Tamil Nadu Tours & Trips
Can you imagine Tamil Nadu? Chennai's Marina Beach and Fort St. George, Mahabalipuram's incredible shore temples carved right into rock, Thanjavur's Brihadeeswarar Temple, and Madurai's Meenakshi Temple with those towering gopurams. Picture the Bay of Bengal coastline through interior temple cities – Dravidian architecture and Chola bronzes mixed with Nayak palaces where Hindu traditions stayed strongest throughout centuries.
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Anup • traveled in January, 2025
This was a very good tour. The driver was excellent, he made me feel really safe as a solo female traveler in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. I really appreciate the company upgrading my hotels, which helped in my sense of security. Most of the tour guides were also great. I was told by the guide that there is no Elephant Rescue in Thekkady or Elephant Sanctuary Tour in Periyar as advertised; only a commercial area where you can ride the elephants. I had paid extra to interact with the rescued elephants.
Tamilnadu Temple Tour (A Budget Friendly Tour) - U
Ute • traveled in March, 2025
We enjoyed our Tour very much, the Hotels had been very nice, all over all those with a pool. „Dhanu“ our driver drove smooth and safely, gave hints and fulfilled wishes for specials. The guides had good knowledge about temples and Sightseeings.
Classic South India Tour with Extension Option Kovalam - KK
Kwan • traveled in December, 2025
Fantastic well worth south India visiting. The Kathakali performance in the evening was mesmerizing, full of colors and energy. Alleppey backwaters on the houseboat were peaceful and a unique experience. Madurai spiritual depth with their temples. Local guides were friendly, hotels comfortable, and travel between cities smooth. This tour perfectly managed.
12 Days South India Tour
Table of contents
- The best Tamil Nadu tour packages
- Travel Tamil Nadu your way
- Best tour companies for Tamil Nadu tours
- Discover Tamil Nadu tours for every budget
- Tamil Nadu tours for every type of group
- Top Tamil Nadu travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Tamil Nadu
- Contact our Tamil Nadu travel experts
- What our customers ask about Tamil Nadu Tours & Trips
The best Tamil Nadu tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaTamil Nadu travel expert at TourRadar
Tamilnadu Temple Tour (A Budget Friendly Tour)
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Overall good experience.”
Pravin, traveled in December
Sacred sites of Tamil Nadu stretch from Chennai's Kapaleeshwarar Temple to Kanyakumari's Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Premium accommodations at Trident Chennai complement traditional breakfasts, with private AC vehicles and expert local guides enhancing the journey.
Duration 7 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Trichy, Thanjavur, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Thiruvananthapuram Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator MTA Destination Management Company From $1,287
30% Off- US$901You save $386
Classic South India Tour with Extension Option Kovalam
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Hotels had been very nice, all over all those with a pool.”
Ute, traveled in February
Tamil Nadu's spiritual heritage comes alive through iconic temples like Meenakshi in Madurai and UNESCO-listed Brihadeeshwara in Thanjavur. Natural wonders await in Kerala's Periyar Wildlife Reserve and Alleppey's backwater houseboats. Fort Kochi's colonial charm, Kathakali performances, and vibrant spice markets complement stays at select properties like Hotel Mamalla Heritage.
Duration 12 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Kochi (Cochin) Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Operator World Travel Experiences From $3,058
50% Off- US$1,529You save $1,529
12 Days South India Tour
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Sightseeing in Fort Kochi, Jewish Synagogue, and St. Francis Church was enriching. Alleppey backwaters on the houseboat were unforgettable.”
Danielle, traveled in October
Explore Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage from Madurai's Meenakshi Temple to Kanchipuram's ancient shrines. Visit UNESCO sites in Mahabalipuram, experience French colonial charm in Puducherry, and stay in comfortable 3-star accommodations with expert guides.
Duration 12 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Alleppey, Varkala, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Trichy, Puducherry, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Chennai (Madras) Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator UncleSam Holidays From $3,590
50% Off- US$1,795You save $1,795
Classical South India - Tamilnadu And Kerala !
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels were first class, the guides provided insightfully commentary.”
Peter, traveled in October
Tamil Nadu's rich heritage unfolds from Chennai's Marina Beach through ancient temples and colonial towns. The UNESCO-listed Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram stands as a coastal sentinel, while Chettinad's unique mansions and Madurai's iconic Meenakshi Temple offer cultural immersion with rickshaw rides through local markets. Rated 4.7/5 from 10+ reviews, featuring excellent accommodations and guides.
