South India Temple Tour

On arrival at Chennai transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon visit Gandhi Memorial, Kala Kshetra, Mylapore temple and Marine beach. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast leave for Tirupathi to visit the famous temple of Lord Venkateshwara on the top of the Tirumala hills. This temple is believed to be the oldest temple in the country and is the richest temple too. Have lunch at a local restaurant in Tirupathi. Return to Chennai in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram (76kms/1.50hrs). This city was the ancient capital of the Pallavas and was known for its 1000 temples, many of them are still used to this day. The most famous being the Sri Kamakshi temple. The city is today well known for the silks it produces. Have lunch at a local restaurant and then continue driving to Mamallapooram and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon visit Mamallapooram earlier known as Mahabalipooram. This city was a port during the Pallava period. It has some of the most beautiful rock cut temples in South India. It also is home to the famous Shore Temple that is unique because Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are housed in the same sanctum sanctorum. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Tiruvannamallai (112kms/03hrs) an important pilgrim center that has an old temple of Lord Shiva. Lunch at a local restaurant and drive on to Pondicherry (131kms/3.5hrs). This town has a strong French influence, as it was an erstwhile French colony. Check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

In the morning after breakfast visit Aurobindo Ashram, which is 10kms north of Pondicherrry. After lunch at the hotel visit Auroville an interesting experiment where people from various nationalities live together in harmony. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Chidambaram (65kms/1.5hrs) to visit the famous Nataraja Temple. The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is gold plated. Here Lord Shiva is depicted as the cosmic dancer-Nataraja. After lunch at a local restaurant drive to Tanjavur or Tanjore (104kms/3hrs). On the way visit a Brass factory at Kumbakonam. Tanjore was the capital of the Chola dynasty and has the famous Brahadeswara Temple. Check into the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast leave for Trichurapalli or Trichy located on the banks of the River Kaveri. It is famous for the Ranganath temple at Srirangam. On arrival check in at the hotel. After lunch visit the Rock Fort Temple, Srirangam and Jambukeshwar Temple. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast leave for Madurai. On arrival check into the hotel. It is famous for its Meenakshi temple. After lunch visit the Meenakshi temple, King Tirumala's Palace, Great Tank and Gandhi museum. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast travel to Rameshwaram, is the most sacred temple town in India is actually an island. Legend has it that Lord Rama along with Sita offered prayer to Lord Shiva after defeating Ravana, by praying to a sand Lingam made by Sita on this island. And at this very spot is located the Ramanatha Swamy Temple. Have lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Madurai for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Trivandrum and check in at the hotel. The afternoon is at your leisure.

After breakfast travel to Kanyakumari, which is the land's end of India. It is an important pilgrim center as well, famous for its Amman Temples dedicated to the Virgin Goddess, Kanya Kumari. Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial as well. Lunch at the local restaurant. Watch the sun set over the sea and return to Trivandrum. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to the airport to board the flight for onward journey.