3-day itinerary for visiting famous temples around Chennai

3-day itinerary for visiting famous temples around Chennai, starting from Chennai Airport. These temples not only offer spiritual experiences but also showcase rich architectural heritage.

Day 1: Chennai City Temples

1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Mylapore)

A stunning Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Famous for its vibrant gopuram (gateway tower) and religious significance.

Distance from the airport: ~15 km (30-45 min).

2. Parthasarathy Temple (Triplicane)

Dedicated to Lord Krishna (an incarnation of Vishnu).

Built in the 8th century, showcasing intricate stone carvings.

Distance from Kapaleeshwarar Temple: ~5 km (15-20 min).

3. Vadapalani Murugan Temple

A famous temple dedicated to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya).

Known for its vibrant festivals and is often visited by devotees before weddings.

Distance from Parthasarathy Temple: ~10 km (30 min).

4. Marundeeswarar Temple (Thiruvanmiyur)

Dedicated to Lord Shiva as the healer.

A peaceful temple, especially for those seeking health blessings.

Distance from Vadapalani Temple: ~15 km (30-45 min).

Evening:

Relax by the Marina Beach and enjoy the sunset.

Distance from Marundeeswarar Temple: ~5 km (15 min).

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Day 2: Kanchipuram Temple Circuit

Kanchipuram, the "City of a Thousand Temples," is about 70-80 km from Chennai and can be covered in a day.

1. Ekambareswarar Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it’s one of the five elemental temples representing Earth.

Renowned for its vast size and the ancient mango tree in its courtyard.

2. Kamakshi Amman Temple

A prominent temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi (Parvati).

It is one of the three main Shakti Peethas in India.

3. Kailasanathar Temple

Known for its intricate sandstone carvings and Pallava architecture.

This temple is quiet and less crowded, making it perfect for peaceful worship.

4. Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is an architectural marvel.

Famous for its massive stone pillars and sculptures.

Evening Return:

Return to Chennai by evening for an overnight stay.

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Day 3: Mahabalipuram and Tirukkalukundram Temples

1. Shore Temple (Mahabalipuram)

UNESCO World Heritage site, located by the Bay of Bengal.

Built during the Pallava dynasty and famous for its sea-facing structure.

Distance from Chennai: ~60 km (1-1.5 hrs).

2. Pancha Rathas (Mahabalipuram)

A complex of five monolithic structures shaped like chariots.

An architectural masterpiece from the Pallava era.

3. Thirukazhukundram Temple

Located near Mahabalipuram, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Famous for its hilltop location and the legend of eagles visiting the temple.

Distance from Mahabalipuram: ~15 km (30 min).

Evening Return:

Drive back to Chennai, reaching the city by evening.

Relax or visit local markets for souvenirs before departing.

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Travel Tips:

Transport: You can hire a private taxi or rent a car for the entire trip.

Timings: Temples usually open early morning (5:30 AM–12:30 PM) and evening (4:00 PM–9:00 PM).

Dress Code: Most temples require traditional attire (men: dhoti/kurta, women: saree/salwar).

This itinerary balances visits to some of the most iconic temples while allowing for some relaxation and scenic experiences.