9 Nights / 10 Days
Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Auroville – Thanjavur – Tiruchirappalli – Madurai
Southern India is a region where every town, temple, and beach has a story to tell. This thoughtfully planned trip brings together the best of Tamil Nadu's cultural, spiritual, and coastal experiences. The tour begins in Chennai, a vibrant city that blends tradition and modernity. From there, you travel along the beautiful Coromandel Coast to Mahabalipuram, known for its ancient rock-cut temples and serene shoreline. The journey continues to the charming French-influenced town of Pondicherry, where colonial architecture and ashram life peacefully coexist. A one-day trip to Auroville introduces you to an international spiritual community built on the ideals of unity and sustainability.
As you move inland, the grandeur of Chola art and temple architecture comes alive in Thanjavur, followed by visits to the sacred sites of Trichy and the ancient spiritual city of Madurai. This trip is not about rushing through a checklist, but about embracing the atmosphere of each location - whether it's the scent of jasmine flowers in the temple streets of Madurai, the tranquility of the paths of Auroville, or the sacred chants reverberating through the temple corridors of Thanjavur. With luxurious accommodations, knowledgeable guides, and seamless travel, this experience is ideal for travelers who want deep cultural immersion combined with comfort.
Upon your arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is for your leisure. You can choose to relax at the hotel or take a light walk at the Marina Beach promenade. Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is one of the oldest cities in India with deep colonial roots and strong South Indian traditions. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Today you will explore the cultural heritage of Chennai. Your sightseeing tour begins with a visit to Fort St George, a 17th-century British stronghold, followed by the historic St. Mary's Church. Continue to the San Thome Basilica, believed to be the resting place of St. Thomas the Apostle. The Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore offers an insight into Dravidian architecture and local devotion. Alternatively, you can visit Kalakshetra or the Government Museum to understand the artistic heritage of the region. In the evening return to the hotel for a cozy dinner. Overnight stay in Chennai.
After breakfast, depart for Pondicherry via the coastal heritage town of Mahabalipuram. Visit the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple, which faces the Bay of Bengal, as well as Arjuna's Penance, a huge rock relief. Explore the five Rathas - monolithic structures carved out of rock in the form of chariots. After enjoying the ancient charm of Mahabalipuram, continue your drive to Pondicherry. Check-in to a charming heritage hotel in the French Quarter. In the evening, you can take a stroll along the seaside promenade. Overnight stay will be in Pondicherry.
Today you explore the unique Indo-French identity of Pondicherry. Start with a visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, followed by the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and stroll through the peaceful tree-lined avenues of White Town. Pastel coloured colonial buildings, French bakeries and boutique cafes add to the serene beauty of the city. You can also enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the historic lanes. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the local craft shops and art galleries. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
After breakfast, visit the nearby city of Auroville, which is envisioned as a universal city focused on human unity. Its main attraction is the Matrimandir, a golden meditation dome in the centre of the city. Learn about Auroville's history, vision and its global community. Return to Pondicherry by afternoon. The rest of the day is leisure time - you can visit the Pondicherry Museum or relax in one of the beachside cafes. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Leave the coast behind and visit the temple region of Tamil Nadu. Drive to Thanjavur, once the capital of the Chola dynasty and a major centre of South Indian art and architecture. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the majestic Brihadeeshwara Temple, built in the 11th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Thanjavur Palace complex and its ancient library containing rare manuscripts. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.
Today you will get a deep glimpse into the artistic traditions of Thanjavur. Visit local bronze casting workshops where artisans continue to hone age-old Chola techniques. Learn about Thanjavur painting styles and see the details involved in creating these iconic artworks. You can also visit a classical music school or temple musicians if available. In the evening, enjoy optional live classical dance or music performances organised on request. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.
After breakfast, drive towards Madurai, stopping at Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) on the way. Climb the Rock Fort Temple for panoramic views of the city and then visit the magnificent Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam – a sacred Vishnu temple complex spread over 150 acres. Continue your journey to Madurai and check in to your hotel. Spend your evening relaxing or wandering around the colourful local markets. Overnight in Madurai.
