South India's Temple Trail: Chennai, Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram — 4 Days

Dravidian temple architecture across three sites, from coastal Chennai to UNESCO-listed stone carvings

This four-day itinerary follows the principal temple sites of Tamil Nadu's coast and interior plateau. Beginning in Chennai, the route moves south to Kanchipuram, historically a centre of Shaivite worship and silk production, then to Mahabalipuram, where seventh-century rock-cut monuments carved from granite ridges remain among South India's most recognizable religious sculptures. The trip traces Dravidian architectural forms across three distinct settings: urban temple complexes, a pilgrimage city's interconnected sanctuaries, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site where monolithic and cave temples occupy a compact headland. Transportation between sites is by private vehicle; site visits are guided and structured around the principal monuments and their sculptural detail.

Highlights

Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Chennai — a seventeenth-century gopuram rising above residential streets
Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram — early eighth-century granite construction with intact carved facades
Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram — one of Kanchipuram's largest complexes, dedicated to Shiva
Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram — a seventh-century coastal monument with three stone towers
Arjuna's Penance in Mahabalipuram — a monumental open-air rock relief depicting Shiva mythology
Five Rathas at Mahabalipuram — five free-standing shrine structures carved from single granite boulders
Marina Beach in Chennai — a three-mile promenade along the Bay of Bengal

Day by day

1Arrival in Chennai & Temple District TourChennai Airport or Railway Station · Kapaleeshwarar Temple · San Thome Basilica · Marina Beach

Guests arrive at Chennai Airport or Railway Station and are transferred to their hotel. A half-day city tour follows, covering three primary sites: Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a seventeenth-century Shiva shrine in the Mylapore district with a prominent gopuram; San Thome Basilica, a nineteenth-century colonial-era church; and Marina Beach, a long waterfront promenade. Overnight accommodation in Chennai.

2Kanchipuram Temples & Mahabalipuram ArrivalKanchipuram · Mahabalipuram · Kailasanathar Temple · Ekambareswarar Temple · Varadharaja Perumal Temple

After breakfast, travel to Kanchipuram, the City of Thousand Temples. Visit Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and Varadharaja Perumal Temple. Afternoon drive to coastal Mahabalipuram. Check-in and overnight stay.

3Mahabalipuram's UNESCO Monuments & BeachShore Temple · Arjuna's Penance · Five Rathas · Krishna's Butterball · Mahabalipuram Beach

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site's seventh-century rock-cut temples: Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance, Five Rathas, and Krishna's Butterball. Spend the evening at Mahabalipuram Beach. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

4Return to Chennai & Departurelocal markets · Chennai Airport or Railway Station

After breakfast and hotel checkout, the route returns north to Chennai by private vehicle, a distance of approximately sixty kilometres. Depending on departure time, there is opportunity to visit local markets or rest at the hotel before transfer to Chennai Airport or Railway Station for onward travel.

Included

Mineral Water Bottles
Lunch at 5 Star Hotel.
Preferred Accommodations as Per Package.
Air Condition Vehicle for All Airport Transfers, Tours and Intercity Travel as Per Itinerary.
Private English-Speaking Guide,Approved by Ministry of Tourism (Other language guides also available upon request).
Daily Breakfast at hotel.
Toll Taxes, Parking, Driver Allowance, Fuel and all applicable taxes.
Assistance by a dedicated tour manager and associates throughout the tour.