A 12-day pilgrimage through the Dravidian heartland of Tamil Nadu
Journey through the heartland of Dravidian culture on this 12-day tour of Tamil Nadu. This is a pilgrimage for lovers of architecture and history. Marvel at the towering gopurams (temple towers) of Madurai's Meenakshi Temple, explore the Great Living Chola Temples (a UNESCO site) in Thanjavur, and experience the unique French colonial atmosphere of Puducherry. The tour ends in Mahabalipuram, known for its ancient shore temples and rock-cut art.
Travelling by private air-conditioned car with a driver, you move from Chennai south through Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Trichy and Madurai, then return by a short flight. English-speaking local guides decode the iconography of each temple, and a cycle-rickshaw ride through Madurai is included. Accommodation mixes 4-star and heritage hotels. South India is best visited from November to February, when the heat eases and the harvest festival of Pongal fills the villages.
The full plan of the tour. Every day can be adapted to your interests – select a day to see the details.
Airport pick-up. Evening walk along Marina Beach and dinner at a classic South Indian restaurant.
Drive down the coast (2 hours). Visit the Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance bas-relief, the Five Rathas and the stone-carvers' workshops.
Drive south (2.5 hours). Afternoon in the French Quarter: Aurobindo Ashram, the promenade and a stop at a French bakery.
Morning at Auroville and the Matrimandir viewing point. Afternoon free for the boutiques and cafés of White Town.
Visit the Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram and the Chola temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, then continue to Kumbakonam.
Morning at the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram. Afternoon at the Brihadeeswara Temple and the Saraswati Mahal Library.
Visit the Rock Fort temple and the sprawling Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, the largest functioning temple complex in India.
Explore the Chettinad mansions of Karaikudi and taste the famous Chettinad cuisine, then drive to Madurai. Evening ceremony at Meenakshi Temple.
Morning at Meenakshi Temple and the Thirumalai Nayak Palace. Cycle-rickshaw ride through the flower and vegetable markets. Evening visit to the Gandhi Memorial Museum.
Morning flight to Chennai (1 hour). Afternoon at the Government Museum and the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore.
Fort St. George, San Thome Basilica and a silk-weaving workshop in Kanchipuram as a day excursion.
Transfer to the airport.
Select any photo to enlarge it.
$1,650 USD per person (based on double occupancy) · 12 Days / 11 Nights
| Travellers | Room | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (solo traveller) | Single | $2,228 |
| 2 – 3 | Double / twin | $1,650 |
| 4 – 5 | Double / twin | $1,568 -5% |
| 6 and more | Double / twin | $1,518 -8% |
Prices apply to the main season. Christmas, New Year and festival dates may carry a supplement. Ask us for an exact quote for your dates.
Yes, with a few exceptions (the inner sanctum of some temples). Dress modestly, remove shoes and follow your guide's advice.
From November to February expect 25 to 30°C by day. Temple visits are scheduled for early mornings and late afternoons.
Email or call us with your dates. We confirm hotel availability within 48 hours and send a written offer. A 20% deposit secures the booking; the balance is due 30 days before arrival. See our Terms of Use and the general FAQ.
Send us your preferred dates and the number of travellers. You will receive a personalised offer within 48 hours – free and without obligation.
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