Your day in Madurai begins with a guided visit to the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, known for its huge gopuram and vibrant sculptures. Explore the temple complex and understand its architectural and spiritual significance. Next, visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles. Later, stop at the Gandhi Memorial Museum that traces India’s freedom struggle. In the evening, you can return to the temple to witness the nightly 'sleeping ceremony' - an age-old ritual where the deity is ceremoniously laid to rest. Overnight in Madurai.
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel before checking out. You will be transferred to Madurai Airport for your onward journey. As you depart, you take with you the cultural richness, spiritual depth and diverse beauty of Southern India - a journey that lingers long after it ends.
After choosing your preferred itinerary, all you have to do to reserve your spot is send a deposit of 10% plus the cost of each booking for the train and airfare. Do your final payment when you arrive for the tour.
Note: All airline booking and cancellation restrictions apply and full payment must be made at the time of booking for both domestic and international train tickets.
Note: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers interruptions brought on by COVID-19.
If you need to cancel the tour, you have up to 45 days before it starts. In that instance, your whole land deposit will be returned, along with any advance payments you made, within 14 business days.
Note: Domestic and international rail and plane tickets are not subject to cancellation and rebooking policies; only the land leg of the route is.
Note: Full payment must be made at the time of booking for both domestic and international tickets. The specific airline and rail operator's cancellation, rebooking, and booking policies must also be followed.
Should travel restrictions imposed by the government necessitate the cancellation of your trip, your deposit and any advance payments will be completely reimbursed towards a complimentary future tour with us.
45 days before the tour's start date:
If you have to cancel a trip after it has begun for whatever reason, we are not obligated to reimburse you for any unused services. Golden Triangle Tours In India will try our best to get back as much of your money as possible on your behalf or arrange a credit for future use.
You shall be responsible for and obligated to pay for any expenses incurred by cancellation or modification made between thirty days before the start date of the tour and the end date of the tour within twenty-four hours of the modification.
If the tour needs to be rescheduled or postponed for any reason other than illness or COVID-19, we are not obligated to pay you for any unused services. Golden Triangle Tours In India would try our best to get back as much of your money as possible on your behalf or arrange a credit for future use. You are accountable for any related expenses, which need to be covered within a day.
Until we receive formal confirmation of the cancellation, refunds or cancellations won't be effective.
Visit to view the comprehensive refund and cancellation policy.
Either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the travel date, customers must provide valid passport details. The reservation may be canceled if this isn't done. Customers will be in charge of any associated costs and fees in this case.
Please provide information from a valid passport. Customers must supply valid passport information at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. If this isn't done, the reservation can be canceled. In this instance, customers will be responsible for any related expenses and fees.
All tourists entering India excluding natives of Nepal and Bhutan require a valid visa. The six-month validity of a tourist visa cannot be extended. Certain nationals can obtain a visa upon arrival, while others must apply online in advance. Except in certain cases, leaving on a tourist visa prevents you from returning within two months. Entrepreneurs and scholars are eligible for five-year visas. Some sites are off-limits to foreigners, and others require specific licenses.
To get a visa apply online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Travel insurance for overseas travel is meant to accompany you and assist you in making more informed travel choices. All travellers must obtain travel insurance, which must be purchased from their home country with a sum insured of at least USD 100,000. Insurance should be obtained before departure. Personal accidents, death, medical costs and emergency repatriation must all be covered by your insurance. It is highly recommended that you obtain coverage for personal responsibility, loss of luggage, cancellation and curtailment.
You are responsible for all of your belongings during the tour. On domestic carriers, the standard weight limit for checked baggage is 15 kg, and the weight limit for carry-on luggage is 7 kg.
Unfortunately, because our automobiles are not wheelchair accessible, those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility cannot join us on trips anymore.
Be aware that some level of general fitness will be needed for this. If you have any concerns, please see your healthcare provider before making any purchases or scheduling a vacation.
Please note that if admission to a location is impacted by changes to working hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary may be adjusted, subject to availability, or a comparable activity may be provided in its place.
This includes any requested changes you make to your reservation, such as reissuing an airline ticket or the Purchase Confirmation, among other things.
Changes: $100.00 per reservation plus any additional costs imposed by the travel agency, airline, cruise company or hotel.
In the event that Golden Triangle India Tours receives notification of an inaccurate name, there will be a $100.00 booking fee in addition to any additional fees levied by the airline, cruise line, lodging provider or other travel suppliers.
Book now with a 10% payment and pay the remaining upon arrival.