Mahabalipuram • Pondicherry • Tanjore • Kodaikanal • Madurai
Tamil Nadu, once known as the Coromandel Coast, is home to a language over 2,000 years old, poetry dating back to before the birth of Christ, and some of the most remarkable temple architecture in India – a truly living tradition of music and dance. This journey travels from the shore temples of Mahabalipuram to the French quarters of Pondicherry, the great Chola capital of Tanjore, the cool hill station of Kodaikanal, and the vibrant temple city of Madurai.
Explore the historic rock temples of Mahabalipuram, made famous by the Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman I “Mamalla”
Discover Pondicherry, a planned French township with the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, memorial museums and colonial-era churches
Visit the Brihadisvara Temple in Tanjore, a UNESCO World Heritage Monument and capital of the great Chola Empire
Unwind in the cool hill station of Kodaikanal for three nights, with its scenic lake and wooded slopes
Optional excursion to the Bear Shola Falls, an idyllic picnic spot in Kodaikanal
Visit the magnificent Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, an outstanding example of Vijayanagar temple architecture
Follow the journey day by day and discover what each destination has to offer.
Arrive into Chennai and proceed to Mahabalipuram, where you stay for two nights. The rest of the day is at leisure.
This historic coastal temple town takes its name from “Mamalla” (great wrestler), the title given to Narasimhavarman I Pallavamalla, the Pallava ruler who made the port famous in the 7th century and was largely responsible for its temples. The day is at leisure, and you may choose to visit the rock temples.
Today, drive to Pondicherry, where you will stay for one night. Pondicherry is a planned city unlike most other places in India – the French township sits on the sea-facing side, with the Indian town on the other. In the afternoon, visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where Sri Aurobindo and the Mother lived. Other interesting sites include the Bharati and Bharathidasan Memorial Museums and the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Today you will drive to Tanjore, capital of the great Chola Empire, where you will be booked for one night. In the afternoon, visit the Brihadisvara Temple, one of the World Heritage monuments. Attractive gardens, clean surroundings and well-lit sanctuaries make the visit doubly rewarding.
This morning, drive to Kodaikanal, where you will stay for three nights.
The day is at leisure. You may choose to visit Kodaikanal Lake, spread over an area of 60 acres and surrounded by wooded slopes. The attractive walk around the lake takes between one and one and a half hours. Boating and fishing are also available.
The day is free. You may take an optional tour to the Bear Shola Falls, named for once attracting bears – an ideal spot for a picnic.
Today, drive to Madurai, where you will stay for one night. In the afternoon, visit the Meenakshi Temple, an outstanding example of Vijayanagar temple architecture.
This morning, you depart Madurai for your onward journey.
Rock Temples, Dakshinachitra Museum (Optional)
Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Bharati & Bharathidasan Memorial Museums, Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Brihadisvara Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Kodaikanal Lake (Boating & Fishing), Bear Shola Falls (Optional)
Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Evening Puja (Optional)
| City | Nights | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahabalipuram | 2 | Ideal Resort | MGM Resort | Fishermen's Cove |
| Pondicherry | 1 | Annamalai International | Ananda Inn | Similar category hotel |
| Tanjore | 1 | Ideal River View | Ideal River View | Sangam |
| Kodaikanal | 3 | Kodai International | Kodai Inn | The Carlton |
| Madurai | 1 | Sangam | Madura Park Inn | Taj Garden Retreat |
Special note: For Category 3 bookings, dinner is also included at The Carlton in Kodaikanal, in addition to breakfast.
Accommodation on twin-sharing basis at the hotels mentioned
Buffet breakfast as per the itinerary, except for Category 3 where dinner is also included at The Carlton, Kodaikanal
All arrival and departure transfers, sightseeing and round trip by air-conditioned car
All applicable taxes
Any meals other than those mentioned in the inclusions
Any airfare or train fare
Porterage at airports and hotels, tips, insurance, wine, mineral water, telephone charges, guide charges, entrance fees, and all items of a personal nature
Any services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
Any increase in exchange rates, taxes, or fuel costs leading to an increase in surface transportation and land arrangements
All optional tours below are by air-conditioned car, unless noted per person.
| Optional Tour |
| Mahabalipuram – Rock Temples |
| Pondicherry – Bharathidasan Memorial Museum / Church of the Sacred Heart |
| Tanjore – Visit Temples In and Around the City |
| Kodaikanal – Kodaikanal Lake (Boating & Fishing) |
| Kodaikanal – Bear Shola Falls |
| Madurai – Evening Puja at Meenakshi Temple |
Distances & Drive Times
| Route | Distance (km) | Approx. Drive Time |
| Chennai – Mahabalipuram | 58 | 1.5 hrs |
| Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry | 104 | 2.5 hrs |
| Pondicherry – Tanjore | 177 | 4 hrs |
| Tanjore – Kodaikanal | 280 | 7 hrs |
| Kodaikanal – Madurai | 120 | 3 hrs |
Meals Included
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