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Epic Pilgrimage and Cultural Wonders of South India

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Duration

7 Nights / 8 Days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on the Epic Pilgrimage and Cultural Wonders of South India tour, a journey through some of the most revered and historic sites in the region. Start in Chennai, exploring Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, and the vibrant Kapaleeshwarar Temple, before delving into Vellore’s golden Sri Lakshmi Narayani Temple and the historic Vellore Fort. Travel to Trichy to witness the majestic Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and the panoramic Rock Fort, then continue to Madurai to experience the stunning Meenakshi Temple and the grand Thirumalai Nayakar Palace. Discover Rameshwaram’s sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple and the intriguing Adams Bridge, and explore Thanjavur’s Brihadeshwara Temple, a marvel of Chola architecture. Conclude your journey in Pondicherry, enjoying the unique blend of French colonial charm and spiritual tranquility at Auroville, while exploring Mahabalipuram’s ancient rock-cut temples along the way.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Explore all major active temples of south India.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 %
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 %
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 %
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 %
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 %
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 %
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 %

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

On arrival at Chennai airport, assistance & transfer to the hotel. Check-in and relax. Visit Fort St. George, the first fortress built by the British East India Company, which now houses several government offices and a museum with colonial artifacts. Explore St. Mary’s Church inside the fortress, the oldest Anglican church in India, known for its historical significance and beautiful stained glass windows. Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its intricate Dravidian architecture and vibrant sculptures. Explore Vadapalani Murugan Temple, a popular shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, featuring colorful statues and a lively atmosphere. Discover the Government Museum, which houses extensive collections of archaeology, numismatics, and art, including the Bronze Gallery with its ancient South Indian sculptures. Visit Dakshinachitra Museum, a cultural center dedicated to the arts, crafts, and traditions of South India, featuring traditional homes and exhibits. Explore Santhome Cathedral, a significant Christian landmark built over the tomb of St. Thomas, featuring Gothic architecture and serene surroundings. Relax at Marina Beach, a long, sandy beach known for its picturesque sunset views, lively atmosphere, and iconic landmarks like the Vivekananda House.

Day 2: Chennai - Vellore (140kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Vellore with a stop in Kanchipuram. Visit Kanchipuram, an ancient city known for its historic temples and silk weaving industry. Highlights include the Kailasanathar Temple and Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Arrive in Vellore and check in at the hotel. Visit Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, a stunning temple adorned with 1500 kg of pure gold, offering a majestic and opulent experience. Explore Vellore Fort, a massive fortification with impressive walls and moats, featuring a museum and historical exhibits. Visit Jalakandeswarar Temple inside the fort, known for its beautiful carvings and intricate sculptures, providing insight into the region's architectural heritage.

Day 3: Vellore - Trichy (280kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Trichy with a stop in Tiruvannamalai. Visit Tiruvannamalai, a sacred town at the foot of Arunachala Hill, known for its spiritual ambiance and the Arunachaleswarar Temple. Explore Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring grand architecture and sacred rituals. Continue the drive to Trichy and check in at the hotel. Attend the Arti ceremony at a local temple in Trichy, experiencing the vibrant and devotional atmosphere as offerings and prayers are performed.

Day 4: Trichy - Madurai (135kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, an expansive temple complex famous for its grand gopurams and intricate carvings. Explore Rock Fort Temple, situated on a massive rock outcrop, offering panoramic views and a rich history dating back to ancient times. Visit Jambukeshwara Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its unique architectural features and tranquil setting. Drive to Madurai and check in at the hotel. Visit Meenakshi Temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage site renowned for its stunning Dravidian architecture, colorful sculptures, and the impressive Golden Lotus Tank. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, a grand 17th-century palace with a blend of Dravidian and Islamic architectural styles, featuring large courtyards and ornate ceilings. Visit Alagar Koil, a picturesque temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in a scenic setting with intricate carvings and a peaceful atmosphere. Explore Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, a rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, one of the six abodes of Murugan, known for its ancient architecture. Visit Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, a hilltop temple offering panoramic views and a serene environment, revered for its spiritual significance.

Day 5: Madurai - Rameshwaram (170kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Rameshwaram and check in at the hotel. Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, known for its extensive corridors, intricate carvings on pillars, and sacred wells. Explore Adams Bridge (Ram Setu), a chain of reefs and sandbanks that nearly connects Sri Lanka with India, with its historical and geographical importance.

Day 6: Rameshwaram - Thanjavur (250kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thanjavur, with stops enroute to view a few 19th-century mansions. Visit 19th-century mansions featuring grand courtyards, spacious rooms, and elegant decor with marble and teak embellishments, reflecting the opulence of the era. Arrive in Thanjavur and check in at the hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple & Palace Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its massive granite structure, intricate carvings, and the historical significance of the Chola dynasty.

Day 7: Thanjavur - Pondicherry (180kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pondicherry with stops at The Great Living Chola Temples. Visit The Great Living Chola Temples at Darasuram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, showcasing exceptional Chola architecture with detailed carvings and artistic grandeur. Explore Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, an important Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its exquisite sculptures, vibrant rituals, and historical significance. Arrive in Pondicherry and check in at the hotel.

Day 8: Pondicherry - Chennai (160kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Auroville, an international community and spiritual center known for its unique architecture, sustainable living, and philosophical ideals. Explore Pondicherry Museum, featuring a range of historical artifacts, art pieces, and exhibits reflecting the region's cultural heritage. Drive through the French Quarters, observing landmarks such as the French consulate, Raj Nivas, Government Square, Churches, and French schools, showcasing the colonial charm of Pondicherry. Enroute to Chennai, stop at Mahabalipuram to visit the Monolithic Temples, including Five Rathas, a set of rock-cut temples representing different architectural styles. Explore Krishna Butterball, a massive boulder precariously balanced on a small rock, and the Cave Temples with their intricate carvings and historical significance. Visit Shore Temple, a coastal temple with stunning views of the Bay of Bengal, known for its ancient architecture and historical importance. Explore The Arjuna Penance, a massive rock relief depicting the epic tale of the Mahabharata, showcasing remarkable artistic skills. Continue the drive to Chennai and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 7 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plane.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight tickets.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 7 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Chennai x 1 night: Accord Metropolitan/ The Park Chennai
Vellore x 1 night: Fortune Park Vellore
Trichy x 1 night: Courtyard by Marriott
Madurai x 1 night: Fortune Pandiyan Hotel/ Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels
Rameshwaram x 1 night: Daiwik Hotel/ Vinayaga by Poppys
Thanjore x 1 night: GReaT Trails Riverview Resort
Pondicherry x 1 night: Le Pondy/ Accord Puducherry

How many person will be in the group ?

There could be upto 10 people in the group.

Does this tour include airport pick ?

Yes, you can arrive on any flight and private airport transfer will be provided.

How do travelers meet the group ?

On first day of sightseeing all group member will assemble in hotel lobby and there will be first introduction with group member.

What category of hotel accommodation will be provided ?

4star below mention or similar hotels accommodation is included in the tour.
Hotels used or similar for 10 nights accommodation

Hotels used or similar for 7 nights accommodation

Chennai x 1 night
4* - The Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan

Vellore x 1 night
4* - Regency Sameera Vellore by GRT Hotels/ Fortune Park

Trichy x 1 night
4*- Sangam Hotels

Madurai x 1 night
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel

Rameshwaram x 1 night
4*- Daiwik Hotel

Thnjore x 1 night
4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort

Pondicherry x 1 night
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

Yes, travelers can upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels by paying the supplement. Please send inquiry for same from the booking page to get the price quote.

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