Duration 9 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Gangai Konda Cholapuram, Darasuram, Thanjavur, Trichy, Kanadukathan, Madurai, Periyar National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator MTA Destination Management Company From $1,631
30% Off- US$1,142You save $489
Temples, Hills, and Palaces of South India
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Southern India is a treasure trove of amazing temples and palaces. I give a lot of credit to the tour operator for creating such a great itinerary.”
Steven, traveled in November
Journey through Tamil Nadu's sacred and historic treasures on this 12-day tour rated 5.0/5 by travelers. Visit UNESCO sites like Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur and witness evening Aarti at Madurai's Meenakshi Temple. Stay at distinctive properties from the ITC Grand Chola in Chennai to heritage mansions in Chettinad. Explore colonial Pondicherry, ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway in Ooty, and marvel at Mysore Palace. Includes private AC transport, English-speaking guides, and daily breakfast.
Duration 12 days Destinations Bangalore, Kanchipuram, Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Chidambaram, Gangai Konda Cholapuram, Darasuram, Thanjavur, TrichySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agora Voyages OPC Pvt Ltd From
30% Off- US$2,423
Pondicherry, Thanjavur & Trichy Heritage Expedition
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was well-paced, covering beautiful destinations with rich cultural and historical experiences.”
Nastasia, traveled in November
Journey through Tamil Nadu's cultural heartland visiting 3 UNESCO sites: Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur. This 5-day private tour includes stays at distinctive properties like Le Pondy Resort in Pondicherry and Sangam Hotels in Trichy, with daily breakfast. Experience French Quarter architecture, Auroville township, and Rock Fort Temple at a relaxed pace.
Duration 5 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Gangai Konda Cholapuram, Darasuram, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Trichy Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agora Voyages OPC Pvt Ltd From
30% Off- US$901
Chettinad Flavors and Traditions Tour with a Culinary Expert
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“an extrodinary short tour exploring the authentic chettinad food, preparations and selections of spices was an wonderful experience.”
Ruth, traveled in September
Duration 3 days Destinations Karaikudi Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Travel XS From
30% Off- US$748
South India Temples Tour With Kerala Total Spiritual All Inclusive
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“From the moment I stepped foot on this sacred journey, I was enveloped in a tapestry of vibrant culture, breathtaking architecture, and deep spirituality.”
Antenolla, traveled in August
Journey through Tamil Nadu's spiritual heartland on this 10-day temple odyssey starting from Chennai's Kapaleeshwar Temple. Visit 8 UNESCO temples including Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple and Madurai's Meenakshi Amman, with stays at 4-star hotels ($220/day). Experience French colonial charm in Puducherry, Kerala's tea plantations in Munnar, and end with a traditional houseboat stay in Alleppey's backwaters.
Duration 10 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Munnar, Alleppey, Kochi (Cochin) Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish Operator Real viaggi india From $2,800
50% Off- US$1,400You save $1,400
Highlights of Tamil Nadu - South India
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The whole trip was so exiting because the attractions from Tamil Nadu and Kerala were so different and amazing.”
Sabine, traveled in January
Immerse in Tamil Nadu's rich heritage across Chennai, Mahabalipuram, and Madurai. Visit the 11th-century Brihadeshwara Temple, explore the Thanjavur Palace's Saraswati Mahal Library, and witness 33 million sculptures at Meenakshi Temple. Includes 10 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast for $2,247.
Duration 11 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator GeTS Holidays From $3,135
70% Off- US$941You save $2,195
WONDERFUL SOUTH INDIA TOUR With Kerala
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was an amazing experience, and everything about it was WONDERFUL!”
Fumio, traveled in November
Explore Tamil Nadu's finest temples including Kapaleeshwar Temple and Brihadeeshwar Mandir. Features Marina Beach walks, French Quarter tours, and comfortable 3-star accommodations throughout.
Duration 9 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Munnar, Alleppey, Kochi (Cochin) Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Real viaggi india From $2,500
50% Off- US$1,250You save $1,250
Travel Tamil Nadu your way
Best tour companies for Tamil Nadu tours
Both My Tour Advisor and Real Viaggi India Tours handle Tamil Nadu temple tours really well, based on what our travelers tell us. MTA's guides know their stuff inside and out, and they're good at tweaking the schedule when needed - like when a traveler wanted to add Mahabalipuram to their route and they made it happen without any fuss. Real Viaggi brings something similar to the table with their South India Temple Tour. Their drivers don't just get you from A to B - they actually know quite a bit about the temples and share interesting details along the way. They've got comfortable vehicles and the whole operation runs smoothly, which matters a lot when you're traveling between multiple temples in Tamil Nadu. What comes through in all the feedback is how both companies have nailed the basics while adding those extra touches that make a temple tour work well. They're flexible with timing, knowledgeable about the sites and really focused on making sure everything runs according to plan.
