Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India 15-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at Chennai Airport

Arrive at Chennai International Airport (MAA).

Clear customs and immigration, then proceed to the transfer lounge for your pre-arranged transport to Mahabalipuram.

Ensure you have your visa and necessary travel documents ready. Pre-booking your airport transfer is highly recommended for a smooth arrival.

Check-in to Resort

Check into your resort in Mahabalipuram.

Take some time to freshen up and relax after your journey.

The resort is conveniently located on the East Coast Road (ECR).

Sunset Beach Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Mahabalipuram beach, taking in the sea breeze and the beautiful sunset over the Bay of Bengal.

The beach offers serene views and a chance to unwind. You might see local fishermen returning with their catch.

Welcome Dinner

Savor your first authentic South Indian dinner at a local restaurant, trying regional specialties like fresh seafood.

Ask your hotel for recommendations or explore options along the beach road.

Visit Shore Temple

Explore the iconic Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site standing gracefully on the coastline.

One of the oldest structural stone temples in South India.

Go early to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Discover Five Rathas

Visit the Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots), a set of monolithic rock-cut temples, each carved out of a single large piece of granite.

These are exquisite examples of Pallava architecture.

Local Lunch

Enjoy a traditional South Indian thali for lunch, featuring a variety of regional dishes.

Krishna's Butterball

Marvel at Krishna's Butterball, a giant natural balancing rock that appears to defy gravity.

A popular photo spot, try pushing it if you dare!

India Seashell Museum

Explore India's largest seashell museum, showcasing thousands of unique shells and marine artifacts.

A fascinating collection for marine enthusiasts and curious visitors.

Dinner at Resort

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your resort, perhaps trying some of their international or local cuisine offerings.

Mahabalipuram Lighthouse

Climb the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Shore Temple, the town, and the Bay of Bengal.

It's an active lighthouse, offering great photo opportunities from the top.

Stone Carving Workshops

Explore the stone carving workshops for which Mahabalipuram is famous.

Watch artisans at work and perhaps purchase a unique souvenir.

You can find many workshops near the main temple complex. It's fascinating to see the intricate details being carved.

Lunch at Cafe

Have lunch at one of the quaint cafes in Mahabalipuram, offering a mix of Indian and continental cuisine.

Arjuna's Penance

Visit the magnificent rock relief known as Arjuna's Penance or Descent of the Ganges, depicting mythological scenes.

This large relief is a masterpiece of Pallava art.

Souvenir Shopping

Browse local markets for souvenirs, including stone carvings, shell crafts, and traditional textiles.

Haggling is common in local markets.

Seafood Dinner

Indulge in a fresh seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant, enjoying the evening ambiance.

Morning Yoga/Walk

Start your day with a refreshing yoga session by the beach or a peaceful morning walk.

Many resorts offer yoga classes, or you can find a quiet spot on the beach.

Breakfast at Resort

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your resort.

Local Temple Visit

Visit a less-frequented local temple to experience local religious practices and architecture away from the main tourist spots.

PULIYAMARATHU SET NEERTHEKKAM or SRI BHALA MURUGAN TEMPLE are good options. Remember to dress modestly when visiting temples.

Relaxation & Free Time

Enjoy free time at the resort pool, spa, or explore more of Mahabalipuram at your own pace.

This is a good opportunity to simply relax or re-visit a favorite spot.

Consider a spa treatment or simply lounging by the pool.

South Indian Cooking Class

Participate in a local cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Tamil cuisine.

This is a great way to learn about the local food culture and take home new recipes.

Dinner with Cooking Class Meal

Enjoy the delicious meal you prepared during your cooking class, or head out for a final dinner in Mahabalipuram.

Departure for Kanchipuram

Check out from your Mahabalipuram resort and begin your drive towards Kanchipuram, the 'City of a Thousand Temples'.

Your luggage will be stored during the day and transported to your next destination later.

Enjoy the scenic drive through the Tamil Nadu countryside.

Kanchipuram Silk Saree Weaving

Visit a Kanchipuram silk weaving center to witness the intricate process of creating the famous Kanchipuram silk sarees.

Kanchipuram is renowned for its high-quality silk sarees; this is a great opportunity to see the craftsmanship up close or even purchase one.

