Set off on a spiritual sojourn to South India. With a vast cultural and religious diversity, South India is renowned for its fascinating history and temples built in exceptionally beautiful architectural styles and religious sanctity. Visit the holy shrine of Balaji at Tirupati, see the world famous 2,000 years old Meenakshi Temple at Madurai, 7th century Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram, and so much more at Kanyakumari, Rameshwaram, Tiruchirapalli and Chennai. This tour will bring utmost peace to mind and soul.
Day 1: Arrive Chennai - Drive to Tirupat
Arrive Chennai. The driver will meet you at the exit area with placard of your name. He will drive you to Tirupati. En route visit famous Srikalahasti Temple, one of the most famous Shiva temples in South India. On arriving Tirupati, check in at hotel and relax. Tirupati is about 20 kms away from the famous Lord Balaji Temple situated on the beautiful hills of Tirumala. Stay overnight at hotel in Tirupati.
Day 2: Tirupati to Chenna
Get ready and check out from the hotel for early morning visit to Tirupati Temple for Seeghra Darshan (Special Entry Darshan). Devotees come here from all over the world to witness visual charisma and divinity of Lord Venkateswara. After darshan, drive to Chennai. On arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. Later we visit Kapaleeshwarar temple. Built in 8th century, it is one of the oldest temples in the city dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also visit Fort St. George- the first British fortress in India, built in 1640 by the East India Company where we also see St. Mary’s Church, the oldest British building in India. Later enjoy drive along the Marina beach (the second longest beach in the world). You can do some local shopping in the evening. Later return to the hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Chennai.
Day 3: Chennai to Kanchipuram to Mahabalipuram
Have a fill at morning breakfast at the hotel and check out from the hotel. Today we drive to Kanchipuram, considered to be the second holiest city in India after Varanasi. There we visit Kailasanathar Temple, a Hindu temple built in Dravidian style depicting Lord Shiva a Natraja. It is the oldest structure in Kanchipuram. Catch some time to buy famous Kanchipuram Saree. Later we drive to Mahabalipuram. On arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is under UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is the only surviving shore temple and among the most outstanding reflections of Dravidian art and architecture. It hosts some of India's best rock cut art including Arjuna's Penance- the largest open-air bass-relief, Krishna Mandapam, Five Rathas, rock cut caves and several chariots (rathas). Stay overnight at hotel in Mahabalipuram.
Day 4: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry
Have a fill at morning breakfast, pack your bags and check out from the hotel. Today we drive to Pondicherry. On arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. Later we visit French colony where you can have a clear insight into French culture and colonies and see history of French settlements. In the evening, we drive to Pondicherry beach to enjoy the sunset and cool breeze. Enjoy traditional local cuisines at the cafeterias and restaurants along the beach. Later return to the hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.
Day 5: Pondicherry (Local Sightseeing)
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast. Later we set out for sightseeing tour. We start with a visit to Auroville, a city in the make dedicated to human unity and symbolizing universal oneness. It is being made on the concept where people from different origins, caste, colour and creed can live peacefully and in harmony. After that we go to Raj Niwas, residence of Lt. Governor of Pondicherry open for general public viewing. Later we visit Aurobindo Ashram. Found in 1926, this is the famous place where Sri Aurobindo preached his ideas about peaceful and harmonious community. We also visit Pondicherry Museum that houses superb collection of sculptures and archaeological remains from Arikamedu Roman settlement. Return to the hotel later in the evening. Stay overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.
Day 6: Pondicherry to Tanjore to Trichy
After having a fill at morning breakfast, check out from the hotel. Today we drive to Tanjore or Thanjavur. There we visit the World’s first fully granite temple- Brihadeeswarar Temple. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then continue our journey to Trichy. On arrival, check in at hotel and relax. Later we visit the Rock Fort Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. It is famous for its rock that rises to a height of 273 feet to be climbed by a flight of 417 steps. Lord Shiva is known as Thayumanavar. Get to know the legend about it when you visit. We then visit Srirangam Temple, the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world devoted to Lord Vishnu. Our last stop would be at Samayapuram Temple, one of the most revered Mariamman or Shakti temples in Samayapuram. Later return to the hotel. Stay overnight at Trichy.