Discover Tamil Nadu tours for every budget
Tamil Nadu tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Tamil Nadu travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers72 tours- Couples71 tours
- Seniors (50+)25 tours
Best time to visit Tamil Nadu
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter in Tamil Nadu really shows off the state's cultural side, especially from December through February when the weather cooperates perfectly. Our signature 10-day route from Chennai hits all the major temples in comfortable temperatures. January brings something special - the Pongal festival, and our travelers tell us they love getting involved in authentic village harvest celebrations. The heritage architecture tours work particularly well in winter too, with great light conditions for photographing places like Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple and the Brihadeshwara complex in Thanjavur. The mild winter climate makes Kumbakonam ideal for outdoor yoga combined with temple visits. Many guests choose our cultural immersion route through Chettinad, where they can join artisan workshops and cooking classes using winter's fresh ingredients. For those who prefer a slower pace, our temple cities tour lets you take part in morning rituals and evening ceremonies when the atmosphere feels just right.
- 69 tours
- popular 72 tours
- 36 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring tours make the most of Tamil Nadu's cultural sites and natural areas as the mercury starts climbing. Our travelers particularly like combining morning temple visits with afternoon trips to the coast near Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry, where you get nice sea breezes. The Western Ghats route works well too - you'll see tea plantations and spice gardens coming into bloom. Photography enthusiasts often pick our third option, which schedules extra time at carved temples when the light really shows off those intricate details. Our village-focused route lets you see local life up close as communities start preparing their fields. For active folks, we've got a great mix of temple visits and nature walks when wildlife is most visible.
- popular 72 tours
- 72 tours
- 70 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer touring needs smart planning in Tamil Nadu, which is why we time activities carefully and include plenty of indoor stops. One popular route starts with early temple visits and moves to afternoon cultural activities in air-conditioned heritage buildings. Hill stations like Ooty make a great summer base - the elevation keeps things comfortable. Our coastal route balances seaside spots with cultural sites, making good use of those ocean breezes in Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram. Art lovers choose our fourth option, which focuses on museums and galleries during peak heat hours. The fifth choice cleverly combines temple visits with indoor cooking classes and craft demonstrations to keep cool while staying engaged.
- popular 69 tours
- 69 tours
- 69 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Autumn brings just the right weather for exploring Tamil Nadu's temples - not too hot and nice clear skies. Our main route takes advantage with longer outdoor visits and evening performances. The harvest season makes our village walks especially interesting, with great photo opportunities of countryside activities. Cycling between cultural sites works well in autumn's cooler temperatures. Mountain views are particularly clear this time of year, perfect for combining Nilgiri visits with cultural exploration. Our fifth route takes things slow through the temple cities, giving you time to interact with locals as they prepare for festival season.
- popular 70 tours
- 37 tours
- 38 tours
Contact our Tamil Nadu travel experts
Melissa
Expert in Tamil Nadu at TourRadar
Melissa is one of our seasoned Tamil Nadu Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Tamil Nadu tours answered!
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+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Tamil Nadu Tours & Trips
How can I explore Tamil Nadu's famous temple routes?
Tamil Nadu's got some amazing temple circuits you'll love exploring. The Madurai-Rameshwaram-Thanjavur route is really popular and shows off incredible architecture and spiritual significance. You can actually experience this on a 7-day budget-friendly temple tour where you'll get to see the stunning Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai and the sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram. If you're interested in different architectural styles there's also a great circuit connecting Chennai Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram which you can explore through the South India Ayurveda Tour.
Where can I find natural escapes in Tamil Nadu and how do I get there?
When you need a break from the cities you've got some beautiful options like Ooty and Kodaikanal in the Nilgiris. These hill stations are perfect for cooling off and exploring lush landscapes with great trekking opportunities. You can drive there or take the really special UNESCO Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway - there's actually a dedicated Ooty and Coonoor Discovery Tour that covers this. If you're into wildlife Periyar National Park in the Western Ghats is fantastic you can take a jeep safari to spot elephants and other amazing wildlife. The Classical South India tour includes this park in its itinerary.
What local foods should I try in Tamil Nadu and where's the best place to find them?
You've got to try Chettinad cuisine it's known for these incredibly spicy flavors and unique spice blends. The Chettinad Chicken and Fish Curry are must-tries and you'll find them all over the Chettinad region - the Coast to Coast Cycling tour actually stops in Karaikudi where you can taste authentic versions. Madurai's another food heaven especially for street food and you've got to try their famous Jigarthanda a really refreshing milk drink. The Temple Run 7-day tour includes a special Madurai food tour where you can sample all these local specialties.