Krishna’s Butterball. Marvel at this giant balancing rock, a natural wonder defying gravity.

Afternoon:

Enjoy a meal with local flavors. After lunch, go on to explore the cave temples. Mahabalipuram is home to several cave temples with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Mahishasuramardini Cave features beautiful carvings of Durga slaying the demon Mahishasura.

Evening:

Spend your time on the beach. Have a relaxing walk. Enjoy a nice meal at a local restaurant. You can buy some souvenirs from local markets if you want.

Overnight: Mahabalipuram

Day 4: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry

Notre Dame des Anges Church, Pondicherry

Get up in the morning. If you want to see the sunrise in the sea, you can head to the beach. Enjoy the serene ambiance. Return to the hotel. Have a nice breakfast afterwards.

Depart for Pondicherry. This is around two hours drive from Mahabalipuram.

Check into a hotel on arrival in Pondicherry. Afterwards, go on to explore White Town Heritage Walk. Visit  French War Memorial, Raj Nivas (Governor’s House), Notre Dame des Anges Church, and Sri Aurobindo Ashram. 

Enjoy a French cuisine in lunch at a local restaurant. Towards afternoon, go on to explore boutiques and shops in White Town for local crafts, souvenirs, and handmade products.

Late in the afternoon, stroll along the scenic Promenade Beach, enjoying the colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

Dinner: Dine at a French-Indian fusion restaurant to experience Pondicherry’s unique culinary scene.

Overnight: Pondicherry

Day 5: Pondicherry Cultural Tour

Morning:

People at Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Pondicherry

Start the day after breakfast by visiting temples famous in Pondicherry. Visit Manakula Vinayagar Temple, a Ganesha Temple. Explore Vedapureeswarar Temple, which is a historic Shiva temple.

Afternoon:

Have your Lunch at a traditional Tamil cuisine. Afterwards, go on to visit Pondicherry Museum and learn about the rich history of the region. You can take a stroll in the central green space of Bharathi Park. Explore Botanical Garden, famous for its exotic plants and trees.

Evening:

Enjoy a boat ride at Chunnambar Backwaters and watch the sunset. Return to the main town and head to a beachside café to enjoy your dinner.

Overnight: Pondicherry

Day 6: Pondicherry: Explore Auroville and Beaches

Morning:

Take your breakfast and head to Auroville, a unique international community. Check out the Matrimandir (outside only, unless you have a prior booking for meditation). Explore Auroville’s various boutiques, eateries, and the Visitors’ Centre. Enjoy your lunch at one of the popular cafes in Auroville.

Afternoon:

Serenity Beach, Pondicherry

Head to Auro Beach and relax and unwind at the Beach. Afterwards, head to Serenity Beach and spend some quality time. The beach is famous for its calm vibe.

Evening:

Return to Pondicherry and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Pondicherry

Day 7: Pondicherry to Tranquebar

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, check out. Head to Tranquebar, which is around 3 hours drive from Pondicherry. Check into a heritage hotel on arrival in Tranquebar. Tranquebar is also referred to as Tharangambadi, and is a serene coastal town in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. The place has a unique blend of Danish colonial history, beautiful beaches, and cultural heritage.

• Afternoon:

Fort Dansborg, Tranquebar

Explore the Danish Fort (Fort Dansborg). This was built in 1620, and is the second-largest Danish fort in the world. It stands on the edge of the Bay of Bengal, and offers picturesque views of the sea.

Later, visit the New Jerusalem Church, which was built in 1718. The church represents the religious diversity and history of Tranquebar. It is an important part of the town’s rich cultural tapestry. Afterwards, visit Masilamani Nathar Temple, an ancient temple dating back to 1306. The temple showcases a mix of Dravidian and Chinese architecture. It is partially in ruins due to sea erosion but remains a significant spiritual site.

Walk along the Tranquebar beach. This is a quiet and peaceful beach where you can enjoy the gentle waves and breathtaking sunsets. The beach is relatively unexplored, offering a tranquil experience away from the crowds.

Evening:

Free time to relax in the serene environment. Head to  Town Gate (Landporten), the Danish-built town gate is one of the oldest structures in Tranquebar and a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

Savor the unique blend of Tamil and Danish-influenced dishes in dinner at a local eatery.

