Temple Trials Tour Of Southern India

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Chennai

Assistance upon arrival at Chennai Airport, followed by a transfer to the hotel. Chennai, the gateway to South India, is located along the Coromandel Coast. Initially developed around the British settlement of Fort St. George, it is today India's fourth-largest metropolis. Chennai has retained its traditional Tamil roots while acquiring a modern and cosmopolitan character. In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Chennai city. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Chennai

After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to Tirupati. Tirupati is known as the abode of Lord Venkateswara (also spelled Venkateshvara), the "Lord of the Seven Hills." About 10 km northwest of Tirupati, at an elevation of 750 m, lies the sacred hill of Tirumala, which is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India. The temple attracts millions of pilgrims each year and is believed to be the busiest pilgrimage centre in the world. After the visit, return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Chennai - Mamallapuram - Distance: 58 Kms

After breakfast, drive to Mamallapuram, en route visiting Kanchipuram. Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) offers a perfect blend of history, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. It is famous for its group of magnificent Rathas and the dramatic rock relief depicting Arjuna's Penance. The magnificent Shore Temple, built by King Rajasimha in the 7th century, houses shrines dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The Varaha Cave, one of the many remarkable rock-cut caves, and the Krishna Mandapam, featuring a bas-relief of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill, are among the major attractions. Continue to your hotel or beach resort. Later, visit the temples of Mamallapuram. Overnight at the hotel/beach resort.

Day 04: Mamallapuram - Chidambaram - Distance: 205 Kms

In the morning, drive to Chidambaram and check into your hotel. Chidambaram is renowned for its magnificent Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer. It is one of the few temples where Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are enshrined under one roof. This ancient Chola temple is unique not only because it is devoted exclusively to the art of Bharatanatyam but also because Lord Shiva is represented by an idol instead of the customary Lingam. Spread across 40 acres with a towering gopuram on each side, the temple is distinguished by its five sacred sabhas (courts). Later, visit the famous Nataraja Temple. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Chidambaram - Trichy - Distance: 173 Kms

In the morning, drive to Trichy and check into your hotel. Tiruchirappalli, situated on the banks of the River Cauvery, is the fourth-largest city in Tamil Nadu. It was once a citadel of the early Cholas before later coming under the rule of the Pallavas. Trichy is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, built around the famous Rock Fort. Later, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Trichy city. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Trichy

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to Thanjavur. Thanjavur was one of the principal centres of Chola patronage. Nearby are several magnificent Chola temples, including those at Thiruvaiyaru, Dharasuram near Kumbakonam, and Gangaikonda Cholapuram. The Cholas also contributed to the construction of the enormous Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple complex at Srirangam, one of the largest temple complexes in India. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Trichy - Madurai - Distance: 128 Kms

In the morning, drive to Madurai and check into your hotel. Madurai is renowned for its magnificent temples. Important religious sites include the Aappudaiyaar Koyil Tevara Stalam and the Koodal Azhagar Temple (Divya Desam). Nearby is Tirupparankundram, one of the six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan, as well as Alagar Koyil, one of the most revered Divya Desam temples of the Sri Vaishnavite tradition. Later, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Madurai city. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08: Madurai

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to Rameswaram. Rameswaram is an island located in the Gulf of Mannar at the southern tip of the Indian peninsula. It is one of India's most sacred pilgrimage destinations. According to Hindu mythology, this is where Lord Rama built the bridge across the sea to rescue Sita from Ravana and later worshipped Lord Shiva to atone for the sin of killing Ravana. Return to Madurai. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: Madurai - Kanyakumari - Distance: 235 Kms

In the morning, drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India. This spectacular destination is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Later, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of this sacred town. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Kanyakumari - Trivandrum - Distance: 85 Kms

In the morning, drive to Trivandrum and check into your hotel or beach resort. In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Trivandrum. Visit the magnificent Padmanabhapuram Palace, located about 45 km away, which served as the royal residence of the Travancore Kings and is renowned for its remarkable wooden architecture. You will also visit Tiruchendur (approximately 85 km away), home to the beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya. Situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, it is one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Subramanya and attracts countless devotees throughout the year. Overnight at the hotel/beach resort.

Day 11: Trivandrum Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Trivandrum Airport to board your onward flight.