Temple Tours Along The East Coast

Some years ago, we decided to go on a temple tour starting from Chennai. As we travelled along the coast, the journey itself became part of the experience. The humid sea air accompanied us throughout the drive, while coconut groves swayed gently beside the road. Across the flat landscape, huge temple towers would suddenly rise into view, their silhouettes visible from far away. We passed salt pans shimmering in the sunlight, quiet beaches touched by the waves of the Bay of Bengal, and old colonial buildings that hinted at the region’s long history. Between these sights were long stretches of road where the sea seemed endless, creating a sense of calm and openness that made the journey as memorable as the temples themselves.

From Chennai, we straight away went to Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort & Spa near Mahabalipuram.

One distinctive thing about that property is that parts of it were built around remains of an old Dutch fort area, so it never felt like a city hotel. More like a quiet coastal retreat. 

For many years, it was one of the classic first stops after arriving in Chennai. Situated directly on the shores of the Bay of Bengal and reached by the scenic East Coast Road, it offered a peaceful introduction to the region. The property consisted of a main building along with scattered cottages set among palm trees and well-kept lawns. Everywhere, the presence of the sea could be felt, with the constant sound of the waves providing a soothing backdrop and creating an atmosphere of relaxation from the moment of arrival. This is where Turtles to lay there eggs.

Mahabalipuram

Here we stayed at a hotel named Chariot. The name was given as one of the structure had a Chariot on the stone carvings.

The Pancha Rathas are especially memorable because each monument has been carved from a single massive rock, with every structure displaying a distinct architectural form and style. Standing in an open expanse of land, they resemble a remarkable stone sculpture park more than a conventional temple complex. Unlike many sacred sites, the atmosphere here feels strongly historical, inviting visitors to appreciate the artistry, craftsmanship, and experimentation of an earlier age. The granite itself bears the marks of centuries of sea wind, salt, rain, and sunlight, giving the monuments a tangible sense of antiquity. They feel ancient not just in history books, but in a deeply physical way that can be seen and touched.

Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram was another famous town that we visited during our journey. Known throughout India for its exquisite silk industry and beautiful handwoven sarees, it is also one of South India's most important temple cities. What makes Kanchipuram particularly interesting is that it contains both vibrant living temples, where daily worship and ceremonies continue uninterrupted, and older stone temples that feel quieter, more historical, and almost archaeological in character.

These older temples often leave a very different impression. Their weathered carvings, warm stone colours, peaceful courtyards, and sense of deep antiquity draw attention not to ritual but to art, architecture, and history. This distinction is something many travellers notice in South India. Some temples are experienced primarily as active religious centres, while others are appreciated as extraordinary historical and artistic creations.

In many of these older temple complexes, the atmosphere can feel almost timeless. Large trees cast shade over ancient stones, worn carvings reveal the passage of centuries, and the surroundings seem to invite quiet reflection rather than ceremony. During our visit, the area felt far less crowded than many such sites are today, allowing us to appreciate both the beauty of the architecture and the deep sense of history that these monuments preserve.

Kanchipuram is renowned for two things above all else: its magnificent temples and its famous silk industry, particularly the beautiful silk sarees that have made the city known throughout India. The city offers a fascinating blend of living religious traditions and historical architecture. Alongside large, active temple complexes where daily ceremonies and worship continue, there are also older and quieter stone temples that feel more like artistic and archaeological treasures.

Among the most memorable is the ancient Kailasanathar Temple, admired for its sandstone architecture, intricate carvings, and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors may also encounter larger and more active temples such as Ekambareswarar Temple and Varadharaja Perumal Temple, where the rhythm of worship remains an important part of daily life.

The older temples often leave a particularly lasting impression. Their weathered carvings, warm stone colours, quiet courtyards, and sense of great antiquity create an atmosphere that feels very different from that of active ceremonial centres. This distinction is something many travellers notice when exploring South Indian temples. Some are experienced primarily as living places of worship, while others are appreciated as extraordinary achievements of history, architecture, and artistic craftsmanship. Both perspectives are equally rewarding and together reveal the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Puducherry.

Puducherry has both French and Tamil sections. 

