Temples of South India

Arrival in Chennai. Transfer to Hotel. Chennai, also known as the ‘Gateway to the South India’ was established in 1639 and represents a distinctive culture in sharp contrast with North India. Afternoon, leave for sightseeing tour of Chennai with visit to “Kapaleeshwarar Temple”, “Santhome Basilica” & “Marina Beach”. Overnight stay at Chennai.

Morning drive to Kanchipuram, the ancient capital of the Pallavas popularly known as the ‘City of Thousand Temples’ and still has 126 shrines. The city is also well known for its hand woven silk sarees. Visit to “Ekambarnathar Temple” & “Kailasanathar Temple”.  Afternoon transfer to Mahabalipuram. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram, a port city of Pallava dynasty built in 7th century. Visit to the World Heritage Sites of Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram – “Shore Temple”, “Arjuna’s Penance” and “Five Rathas”, known for its magnificient architecture carved in stone. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.

Morning drive to the union territory of Pondicherry, which became part of the Indian union in 1954. The city carries a strong whiff of the French presence in India. Evening visit to “Sri Aurobindo Ashram” and the popular “Promenade Beach”. Overnight stay at Pondicherry.

Morning visit to “Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus”, “Immaculate Conception Cathedral”, “Our Lady of Angels Church”. Afternoon visit to “Auroville” (City of Dawn), a unique experiment in international living and in creating a new environment where men and women of all nationalities live together in harmony. Overnight stay at Pondicherry.

Morning drive to Chidambaram, famous for the “Nataraja Temple” with the roof of the sanctum sanctorum covered with golden plates located in the centre of the town. In this temple, postures from the Bharatanatyam form of dance are depicted in the sculpture. Nataraja is Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer. Later we will proceed to Thanjavur, an important centre of South Indian religion, art and architecture. Many temples of Thanjavur termed as ‘Great Living Chola Temples’ have been classified as the World Heritage Monuments by the UNESCO. Overnight stay at Thanjavur.

Morning visit to “Brihadeeswarar Temple”. Later drive to Trichy, situated on the banks of river Cauvery and ruled by the Cholas, Pandyas, Nayaks, Marathas, Carnatic Nawabs, French and British. The city around rock fort is a fine blend of tradition, heritage and modern environment. Overnight stay at Trichy.

Morning visit to “Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple” at Srirangam & “Rock Fort Temple”. Later drive to Karaikudi, the land of Chettinad, situated in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu. The town flaunts a wide range of Chettinad mansions and also famous for its authentic cuisine. Overnight stay at Karaikudi

Morning visit to Chettinad Mansions & Tile Workshop. Later drive to Madurai, an ancient city around 2600 years old situated in the banks or River Vaigai where ancient Tamil classics recorded the Meenakshi temple as the centre of the city and the surrounding streets appearing like lotus and its petals. Historically, Madurai is also called as the ‘Athens of the East’. Overnight stay at Madurai.

Morning visit to “Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple”, “Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal” and “Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam”. Later drive to Rameswaram, the most sacred temple town of India, an island hallowed by the epic Ramayana. Overnight stay at Rameswaram.

Morning visit to “Ramanathaswamy Temple”. Later drive to Kanyakumari, an important pilgrim centre and southernmost tip of the peninsular India where the waters of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet. To its South-East lies the famous Vivekananda Rock memorial, dedicated to Indian saint Vivekananda, who meditated on this rock before he proceeded to west to propagate Hinduism. Overnight stay at Kanyakumari.

After viewing the the beautiful sunrise, “Vivekananda Rock”, “Devikanya temple” & “Gandhi Mandapam”, drive to your beach resort at Kovalam with enroute visits to “Suchindram” and “Padmanabhapuram Palace”. Overnight stay at Kovalam.

Morning visit to “Napier Museum”, “Kuthiramalika Museum” and “Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple”. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Kovalam.

Transfer to Trivandrum Airport with enchanting memories of the Temples of South India Tour