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Grand Temples & Cultural Splendors of South India

5/5
Duration

7 Nights / 8 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on the “Grand Temples & Cultural Splendors of South India” tour, a captivating journey through the heart of South India’s rich heritage and architectural marvels. Begin in Chennai, exploring colonial landmarks and vibrant temples before heading to Kanchipuram, renowned for its ancient shrines and silk weaving. Traverse to Trichy and Madurai, where you’ll witness majestic temples and historic palaces. Continue to Rameshwaram to marvel at the Jyotirlinga shrine and the historic Adams Bridge. Experience the grandeur of Chola temples in Thanjavur and the serene ambiance of Pondicherry’s French Quarter. Conclude your adventure with the awe-inspiring rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram and return to Chennai, reflecting on an extraordinary cultural odyssey.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • 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 47.1%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 47.1%
6 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 56.2%
7 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 56.2%
8 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 59.8%
9 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 59.3%
10 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 63.7%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Arrival transfer to the hotel; check-in/out time at 12 PM. Visit Fort St. George, a historic fortification established in 1644 by the British East India Company, featuring colonial-era architecture and a museum showcasing artifacts from Chennai’s colonial past. Explore St. Mary’s Church within the fort, one of the oldest Anglican churches in India, noted for its stunning stained glass windows and colonial charm. Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an ancient Shiva temple renowned for its elaborate Dravidian architecture, including intricately carved gopurams (gateway towers) and vibrant sculptures. See Vadapalani Murugan Temple, a prominent shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, famous for its striking facade and vibrant festivals. Discover the Government Museum, which houses an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, ancient sculptures, and bronze pieces reflecting Tamil culture and history. Visit Santhome Cathedral, built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of Jesus’ apostles, featuring Gothic Revival architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.

Day 2: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Trichy (350kms)

Breakfast at the hotel before departure. Drive to Trichy with a stop in Kanchipuram, an ancient city known for its historical temples and silk weaving. Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, known for its stunning gold-covered idol and vibrant rituals. Explore Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the five Panchabhoota Sthalams representing the element Earth, famous for its towering gopuram and sacred mango tree. See Varadaraja Perumal Temple, a significant Vishnu temple with exquisite carvings, sacred water tank, and beautiful mandapams (pillared halls). Visit Kailasanathar Temple, an ancient and well-preserved temple known for its unique architecture and sculptural details. Arrive in Trichy and check-in at the hotel. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a prominent Vaishnavite shrine with intricate Dravidian architecture and expansive corridors. Explore Rock Fort Temple, a historic temple complex set atop a massive rock formation, offering panoramic views and ancient cave temples. Visit Jambukeshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its water shrine symbolizing the element of water.

Day 3: Trichy - Madurai (140kms)

Breakfast at the hotel before departing. Drive to Madurai and check-in at the hotel. Visit Meenakshi Temple, a grand and iconic temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, featuring stunning sculptures, intricately carved towers, and a vibrant atmosphere. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, an impressive 17th-century palace with grand arches, ornate stucco work, and historical artifacts. Visit Alagar Koil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, set in a picturesque hill and known for its serene surroundings and intricate carvings. Explore Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Murugan, located on a hill and known for its cave temples and vibrant festivals. Visit Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, known for its tranquil environment and significant religious importance.

Day 4: Madurai - Rameshwaram (170kms)

Breakfast at the hotel before departure. Drive to Rameshwaram and check-in at the hotel. Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, a major Jyotirlinga shrine famous for its world’s longest corridor, intricate carvings, and sacred water tanks. Explore Adams Bridge (Rama’s Bridge), a natural chain of reefs, sandbanks, and islets that links India to Sri Lanka, offering stunning views and historical significance

Day 5: Rameshwaram - Chettinad - Thanjavur (250kms)

Breakfast at the hotel before departure. Drive to Thanjavur with a stop in Chettinad, renowned for its grand 19th-century mansions with wide courtyards, marble floors, and teakwood interiors, as well as its unique cuisine. Continue to Thanjavur and check-in at the hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and architectural marvel built in the 10th century, featuring massive gopurams, intricately carved sculptures, and a towering central dome. Explore Thanjavur Fort, an imposing fortification constructed by the Chola dynasty, housing historical artifacts, a temple, and the remains of the royal palace.

Day 6: Thanjavur - Darasuram - Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Chidambaram - Pondicherry (180kms)

Breakfast at the hotel before departure. Drive to Pondicherry with visits to: The Great Living Chola Temples at Darasuram, known for their intricate stone carvings and architectural excellence. Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a magnificent Chola temple known for its grandeur and detailed sculptures. Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, a prominent Shaivite temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer, with remarkable sculptures and ritualistic significance. Arrive in Pondicherry and check-in at the hotel.

Day 7: Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram - Chennai (150kms)

Breakfast at the hotel before departure. Visit Auroville, an international community dedicated to human unity and peace, known for its unique architecture and the Matrimandir meditation center. Explore Pondicherry Museum, which showcases artifacts from the French colonial period, including sculptures, pottery, and historical documents. Drive through the French Quarters of Pondicherry, featuring charming colonial-era buildings, including the French Consulate, Raj Nivas, and beautifully maintained streets. En route to Chennai, stop at Mahabalipuram to see: Monolithic Temples, carved out of single rocks and featuring intricate sculptures and architectural elements. Five Rathas, a set of five rock-cut temples, each with distinctive architectural styles. Krishna Butterball, a giant boulder precariously balanced on a slope, known for its unusual appearance. Cave Temples, ancient rock-cut temples with detailed carvings and historical significance. Shore Temple, an 8th-century temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal, renowned for its intricate carvings and seaside location. The Arjuna Penance, a massive bas-relief depicting a scene from the Mahabharata, famous for its detailed carvings. Arrive in Chennai, check-in at the hotel, and overnight stay.

Day 8: Chennai - Departure

Breakfast at the hotel before departure. Transfer to the airport according to flight schedule for onward journey.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 7 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • 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.
  • Monument 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 2 nights: Accord Metropolitan/ The Park Chennai
Trichy x 1 night: Courtyard by Marriott
Madurai x 1 night: Fortune Pandiyan Hotel/ Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels
Rameshwaram x 1 night: The Residency Towers
Thanjavur x 1 night: Courtyard by Marriott
Pondicherry x 1 night: Le Pondy/ Accord Puducherry

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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South India Rich Temples, Culture and Heritage Tour from Chennai
Ben
11/14/2024

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