Ekambareswarar Temple

Explore the magnificent Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram and dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Admire the towering gopurams (temple towers) and intricate carvings. Remember appropriate dress code for temples.

Lunch in Kanchipuram

Have lunch at a local restaurant in Kanchipuram.

Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Visit the impressive Varadaraja Perumal Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its intricate sculptures and mandapams.

This temple is another architectural marvel of Kanchipuram.

Transfer to Chennai Hotel

Drive from Kanchipuram to Chennai and check into your hotel.

This concludes the first chunk of your itinerary, preparing you for the next leg of your journey.

Chennai will be your base for onward travel or local exploration depending on the next chunk's plan.

Travel to Madurai

Board a train from Chennai to Madurai.

Enjoy the scenic journey through the Tamil Nadu countryside.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation in Madurai and relax after your journey.

Look for hotels near the Meenakshi Amman Temple for easy access to major attractions.

Alagarkoil Temple and Shrine

Visit the beautiful Alagarkoil Temple, a revered Vishnu temple nestled at the foot of the Alagar Hills.

Explore its intricate architecture and serene surroundings.

This ancient temple is known for its exquisite sculptures and peaceful atmosphere. Photography might be restricted in certain areas.

Traditional Madurai Dinner

Enjoy authentic South Indian cuisine at a local restaurant.

Try the famous Madurai Jigarthanda.

Madurai is famous for its culinary delights, especially its vegetarian thalis.

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a historical Hindu temple dedicated to Meenakshi (Parvati) and Sundareswarar (Shiva).

Marvel at its towering gopurams and intricate carvings.

Dress modestly. Photography is restricted in the inner sanctums. Consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights.

Lunch in Madurai

Enjoy a traditional South Indian meal at a local eatery near the temple.

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Visit the majestic Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century palace built by King Thirumalai Nayak.

Admire its Indo-Saracenic architecture.

The palace is known for its grand arches and domes. A sound and light show is sometimes available in the evenings.

Explore Local Markets

Wander through the bustling markets of Madurai, known for textiles, spices, and handicrafts. A great place for souvenir shopping.

Bargaining is common in these markets. Look out for the famous Madurai jasmine flowers.

Evening Relaxation & Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed evening, perhaps with a rooftop dinner overlooking the illuminated city or a visit to a local cultural show if available.

Morning at Leisure / Local Sight

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Madurai or visit a local attraction like the Gandhi Memorial Museum if time permits.

Travel to Tiruchirappalli

Take a short train or bus journey from Madurai to Tiruchirappalli, the next destination for spiritual exploration.

Hotel Check-in Tiruchirappalli

Check into your hotel in Tiruchirappalli and settle in.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Visit the magnificent Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world and a significant Vaishnava pilgrimage site.

This massive temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site nominee. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately. Photography restrictions apply in certain areas.

Dinner in Tiruchirappalli

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling Tiruchirappalli's culinary offerings.

Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Temple

Climb the ancient Rockfort Hill to reach the Ucchi Pillayar Temple, offering panoramic views of Tiruchirappalli.

Explore the cave temples on the way up.

The climb involves several steps, so wear comfortable shoes. Best visited in the morning to avoid heat. There are two other cave temples on the way to the top.

Lunch in Tiruchirappalli

Savor local delicacies for lunch.

Shopping at Big Bazaar Street

Explore the vibrant Big Bazaar Street, known for its traditional clothing, jewelry, and local goods.

A great place to experience the local hustle and bustle.

Practice your bargaining skills here for the best deals.

Visit Kallanai Dam

Visit Kallanai Dam, one of the oldest water-diversion structures in the world, built across the Kaveri River.

It's a testament to ancient Tamil engineering.

Requires a short drive from the city center. A great spot for a relaxed evening. Alternatively, you could visit a local temple like Thayumanaswamy Temple.

Cultural Evening & Dinner

Enjoy a farewell dinner in Tiruchirappalli, reflecting on the cultural and spiritual journey.

Sri Bhala Murugan Temple

Visit the Sri Bhala Murugan Temple, a local Hindu temple, for a peaceful morning experience and to observe local worship practices.

A quieter, local temple experience away from the main tourist crowds.

Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping

Grab any last-minute souvenirs or handicrafts from local shops before heading to your next destination.

