Three of the founder's best-seller destinations sit on one trail: Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram and Thanjavur. Together they tell the story of Tamil temple architecture, from the Pallavas' first stone experiments to the Cholas' 66-metre tower.
Here's how they fit together, and how long each one needs.
1. What Makes Mahabalipuram Special?
In the 7th and 8th centuries, Pallava sculptors carved temples straight out of the granite here: the Five Rathas, each cut from a single rock, the vast Arjuna's Penance relief, and the Shore Temple facing the sea. See the Shore Temple at sunrise, and stay a night rather than day-tripping.
2. How Should You Plan Kanchipuram?
Kanchipuram was the Pallava capital, and its Kailasanathar Temple (early 8th century) is the bridge between the rock-cut shrines and the great structural temples. Ekambareswarar, Kamakshi Amman and Varadharaja Perumal are all within a few kilometres.
The temples close around 12:30 pm and reopen around 4 pm. Use that break to visit a silk weaver at work.
Buying Kanchipuram silk
- Look for the Silk Mark label
- Buy at co-operative societies or from weavers directly
- Pure zari has a silver core; ask to see the test
3. Why Is Thanjavur's Big Temple Unique?
Rajaraja Chola I completed the Brihadeeswarar Temple in 1010 CE. Its vimana rises about 66 metres, and the temple is still in daily worship a thousand years later. With Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, it forms UNESCO's 'Great Living Chola Temples'.
Visit the Big Temple twice: at opening, and again at dusk when the granite turns gold.
4. How Many Days Do You Need?
Three days covers Chennai, Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Four days covers Trichy, Thanjavur and the Chola temples. The full trail from Chennai to Madurai, including Pondicherry, takes 9 days.
Our three versions
- Mahabalipuram coast: 3 days from Chennai
- Kanchipuram temples & silk: 2 days from Chennai
- Thanjavur & the Chola temples: 4 days from Trichy
- Full Tamil Nadu Temple Trail: 9 days, Chennai to Madurai
