South India Temple Tour

About This Tour

South India, a perfect location for the Dravidian family, where traditions and Hindu cultures are the most enigmatic part to visit at India's most ancient Hindu temples since the Vedic (Yuga) Age. Explore the pure and sublime form of Hindu gods in Nature's very own creations residing at the most ancient South Indian temples who are the divine objects of worship for the Hindu Gods at different locations in South India.

The Indian history of ancient tradition and culture is interwoven in temple worship and pilgrimage. The lofty Himalayas, the sacred Ganges, the holy Cauvery, the crystal-like Tungabhadra are all been the most cherished pilgrim spots at different places in South India.

The South India Temple tour brings the enigmatic opportunity to explore the famous temples like Tirupati Balaji, Kanchipuram or Mamallapuram in Chennai, Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and many other famous and ancient temples in Trivandrum and Kanyakumari including Amman temple and Vivekananda Rock memorial for more blissful experience. Visit the most sacred and divine part of India and get associated with the spiritual linings of the ancient Hindu gods and get spiritually benefited. The southernmost part of India are still glorious with its divine ancient beauty and traditions.

Itinerary

After breakfast drive towards Tirupathi to visit the famous temple of Lord Venkateshwara on the top of the Tirumala hills. This temple is believed to be the oldest temple in the country and is the richest temple too. Have lunch at a local restaurant in Tirupathi. Return to Chennai in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

On arrival at Chennai meet our executive and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon sightseeing of Gandhi Memorial, Kala Kshetra, Mylapore temple and Marine beach. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram (76kms/1.50hrs). This city was the ancient capital of the Pallavas and was known for its 1000 temples, many of them are still used to this day. The most famous being the Sri Kamakshi temple. The city is today well known for the silks it produces. Have lunch at a local restaurant and then continue driving to Mahabalipuram and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon visit Mamallapuram earlier known as Mahabalipooram. This city was a port during the Pallava period. It has some of the most beautiful rock cut temples in South India. It also is home to the famous Shore Temple that is unique because Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are housed in the same sanctum sanctorum. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Tiruvannamallai (112kms/03hrs) an important pilgrim center that has an old temple of Lord Shiva. Lunch at a local restaurant and drive on to Puducherry (131kms/3.5hrs). This town has a strong French influence, as it was an erstwhile French colony. Check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

In the morning after breakfast visit Aurobindo Ashram, which is 10kms north of Pondicherry. After lunch at the hotel visit Auroville an interesting experiment where people from various nationalities live together in harmony. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Chidambaram (65kms/1.5hrs) to visit the famous Nataraja Temple. The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is gold plated. Here Lord Shiva is depicted as the cosmic dancer-Nataraja. After lunch at a local restaurant drive to Tanjavur or Tanjore (104kms/3hrs). On the way visit a Brass factory at Kumbakonam. Tanjore was the capital of the Chola dynasty and has the famous Brahadeswara Temple. Check into the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast leave for Trichurapalli or Trichy located on the banks of the River Kaveri. It is famous for the Ranganath temple at Srirangam. On arrival check in at the hotel. After lunch visit the Rock Fort Temple, Srirangam and Jambukeshwar Temple. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast leave for Madurai. On arrival check into the hotel. It is famous for its Meenakshi temple. After lunch visit the Meenakshi temple, King Tirumala's Palace, Great Tank and Gandhi museum. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast travel to Rameshwaram, is the most sacred temple town in India is actually an island. Legend has it that Lord Rama along with Sita offered prayer to Lord Shiva after defeating Ravana, by praying to a sand Lingam made by Sita on this island. And at this very spot is located the Ramanatha Swamy Temple. Have lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Madurai for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Thiruvananthapuram and check in at the hotel. The afternoon is at your leisure.

After breakfast travel to Kanyakumari, which is the land's end of India. It is an important pilgrim center as well, famous for its Amman Temples dedicated to the Virgin Goddess, Kanya Kumari. Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial as well. Lunch at the local restaurant. Watch the sun set over the sea and return to Trivandrum. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to the airport to board the flight for onward journey.