Tamil Nadu, a land steeped in rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural marvels, beckons travellers with its unique charm. I have created this 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary to unveil some of the state’s most captivating destinations, offering a glimpse into its ancient temples, colonial influences, and breathtaking landscapes.
Do check out my posts on the 11-day Madhya Pradesh itinerary and 8-day Rajasthan itinerary.
I want to share that we can begin this 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary from Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. So, if you are from other cities in India, reach Chennai on the first day of your 10-day Tamil Nadu exploration. As you know, Chennai is connected to different cities in India by train and even domestic flights. So, choose the most convenient mode of transportation to begin your Tamil Nadu exploration. Before we start our 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary, you should wonder where to stay in Chennai. You can find the choices here:
Where to Stay in Chennai?
Chennai offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets.
- For luxury, consider The Leela Palace or ITC Grand Chola, renowned for their opulent settings and impeccable service.
- For a stylish stay, The Park Chennai or Taj Connemara boast modern amenities and a central location.
- Budget travellers can find comfort in Ibis Chennai City Centre or friendly guesthouses like Friendly Stay.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities. Consider factors like location, amenities, and ambience when making your pick. As per our 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary, we are planning to spend 2 days in Chennai. So, plan your accommodation accordingly:
My 10-Day Tamil Nadu Itinerary
Day 1 & 2: Chennai Arrival, Exploration and Mahabalipuram
Day 1: Arriving in Chennai, the Gateway to Tamil Nadu
Chennai, the capital city, serves as the perfect entry point to Tamil Nadu. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind from your travels. Most accommodations in Chennai offer complimentary breakfast. If your accommodation has one, you can finish your breakfast at your accommodation.
After your breakfast, take some rest in your accommodation before you get out for lunch. Chennai is known for its wide range of restaurants and foods.
Where to Eat in Chennai?
Chennai’s culinary scene is a vibrant mix of tradition and global flavours.
- For a taste of South Indian delights, head to Saravana Bhavan or Ratna Cafe for their legendary filter coffee and idli-sambar.
- Craving something upscale? The Roof at The Leela offers stunning city views and modern European cuisine.
- For a casual vibe, try The Flying Elephant with its global fare and lively atmosphere.
- Local legends like Buhari for Chettinad food or Paradise for Andhra specialities are must-tries.
- Don’t forget to explore street food stalls for a truly authentic experience.
After lunch, you can get back to your accommodation for freshening up for evening exploration on the first day of your 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary.
Evening: Kapaleeshwarar Temple
In the evening, embark on a city tour, visiting the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a quintessential South Indian temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Next, head to the Santhome Church, a historic basilica said to be built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles.
After exploring the above-mentioned places,, stroll along the Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. You can find many eateries and snack stalls near Marina Beach. You can even finish your simple dinner watching the waves if you prefer to do so.
Thankfully, you can find private cabs or even you can hire an auto from your accommodation to explore the places mentioned above. Otherwise., you can also book a cab or auto through the Ola or Uber app to get to the above-mentioned places. If you have arrived by your own vehicle, then no issues. You can use Google Maps to drive to these destinations in your car.
After dinner, get back to your accommodation for a restful sleep.
You might find my post on 10-day Andhra Pradesh itinerary interesting.
Day 2: Delve into the History at Mahabalipuram
On the second day of your 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary, finish your breakfast either in your accommodation or at a restaurant nearby before heading to Mahabalipuram.
After breakfast, take a day trip to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its captivating Pallava-era monuments. Explore the Shore Temple, a group of 7th-century temples standing defiantly against the sea. Marvel at the Pancha Rathas, monolithic chariot-shaped structures carved from single rock formations. Don’t miss the Arjuna’s Penance, a massive bas-relief depicting scenes from the Mahabharata epic. In the evening, return to Chennai for a delightful dinner.
You will need almost 5-6 hours to explore Mahabalipuram. So, when you return, it will be almost dinner time. You can finish your dinner before heading to your accommodation for a restful sleep.
You might find my post on 7-day Andaman & Nicobar Islands itinerary helpful.
Day 3 & 4: Travel to Thanjavur and Thanjavur Exploration
Day 3: Travel to Thanjavur
The third day of our 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary will be dedicated entirely to travelling from Chennai to Thanjavur. This place is otherwise called Tanjore. The distance is around 340 km. So, if you drive by road, it will take around 8 to 9 hours.
