Tamil Nadu is where South India’s soul shows itself in stone and song. Ancient Dravidian temples rise like sculpted mountains, beaches stretch under copper sunsets, and spice-scented kitchens turn breakfast into ritual. Here, history isn’t in glass cases—it’s alive in festivals, silk looms, and the clang of temple bells.

Across seven days, you’ll base yourself in two icons: coastal Chennai, the cultural “Gateway to South India,” and Madurai, a sacred city famed for the Meenakshi Amman Temple. We’ll weave in UNESCO-listed Mahabalipuram, temple-studded Kanchipuram, French-accented Pondicherry, and a heritage-rich day trip to Trichy.

Expect filter coffee that could wake a mythic hero, idlis so soft they’re eaten with sambar spoons, and markets full of silk, jasmine, and bronze lamps. November–February offers the mildest weather; dress modestly for temples and remove footwear upon entry. Trains are comfortable and scenic; flights save time between cities.

Chennai

Chennai blends old-world devotion with an energetic arts and food scene. Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple’s vivid gopurams, walk Marina Beach—the world’s second-longest urban beach—and detour to George Town’s trading lanes for brassware and spices. Music lovers, time your visit for the winter Margazhi season of classical Carnatic concerts.

Eat like a local: start with idli-vadai-sambar at Rayar’s Mess or Karpagambal Mess in Mylapore, sip “degree” filter coffee, then hunt for Chicken 65 at Buhari Hotel (its reputed birthplace). In Sowcarpet, North Indian chaat reigns supreme—Kakada Ramprasad’s pani puri and Ajnabi’s chaats are crowd favorites.

Where to stay: Base in Mylapore/Alwarpet for temple heritage and cafes, or T. Nagar for shopping and easy transit. Browse stays on VRBO Chennai or compare hotels on Hotels.com Chennai. Look for properties near the beach or in heritage districts for atmosphere.

Getting in: Fly into MAA (Chennai International). Search fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. If arriving by rail from elsewhere in India, check Trip.com trains.

Day 1 — Land in Chennai, Mylapore temples, and a street-food first night

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Take a gentle walk around Mylapore’s tank and the 7th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple—note the intricate stucco deities and music sellers outside. Coffee stop at The Brew Room (Savera) or a Kumbakonam Degree Coffee outlet for textbook filter coffee.

Evening: Dive into North-Indian-meets-Tamil street eats on a guided food walk in bustling Sowcarpet. Try pani puri, pav bhaji, jalebi, and “bondas” fried fresh.

• Sowcarpet Street Food Walking Tour in Chennai with guide

  

Prefer a sit-down? Ratna Café (Triplicane) serves legendary sambar-idli, while Buhari Hotel on Mount Road is a classic for Chicken 65. Night stroll at Marina Beach with a paper cone of spicy “sundal” (chickpea snack).

Day 2 — Chennai icons by car, museums, and the bay

Morning: Explore Fort St. George’s colonial history, San Thome Basilica’s serene nave, and colorful flower markets with a guide and driver. This helps you cover distance in the humid climate.

• Total Chennai city tour in Private car with guide & lunch (Wonder Tours)

  

Afternoon: Browse the Government Museum’s bronze gallery for masterworks of Chola art—pay attention to the dancing Shiva (Nataraja). Late-afternoon breeze along Besant Nagar’s Elliot’s Beach; snack on molaga bajji (chili fritters).

Evening: Dinner at Dakshin (regional thali, live veena music) or Savya Rasa (heritage recipes). Nightcap with “rose milk” near Mint Street or craft coffee at Amethyst’s Garden Café.

Day 3 — Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram (UNESCO temples and silk)

This is a full-day excursion south on the scenic East Coast Road, then inland to the “City of a Thousand Temples.” Expect 10–11 hours door-to-door, with beachside stone temples and handloom silk workshops.

• Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company

  

Highlights: the Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance relief in Mahabalipuram (both 7th–8th century, UNESCO), and Kanchipuram’s Kailasanathar and Ekambareswarar Temples. Stop at a silk-weaving unit to see lustrous Kanchipuram sarees come to life. Dinner back in Chennai—try seafood at The Marina (grilled seer fish, pepper prawns).

Day 4 — Pondicherry from Chennai (French boulevards and coastal bites)

Another rewarding full-day trip (about 3 hours each way) reveals French-Tamil culture, colonial villas, and café-lined streets. Wander the Promenade, Aurobindo Ashram area, and White Town’s mustard-and-cream facades.

• Pondicherry day trip from Chennai (Wonder Tours)

  

Lunch at a Franco-Tamil bistro for creole curries or a flaky mille-feuille. On the drive back, optional stop at the Madras Crocodile Bank or DakshinaChitra (heritage crafts). Chennai dinner: Buhari, or modern Chettinad at Ponnusamy for pepper chicken and parotta.

