Your Ultimate 6-Day Travel Itinerary for Chennai, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Trichy, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari & Madurai (Tamil Nadu)

Jose Jayasimman
Jan 15
4 min read

Exploring Tamil Nadu’s rich heritage and coastal beauty in just six days may seem ambitious, but with the right plan, it becomes an unforgettable journey. This 6 day Chennai Pondicherry Thanjavur Trichy Rameswaram Kanyakumari Madurai itinerary covers iconic temples, serene beaches, and cultural landmarks, perfect for families, heritage lovers, and temple pilgrims. Whether you are starting from Chennai or looking for a Chennai to Madurai tour package via Pondicherry, this detailed guide will help you experience the best of South India’s temple and coastal tour.

"The One With French Streets & Sacred Seas"

6 day Chennai Pondicherry Thanjavur Trichy Rameswaram Kanyakumari Madurai itinerary

Plan Your Journey & Cost

Matrimandir at Auroville near Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu — Golden spherical structure of Matrimandir at Auroville, Pondicherry

Day 1 – Chennai to Pondicherry Full Day Sightseeing

Distance: 170 km

Travel Time: Approx. 3½ Hours

Begin your trip with a scenic drive from Chennai to Pondicherry, a charming coastal town known for its French colonial heritage and spiritual retreats. Your day will be packed with visits to:

Auroville: A unique international township dedicated to peace and sustainable living. Explore the Matrimandir’s golden globe from outside and stroll through the peaceful surroundings.
Old Lighthouse: A historic structure offering panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal.
Bharathi Park: A green oasis in the heart of Pondicherry, perfect for a relaxing walk.
Botanical Garden: Home to exotic plants and a butterfly park.
Mahatma Gandhi Statue: A tribute to the Father of the Nation, located near the beach.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram: A spiritual center attracting visitors worldwide.
Manakula Vinayagar Temple: Famous for its elephant blessings and vibrant architecture.
Pondy Museum: Showcasing artifacts from the French colonial era.
Promenade Beach and Rock Beach: Ideal spots for an evening stroll.
Paradise Beach: Accessible by boat, this beach offers pristine sands and calm waters.

End your day with an overnight stay in Pondicherry, soaking in the coastal breeze and colonial charm.

Day 2 – Pondicherry to Thanjavur to Trichy

Distance: 240 km

Travel Time: Approx. 4 Hours

Start early with a drive to Thanjavur, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, known for its grand temples and art.

Brihadeeswarar Temple: Also called the Big Temple, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Chola architecture. Admire the massive vimana and intricate sculptures.

After exploring Thanjavur, head to Trichy:

Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple: One of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Jambukeswarar Temple: A sacred Shiva temple known for its water element worship.

Spend the night in Trichy, resting before the next day’s journey.

Day 3 – Trichy to Rameswaram Full Day Sightseeing

Distance: 240 km

Travel Time: Approx. 4½ Hours

Drive to Rameswaram, a sacred island town with deep religious significance.

Ramanathaswamy Temple: Famous for its long corridors and sacred water tanks.
Agni Theertham: The holy sea shore where pilgrims take ritual baths.
Abdul Kalam Memorial and House: Pay respects to India’s former president and scientist.
Pamban Bridge: An engineering marvel connecting the island to the mainland.
Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple: Dedicated to the five-faced form of Lord Hanuman.

Stay overnight in Rameswaram, enjoying the peaceful island atmosphere.

Day 4 – Rameswaram Sightseeing till Afternoon, then Drive to Kanyakumari

Distance: 310 km

Travel Time: Approx. 6½ Hours

Spend the morning visiting:

Floating Stone: A curious natural phenomenon.
Dhanushkodi: The ghost town at the tip of the island, accessible with permission.

After 2 PM, start your drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India.

Arrive in Kanyakumari for an overnight stay, preparing for a full day of sightseeing.

Day 5 – Kanyakumari Full Day Sightseeing and Drive to Madurai

Distance: 240 km

Travel Time: Approx. 4½ Hours

Explore Kanyakumari’s highlights:

Bhagavathi Amman Temple: A revered temple dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Built on a rock island, honoring Swami Vivekananda.
Thiruvalluvar Statue: A towering statue of the Tamil poet and philosopher.
Gandhi Memorial Mandapam: Where Gandhi’s ashes were kept before immersion.
Triveni Sangam: The confluence of three seas.
Sunrise/Sunset View Point: Famous for breathtaking views over the ocean.

In the evening, drive to Madurai for your overnight stay.

Day 6 – Madurai Full Day Sightseeing and Departure

Explore Madurai’s rich temple heritage and cultural landmarks:

Meenakshi Amman Temple: The heart of Madurai, known for its stunning gopurams and vibrant festivals.
Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple: One of the six abodes of Lord Murugan.
Koodal Alagar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, showcasing Dravidian architecture.
Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal: A 17th-century palace blending Dravidian and Rajput styles.
Gandhi Museum: Exhibits related to India’s freedom struggle.
Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam: A large temple tank famous for its float festival.

After a fulfilling day, you will be dropped off at Madurai, marking the end of your Tamil Nadu heritage and temple tour itinerary.

Tips for a Smooth Trip

Book accommodations in advance, especially in popular towns like Pondicherry and Madurai.
Carry light cotton clothes and comfortable footwear for temple visits and beach walks.
Respect local customs, especially in temples; dress modestly and follow photography rules.
Plan your travel times to avoid peak traffic hours in cities like Chennai and Trichy.
Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights into temple history and architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this itinerary suitable for senior citizens?
Yes. All itineraries are well-paced, avoid late-night travel, and are senior-citizen friendly.
Can this package be customized?
Absolutely. Trips can be customized based on number of days, temples, hotel category, and pickup/drop location.
Are hotels included in the package?
Yes. Budget, standard, and luxury hotel options are available as per your preference.
Will there be a guide during temple visits?
Our experienced drivers provide basic temple guidance. Separate professional guides can be arranged on request.
Is this tour safe for families and children?
Yes. We use private vehicles, trusted drivers, and family-friendly schedules.
What are the pickup points?
Pickup is available from Airport, Railway Station, Bus Stand, or hotel as per the package.