Arrival in Chennai, capital of Tamil Nadu.

• After settling in, immediately immerse yourself in the city's spiritual atmosphere with a visit to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple. This temple, dedicated to Shiva, is a superb example of Dravidian architecture, with its colorful gopuram (entrance tower) and carved details.
• In the evening, mingle with the crowds on the lively Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the world, before enjoying a dinner featuring local flavors.

Overnight stay in a 3* or 4* hotel

Head to Mahabalipuram.

*

En route, visit Kanchipuram, the city of a thousand temples, one of the seven sacred cities of India. Known for its silk weaving and countless temples, the city is a true time machine. You will explore the majestic temples of Ekambareswarar and Kamakshi Amman, architectural masterpieces that bear witness to the richness of Tamil culture.

*

Stay in a 4-star beachfront hotel  

Visit Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monuments of Mahabalipuram are a true showcase of the art and engineering of the Pallava dynasty. Each site tells a story and showcases a different architectural technique.

• Shore Temple: This majestic temple is the most emblematic of Mahabalipuram. Facing the Bengal Sea, it seems to have defied the waves since the 8th century. It is one of the oldest stone temples in South India. With its two shrines dedicated to Shiva and a third to Vishnu, it bears witness to the coexistence of different religions. Its sculptures, although eroded by the salty wind and time, reveal a finesse and grace that still fascinate.
• The Five Chariots (Pancha Rathas):These five monolithic temples are a unique architectural feat. Each carved from a single block of granite, they resemble processional chariots. Each is named after a character from the Mahābhārata: Draupadi, Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhisthira, and Nakula-Sahadeva.
• Arjuna's Penance (or the Descent of the Ganges):This open-air bas-relief is one of the largest and most complex sculptures of its type in the world. Carved into a huge granite cliff, it depicts a scene teeming with life. It features gods, nymphs, animals, ascetics, and even a group of life-size elephants.

• Arjuna's Penance, a huge bas-relief of incredible finesse. These sculptures tell mythological stories while demonstrating the extraordinary skill of Pallava period artisans.

Departure for Pondicherry, a relaxing break on the temple route. Pondicherry offers a unique architectural experience. Stroll through the colonial quarter, where the streets are lined with ochre-hued houses and flower-bedecked balconies. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the Sacred Heart of Jesus are testament to the city's diverse spiritual and religious influences. This is a relaxing stopover, away from the hustle and bustle of the large temples, and savor the peaceful and unique atmosphere of this former French colony.    

Departure for Chidambaram, the city of Nataraja. Check into your 3-star hotel and then explore the city.

• The Nataraja Temple: This is the spiritual heart and main attraction of Chidambaram. It is one of the oldest and most revered temples in all of Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Shiva Nataraja, the god of cosmic dance, this temple is one of the five sacred Shiva temples representing the five elements of nature; here, ether or space.

• The Nataraja Shrine: Unlike most Hindu temples, the image of the deity is not a stone idol, but a figure of the god Shiva performing his cosmic dance of "Ananda Tandava".
• Chidambara Rahasyam: This "secret" of Chidambaram is a black and red curtain symbolizing the universe. When the curtain is drawn back, only space remains, representing the formless form of the god.
• The Gopurams: The four entrance towers (gopurams) are carved with the 108 postures of Bharatanatyam, a form of classical Indian dance.
• The Temple of Goddess Sivakamasundari: Located in the same complex, this temple is dedicated to Shiva's consort. It is known for the beauty of its sculptures and the atmosphere that reigns there.

*

Depending on available time, visits to sites near Chidambaram:

• Pichavaram Mangrove Forest: About an hour's drive away, this mangrove forest is one of the largest in the world. Boat trips are available to explore the narrow canals and admire the local flora and fauna.
• Vaitheeswaran Koil: Located about thirty minutes from Chidambaram, this temple is dedicated to Shiva as the "God of Healing." Devotees come here to seek healing from their illnesses.

Departure for Tanjavur. En route, visit two Chola dynasty temples:

• Gangaikondacholapuram: This temple, built by the Chola king Rajendra I, is a symbolic replica of the great temple of Tanjavur. Although smaller, it is exceptionally elegant and richly sculpted.
• Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, near Kumbakonam: This temple, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a masterpiece of Chola architecture. Admire its "stone chariot" and delicately carved friezes depicting mythological tales.

Overnight stay in a 4-star heritage hotel.

Thanjavur (or Tanjore) is the heart of the Chola Empire and a center of Dravidian art and architecture.

• Brihadeeswarar Temple (The Great Temple):This masterpiece of Chola architecture is one of the wonders of India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 11th century by King Rajaraja I, the temple is a perfect example of the empire's grandeur.
• The Royal Palace of Thanjavur: This labyrinthine complex, which served as the residence of the Nayak and Maratha kings, houses several museums and art galleries.

*

After these visits, depart for Chettinad, a unique region in Tamil Nadu. Check-in at a heritage 4-star hotel  

The Chettinad region, famous for its cultural and architectural heritage, is home to the Nattukottai Chettiars, a prosperous merchant community. The wealth they accumulated over the centuries is evident in their sumptuous palaces, while their deep spirituality is expressed in their temples.

