South India Temple & Heritage Tour (Chennai • Mahabalipuram • Pondicherry • Madurai • Rameshwaram)
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Best For: USA travelers interested in culture, temples, coastal towns & heritage
Operated by: AAVI Creations Tours (USA)
Discover the spiritual and cultural heart of South India with this specially crafted tour for USA travelers. From the busy coastal city of Chennai to the ancient rock temples of Mahabalipuram, the French-style streets of Pondicherry, and the grand temples of Madurai and Rameshwaram, this itinerary combines history, architecture, food and faith.
Enjoy private transport, handpicked hotels, English-speaking guides and a comfortable pace that allows you to absorb the atmosphere of South India’s most iconic temple towns and heritage cities.
Why USA Travelers Love This Tour
- Unique mix of temples, history, coastal towns and local food
- Excellent weather in many months of the year
- French-influenced Pondicherry and UNESCO sites at Mahabalipuram
- Famous temples of Madurai & Rameshwaram
- Private AC car, curated hotels and expert guides
- Ideal extension to North India or stand-alone South India trip
Tour Highlights
- Chennai city tour & Marina Beach
- UNESCO shore temples & rock-cut monuments at Mahabalipuram
- French Quarter walk & seaside promenade in Pondicherry
- Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai
- Ramanathaswamy Temple & Pamban Bridge in Rameshwaram
- Local South Indian cuisine & cultural immersion
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Chennai
- Arrive at Chennai International Airport
- Meet & greet by our representative
- Private transfer to hotel and check-in
- Evening at leisure or short visit to Marina Beach
- Overnight in Chennai
Day 2 – Chennai City Tour
- Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Mylapore area)
- Drive past Fort St. George & Santhome Church
- Explore local markets or South Indian silk shops
- Evening at leisure
- Overnight in Chennai
Day 3 – Chennai → Mahabalipuram → Pondicherry
- Drive along the scenic East Coast Road
- Stop in Mahabalipuram to see:
- Shore Temple (UNESCO)
- Panch Rathas (Five Rathas)
- Arjuna’s Penance bas-relief
- Continue to Pondicherry and check-in to hotel
- Evening stroll along the seafront promenade
- Overnight in Pondicherry
Day 4 – Pondicherry Heritage & Auroville
- Walking tour of the French Quarter (White Town)
- Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram
- Excursion to Auroville & Matrimandir viewing point (as per access rules)
- Enjoy cafés, bakeries and relaxed seaside vibe
- Overnight in Pondicherry
Day 5 – Pondicherry → Madurai
- Drive or train/flight (as per final plan) to Madurai
- Check-in at hotel
- Evening visit to the illuminated Meenakshi Amman Temple complex
- Overnight in Madurai
Day 6 – Madurai Temples & Local Life
- Guided visit inside Meenakshi Temple and surrounding markets
- Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
- Free time to explore local cuisine and handicrafts
- Overnight in Madurai
Day 7 – Madurai → Rameshwaram
- Drive to Rameshwaram, a major pilgrimage island town
- Stop at Pamban Bridge for sea views
- Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple (famous long corridors & sacred wells)
- Explore local beaches and viewpoints (time & interest permitting)
- Overnight in Rameshwaram
Day 8 – Rameshwaram → Madurai or Chennai
- Morning at leisure in Rameshwaram
- Drive back to Madurai (or onward to Chennai by flight/train as per final routing)
- Check-in at hotel and relax
- Overnight in Madurai or Chennai (depending on your onward flight plan)
Day 9 – Departure
- Breakfast at hotel
- Transfer to airport (Madurai or Chennai) for onward international flight
- Tour ends with beautiful memories of South India
Recommended Hotels
Hotel categories can be chosen as 3★, 4★ or 5★ depending on your budget.
- Chennai: International standard city hotels
- Pondicherry: Boutique heritage hotels or beachfront stays
- Madurai: Premium hotels close to Meenakshi Temple
- Rameshwaram: Comfortable temple-town hotels
Transport
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing
- Experienced driver familiar with South India routes
- All tolls, parking and driver allowances included
- Domestic train or flight segments arranged as required
Inclusions
- 8 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Private AC vehicle with driver for the full itinerary
- Airport/railway station transfers
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- English-speaking local guides at key cities (as per final plan)
- All government taxes, tolls and parking
Exclusions
- International flights (USA–India–USA)
- Monument entry tickets, puja charges and camera fees
- Lunches, dinners and beverages
- Personal expenses, donations, tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance and medical expenses
- Any services not specifically mentioned under “Inclusions”
Why Book with AAVI Creations Tours (USA)
- USA-based company specializing in India tours for American travelers
- Clear communication & reliable support from planning to return
- Tailor-made options for seniors, families, spiritual seekers and culture lovers
- Handpicked hotels and trusted local guides
- 24×7 WhatsApp assistance while in India
- Flexible itinerary – can be shortened, extended or combined with North India
Plan Your South India Temple & Heritage Tour
Tell us your travel month, group size and special interests – we will customize this South India trip for you.
AAVI Creations Tours
📍 156 Henderson Pl, East Windsor, NJ 08520, USA
📞 +1 609-937-9979
🌐 https://aavicreations.tours/