3-Day Tamil Nadu Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Tamil Nadu tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaTamil Nadu travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Tamil Nadu, incl. Madurai and Rameshwaram

  The sacred trail of Tamil Nadu spans 170km across three days, featuring the magnificent Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Ramanathaswamy Temple, and Dhanushkodi ghost town. Two nights at premium hotels with breakfast and AC transport.

  

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  • Day 1

    Madurai

    Start early in Madurai to avoid the heat. Visit the Meenakshi Temple before 8:00 AM when crowds are minimal and morning light fills the 14 colorful gopurams. Remember to follow the dress code: shoulders covered and clothing below the knees. Get a local guide for the 1000-pillar hall. They'll walk you through the stories behind each detailed sculpture.

    
  • Day 2

    Madurai to Rameshwaram (170 km)

    Set out by 6:00 AM for Rameshwaram. The drive takes about 3.5 hours, and traffic picks up after 8:00 AM on Pamban Bridge. At Ramanathaswamy Temple, you'll take part in the traditional ritual of visiting 22 holy water tanks. Pack spare clothes and shoes that can get wet. In the afternoon, take a 4x4 to Dhanushkodi. You'll need a special permit for this trip. Plan your visit during low tide to safely see where the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea meet.

    
  • Day 3

    Madurai Departure

    Start your last morning at Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace. Visit between 9:00-11:00 AM to see sunlight streaming through the Indo-Saracenic domes. Book afternoon flights so you can visit the Gandhi Museum, which opens at 10:00 AM. It offers valuable insights into India's independence movement.

    

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• 3 Day Tamil Nadu Itinerary, incl. Chennai and Pondicherry

  A grand 455km circuit through Tamil Nadu reveals Chennai's Fort St. George, Kanchipuram's ancient temples, and Vellore Fort. The route encompasses 8 significant temples with luxurious stays at ITC Grand Chola and Le Pondy Resort.

  

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  • Day 1

    Chennai Exploration

    Visit Fort St. George at 8:30 AM before the crowds arrive. The museum inside will give you great insights into Chennai's colonial past. Move on to Kapaleeshwarar Temple around 10 AM right after morning prayers. The temple's 120-foot tower looks stunning in the morning light. Plan to visit Marina Beach after 4 PM when it's cooler and you can join locals on their evening walks along the world's second-longest urban beach.

    
  • Day 2

    Temple Trail to Pondicherry (295 km)

    Start your journey by 7 AM. The drive to Kanchipuram takes about 2 hours. Make Kailasanathar Temple your first stop since it's less busy in the morning. It's also the city's oldest temple. Remember to take off your shoes before entering temples and bring a scarf if you're a woman. Next up is Vellore Fort plan to get there by lunchtime to avoid walking in the afternoon heat. Don't miss the Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple but note the strict dress code: no shorts or sleeveless tops. The drive to Pondicherry takes about 3 hours try to arrive before sunset to enjoy a walk along Beach Road.

    
  • Day 3

    Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram and Chennai (160 km)

    Take an early morning walk through Pondicherry's French Quarter. The colonial buildings look beautiful in the soft morning light. Visit Auroville before noon to see the Matrimandir's golden dome at its most spectacular. Stop at Mahabalipuram around 2 PM on your way back to Chennai. You'll need at least 2 hours to properly explore the Shore Temple complex. Wear shoes with good grip as the granite surfaces can be slippery. If you're flying out plan your departure time carefully Chennai's evening traffic can add up to 45 minutes to your airport journey.

    

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• Heritage Havens: Trichy and the Living Chola Temples

  Sacred architecture unfolds across Tamil Nadu, showcasing Trichy's Rock Fort Temple and UNESCO-listed Chola Temples. Marvel at Srirangam's vast complex, Brihadeeswarar Temple, and Airavatesvara Temple. Accommodations at Courtyard by Marriott with guided tours included.

  

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  • Trichy India

  • Trichy India

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