*

• Palatial Mansions: These mansions, often referred to as "palaces," are a unique expression of the Chettiars' success and taste. Built in the 19th century, they are distinguished by a blend of Indian and Western architectural influences.
• The "Horse Temples" are rural shrines dedicated to the folk deity Ayyanar, considered the protector god of villages. What makes these temples unique is the presence of hundreds of imposing terracotta horse statues donated by the villagers to honor Ayyanar, who is often depicted on horseback, patrolling the land at night to protect it.
• Also discover Athangudi tiles and weaving workshops

Drive to Rameshwaram, a sacred island connected to the mainland by the spectacular Pamban Bridge. This site is of immense religious importance, considered one of the four "Char Dhams," the greatest pilgrimages in Hinduism. Check-in at a 3-star hotel

*

Afternoon: Immerse yourself in spirituality with a visit to the Ramanathaswamy Temple, famous for its 1,219-pillar corridor, the longest in the world. If you wish, you can perform the ritual of the temple's 22 holy wells. After the visit, you can explore the island's other sites:

• Dhanushkodi: Its name, meaning "tip of the bow," is a direct reference to the epic Ramayana. Legend has it that this is where Lord Rama aimed his bow to build the Ram Setu, a stone bridge that allowed his army of monkeys to cross the sea to reach Sri Lanka and free Sita. It's the meeting point of the rough Bengal Sea and the calmer Indian Ocean. It's a fascinating natural spectacle.
• Agnitheertham: A sacred beach right next to the temple, where pilgrims take a ritual bath to purify themselves.

 

Drive to Madurai, one of India's oldest urban centers and the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. The city is a hive of activity, dominated by its majestic temple.

*

Check-in at a heritage 4* hotel

*

• Begin your exploration with the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a 17th-century building with Dravidian and Indo-Sarcenic influences, famous for its impressive vaults and colonnades.
• Then, immerse yourself in the city's excitement by visiting lesser-known but equally charming temples such as the Koodal Azhagar Temple or the Azhagar Kovil.

In the evening: The highlight of your day will be a visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, the beating heart of Madurai. Attend the "Shiva's bedtime" ceremony (the Palliyarai Pooja) which takes place every evening. The thousands of sculptures, the imposing gopurams and the unique atmosphere make this moment an unforgettable experience.

Drive to Coimbatore. The city is an important industrial center, but it is also surrounded by fascinating natural sites and temples. Your visit will focus on the spiritual and natural aspects of the region.

*

En route, stop at Palani: This is one of the six most important pilgrimage centers of Lord Murugan, son of Shiva. Visiting it is a unique spiritual and physical experience.The temple is located atop a hill about 150 meters high. You can reach it on foot or by cable car.    

In the morning, visit Coimbatore's major sites:

• Perur Pateeswarar Temple: This Shiva temple, whose origins date back to the Chola period, is an architectural masterpiece. It is renowned for its magnificent sculptures, majestic columns, and the Kanaka Sabai, or "Golden Dance Hall," adorned with reliefs depicting the legends of Shiva.

• Marudhamalai Temple: Dedicated to Lord Murugan, it stands atop a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is one of the most revered temples in the region, and many pilgrims choose to climb the 659 steps for purification.
• Isha Yoga Center and Adiyogi Statue: Depending on time, visit the spiritual complex founded by Sadhguru. There, you'll find a huge statue of Adiyogi Shiva, which stands 34 meters tall and is one of the largest bust sculptures in the world.

*

Then drive to Trichy / check-in at a 3-star hotel

       

Tiruchirappalli, or more commonly known as Trichy, is a city in the heart of Tamil Nadu, famous for its majestic fortresses and temples. It is an important pilgrimage center and a must-see for history and Hinduism enthusiasts.

*

• The Rockfort:Dominating the city, this rock is a historical and religious site. It houses a series of temples and shrines, the most famous being the Ucchi Pillayar Temple (Ganesha Temple) at the summit. Climbing the 400 steps carved into the rock offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Trichy and the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers.
• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam): Located on an island between the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers, the Srirangam temple is one of the largest religious complexes in the world. It is a maze of seven successive enclosures, 21 gateway towers (gopurams), and countless shrines. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is a marvel of Dravidian architecture and a major pilgrimage site.
• Jambukeswarar Temple: This temple, located near Srirangam, is one of the five major Shiva temples representing the five elements of nature. Here, the element of water is worshipped. Legend has it that the temple's inner sanctum is actually a spring of water that is ever-present, symbolizing the sacred element.

Depending on time, visit other sacred temples and the city's ablution ghats.

Departure for Tiruvannamalai, a major spiritual center in Tamil Nadu. Check-in at your 3-star hotel.

*

In the afternoon, visit the Arunachaleswarar Temple, considered one of the largest in India and a major Shaivist site. It symbolizes the element of fire (Agni) and is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Annamalaiyar. The complex, covering an area of ​​10 hectares, is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, with its imposing gopurams, one of which reaches 66 meters in height. The atmosphere of the place is both peaceful and powerful.  

A day dedicated to Arunachala Hill. Arunachala is the true spiritual heart of Tiruvannamalai. It is considered not just a hill, but the physical manifestation of Lord Shiva himself.

*

The town's most important ritual, Girivalam, involves walking around the mountain on a 14-kilometer path. This circumambulation is practiced by thousands of pilgrims, especially on full moon nights.

• You will have the choice of walking around the sacred mountain or taking a rickshaw. The route is punctuated by small temples where you can stop to meditate and soak up the local fervor.
• For those who wish to physically climb the hill, there is no marked path to the summit. However, it is possible to take steep paths to access several caves and shrines where many sages, including Ramana Maharshi, practiced meditation.

Return to Chennai. Check into your hotel and transfer to the airport in the evening or the next day. END OF THIS TRIP TO TAMIL LANDS. VANAKKAM!