How to Plan a Chidambaram Tour Package from Chennai
Planning a Chidambaram tour package from Chennai is simple once you know the distance, the best route and the cost. Chidambaram is home to the famous Thillai Nataraja Temple, and it is roughly 4 to 5 hours from Chennai by road. You can visit in one long day or stretch it into a relaxed two-day trip with Pichavaram boating. This guide gives you ready itineraries, AC car prices for every group size, and clear inclusions so you can book with confidence.
Chennai to Chidambaram One Day Trip Itinerary
A one-day trip suits devotees and families who want darshan without an overnight stay. Start early to make the most of the day.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 4:00 AM | Pickup at Chennai |
| 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM | Breakfast on the way |
| 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Darshan at Thillai Nataraja Temple |
| 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Lunch break |
| 2:30 PM | Start return journey to Chennai |
| 8:00 PM | Approximate drop in Chennai |
Tip: Temple darshan timings can change on festival days, so confirm them with your operator before you travel.
Chennai to Chidambaram One Day Tour Package Price
| Vehicle | Price |
|---|---|
| Swift Dzire AC Car | ₹9,000 |
| Etios AC Car | ₹9,000 |
| Ertiga AC Car | ₹14,000 |
| Innova AC Car | ₹14,000 |
| Crysta AC Car | ₹15,500 |
| Tempo Traveller AC Van | ₹17,000 |
Cost includes: fuel, driver bata, toll gates, parking and Pondicherry state permit.
Pick a Dzire or Etios for 2 to 4 people, an Ertiga or Innova for 5 to 7, and a Tempo Traveller for larger family or devotee groups.
Chennai to Chidambaram 2 Days Trip Itinerary
If you don’t want to rush, a two-day trip adds an evening darshan and a boat ride at Pichavaram.
Day 1: Chennai to Chidambaram
Leave Chennai between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM and reach Chidambaram. Check in to your hotel and freshen up. In the evening, visit the Thillai Nataraja Temple for darshan, then return to the hotel for a night stay in Chidambaram.
Day 2: Chidambaram to Pichavaram and Chennai
Check out in the morning and drive to Pichavaram for boating through the mangrove channels. After boating, head back to Chennai for your drop.
Chennai to Chidambaram Pichavaram 2 Days Package Price
| Persons | Car | Budget Package | Standard Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 (1 double room) | Swift Dzire AC | ₹15,000 | ₹16,300 |
| 3 (1 double room + 1 mattress) | Swift Dzire AC | ₹15,600 | ₹17,600 |
| 4 (2 double rooms) | Swift Dzire AC | ₹18,500 | ₹21,000 |
| 4 (2 double rooms) | Ertiga / Innova AC | ₹21,700 | ₹24,500 |
| 5 (2 double rooms + 1 mattress) | Ertiga / Innova AC | ₹22,300 | ₹25,500 |
| 6 (2 double rooms + 2 mattresses) | Ertiga / Innova AC | ₹22,900 | ₹26,700 |
| 6 (3 double rooms) | Ertiga / Innova AC | ₹25,000 | ₹29,000 |
- All transfers and sightseeing in the itinerary by AC car
- Fuel, driver bata, toll gates, parking and Pondicherry state permit
- One night stay in Chidambaram at a budget or standard AC hotel (double or triple sharing)
- Complimentary breakfast at the hotel (Standard Package only)
- All applicable taxes
Package Excludes
- Flight or train tickets
- Lunch, dinner, additional or unspecified meals
- Drinks of any kind
- Temple darshan tickets and boating entry tickets
- Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
How to Choose the Right Package
- One day: best for a quick darshan and a tight budget, but expect about 15 hours on the road and at the temple.
- Two days: better for seniors, children and anyone who wants Pichavaram without rushing.
- Budget vs Standard: Standard adds a complimentary hotel breakfast and costs more.
- Group size: a larger car or tempo traveller often lowers the cost per head.
- Book at least a few days ahead, and longer for weekends and festival dates.
- Start early, since the drive from Chennai takes around 4 to 5 hours.
- Dress modestly for the temple, as traditional attire is usually expected.
- Carry cash for darshan tickets and boating, as they are not included.
- Confirm the pickup point and the final price in writing.
FAQs
How far is Chidambaram from Chennai?
It is roughly 230 km, and the drive takes around 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic.
Can I visit Chidambaram from Chennai in one day?
Yes. Leave around 4:00 AM, complete darshan by early afternoon and return to Chennai by about 8:00 PM.
What is the cost of a one-day Chennai to Chidambaram trip?
It starts at ₹9,000 for a Swift Dzire or Etios AC car, including fuel, driver bata, toll, parking and permit.
Are temple tickets and boating tickets included?
No. Darshan and boating entry tickets are extra.
Which car is best for a family of 6?
An Ertiga or Innova AC car is usually the best fit.
Book Your Chidambaram Tour Package from Chennai
Ready to go? Share your travel date, number of people and preferred Chidamabram Tour package, and we’ll confirm your car, hotel and final price. Call / WhatsApp: +91 9841862359 | +91 9176070718
