South India Temple Tour

Destinations Covered: Chennai, Tirupati, Mahabalipuram, Tanjore, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Trivendrum
Duration: 13 Nights / 14 days

Day 01- Arrive at Chennai
Arrival follows assistance and transfer to hotel. Relax for the day and spend the night at the hotel.

Day 02- Chennai/ Tirupati (140 Km 3 hrs)
After breakfast at hotel transfer to Tirupati. Tirupati is a temple and pilgrim town, located at the foot of the Tirumala Hills on which the ancient and beautiful temple of Lord Venkateshwara stands. This township is the most picturesque pilgrimage center in the south India. Here, you can see the fervor with which the devotees stand in long queues for a glimpse of their Lord. There at the temple you will see huge mass of coins, jewelry and hair. They are received as offerings. On arrival, check in at hotel. In the afternoon proceed for Darshan of Lord Balaji. Spend the night at the hotel.

Day 03- Tirupati / Chennai (140 Km 3 Hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel follows check out and journey to Chennai. Arrive and check in at hotel. A city tour is organized in the afternoon, covering the Museum (Closed on Fridays and holidays), the High Court, the Fort Museum, the Marina Beach, the San Thome Cathedral and the Snake Park. Also drive through the flower and fruit market. Spend the night at hotel.

Day 04- Chennai / Mahabalipuram (58 Km in 1 Hr)
After the breakfast at hotel proceed for Mahabalipuram by road. On arrival, check in at hotel. Go for an afternoon sight seeing tour of Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram is famous for the seven pagodas. Here on the seashore is an interesting group of ancient rock hewn temples, an example of the Dravidian style of architecture. Spend the night at the hotel.

Day 05- Mahabalipuram
Have your breakfast at hotel and later proceed for morning sight seeing. Visit Kanchipuram, the ancient capital of the Pallava rulers. It is famous as a city of 1000 temples and still has 124 shrines. Kanchipuram is also famous for silk. Spend rest of the day at leisure and overnight at hotel.

Day 06- Mahabalipuram / Tanjore (309 Km in 7 Hrs)
Breakfast at hotel is followed by leisure and afternoon drive to Tanjore (also known as Thanjavur). It is known as the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu. Proceed for sight seeing of Tanjore. Visit the famous Chola Temple of Brihadeshwara. It is a world heritage monument. Its bronze and handicrafts make Tanjore one of the highlights of the South India tour. Spend the night at hotel.

Day 07- Tanjore / Trichy / Tanjore (Full Day Excursion)
Breakfast follows a full day excursion to the city of Trichy. Visit the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganapathi. It is a magnificent temple where 434 steps cut out into the rock side, interspersed with shrines, lead to the temple. Visit Srirangam, a huge temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, on an Island in Cauvery River, which contains within its walls a Bazaar (traditional market of India) as well. You will be amazed to see twenty-one magnificent towers of the temple, surrounded by seven walls. Return to hotel and relax and spend the night.

Day 08- Tanjore
After the breakfast at hotel proceed for a sight seeing tour of the city of Tanjore, also known as Thanjavur. There you can see the magnificent and beautiful Chola temple, the Brihadeshwara temple. This temple is capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighing 80 tons which was taken to the top with the help of a 6 km long ramp- an old technique used by the Egyptians for building pyramids. Go down the history while visiting the Palace and its Art Gallery, which contains several granite and bronze statues of the Chola period. Relax in the evening and spend the night at hotel.

Day 09- Tanjore/ Madurai (By road covering 183 km in 4 hrs)
Have breakfast at the hotel and leave for Madurai by road, visiting Karaikudi (Chettinad) en-route. On arrival, move to hotel and relax. Madurai is over 2500 years old. It is famous as a seat of learning. The Madurai city is planned in the shape of a lotus. You also have the option of enjoying the 'light and sound Panorama' in Thirumala Naik Temple (optional) or visit to Alagar hills and the Thirupura Rock Temple. Spend the night at hotel.

Day10- Madurai (Rameshwaram excursion)
Have your breakfast at the hotel, freshen up and visit the famous Madurai Meenakshi temple (dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams). - There are four entrances to this amazing temple complex set in 6 hectares. The total number of pillars in the temple is a staggering one thousand. Watch the evening Aarti at the Meenakshi Temple - the highlight of the tour. Get back to the hotel and spend the night there.

Day11- Rameshwaram Excursion
Breakfast at hotel follows a full day excursion tour to Rameshwaram, a city of swell and calm sand dunes, embellished with the delicacy of casurina trees and stark palms. This is a sacred place for the Hindus. Return to Madurai by evening and spend the night at hotel.

Day 12- Madurai / Trivendrum (By road covering 264 km in 6 hrs)
Have your breakfast at hotel and leave for Trivendrum by road and reach late evening. Relax at hotel and spend the night.

Day13- Trivandrum
Breakfast follows morning tour comprising of the Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, the Napier Museum, Chitralayam Arts Gallery, Zoological gardens, Reptile house, Observatory and Kanakakunnu Palace. Return to hotel by early evening and proceed for the sunset view against the sea. It is indeed an unforgettable view. Spend the night at hotel.

Day 14- Departure from Trivendrum
Breakfast at hotel is followed by check out and departure for your onward destination.