Day-1: Arrival in Chennai
Arrive at Chennai International Airport where our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After some rest, begin your journey with a visit to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a Dravidian marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva. Drive along Marina Beach, one of the longest city beaches in the world. If time permits, visit Parthasarathy Temple, one of the oldest Vishnu temples in the city. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Day-2: Chennai – Tirupati (Approx. 150 km / 4 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to the holy town of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. On arrival, check into your hotel. Visit the sacred Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple, located atop the Tirumala hills. This temple is one of the most visited religious shrines globally. You’ll be guided through the darshan process. If time permits, visit Padmavathi Ammavari Temple in Tiruchanur. Overnight stay in Tirupati.
Day-3: Tirupati – Vellore – Kanchipuram (Approx. 170 km / 5 hrs)
Depart Tirupati and stop en route in Vellore to visit the magnificent Golden Temple of Sripuram, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Admire the intricate gold-plated architecture and serene setting. Continue onward to Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred Hindu cities. Visit the Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Kanchipuram is also famous for silk sarees, so you can visit a traditional weaving center. Overnight in Kanchipuram.
Day-4: Kanchipuram – Tiruvannamalai (Approx. 120 km / 3 hrs)
After breakfast, head to the spiritual town of Tiruvannamalai, located at the base of sacred Arunachala Hill. Visit the grand Annamalaiyar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Agni (fire). Optional: Participate in Girivalam, a sacred walk around Arunachala Hill (14 km), usually performed on full moon nights. Visit Ramana Maharshi Ashram, a peaceful spiritual retreat. Overnight stay in Tiruvannamalai.
Day-5: Tiruvannamalai – Chidambaram (Approx. 150 km / 4 hrs)
Proceed to Chidambaram, an ancient town famed for the Nataraja Temple, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in his cosmic dance form. This temple is a spiritual and architectural wonder, built on the concept of the cosmic space. Attend the evening aarti or observe the Chidambara Rahasya, the mystical secret of the temple. Overnight stay in Chidambaram.
Day-6: Chidambaram – Thanjavur (Approx. 120 km / 3 hrs)
After breakfast, head toward Thanjavur, the former capital of the Chola dynasty. Visit the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple, built in the 11th century and considered an engineering marvel. Explore the Thanjavur Palace, which houses an art gallery with a rich collection of Chola bronzes and murals. Evening at leisure to enjoy cultural music or local cuisine. Overnight in Thanjavur.
Day-7: Thanjavur – Trichy (Approx. 60 km / 1.5 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli). Visit Srirangam’s Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India, located on an island in the Cauvery River. Climb the Rockfort Temple, a massive outcrop with temples at the summit offering panoramic views of the city. Visit Jambukeswarar Temple, dedicated to Shiva as the element of water. Overnight stay in Trichy.
Day-8: Trichy – Rameswaram (Approx. 230 km / 5.5 hrs)
Depart for Rameswaram, one of the holiest towns in India and part of the Char Dham pilgrimage. Check in to your hotel and then visit the grand Ramanathaswamy Temple, famous for its 1,200-meter-long corridor, the longest in any Indian temple. Perform ritual bathing at the temple’s 22 holy wells (optional). Visit Agni Theertham, Dhanushkodi ruins, and Rama Setu viewpoint. Overnight stay in Rameswaram.
Day-9: Rameswaram – Madurai (Approx. 170 km / 4 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to the vibrant city of Madurai, considered the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. Check into your hotel. In the evening, witness the night ceremony (Palliarai) at the Meenakshi Amman Temple, where the deities are ceremonially put to rest. This spiritual event is accompanied by music, chants, and temple drums. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Day-10: Madurai – Departure
Start your day with a guided visit to the Meenakshi Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum, and local flower and textile markets. Afterward, transfer to Madurai Airport or railway station for your onward journey, concluding your spiritual South Indian temple trail.
Note: Please note – The above itinerary is a suggested one. We can do customization in the Spiritual South India & Temple Trail package to make an itinerary as per your comfort, special interest, and requirement. This can include adding temple festivals, modifying routes, including yoga stays, or upgrading to luxury spiritual experiences.