8 days in Tamil Nadu Itinerary

Chennai, a city hailed for its vibrant atmosphere and historic attractions, remains one of the most visited places in India.

Start off your visit on the 14th (Sat): pause for some serene contemplation at Annai Vailankanni Church, then enjoy the sand and surf at Besant Nagar Beach, and then take in the local highlights with Walking tours. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 15th (Sun): visit Mylapore, enjoy the sand and surf at Marina Beach, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at San Thome Church, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Kapaleeshwarar Temple.

To find reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Chennai online vacation planner.

Hyderabad to Chennai is an approximately 2.5-hour flight. You can also take a bus; or drive. Traveling from Hyderabad in January, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 24°C in Chennai. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sun) so you can go by car to Mahabalipuram.

Once an important sea port city in the ancient Pallava kingdom, Mahabalipuram today draws in visitors with UNESCO-listed monuments and temples carved out of rock during the 7th and 8th centuries CE. The structures showcase the decoration and form of early Dravidian architecture, and their distinctive designs, striking coloration, and scale still create an evocative atmosphere when studied closely and when seen as a whole.

Take a break from Mahabalipuram with a short trip to DakshinaChitra Museum in Muttukadu, about 38 minutes away. There's lots more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Shore Temple, admire the striking features of Pancha Rathas, see the interesting displays at India Seashell Museum, and delve into the distant past at Monuments at Mahabalipuram.

To find other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Mahabalipuram trip itinerary app.

You can drive from Chennai to Mahabalipuram in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of train and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 35°C in January, and nighttime lows around 24°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Wed) early enough to catch the flight to Thanjavur.

A bastion of South Indian culture and heritage, Thanjavur entrances visitors from all over the world with its architecture, distinct art style, and the Great Living Chola Temples, landmarks of the city and a World Heritage Site.

On the 19th (Thu), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sree Moolai Anjaneya Temple, admire the masterpieces at Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery, and then admire the striking features of Brihadeeswara Temple.

For photos, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Thanjavur trip itinerary app.

Fly from Mahabalipuram to Thanjavur in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and train. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in January, and nighttime lows around 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Madurai.

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Madurai sits on the banks of the River Vaigai and serves as a center of Tamil culture.

On the 20th (Fri), examine the collection at Gandhi Memorial Museum, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Immaiyil Nanmai Tharuvar Temple.

To find where to stay, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Madurai vacation builder app.

Traveling by car from Thanjavur to Madurai takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In January, daily temperatures in Madurai can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 24°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Ooty (Udhagamandalam).

Tea gardens and eucalyptus trees scent the air of the fields surrounding Ooty, a popular summer tourism destination up in the hills.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Sat): admire the natural beauty at Government Botanical Garden, then revel in the low prices at Jai's King Star, and then take in the awesome beauty at Doddabetta Peak.

For reviews, photos, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Ooty (Udhagamandalam) trip planner.

Drive from Madurai to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or do a combination of flight and taxi. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Madurai in January: high temperatures in Ooty (Udhagamandalam) hover around 30°C and lows are around 19°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sat) so you can fly back home.