I did a temple run in Tamil Nadu, India

I recently concluded a 6 day trip across Tamil Nadu exploring Trichy, Chettinad, Chidambaram and Chennai and visiting 2 panch bhootam temple - Jambukeswarar and Nataraja temple , 3 living chola temples - Brihadeshwara, Airavateshwara and Gangaikondacholapuram temple, largest functioning hindu temple - Sri Ranganathan swamy temple and multiple other temples like Adi kumbeswarar, Sarangpani, Mariamman Temple, Kali Amman temple, Shore temple and carvings at Mahabalipuram and ended with San thome Cathedral in Chennai - 1 out of only 3 of their kind across the world built over an apostle crypt. I also visited the famous chettiyar houses and has the most amazing meal in Chettinad. I mostly travelled through local TNSTC buses and trains along with taking autos wherever needed spending only 38k inckuding flights and stays. I am missing the amazing food already and the vibe and atmosphere of the temples.

One of the most amazing trips I have done so far.

Itinerary

- Day 1 - Flight from Hyderabad to Trichy - visited Jambukeswarar Temple - very easy and quick darshan , spent 10+ minutes in garb griha for both shiva and parvati. No rush nothing. Amazing experience

- Day 2 - Took bus from Chatiram bus stand in Trichy to Panjapur bus stand in Trichy and then to Thanjavur. Took a 200inr auto to the temple. Spent approx 2+ hours inside the temple. It is a sight to behold and you won't feel to leave from that place. I initially planned to take a bus or some shared jeep to Chettinad but since none was available, i booked an intercity for 1500 and reached Chettinad. I already made a reservation at Bangla for the food . the Food was amazing - one of the best meals I have had. Then I took an auto for local sightseeing including drop at bus stand which costed me 1600. The Chettinad leg was most expensive in the whole trip. Took bus back to.panjapur and then to Chatiram. I was staying at walking distance from Chatiram .

- Day 3 - Darshan at Ranganathan swamy and spent almost 3+ hours exploring the temple. I also had Anandham (food ) here and it was soo good , I almost overate 😅. I took an auto to Mariamman. temple and since it was too hot , i went back to hotel post that.

- Day 4 - Early morning train to Kumbakonam - auto to Darasuram, Airavteshwara temple for 250 - another auto to Adi kumbeswarar , Sarangpani and then drop to Bus stand for 350. Took bus to gangaikondacholapuram. Bus drops on the temple directly. I reached at 11:55 and got lucky to do the darshan. the sanctum closes from 12-4 in mostly all temple in South India including this one. Then after exploring for about an hour, I took bus to Chidambaram. this is a bit tricky and there are lesser buses. I would say I got a little lucky with direct bus else you can either come back to akumabkonam or go to Kattumannarkoli. I reached Chidambaram around 3pm. Took some rest and did darshan at Nataraja temple and Kali Amman temple in evening. I also saw rahasaya Pooja and here also you can do easy darshan but not as easy and near as Jambukeswarar Temple. Ate at Sri Krishna Vilas. Chidambaram was hottest of all the places I visited

- Day 5 - took train to Chengalpattu. Took bus from bus stand which is in front of the train station to Mammallapuram/Mahabalipuram - very good service and very easy to find. Took an hour to reach Mahabalipuram and then walked to the Shore temple which explored for an hour and then took auto for 320 for other places within mahabalipuram. ai could have walked if it was not scorching hot and I didn't have the backpack. My plan was to go to Chennai from there and I initially planned to take bus from Mahabalipuram junction but auto person and security people mentioned to take brom bypass as service is fantastic. I have additional 80 to auto to drop me at by pass. with in 1 min I got the bus to Koyembedu/Chennai. Reached Chennai at 6 and my stay at 7 since it was rather yatra and the route was crowded. I stayed in Mylapore.

Day 6 - Had flight at 12, so went to the San thome Cathedral and beach only in morning.