Chennai lodging quick picks: For boutique stays and family apartments, see VRBO Chennai. For business-class hotels or beachfront properties, compare on Hotels.com Chennai.

Madurai

Madurai is temple-town intensity and hospitality distilled. The Meenakshi Amman Temple’s thousand-pillared halls and technicolor towers define the skyline, while jasmine garlands, bronze lamps, and banana-leaf meals define the mood. Evenings crescendo with sacred processions and nadaswaram music.

Food here is bold and memorable: Kari dosai at Konar Mess, mutton sukka at Amma Mess, and soft idlis at the original Murugan Idli Shop. Cool down with Madurai’s signature “jigarthanda”—a creamy almond-flavored drink with ice cream.

Where to stay: Choose the temple area for walkability, or leafy enclaves for quieter nights. Browse VRBO Madurai and compare hotels on Hotels.com Madurai.

Getting there from Chennai (Day 5 morning): Fly MAA→IXM in ~1h20; typical one-way fares are ~$40–90 if booked early. Search on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Trains take ~7–9 hours; 2AC/3AC berths are ~$10–25—check schedules on Trip.com trains. Morning departures fit today’s plan.

Day 5 — Fly or train to Madurai, temple orientation, and night ceremony

Morning: Transfer to the airport or station. Grab a packed breakfast—idlis travel well—or a quick plate at Saravana Bhavan before departure. Arrive in Madurai and check in.

Afternoon: Join a guided introduction covering Meenakshi Amman Temple, Puthu Mandapam market (tailors and textiles inside a pillared hall), and the banana and flower bazaars around East Masi Street.

• Best of Madurai (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car)

  

Evening: Witness the sacred night ceremony when the idol of Shiva is carried to Meenakshi’s chamber—drums, lamps, and chanting create an unforgettable atmosphere.

• Night Ceremony in Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

  

Dinner afterward at Murugan Idli Shop (idli with six chutneys) or Amma Mess (home-style non-veg classics). Try Famous Jigarthanda for dessert.

Day 6 — Day trip to Trichy (Srirangam, Rockfort, and river life)

Set out at 7:00 AM for Tiruchirappalli, ~3 hours from Madurai. Explore Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam (one of India’s largest temple complexes), climb Rockfort for sweeping views, and visit the Kaveri riverbanks. Expect a full, rewarding day with breaks for local meals.

• Ancient Wonders: Trichy's Rich Heritage Tour From Madurai

  

On return, keep dinner light—Sri Sabarees for a satisfying South Indian “meals” (thali) on a banana leaf is perfect.

Day 7 — Old Madurai flavors, palace heritage, and departure

Morning: Taste your way through Madurai’s lanes on a compact guided food crawl—think kari dosa, idiyappam with coconut milk, and fresh jigarthanda. If time allows, walk through the 17th-century Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal for its grand arcades.

• Madurai Street Food Crawl (2 Hours Guided Food Tasting Tour)

  

Afternoon: Check out and transfer to IXM airport or the station. For onward flights or trains, browse Trip.com flights, Kiwi.com, or Trip.com trains. Pick up temple-prasad sweets or spice mixes as gifts.

Evening: In transit—arrive at your next stop with a camera roll full of gopurams and sunsets.

Optional add-ons if you have extra time

• Swap Pondicherry for a focused Mahabalipuram walking deep-dive: Mahabalipuram walking tour

  

• Kanchi silk immersion from Chennai: Private Day Tour: Kanchipuram (Silk City)

  

Eating and drinking highlights (quick list to bookmark):

• Chennai breakfast: Rayar’s Mess (tiny, soul-stirring idlis), Karpagambal Mess (ghee pongal, filter coffee), Ratna Café (sambar-soaked idli).
• Chennai lunch/dinner: Dakshin (regional tasting menu), Savya Rasa (heritage South Indian), Buhari Hotel (classic Chicken 65), The Marina (seafood), Ponnusamy (Chettinad peppery fare).
• Madurai favorites: Murugan Idli Shop (idli, jigarthanda), Amma Mess (mutton sukka), Konar Mess (kari dosai), Sri Sabarees (vegetarian “meals”).
• Cafés and coffee: Amethyst Garden Café (Chennai), The Brew Room (Chennai), roadside Kumbakonam degree coffee stalls, Famous Jigarthanda (Madurai).

Practical tips: Carry a light scarf for temple visits; shoulders and knees should be covered. Footwear is left at temple entrances—bring socks if ground is hot. For trains, book 2AC/3AC classes; for flights, early morning departures are punctual and less crowded. Always hydrate and keep small cash for offerings and street-food purchases.

Across a week, you’ve traced Tamil Nadu’s coastline and temple cities, from Chennai’s artsy buzz to Madurai’s devotional heart, with UNESCO stonework and silk heritage en route. The flavors and rituals of the south tend to linger—so will the colors of those towering gopurams.