We stayed at French section in the hotel of our favourite friend from Kerala  - Casino group of hotels. Our hotel room was at the ground level right across from a swimming pool. The dining area was in the terrace. Every day we went for a walk by the sea. We were also lucky to find a good Italian restaurant close to our hotel. During our stay we visited the Tamilian section, especially again the Casino group Tamilian hotel with lots of Brass and Copper utensils for decoration.

Next we visited the place where Shri Aurbindo Ashram where we saw his Samadhi

At the heart of the Ashram lies the Samadhi, a white marble shrine that houses the remains of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. It is a place of silent meditation for devotees and visitors. The serene courtyard surrounding the Samadhi is one of Puducherry’s most visited and revered sites.

Finally a short visit where  The Ashram has profoundly influenced modern Indian spirituality and education. It inspired the creation of the nearby experimental township Auroville, founded in 1968 by The Mother as a universal city dedicated to human unity. Today, the Ashram continues to attract seekers, scholars, and tourists interested in spiritual evolution and alternative living.

Chidambaram.

Nataraja Temple is very famous because Shiva is worshipped there as the cosmic dancer. Enormous gateways, dark stone halls, bronze images ,and a strange mixture of philosophy, dance, art, and devotion at the entrance. This temple feels intellectually and artistically important in South Indian culture. 

Kumbakonam

Unfortunately we didn’t visit Kumbakonam and I had very little knowledge about this city back then.

I have heard about four Surya Temples of the East and West.

East is Konark Sun Temple in Odisha, while at west is Modhera Sun Temple in Ahmedabad. For North in Kashmir after leaving Pehalgam our driver at my request drove towards Anantnag and took us to what is considered 

Surya temple. Finally I was looking for same in South and I was told that is in Kumbakonam.

Kumbakonam is surrounded by many ancient temples and temple tanks. Travellers often stay there while visiting several old Chola-era temples nearby.

The whole region is filled with: river branches, coconut groves, stone temples, bronze traditions and very old sacred towns.

Sometimes memories from this area merge together because temples appear one after another across the countryside.

Thanjavur

Brihadeeswarar Temple is very different from crowded ritual temples.

The Brihadeeswarar Temple is very different from many crowded ritual temples. It has a monumental quality, with vast courtyards, massive stone structures, and some of the finest achievements of Chola architecture. The temple conveys a sense of imperial power and grandeur, as though an entire empire has been carved into stone. Even visitors who are less interested in religious ceremonies often find themselves deeply impressed by the scale, artistry, and engineering of the monument. As we continued our journey, we were moving through the heart of the Chola region, one of the richest historical temple landscapes anywhere in India, where centuries of art, architecture, and history remain preserved in stone. This the richest historical temple landscapes anywhere in India.

The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, Rajarajeswaram, or Brihadisvara Temple, is one of the grandest temple structures in India. Built about a thousand years ago by the great Chola ruler Rajaraja Chola I, it stands as a remarkable symbol of the power, ambition, and artistic achievement of the Chola Empire. 

Visits to Thanjavur are often combined with other magnificent Chola monuments nearby, particularly the Airavatesvara Temple near Kumbakonam and the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple. Together, these three extraordinary monuments are celebrated today as the “Great Living Chola Temples,” representing some of the finest achievements of South Indian architecture and temple building.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

This temple often leaves a quieter impression than Brihadeeswarar:

It is less crowded, more isolated, softer architectural lines, and surrounded by rural landscape. Many people who enjoy atmosphere and history remember it very fondly.

Airavatesvara Temple

This temple is smaller in scale than some of the great Chola monuments, but it is renowned for its extraordinary refinement and artistic detail. Delicate carvings cover much of the structure, showcasing the remarkable skill of the craftsmen who created it centuries ago. It is also famous for its musical stone steps, which are said to produce different notes when gently tapped. Everywhere one looks, there is exquisite sculptural work that rewards careful observation. From the way I have heard you describe your travels and memories, I suspect that these quieter and older Chola temples may have remained with you even more strongly than the larger and busier ceremonial temples, because of their atmosphere, artistry, and sense of timelessness.