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Offered languages
- English
Embark on a captivating journey through the cultural heartland of South India with our "South India Temple Tour." Begin your adventure in Chennai, where the colonial charm of Fort St. George and the tranquil beauty of Semmozhi Poonga await. Explore the ancient temples of Kanchipuram, the City of Thousand Temples, before marveling at the monolithic wonders of Mahabalipuram. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Pondicherry, discovering the serenity of Auroville and the colonial charm of the French Quarter. Journey through Chidambaram's sacred sites, marvel at the architectural marvels of Thanjore, and explore the spiritual legacy of Trichy's Rock Fort Temple. Conclude your odyssey in Madurai, where the magnificent Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple beckons with its timeless grandeur. Join us on this divine pilgrimage through the timeless traditions and architectural splendors of South India.
What's Included
Breakfast
Meeting and pickup
As per flight schedule arrival transfer from airport to hotel. (Hotels check in time 1200hrs afternoon early check in subject to rooms availability, confirm early check in can be pre-booked at additional cost)
Itinerary
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1
Upon arrival at Chennai airport, be greeted by a representative who will facilitate a seamless transfer to your hotel. After check-in and some relaxation, begin your half-day city tour of Chenna
Admission ticket free -
2
Drive past the iconic Madras High Court, an architectural marvel boasting a blend of Indo-Saracenic and Gothic Revival styles, known for its striking red brick facade and intricate detailing.
Admission ticket free -
3
Continue to admire the majestic Ripon Building, a fine example of Neoclassical architecture, serving as the seat of the Chennai Corporation since its completion in 1913.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
4Fort St. George
Proceed to Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, where history echoes through its corridors and museum exhibits, offering insights into Chennai's colonial past.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
5
Explore the divine ambiance of Kapaleeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, adorned with intricate carvings depicting Hindu mythology and vibrant rituals that captivate devotees and visitors alike.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
6
Depart for Kanchipuram, the 'City of Thousand Temples', renowned for its architectural splendor and rich cultural heritage.
8 hours • Admission ticket free -
7
Explore the ancient Kailasanathar Temple, a masterpiece of Pallava architecture, dedicated to Lord Shiva and dating back to the 8th century AD, adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings portraying various mythological tales.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
Visit the Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas representing the element of Earth, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of an ancient mango tree, symbolizing fertility and prosperity.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9
Proceed to Mahabalipuram, a coastal town renowned for its UNESCO-listed monuments, where the timeless Shore Temple stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Pallava dynasty, overlooking the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal. Explore the Five Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and architectural brilliance, each dedicated to a different deity and carved from a single rock formation, providing insight into ancient temple architecture and sculpture.
3 hours • Admission ticket included -
10
Later visit Monolithic Temples - locally known as Rathas. They were executed by chiseling out the exterior face of the boulder. Work started from top to bottom. Shore Temple - built with blocks of granitein in 7th century during the rule of King Narsimha-Varman II Rajasimha the temple complex consisting of two Siva temples and a carving of Anantasayana Vishnu. Cave Temples - cut and decorated with panels in the Mamalla style of the Pallava period in the 7th century. Remnants seen in the caves also indicate that they were plastered and painted when built. Krishna's Butterball - a gigantic granite boulder resting on a short incline.
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
11
Depart for Pondicherry, a charming blend of French and Indian cultures, known for its tranquil beaches, spiritual ambiance, and vibrant streets.
8 hours • Admission ticket free -
12
Visit the Aurobindo Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother in 1926, serving as a spiritual retreat and center for integral yoga, with serene surroundings and meditation halls that provide a tranquil sanctuary for seekers.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
13
Explore the experimental township of Auroville, a utopian community promoting peace, sustainability, and cultural diversity, where visitors can engage in various activities, workshops, and volunteer programs aimed at fostering unity and harmony among people of different backgrounds.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
14
Stroll through the picturesque French Quarter, admiring its colonial architecture, vibrant cafes, and serene promenades, which offer a glimpse into Pondicherry's unique cultural heritage and laid-back atmosphere, reminiscent of its colonial past.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
15
Journey to Thanjavur, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, renowned for its rich history, architectural wonders, and contributions to art and literature.
Admission ticket free -
16
En route, visit the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dancing form, known as Nataraja, symbolizing the eternal rhythm of creation and destruction, with its intricately carved pillars and gopurams showcasing the architectural prowess of the Chola dynasty.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
17
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, once the capital of the Chola dynasty under Rajendra Chola I, boasting majestic temples, intricate sculptures, and a rich cultural legacy that reflects the grandeur of its glorious past.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
18
Continue to Thanjavur and marvel at the Darasuram Temple, a splendid example of Dravidian architecture, adorned with intricate carvings, sculptures, and inscriptions that depict mythological tales, historical events, and cultural practices of ancient India.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
19
Visit the Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery, which houses a rich collection of artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and royal memorabilia from the Chola dynasty, offering insights into the region's royal heritage, artistic traditions, and cultural achievements.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
20
Begin your day with a visit to the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture, dedicated to Lord Shiva, with its towering vimana, intricately carved sculptures, and majestic Nandi statue, symbolizing the zenith of Dravidian temple architecture and artistic excellence.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
21
Drive to Trichy and ascend the Rock Fort Temple, an ancient fortification perched atop a 272-foot high rock, offering panoramic views of the cityscape and surrounding landscapes, with its sacred shrines, meditation caves, and gopurams that attract pilgrims and tourists from far and wide.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
22
Explore the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple complex, one of the largest temple complexes in India, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu, with its sprawling architecture, intricate carvings, and colorful gopurams, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and religious fervor of the region.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
23
Depart for Madurai, one of the oldest and holiest cities in India, known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant temple architecture, and bustling markets.
Admission ticket free -
24Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a sprawling complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, with its towering gopurams, intricately carved pillars, and colorful mandapams, reflecting the grandeur of Dravidian temple architecture and the devotion of its worshippers.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
25
Explore the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, an architectural marvel built in the 17th century by King Tirumalai Nayak, with its grand courtyard, ornate pillars, and exquisite stucco work, showcasing the opulence and splendor of the Nayak dynasty.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
26Gandhi Memorial Museum
Discover the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Memorial Museum, housed in the historic Tamukkam Palace, with its galleries, exhibits, and artifacts that chronicle the Mahatma's struggle for freedom, nonviolent resistance, and vision of a united India.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
27
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before bidding farewell to South India's cultural treasures.
Admission ticket free -
28
Transfer to Chennai airport for your onward journey, departing with cherished memories of a journey filled with history, spirituality, and architectural wonders.
Admission ticket free
Arrive Chennai
Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (120kms/ 3hrs approx)
Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (100kms/ 2hrs approx)
Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Gangai Kondacholapuram - Darasuram - Thanjore (170kms/ 4hrs approx)
Thanjore - Trichy (60kms/ 1.5hrs approx)
Trichy - Madurai (140kms/ 3hrs approx)
Madurai - Chennai (flight)
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- For a 50% refund, you must cancel 2–6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
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