How to Travel from Chennai to Tanjore?
- You can travel by road
- You can take domestic flights to reach Tanjore from Chennai. IndiGo operates flights connecting these two cities. The travel time is one hour and five minutes.
- 8 trains connect these two cities. You can also book train tickets. The departure time varies. So, you can check out the official website of IRCTC to book train tickets if you wish to travel by train. The travelling train by train varies from 6 to 8 hours.
In other words, you will spend most of the time travelling if you choose to reach Tanjore from Chennai by flight or train.
Where to Stay in Tanjore?
Thanjavur offers a variety of places to stay, from luxurious heritage hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are a few options depending on your preference:
- Luxury Experience: For a truly unforgettable stay, consider staying at the opulent Svatma This polished hotel boasts warm rooms, multiple restaurants, a spa, a yoga centre, and even offers arts classes.
- Heritage Charm: Steep yourself in history by staying at one of Thanjavur’s heritage hotels. The Marathahalli Palace is a great option, offering elegant rooms within a beautifully restored palace.
- Mid-Range Comfort: If you’re looking for a comfortable stay without breaking the bank Ganje Heritage is a great choice. This heritage hotel features traditionally styled rooms and a central location.
- Budget-Friendly: Hotel Tamil Nadu is a popular choice for budget travellers. This no-frills hotel offers clean and functional rooms in a convenient location.
So, upon reaching one of these accommodations, based on your time of arrival, you can finish your dinner near your accommodation and take a rest. You can prepare to explore some great places in Thanjavur on the fourth day of your 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary.
Read my post on 11-day West Bengal itinerary.
Day 4: Exploring Thanjavur
Finish your breakfast in your accommodation as most accommodations in Thanjavur offer a complementary breakfast. Otherwise, you can finish your breakfast in a restaurant close to your accommodation.
Head to Brihadeeswarar Temple
Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple. This temple is otherwise called the Big Temple. This temple not only holds religious importance. Yes, it also holds international importance as it is a World Heritage Site as stated by UNESCO . You will be stunned by the architectural brilliance of Chola dynasty at this temple for sure. As the name implies, this temple is huge. So, you will be spending nearly half of your day exploring the marvel of this ancient temple, which is a key attraction in Thanjavur.
Lunch
After you finish your darshan at Brihadeeswarar Temple, finish your lunch. But, you might be wondering where to eat in Thanjavur. Here are some choices:
Thanjavur offers a variety of dining experiences that cater to different tastes.
- Svatma’s Aharam provides a gourmet experience with traditional Tamil cuisine in an elegant setting.
- Hotel Gnanam’s Sahana is popular for its South Indian thali, offering a sumptuous variety of local dishes.
- New Priya Restaurant is well-regarded for its delicious vegetarian fare.
- Vasantha Bhavan offers authentic Tamil food in a simple, clean environment.
- For non-vegetarian lovers, Sri Anandaas serves mouth-watering biryanis and seafood.
These restaurants provide a delightful culinary journey, reflecting the rich flavours and traditions of Thanjavur.
Thanjavur Palace
After finishing your lunch, you can head to the Thanjavur Palace on the fourth day of your 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary. The Thanjavur Maratha Palace houses the Saraswathi Mahal Library and the Art Gallery, showcasing an impressive collection of Chola bronzes and other artifacts.
After exploring the palace, finish your dinner and get back to your accommodation. With this, the fourth day of your itinerary comes to an end.
Considering that you may plan a trip to Lakshadweep on the next vacation, I share my post on 7-day Lakshadweep itinerary with you.
Day 5 & 6: Travel to Madurai, Madurai Exploration and Travel to Rameswaram
Day 5: Travel to Madurai and Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple
On the 5th day of your 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary, you can travel to Madurai. The distance from Thanjavur to Madurai is around 185 km. So, it might take around 4 to 4.5 hours to reach Madurai. Madurai in addition to being one of the best 50 places to visit near Chennai is also an important city in Tamil Nadu.
Let us consider that you are starting from Thanjavur early in the morning by car. In the middle of your journey, you can complete your breakfast. So, it will take around 4 hours to reach Madurai. Upon reaching the city, you can reach your accommodation. Here are the best choice of accommodations in Madurai:
Where to Stay in Madurai?
