Published 2026-09-15 · 7 min read · One Cab Service
The nine Navagraha temples — one for each of the nine celestial bodies in Hindu astrology — are clustered around Kumbakonam in the Cauvery delta. Visiting all nine is a popular pilgrimage, and a taxi is by far the easiest way to do it because the temples are spread across small villages with limited bus connections.
The nine temples
| Graha | Temple | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Surya (Sun) | Suryanar Kovil | Near Aduthurai |
| Chandra (Moon) | Kailasanathar Temple | Thingalur |
| Angaraka (Mars) | Vaitheeswaran Koil | Near Sirkazhi |
| Budha (Mercury) | Swetharanyeswarar Temple | Thiruvenkadu |
| Guru (Jupiter) | Apatsahayesvarar Temple | Alangudi |
| Sukra (Venus) | Agniswarar Temple | Kanjanur |
| Sani (Saturn) | Dharbaranyeswarar Temple | Thirunallar (Karaikal) |
| Rahu | Naganathaswamy Temple | Thirunageswaram |
| Ketu | Naganathaswamy Temple | Keezhaperumpallam |
Suggested 2-day plan
Day 1 (from Kumbakonam): Suryanar Kovil → Kanjanur → Thingalur → Alangudi → Thirunageswaram. Many pilgrims begin with Suryanar Kovil, as the Sun is considered the head of the nine grahas.
Day 2: Vaitheeswaran Koil → Thiruvenkadu → Keezhaperumpallam → Thirunallar, then return to Kumbakonam or continue onward.
Most temples close for a few hours in the afternoon, so plan darshan in the morning and evening, and use the afternoon for lunch and rest. Thirunallar is in Karaikal, which is part of Puducherry, so a small entry permit may apply for the taxi.
Getting to Kumbakonam by drop taxi
Kumbakonam is in Thanjavur district. Our drop taxi fares to the Thanjavur/Kumbakonam area:
| Route | Distance | Sedan | Innova | Crysta |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai to Kumbakonam | ~290 km | ₹4,650 | ₹6,100 | ₹6,680 |
| Chennai to Thanjavur | ~340 km | ₹5,600 | ₹7,300 | ₹7,980 |
| Madurai to Thanjavur | ~190 km | ₹3,150 | ₹4,100 | ₹4,480 |
| Coimbatore to Thanjavur | ~280 km | ₹4,500 | ₹5,900 | ₹6,460 |
Approximate one way fares including driver bata. Toll, parking and hill charges extra.
For the temple circuit itself you need the same car for two days — call us for a Navagraha package quote in a sedan, Innova or Tempo Traveller.
Tips
- Dress traditionally; some temples have dress codes for men and women.
- Carry small change for archanai tickets and offerings.
- Stay in Kumbakonam — it has the most hotel options and is central to all nine temples.