Arrival at Chennai airport, transfer to hotel, and check-in. Visit Fort St. George & St Mary’s Church, a historical fort and church established in 1640 AD by the British East India Company. The church, dedicated to St. Mary, showcases colonial architecture and artifacts. Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, originally built by the Pallavas in the 7th century and later renovated by the Vijayanagar kings. Its Dravidian-style architecture features intricately carved sculptures. Visit Vadapalani Murugan Temple, a prominent shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, known for its vibrant rituals and festivals. The temple's gopurams (gateway towers) are adorned with colorful depictions of deities. Tour the Government Museum, renowned for its Indo-Sarcenic architecture and impressive collection of Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings, along with other historical artifacts and sculptures.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Vellore, visiting Kanchipuram en route, an ancient city famous for its numerous temples and silk weaving. Key sites include the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple and the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, both known for their historical and architectural significance. Check in at the hotel in Vellore. Visit Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, a magnificent temple gilded with 1500 kg of gold. The temple’s golden dome and intricate designs make it a marvel of modern temple architecture. Explore Vellore Fort, a 16th-century fort with massive walls and a moat, and Jalakandeswarar Temple, situated within the fort. The temple features detailed sculptures and a beautiful architecture reflecting the Vijayanagar period.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Trichy, stopping at Tiruvannamalai to visit Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is known for its towering gopurams and spiritual significance. The temple complex includes sacred tanks and halls with rich carvings. Continue to Trichy, check in at the hotel, and attend the evening Arti ceremony at a local temple, experiencing the vibrant rituals and devotional atmosphere.

Breakfast at the hotel and visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the largest functional temple in the world. The temple complex, covering 156 acres, is known for its 22 gopurams, including the tallest one at 72 meters, and its vast array of sculptures and carvings. Explore Rock Fort Temple, a historic temple perched atop a rock outcrop. The temple offers panoramic views of the city and is known for its ancient rock formations and shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. Visit Jambukeswarar Temple, a significant Shiva temple with five concentric walls and seven gopurams, each adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. Drive to Madurai, check in at the hotel, and visit Meenakshi Temple, a sprawling temple complex with 33 million sculptures and a vibrant atmosphere of daily rituals and market stalls. The temple’s architectural grandeur and colorful sculptures make it a must-see. Tour Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, a majestic 17th-century palace blending Dravidian and Rajput styles, featuring grand courtyards, arches, and intricate stucco work. Visit Alagar Koil, Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, and Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, all known for their religious significance and historical architecture.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Rameshwaram, check in at the hotel. Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, renowned for its longest corridor in any temple and immaculate carvings on its pillars. The temple houses Ramalingam and Shivalingam, with a rich history of construction by various rulers. Explore Lakshmana Tirtham, a temple dedicated to Lord Lakshman, featuring sculptures and memorials commemorating his role in the Ramayana. The temple’s serene environment and artistic carvings reflect its historical importance. Visit Adams Bridge (Rama’s Bridge), a chain of reefs and sandbanks connecting Sri Lanka with India. According to legend, it was used by Hanuman and his monkey army to cross the ocean. The site offers historical and geographical interest.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Thanjavur, with a visit to Chettinad, known for its 19th-century mansions with exquisite architectural details. The region’s homes feature imported materials like marble, chandeliers, and teak, reflecting the wealth and trade history of the Chettiar community. Arrive in Thanjavur and check in at the hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its Chola architecture. The temple’s towering 216-feet structure and elaborate carvings are prime examples of medieval Indian art and architecture. Explore Vijayanagar Fort, a historic fort built by Nayaks and Maratha rulers, showcasing military architecture and historical significance. Visit the Thanjavur Art Gallery, located in the palace, featuring a collection of ancient sculptures and coins. Visit Saraswathi Mahal Library, part of the Thanjavur Palace, preserving over 30,000 manuscripts on palm leaves and paper, offering a glimpse into historical knowledge and literature.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Pondicherry, visiting The Great Living Chola Temples at Darasuram, known for their intricate artwork and high vimana (tower). The temple’s chariot-shaped mandapam and detailed carvings highlight Chola architectural excellence. Visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, built in Tamil style with a square plan and numerous mandapas (pillared halls). The temple’s grandeur reflects the Chola dynasty’s architectural prowess. Explore Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva’s dancing posture. The temple, built during the Chola period, connects art and spirituality through its detailed architecture and vibrant rituals. Arrive in Pondicherry, check in at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and visit Auroville, an international township dedicated to human unity and peace, featuring unique architecture and community projects. Tour Pondicherry Museum, housing artifacts and exhibits related to the region’s history and culture. Drive through the French Quarters of Pondicherry, admiring the French colonial architecture, including the French consulate, Raj Nivas, Government Square, churches, and French schools. Enroute to Chennai, stop at Mahabalipuram to see Monolithic Temples, including the Five Rathas, showcasing early Dravidian architecture. Visit Krishna’s Butterball, a massive boulder perched precariously on an incline. Explore the 7th-century Cave Temples, adorned with panels in Mamalla style, and the Shore Temple, built with granite blocks during the 7th century, featuring two Shiva temples and a Vishnu carving. View Arjuna’s Penance, an enormous rock-cut relief depicting various deities and mythological scenes, one of the largest in the world. Continue to Chennai and drop off at the airport.