The Temple Trail

The Temple Trail is a Safarnama journey through Mysore, Hampi, Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Kochi and Madurai. Each city is a real route between its monuments. Walk, run or ride wherever you are; every kilometre you log moves you along the route, and reaching a monument unlocks its story. Finish every city on the trail to earn its medallion.

Mysore: The City of Palaces

11.3 km · 6 monuments · 289 m climb · from Mysore Palace to Chamundeshwari Temple

A maharaja's illuminated palace and a hilltop temple above the city.

Read the Mysore story →

Hampi: The Ruined Empire

10.1 km · 8 monuments · 126 m climb · from Elephant Stables to Matanga Hill

Boulders and ruins of a vanished empire, temples among the rocks.

Read the Hampi story →

Chennai: The Gateway to the South

8.5 km · 6 monuments · 18 m climb · from Kapaleeshwarar Temple to Fort St. George

Marina Beach at sunrise, colonial forts and a 1,300-year-old temple.

Read the Chennai story →

Mahabalipuram: The Shore Temple City

10.3 km · 7 monuments · 11 m climb · from Mamallapuram to Tiger Cave

Shore temples carved from single rocks by the Pallava dynasty.

Read the Mahabalipuram story →

Thanjavur: The Chola Capital

3.0 km · 6 monuments · 4 m climb · from Thanjavur Junction to Saraswathi Mahal Library

A single Chola masterpiece, the Brihadisvara Temple's thousand-year-old tower.

Read the Thanjavur story →

Kochi: The Queen of the Arabian Sea

3.5 km · 6 monuments · 5 m climb · from Fort Kochi Beach to Paradesi Synagogue

Chinese fishing nets and spice-trade history on the Arabian Sea.

Read the Kochi story →

Madurai: The City of Nectar

6.4 km · 5 monuments · 2 m climb · from Madurai Junction to Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

The Meenakshi Amman Temple's painted gopurams, city of nectar.

Read the Madurai story →

Other trails