Lunch and Check-out Prep

Enjoy a final lunch in Tiruchirappalli and prepare for check-out and travel to the next segment of your trip.

Hotel Check-out

Complete check-out procedures from your hotel.

Travel to Ooty

Begin your scenic journey from Tiruchirappalli to Ooty, winding through diverse landscapes.

The travel time will allow for beautiful views as you ascend into the Nilgiri Hills.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your luxury accommodation, the Savoy, Ooty, and take some time to settle in and refresh after your journey.

Enjoy the heritage charm of this colonial-era hotel.

Evening Lakeside Stroll

Enjoy a leisurely walk around the tranquil Ooty Lake area, taking in the serene atmosphere and cooler hill station air.

Boating is an optional activity if time permits and you wish.

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Savor local South Indian cuisine or choose from multi-cuisine options at a highly-rated restaurant in Ooty.

Ooty Botanical Gardens

Explore the beautifully maintained Government Botanical Gardens, home to a vast collection of rare trees, shrubs, ferns, and various species of flora, including a 20-million-year-old fossilized tree trunk.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking. The gardens are particularly vibrant in the morning.

Doddabetta Peak Visit

Ascend to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, plains of Coimbatore, and the distant Mysore plateau.

There's an observatory at the top with a telescope for magnified views.

Lunch in Ooty

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, perhaps trying a thali meal or a regional specialty.

Tea Estate & Museum

Visit a local tea estate and museum to learn about the process of tea cultivation and production.

Enjoy fresh tea tasting.

Many tea estates offer tours and have shops where you can purchase local tea.

Leisure & Relaxation

Return to your hotel for some downtime.

Enjoy the hotel's amenities, perhaps high tea or a stroll in its gardens.

Dinner at Hotel

Dine at one of the Savoy's excellent restaurants, enjoying the elegant ambiance.

Hotel Check-out

Enjoy a final breakfast at the Savoy and check out of your hotel in Ooty.

Travel to Yercaud

Embark on a picturesque drive from Ooty to Yercaud, traversing different landscapes as you move from one hill station to another.

This journey will offer more stunning views.

Lunch in Yercaud

Arrive in Yercaud and have lunch at a local restaurant or your resort.

Resort Check-in

Check into The Story Resorts & Spa, Yercaud, and unwind in your serene surroundings.

Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and excellent facilities of your resort.

Yercaud Lake & Boating

Enjoy an evening visit to Yercaud Lake, a prominent attraction, and consider a serene boat ride amidst the hills.

Dinner at Resort

Dine at The Orchid Restaurant within your resort, enjoying a delicious meal in a luxurious setting.

Lady's, Gent's & Children's Seat

Visit these famous viewpoints in Yercaud that offer breathtaking panoramic views of the plains and the winding ghat roads.

Sunrise views from Lady's Seat are particularly stunning. Consider an early start if interested.

National Orchidarium

Explore the National Orchidarium and Botanical Garden, home to a wide array of exotic and indigenous plant species, including a significant collection of orchids.

Lunch in Yercaud

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local eatery in Yercaud town.

Killiyur Falls

Visit the picturesque Killiyur Falls, cascading from a height of 300 feet.

The walk to the falls involves some steps, offering a pleasant short hike through nature (best during monsoon or post-monsoon).

Water levels depend on recent rainfall. Check locally for current conditions.

Coffee Plantation Walk

Take a relaxing walk through one of Yercaud's lush coffee plantations, learning about coffee cultivation and enjoying the tranquil environment.

Many resorts can arrange guided walks or provide directions to accessible plantations.

Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a special farewell dinner, reflecting on your wonderful 15-day journey through South India.

The resort often offers special dining experiences, consider booking one in advance.

Leisure Morning & Packing

Enjoy a relaxed morning at the resort.

You can take a final walk, enjoy the views, or simply relax before starting your packing for departure.

Resort Check-out

Complete your check-out formalities at The Story Resorts & Spa.

Farewell Lunch

Have a final lunch in Yercaud before heading to your departure point.

Travel to Salem Junction/Airport

Depart from Yercaud to a nearby major transportation hub like Salem Junction (for train travel) or Coimbatore International Airport (for flights), marking the end of your 15-day South India adventure.