From Chennai 7 days Private Tamilnadu Chola Temple Tour
ID: GYG741847-1202247
Category:
Country: India
Duration:
7 days
Description
Explore Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Thanjavur, Chettinad, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, and Tiruvannamalai on a 7-day Tamil Nadu journey of temples, heritage, and culture.
Day 1: Arrival in Chennai – Heritage & City Tour
Upon arrival in Chennai, meet your guide and begin exploring the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. Visit the ancient Kapaleeshwarar Temple, known for its Dravidian architecture. Continue to the Government Museum Chennai, followed by Fort St. George and San Thome Basilica. End the day with a walk along Marina Beach.
Overnight: Chennai
Day 2: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram
Drive to Kanchipuram, one of India’s sacred temple cities. Visit Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, and Varadharaja Perumal Temple. Continue to Mahabalipuram and explore UNESCO sites including Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and Arjuna's Penance.
Overnight: Mahabalipuram
Day 3: Mahabalipuram – Auroville – Pondicherry
Drive along East Coast Road to Puducherry. En route visit Auroville and view Matrimandir from the visitor area. Explore French Quarter, Promenade Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Manakula vinayagar temple and colonial heritage streets.
Overnight: Pondicherry
Day 4: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Thanjavur
Drive to Chidambaram and Visit Nataraja Temple. Continue to Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara Temple. Arrive in Thanjavur and visit the grand Brihadeeswarar Temple.
Overnight: Thanjavur
Day 5: Thanjavur – Chettinad – Madurai
Drive to the culturally rich Chettinad region and Explore Kanadukathan village, famous for its palatial mansions and heritage architecture. Visit local artisan workshops, traditional tile factories, antique markets, and historic Chettinad homes showcasing the region’s unique lifestyle. Continue to Madurai and visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, and Gandhi Memorial Museum.
Overnight: Madurai
Day 6: Madurai – Tiruchirappalli – Tiruvannamalai
Drive to Tiruchirappalli and explore Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and Jambukeswarar Temple. Continue to Tiruvannamalai and visit Arunachaleswarar Temple. Optional trek to Skandashramam via Sri Ramanasramam.
Overnight: Tiruvannamalai
Day 7: Tiruvannamalai – Chennai Departure
Drive back to Chennai for departure. Transfer to airport/railway station for onward journey.
Important Notes
Modest dress is mandatory for all temple visits; shoulders and knees must be covered.
Electronic items are strictly prohibited inside Meenakshi Amman Temple; cloakroom available nearby.
On Full Moon (Pournami) days, entry to Arunachaleswarar Temple is not guaranteed due to heavy crowds and crowd-control measures.
Highlights
- Walk through 1,000 years of Chola architectural brilliance
- Experience Tamil Nadu’s most sacred temples and rituals
- Discover French charm, Auroville, and coastal heritage towns
- Explore grand Chettinad palaces and living cultural traditions
- Trek the holy Arunachala Hill linked to Sri Ramana Maharshi
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Pick-up and Drop-off: Pick-up and drop-off services are available from designated locations. Ensure to confirm your pick-up point when booking.
Language: This tour is conducted in English. If you require a guide who speaks another language, please notify us in advance to check availability.
Local Currency: Ensure to carry some local currency for personal expenses, as not all locations may accept credit or debit cards.
INCLUDED
- Private air-conditioned car with a professional, experienced driver for the entire tour.
- Professional English-Speaking Guide: Benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our professional, English-speaking guides.
- Entry Fees: All entry fees to the attractions mentioned in the itinerary are included.
- Bottled Water: 2 Complimentary bottled water will be provided during the tour.
- 24/7 Customer Service: Access our dedicated customer service team at any time, day or night.
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal Expenses - Any personal expenses, including but not limited to personal shopping, leisure activities, and non-business-related travel, will not be covered or reimbursed.
- Tips and Gratuities - Tips and gratuities given for services, unless specifically included in a pre-approved expense policy, will not be covered or reimbursed.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
