One of the grandest and the most graceful of all of India's treasure troves is Madurai. The city is one of India's oldest and favourite pilgrimage sites due to its rich heritage in culture, architecture and literature. From Chennai, trains take around 8-9 hours to reach Madurai, but daily flights also operate and is reachable in an hour. At a distance of 460 km by road from the state capital, buses and cars take approximately 6-8 hours. This sophisticated temple town may have first been accounted by Greek historian Megasthenes, dating back to 3rd century BC! The sheer magnificence of the breathtaking Meenakshi temple complex is bound to leave you wonderstruck -and keeps you wanting for more.

Betel leaves and strong coffee is what Kumbakonam is famous for, but the town is primarily known for its wealthy collection of ancient Hindu temples dating back to the 7th century A.D. Located at a distance of 270 km from Chennai, it is easily accessible by bus or car(4 hour drive) since it is well connected to major towns and cities. Pilgrims from over the country flock here in millions each year. Commonly referred to as the 'Temple Town' because of the 200 odd temples present within the town limits, the aura of this temple city gravitates you back into time. Remnants of the epoch of great past civilizations that ruled here still vibrate through this ancient land, deeming it impossible to dishearten the art lover in you.

3 of the 35 UNESCO World Heritage Monuments in India are present in and around this enchanting ancient town, and capture the attention of pilgrims and tourists with exquisite detail. An important center of religion, culture, art and architecture, Thanjavur served as the flourishing capital of the Chola dynasty during its heyday, from 10th-14th century A.D. Well connected by road, Chennai is only 350 km and about 6-8 hours away by bus or car. Trains are also a viable option. Home to the most ambitious granite monument in the world, the Brihadeeswarar temple, an 'immortal edifice' as experts call it, is a sight to cherish. Tanjore's eye-catching paintings are world famous and you can buy one in the town! The beautiful temples present here have stood the brutal test of time. A testament of brilliant craftsmanship & engineering of a bygone era.

Kanyakumari or Cape-Comorin as it is called, is the southernmost tip of mainland India and is a well visited tourist center because of its geographic and historic importance. Multicoloured beaches adore this unique city present 700 km from the state capital, a drive of about 9 hours. Buses and trains are also frequently taken means of transport. This glamorous city of Tamil Nadu is regularly visited by thousands of pilgrims, notably due to the scenic 3000 year Kumari Amman temple, the prominent Vivekananda rock memorial and the majestic Thiruvalluvar statue, all that shine amidst the azure of the Indian ocean. A place of mixed culture, cuisine and heritage, Kanyakumari captivates your curiosity with utmost charm.

Situated at a distance of 200 km and a drive of about 3 hours from Chennai, this famous holy city is the abode of the biggest Shiva temple - the Annamalaiyar temple. The temple is also one of the the largest in the country owing to its thousand pillared hall, elaborate inscriptions, large temple complex, king-sized gopurams and intricately designed temples. Around 100 magnificent temples present here have been attracting millions of devotees and travellers for hundreds of years. To add to the beauty, the Annamalai hills in the backdrop enriches the setting of this sacred town.

If you want to witness a place where history comes alive at every turn, then the magnificent picturesque town of Hampi does the job. An unadulterated fairytale world of ancient ruins, breathtaking temples with jaw dropping architecture, untouched rocky landscapes, lush green farmlands and the raging Tungabhadra river. This is a destination that leaves you breathless with its heavenly vibes. It is located in Karnataka, at a distance of 570 km from Chennai with a driving time of around 12 hours. The town and its ruins were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it once housed the mighty throne of the ancient kingdom of Vijayanagara. Once you enter Hampi, be prepared for a journey involving endless delights that will leave you mesmerized. For however long you choose to stay, you're sure to wish you stayed longer!