South India Temple Tour

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Duration: 12 Nights/ 13 Days

Destinations:Chennai-Tirupati-Chennai-Kanchipuram - Mamallapooram - Tiruvannamalai – Pondicherry- Chidambaram – Tanjore- Trichy – Madurai- Trivandrum

Day 01: Arrive Chennai

Arrive at Chennai airport and meet with our representatives who shall assist & transfer you to the pre-booked hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure followed by dinner & overnight stay.

Day 02: In Chennai

Morning after breakfast proceeds for a full day sightseeing of Chennai covering a number of famous tourist attractions and historical monuments. Also known as the cultural Gateway to South India, we shall be visiting The National Art Gallery, the Museum displaying some of the most beautiful temple prizes and the finest collection of South Indian bronzes. The famous St. Mary's Church is a must see, so is the scenic Marina Beach. Explore several famous statues and monuments located in the beach vicinity followed by visit to Kamraj Memorial house and Kalakshetra. After the eventful sightseeing, return drive to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 03: Chennai-Tirupati-Chennai

Today’s trip takes us to the shrine which is said to attract even more devotees annually then Mecca and Jerusalem. Visit the ancient temple of Lord Venkateswara and several other sacred shrines located in the vicinity. Overnight stay at Chennai hotel.

Day 04: Chennai-Kanchipuram - Mamallapooram

Morning drive to Mamallapooram en-route visiting the famous town of Kanchipuram. It used to serve as the capital of the Pallavas and is called the city of 1000 Temples. Its 124 shrines are still highly regarded amongst the locals. Upon arrival at Mamallapooram transfer to the hotel. Sightseeing includes visit to several antique sculptural marvels. The huge sculptures cut-out of rocks dates back to more than 1200 years during the Pallava reign. Most of these carvings depict incidents like battles or images of Gods and demons, their artistic brilliance making them a true poetry in stone. Also visit the shore temple dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in its sanctum sanctorum. Overnight stay at Mamallapuram.

Day 05: Mamallapooram - Tiruvannamalai - Pondicherry

Today’ temple tour takes us to the historical town of Pondicherry, En-route visiting Tiruvannamallai- a pilgrimage destination housing an ancient temple of Lord Shiva. Later, arrival at Pondicherry known for a typical French aura or traces of a strong French presence. It was not until 1954 that Pondicherry managed to break the shackles of colonialism to become a part of India. Myth logically, this is believed to be the place where sage Agasthaya settled down. Overnight at Pondicherry

Day 06: In Pondicherry

Morning drive to Aurobindo Ashram also known as the city of dawn located at a distance of about 10 kms north of Pondicherry. Swami Aurobindo believed in promoting a synthesis of Yoga and modern science resulting in the unity of the spirit and matter and the Ashram represents the same values. This is followed by visit to Auroville - a unique concept or experiment in international living where men and women of all nationalities live together in harmony. Overnight at Pondicherry

Day 07: Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Tanjore

Visit the Nataraja Temple- the famous dancing God with a drive to Chidambaram lasting 1.5hrs/65 kms. Also known as Thillai and sprawling over a 40 acres area has its Sanctum Sanctorum plated with gold. Nataraja is Lord Shiva as a cosmic dancer in various postures from the Bharatnatayam form of dance. Post lunch drive to Thanjavur (104kms/03hrs) en-route visiting the Brass factory at Kumbakonam. The town of Tanjore used to serve as the capital of the Chola Kings and has the Brahadeswara temple as its historical attraction. Overnight at Tanjore hotel.

Day 08: Tanjore - Trichy

Morning drive to Trichy also known as Trichurapalli situated on the Kaveri River’s banks. This pilgrimage destination provides a pleasant blend of history and tradition through famous monuments like the Ranganath temple. Upon arrival check in at the hotel at take time to relax and unwind before heading out of the sightseeing. The city tour takes us to Rock fort and the temple perched at a height of over 23mts. Srirangam and Jambukeshwar Temples are other places worth visiting. Overnight stay at Trichy hotel.

Day 09: Trichy - Madurai

After breakfast proceed to Madurai and check in at hotel. The ancient city of Madurai is laid out in the banks of river Vaigai and is believed to be some 2600 years old. It has a lotus flower with the Meenakshi temple in the center. The city tour includes visits to Meenakshi temple, King Tirumala's Palace, Great tank and Gandhi museum. Overnight at Madurai.

Day 10: In Madurai

Morning drive to Rameshwaram – one of India’s highly regarded and sacred pilgrimage destinations. This is a small island known for its deep mythological relation with Ramayana incidents. The famous Ramanatha Swamy Temple is located here –one of the twelve Jyothirlingas in the country. According to legends, prior to the battle of Lanka, Lord Rama visited Rameshwaram and then again after defeating Ravana set foot on its soil. Lord Hanumana were asked to bring a holy Lingam from Kailash Parvat for worship. However, the auspicious hour was approaching and there was no trace of Hanumana returning with the Lingam, which prompted Sita to build a Lingam out of sand. This lingam is said to exist till date inside the sacred shrine and worshipped by thousands of devotees. Standing close to sea on the eastern side of the island, the temple is also known for its magnificent corridors and the massive sculptured pillars lining them. Overnight at Madurai.

Day 11: Madurai - Trivandrum

Morning check-out from the hotel and drive to Trivandrum followed by arrival and transfer to a hotel. Post lunch sightseeing of the capital city of Kerala visiting Padmanabhaswami temple, Kovalam Beach, Napier Museum and the beautiful Aruvi Waterfalls. Dinner & overnight stay at Trivandrum.

Day 12: In Trivandrum

After breakfast set out for a short excursion to Kanyakumari - the land's end of India. The merging point of waters from the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean is also a famous pilgrimage destination of India. Our sightseeing includes Amman Temples dedicated to the virgin Goddess Kanya Kumari which stands as a symbol of unity and sanctity. To its South-East lies the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial exhibiting a fine synthesis of several famous architectural styles of India. Enjoy some leisurely time at the beach followed by return to the hotel for dinner & overnight stay.

Day 13: Trivandrum - Flight Back Home

Morning after breakfast transfer to the airport to connect flight for onward journey.