Temple Tours South India
13 Nights / 14 DaysChennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – kumbakonam – Rameswaram – Madurai – Cochin
Overview
Upon arrival at Chennai Meet on arrival at Airport and transfer to the hotel.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Chennai
Upon arrival at Chennai Meet on arrival at Airport and transfer to the hotel.Rest of the day free at leisure.Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 : Chennai
After breakfast full day city tour of Chennai. Chennai, the capital city, popularly regarded as the ‘Gateway to the South’ represents a culture that is distinctly different from that of northern India. The places of interest are Kalakshetra.
Day 3 : Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram
After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram, 70 kms west of Mahabalipuram which is a city of thousand temples. One of the seven sacred cities of Hindus, it was the capital of the early Cholas as far back as the 2nd century BC. Kanchi was a major seat of Tamil learning as well as an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Jains and Hindus.
Day 4 : Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (135 km)
After breakfast drive to Pondicherry. In the afternoon city tour of Pondicherry. Although the French influence is gradually fading, Pondicherry retains a few Gallic accents. Pondicherry’s main sights are the Rai Nivas, the Sacred Heart Church and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Day 5 : Pondicherry – Chidambaram (64 km) – Kumbakonam (78 km)
Morning after breakfast drive to Kumbakonam, en-route visit Chidambaram, the seat of the Cosmic Dancer; dedicated to Lord Nataraja. Spread over an area of 40 acres with a gopuram on each side, the temple is distinguished by the five sabhas or counts. The towering gopurams, the tallest one on the north is 42.4 m are carved on it with 108 dance poses of Bharatanatiyam.
Day 6 : Kumbakonam – Tanjore (40 km) – Trichy (60 km)
After breakfast drive to Trichy, en-route visit Tanjore. The home of Carnatic music, musical instruments, dance and traditional handicrafts, Tanjore (Thanjavur) is famous for the Brahadeeswarar Temple. The temple constructed more than a thousand years ago by the Chola King Raja Rajan is an architect’s marvel. The Art Gallery and the Saraswathi Mahal Library are also well known places of interest.
Day 7 : Trichy – Rameshwaram
Early morning drive to Rameshwaram, the most sacred pilgrimage destinations of India. No pilgrimage is over without taking a trip to this holy island of Rameshwaram. Rameshwaram, as it is said, is the place where Lord Rama offered thanks to Lord Shiva in return for his support in defeating King Ravana. This makes Rameshwaram an important pilgrimage destination for devotees of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Situated in the Ramanathpuram of Tamil Nadu, Rameshwaram is home to some of the most fascinating temples in entire India.
Day 8 : Rameshwaram
After breakfast proceed on full day temple tour of Rameswaram, visiting Sri Ramanathaswami temple. The temple has 22 holy springs which are believed to have medicinal properties. After darshan, visit the Ghanthamathana Parvatham which provides fine views of the island.
Later, visit Dhanushkodi, it is one of the Tirthas in the island of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India. This is located beside the ghost town of Dhanushkodi at the eastern most tip of Rameswaram Island.
Day 9 : Rameshwaram – Madurai (170 km)
Morning after breakfast drive to Madurai. Upon arrival check into the hotel. Evening free for own activity. Overnight stay at resort.
Day 10 : Full Day in Madurai
After breakfast full day city tour of Madurai. Madurai, known as Athens of the East, is the second largest city on the banks of the River Vaigai. The city is believed to be more than 2500 years old. The city got its name from the drops of nectar (Mathuram) that fell from Shiva’s lochs when he came to bless its people for constructing a temple for him. Madurai where the people wake up at the chant of hymns is proud of the magnificent Meenakshi-Sundareswara Temple.
Day 11 : Madurai – Thekkady
After breakfast leave for Periyar in the morning (4 hours) and transfer to hotel on arrival. You may opt for a pleasant boat ride along the Periyar Lake in the evening. Enjoy watching varied birds and animals like tigers, elephants, wild boar, deer, etc at the Periyar/Thekkady National Park. You can also visit a few tribal villages around Periyar and witness fascinating activities of tribals collecting honey from dangerous hill bees. Evening transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 : Thekkady – Alleppey
Morning after breakfast drive to Alleppey. Upon arrival board the houseboat for an overnight journey along the tranquil Kerala backwaters to Alleppey. Overnight stay at Alleppey.
Day 13 : Alleppey – Cochin
After breakfast disembark the houseboat and drive to Cochin. Upon arrival check into the hotel. After fresh-n-up we will take you for sightseeing by boat visiting, Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, Chinese fishing nets and Bolgatty Palace. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 14 : Cochin – Departure
Transfer to the airport to board the flight for onward destination.