Madurai offers a range of stays catering to different budgets and preferences:
- Luxury Experience: Heritage Madurai is a luxurious eco-chic resort boasting elegant rooms and villas, an open-air cafe, and a temple-style pool. Immerse yourself in a unique blend of modern comfort and cultural heritage.
- Centrally Located: For easy access to the Meenakshi Temple and other attractions, consider The GRT Madurai or Hotel JC Residency. These well-regarded hotels provide comfortable accommodations and a convenient location.
- Budget-Friendly: Hotel Sri Sabareesan is a popular choice for budget travellers. This clean and friendly hotel offers basic amenities in a central location. For a truly unique experience, explore traditional guesthouses like Meenakshi Bhavan.
It will be around lunchtime when you reach your accommodation. So, after you check in to your accommodation, you can get to a restaurant close to your accommodation to finish your lunch. After lunch, get back to your accommodation to relieve your travelling stress. You can take a rest for a few hours before heading to the Meenakshi Amman Temple. You will need at least 3 hours to spend in this temple. So make sure to reach the temple by 4 pm. This is the opening time of the temple in the evening.
Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple
Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the largest and most intricately designed temples in India. Spend time exploring the various halls, sculptures, and the temple tank.
After you finish your darshan in this temple, it will almost be dinner time. So, finish your dinner in one of the best restaurants in Madurai before you head to your accommodation.
Check out my post on 10-day Maharashtra itinerary.
Where to Eat in Madurai?
You will be wondering where to finish your dinner in Madurai. Here are some popular restaurants in the city:
- Murugan Idli Shop
- Konar Mess
- Amma Mess
- Meenakshi Bhavan
- Gowri Sankar Mess
- Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant
- Bell Jumbo
- Surya Rooftop Restaurant
- Ahaaram Multicuisine Restaurant
- Milagu Hotel
Remember that Madurai is denoted as a city that won’t sleep in Tamil Nadu. So, you can find restaurants offering dinner even during wee hours late at night. Make sure to choose one of these restaurants to finish your dinner. After dinner, get back to your accommodation to refresh yourself for the exploring other places in Madurai on the 6th day of your 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary.
Do you love beach destinations? If so, my 8-day Goa itinerary can help you.
Day 6: Explore Local Markets and Drive to Rameshwaram
If you are a shopping enthusiast, Madurai has lots to offer for shoppers. So, before you start to Rameswaram, make sure to explore the local markets in Madurai. You can go shopping after finishing your breakfast.
After you finish your shopping in Madurai, you can start your trip to Rameswaram.
Drive to Rameswaram
Rameswaram is located around 172 km from Madurai. It will take around 4 to 5 hours to reach Rameswaram when you drive from Madurai. The same rule applies even when you hire a car to drive you to Rameswaram. You might have some stops in the middle of your trip. So,, if you start in the afternoon, it will take late evening for you to reach Rameswaram.
Where to Stay in Rameswaram?
Rameshwaram offers pilgrims and travellers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to comfortable hotels:
- Temple Stay: Yatri Nivas (Hotel Aalayam) located right opposite the Ramanathaswamy Temple, allows you to experience the temple’s spiritual aura. They offer basic rooms with a focus on pilgrimage needs.
- Beachside Bliss: The Dhanushkodi Beach Resort promises stunning ocean views and proximity to the famed Dhanushkodi ghost town. This resort provides a relaxed atmosphere for beach lovers.
- Mid-Range Comfort: Hotel Rameshwaram Grand is a popular choice for its convenient location near the railway station and comfortable rooms with amenities.
- Budget-Friendly: Sri Palani Andavar Lodge offers clean and simple rooms at a pocket-friendly price, perfect for budget travellers on a pilgrimage.
You can check in to your accommodation. After freshening up, you can get to a restaurant close to your accommodation to finish your dinner. Thankfully, you can find Google Maps to find restaurants near your accommodation in Rameswaram.
Day 7 & 8: Rameswaram Exploration and Drive to Trichy
Day 7: Rameswaram Exploration
On the 7th day of your 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary, you can explore Rameswaram. Start your day with a complementary breakfast, if available, in your accommodation. Otherwise, finish your breakfast in a restaurant close to your accommodation.
Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple
Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, renowned for its long corridors lined with intricately carved pillars. Participate in a holy bath at one of the 22 theerthams (sacred water bodies) within the temple complex.
The temple complex is huge. So,, it will be afternoon when you come out of the temple after darshan.
Lunch
You can find many vegetarian restaurant near the temple. Make sure to choose a good restaurant near the temple to finish your lunch.
Dhanushkodi
In the afternoon, take a boat trip to Dhanushkodi, a ghost town that was devastated by a cyclone in the 1960s. Witness the remnants of a bygone era and the legendary Adam’s Bridge, a chain of sandbanks that is believed to be a remnant of a bridge built by Lord Rama.
After visiting Dhanushkodi, get back to Rameswaram to finish your dinner. After dinner, you can get back to your accommodation.
Day 8: Drive to Trichy
Let us dedicate the 8th day of our 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary to drive from Rameswaram to Trichy. Yes, the distance is around 229 km. So, it will take around 6 -7 hours to reach Trichy with breaks in between your drive. You can start from Rameswaram after finishing your breakfast. Otherwise, you can finish your breakfast en route if you start early.
Where to Stay in Trichy?
Trichy caters to a range of travellers with its selection of hotels. Here’s a quick guide based on your preferences:
- Luxury Stay: For a luxurious escape, consider Trichy City Centre by The Tamil Nadu Hotels. This modern hotel features opulent rooms, a rooftop pool with city views, and fine dining options.
- Heritage Charm: Immerse yourself in history at Sangam Hotel Trichy. This heritage hotel, housed in a former palace, boasts elegant rooms, courtyards, and a restaurant serving regional cuisine.
- Comfort & Convenience: For a comfortable stay near the Rockfort Temple, check out Hotel Ramya International. This well-regarded hotel offers spacious rooms, good amenities, and a central location.
- Budget-Friendly: Clafoutis Trichy is a popular choice for budget travellers. This clean and friendly guesthouse provides basic amenities in a convenient location.
After you reach Trichy, make sure to finish your dinner before heading to your accommodation.
What to Eat in Trichy?
Trichy’s culinary scene is a delicious blend of South Indian flavours and unique local specialities. Here are some must-tries:
- Trichy’s Street Food Stars: Don’t miss the crispy fried chicken or mutton varieties of Kozhi/Mutton Peratal (dry roast). For vegetarians, the banana flower fritters (Vazhaipoo Vadai) are a local favorite.
- Dosa Delights: Masala Dosa is a classic, but Trichy offers unique variations like the Settu Dosa (rolled with ghee) or the Ghee Roast Dosa (crispy and flavorful).
- Trichy’s Signature Dish: Kari Viru Chettinad is a must-try for adventurous palates. This fiery chicken dish is a specialty of the Chettinad region near Trichy.
- Sweet Endings: Jigarthanda is a refreshing summer cooler made with milk, condensed milk, and a unique ice cream blend. Don’t forget to indulge in Trichy Halwa, a melt-in-your-mouth semolina fudge.
After dinner, get back to your accommodation for a restful sleep.
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Day 9 & 10: Trichy Exploration and Departure
Day 9: Trichy Exploration
Rockfort Temple
After breakfast, depart for the Rockfort Temple, a sprawling complex perched atop a giant rock. Witness the breathtaking views of the city from the top.
Kallanai Dam
After darshan at the Rockfort temple, head to Kallani Dam. The view of the dam and the waterflow will make you feel better.
After exploring these 2 places finish your lunch. After lunch, you can get back to your accommodation for taking rest for a few hours.
Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple
In the evening, make sure to start around 4 pm so that you can reach Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple. This temple always have huge crowds. So, you will have to wait in long queues for the darshan of the lord. You can also opt for special entry darshan. After darshan, you can finish your dinner near the temple.
After dinner get back to your accommodation at Trichy to prepare for yoru departure the next day on this 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary.
Day 10: Departure
On the final day of this 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary, you can get up late. Spend some leisure time in your accommodation and finish your breakfast.
Trichy has an international airport and also a Railway station. Also, there are bus services from Trichy to other parts of Tamil Nadu. Based on your convenience, you can choose a fitting mode of transportation. Make sure to book your tickets in advance so that you can end up your 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary in a satisfying note.