Day 7: Trichy to Madura
After having a fill at morning breakfast, check out from the hotel. Today we drive to Madurai. It is the oldest city of Tamil Nadu and thus, a place of great historical and cultural importance. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Refresh and proceed for the temple tour. We start with Meenakshi Temple, the enormous temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Sundareshvara and his consort Parvati, known here as Minakshi. Witness its magnificent court of 1000 pillars. We proceed to Chokkanathar Temple where Kubera, the deity-authority of wealth himself prayed Lord Chokkanatha in the Linga form for growth of his wealth and installed this Shivalinga- Adhi Chokkanathar. Set amidst lush greenery and absolute serenity, we also visit Alagar Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his avatar as Goddess Meenakshi's brother, Alagar. Then we visit the huge rock carved Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple. It is where Lord Muruga married Devayani, daughter of Lord Indra and also worshipped Lord Shiva. Later return back to the hotel and relax. Stay overnight at hotel in Madurai.
Day 8: Madurai to Rameswaram
Have morning breakfast and check out from the hotel. Today we drive to Rameswaram, a major pilgrim centre of South India. On arrival, check in at hotel and relax for a while. Later we visit Hanuman Temple- the most renowned temple of Rameshwar and Pamban Bridge- the famous cantilever bridge on Palk Strait that connects Rameswaram on Pamban Island to mainland India. We go to the extreme south eastern point of the Indian peninsula to pay our respects to one of the twelve jyotirlingas at Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Rameswaram Island. We visit the Ram Parvath, Sita Parvath and Hanuman Parvath to know the legends, see the entire Rameswaram Island and even take views of Sri Lanka. We visit all the main points of importance including Navpanigriham, Dahanskodi and 24 kundalas. Later return to the hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Rameswaram.
Day 9: Rameswaram to Kanyakumar
Nothing is more beautiful than a relaxed morning. Laze off and enjoy a morning bed tea. Have a fill at morning breakfast and check out from the hotel. Today we drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India, also known as Cape Comorin. It is a long drive. On arrival, check in at hotel and relax. Evening is at your own leisure. Kanyakumari is most famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset. So give a charm to your evening and enjoy the beautiful sunset. Stay overnight at hotel in Kanyakumari.
Day 10: Kanyakumari (Sightseeing Tour)
Rise to a beautiful early morning and enjoy the stunning views of sun coming out of its home in the morning at Sunrise Point. Post morning breakfast at hotel, we set out for sightseeing tour of Kanyakumari. Take majestic views at Triveni Sangam- the confluence of three seas being Andaman Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean and then we visit Devi Kanya Kumari Temple- the 3000 year old temple dedicated to Virgin Goddess Kanyakumari. Visit the 133 feet tall stone sculpture Thiruvalluvar Statue dedicated to Saint Thiruvalluvar, Tamil poet and author of Thirukkural and then we finally visit the Vivekananda Memorial Rock, located very near to mainland India's southernmost tip. It is said that Swami Vivekananda had swam to this rock to meditate and attained enlightenment on the rock. Return to the hotel after full day of sightseeing. Stay overnight at hotel in Kanyakumari.
Day 11: Kanyakumari to Trivandrum (Departure)
Store the ethereal views of sunrise from the Cape Comorin. Later pack your bags, have your fill at the breakfast and check out from the hotel. Today we drive to Trivandrum and drop at airport for your return flight.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Copyright © 2024 Travel The Galaxy All rights reserved.
Just fill out the information below and we will be in touch with you shortly. If you need immediate assistance on this package, simply dial at +91-9876552277