Overnight: Tranquebar

Day 8: Tranquebar to Thanjavur

Morning:

Check out from the hotel after getting up leisurely in the morning. Drive to Thanjavur, a drive of 2 hours. Check into a hotel on arrival in Thanjavur.

• Afternoon:

Brihadeswara Temple

Straight away after checking in at the hotel, head to Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a stunning example of Chola architecture. Spend time exploring the temple complex, admiring the intricate carvings and the massive Nandi statue.

Have lunch at a local restaurant. Try some traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine.

Afterwards, go on to explore the Thanjavur Maratha Palace. This houses the Royal Palace Museum, Saraswathi Mahal Library, and the Art Gallery. Explore the ancient manuscripts, paintings, and royal artifacts.

Evening:

Head to the Sangeetha Mahal within the palace complex, where you can learn about the cultural history of the region.

Return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.

Overnight: Thanjavur

Day 9: Thanjavur to Chettinad

Morning:

Get up leisurely in the morning and enjoy your breakfast. Check out from the hotel. Go on to explore the local art and handicrafts in Thanjavur, including the famous Thanjavur paintings.

Afterwards, head to Chettinad, a drive of slightly less than hours. Check in to the heritage hotel in Chettinad.

Interiors of Athangudi Palace, Chettiand

Visit some of the famous Chettinad mansions like the Kandappa Chettiar Mansion, Athangudi Palace, and Chettinad Palace. Explore their unique architectural styles, grand courtyards, and intricate woodwork.

Afternoon:

Enjoy an authentic Chettinad lunch known for its rich flavors and variety.

Visit the town of Karaikudi, the heart of Chettinad. Explore its streets lined with heritage homes, antique shops, and local markets. Explore the grand Chettinad Palace, famous for its architectural beauty and historical significance.

Evening:

Visit a nearby temple like the Karpaga Vinayagar Temple or Pillayarpatti Temple.

Return to the hotel for a relaxed dinner, with another chance to savor the local cuisine.

Overnight: Chettinad

Day 10: Chettinad 

Morning:

After breakfast, head to Athangudi village to see the traditional tile-making process. These tiles are famous for their intricate designs and vibrant colors. Make a visit to a local handloom weaving center to see the production of Chettinad cotton sarees.

Afternoon:

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or back at your hotel.

Participate in or watch a traditional Chettinad cooking demonstration, learning about the spices and techniques that make the cuisine unique.

Explore the village of Kanadukathan, another area known for its palatial homes and heritage buildings.

Evening:

Explore a local market for some authentic Chettinad spices and handicrafts.

Indulge in a peaceful dinner back at your hotel, perhaps on an open terrace under the stars.

Overnight: Chettinad

Day 11: Chettinad – Madurai

Morning:

Have breakfast in the morning and check out from the heritage hotel. Head to Madurai, a drive of around 2 hours from Chettinad. Check into a hotel on arrival in Madurai.

Start tour of Madurai with a visit to Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the most famous temples in India. Spend a good amount of time exploring the intricate architecture, sculptures, and the temple’s vibrant atmosphere.

Enjoy a traditional South Indian lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon:

Explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, a magnificent palace with Dravidian and Islamic architecture. This is a 17th-century palace famous for its grand pillars, and stucco work on domes.

Afterwards, head to the Gandhi Memorial Museum to learn about the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, as well as India’s struggle for independence.

Evening:

Keep evening free to explore the local markets or relax at the hotel.

Overnight: Madurai

Day 12: Madurai – Bangalore – onward flight

Morning:

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Madurai Airport for your flight to Bangalore.

Afternoon:

Check into a hotel on arrival in Bangalore. You have the option to relax and rewind from the tour. You can also choose to visit some places in Bangalore. You can visit places like Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore Palace, and Vidhana Soudha.

Evening:

Enjoy dinner in the hotel itself, or at a nice city restaurant. You can check out from the hotel as per your flight timings. Your flight maybe scheduled for late evening, or very early morning  the next day.

Overnight: Bangalore

Ready to explore the best beaches and temples of South India and Its Various Variations with Excursion2India? Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable adventure! Treat yourself to customized tour packages from Kolkata with Excursion2India!