Pondicherry, Thanjavur & Trichy

Five days through Tamil Nadu's temple heartland, tracing a route from the French quarter of Pondicherry inland to the great Chola-era temple towns of Thanjavur and Trichy. It is a heritage-dense trip, built around some of South India's most significant historic sites rather than beaches or nightlife.

You pass through Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram on the way to Pondicherry, then head to Chidambaram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram before reaching Thanjavur and Trichy. Expect a steady rhythm of temples, carvings and old stone architecture, with a guide on hand to explain what you're looking at.

This is an easy-paced, fully guided sightseeing trip, suited to families and groups who want the history explained rather than pieced together alone.

What you'll do

• Explore the coastal town of Pondicherry with its French quarter
• Visit the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram
• See the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram
• Tour the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur
• Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and the Rock Fort in Trichy
• Pass through the historic towns of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram