Sacred Stones Exploring South India's Spiritual Heritage

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4 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Embark on a captivating journey through South India's spiritual heartland, exploring ancient temples, sacred ashrams, and historical marvels. Begin in Bangalore and head to Pondicherry, stopping at the revered Arunachaleshwar Temple in Tiruvannamalai and the serene Ramana Ashram. In Pondicherry, discover Auroville's unique township and the tranquil Sri Aurobindo Ashram, then stroll through the charming French Quarter. Visit Chennai’s spiritual landmarks like the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and San Thome Basilica, with a stop at Mahabalipuram to see the Shore Temple and Arjuna's Penance. Continue to Kanchipuram to admire architectural wonders like the Kailasanathar and Ekambareswarar Temples, and conclude with a visit to Vellore's Golden Temple and Fort. This tour offers an enriching experience of South India's vibrant spiritual and cultural heritage.

What's Included

Daily breakfast at all hotels.
3 nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.
English-speaking local tour guide during sightseeing tours.
Government taxes.
Bottled drinking water in the car.
Breakfast (Optional[3])
Breakfast
Private AC car/VAN for transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program (disposal service).
Monument entrance fees and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary.
Camera charges at monuments, if applicable.
Meals other than those mentioned in the inclusions.
Personal expenses such as liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, internet, etc.
Gratuities and optional activities.
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Pick-up is available from all hotels in Bangalore. We recommend a morning arrival flight if pick-up is from Bangalore Airport.

Itinerary

Duration: 4 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Bangalore to Pondicherry via Tiruvannamalai (320km/ 7hrs)

    5 stops
  • 1
    Bengaluru

    Begin the day with pick up from your hotel in Bangalore or Bangalore Airport in the morning.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Depart for Pondicherry, traveling through scenic landscapes.

    Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Stop en route at Arunachaleshwara Temple in Tiruvannamalai, one of South India’s most revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is part of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams, representing the element of fire. Admire its grand architecture, massive gopurams (gateway towers), and intricate carvings, reflecting its historical and spiritual importance. The temple is situated at the foot of the Arunachala Hill, considered a sacred mountain by devotees.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Visit the nearby Ramana Ashram, a tranquil retreat founded by the spiritual teacher Sri Ramana Maharshi. The ashram is renowned for its serene atmosphere, offering spaces for meditation and introspection. Take some time to explore the ashram’s peaceful surroundings and soak in its spiritual ambiance.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 5

    Continue your journey to Pondicherry, taking in the scenic countryside along the way. Upon arrival in Pondicherry, check in at your hotel and relax. Spend the evening exploring nearby markets or enjoying the coastal ambiance at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

    Admission ticket free
    • Day 2

    Pondicherry to Chennai via Mahabalipuram (160km/ 3hrs)

    8 stops
  • 6

    Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before starting your day of exploration.

    Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Visit Auroville, an experimental international township founded to promote human unity. Admire the Matrimandir, a golden, globe-shaped meditation center symbolizing universal peace, surrounded by lush gardens.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 8

    Explore the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a hub for meditation and spiritual development. Learn about the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother while soaking in the tranquil surroundings.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 9

    Take a walk through the French Quarter, known for its colonial architecture, charming boulevards, pastel-colored buildings, and vibrant cafes.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 10

    Visit Manakula Vinayagar Temple, a historic temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, known for its unique rituals and the presence of Lakshmi, the temple elephant who blesses devotees.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 11

    Stroll along the Pondicherry Beach Promenade, a picturesque seaside stretch ideal for relaxation and enjoying views of the Bay of Bengal. Explore the Pondicherry Museum, which features a collection of sculptures, artifacts, and relics from the Chola and Pallava dynasties, offering insight into the region's history and culture. Depart for Chennai, with a stop at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its ancient rock-cut monuments.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 12

    Depart for Chennai, with a stop at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its ancient rock-cut monuments.

    Admission ticket free
  • 13

    Visit the Shore Temple, a 7th-century temple overlooking the sea, known for its elegant Dravidian architecture and carvings of Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Admire Arjuna's Penance, one of the largest open-air rock reliefs in the world, depicting tales from the Mahabharata and Indian mythology. Explore the Five Rathas, a series of monolithic rock-cut temples, each dedicated to a Hindu deity. Arrive in Chennai, check in at your hotel, and unwind after a day filled with historical and cultural wonders. Overnight stay at the hotel.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 3

    Chennai to Vellore via Kanchipuram (150km/ 3.5hrs)

    12 stops
  • 14

    Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel before exploring Chennai’s highlights.

    3 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 15
    Kapaleeshwarar Temple

    Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a vibrant and intricately designed temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Admire the temple’s towering gopuram (gateway tower) adorned with colorful sculptures of Hindu deities.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 16

    Explore San Thome Basilica, a magnificent Gothic-style church built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 17
    Fort St. George

    Discover Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, now housing a museum with artifacts from the colonial era, including cannons, weapons, and portraits.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 18

    Drive past Madras High Court and Ripon Building, prominent Indo-Saracenic architectural landmarks of Chennai.

    Admission ticket free
  • 19

    Proceed to Kanchipuram, known as the "Golden City of Temples" and famed for its silk sarees.

    Admission ticket free
  • 20

    Visit Kailasanathar Temple, an 8th-century sandstone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its exquisite carvings and tranquil atmosphere.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 21

    Explore Ekambareswarar Temple, a vast temple complex featuring a sacred mango tree with four different types of fruits, symbolizing the four Vedas.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 22

    Admire Varadharaja Perumal Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, renowned for its intricate architecture and the grand gopurams.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 23

    Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, a prominent Shakti Peetham dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, celebrated for its spiritual significance and religious festivals.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 24

    Stop by Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar, featuring a massive deity statue and unique architectural elements.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 25

    Continue to Vellore and check in at your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

    Admission ticket free
    • Day 4

    Vellore to Bangalore (220km/ 5hrs)

    4 stops
  • 26

    Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel. Visit the spectacular Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, a spiritual and architectural wonder covered in gold. This temple, built in a star-shaped layout, is a masterpiece of intricate design and craftsmanship.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 27

    Explore Vellore Fort, an imposing granite structure with an impressive moat, reflecting the region's historical importance as a military stronghold.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 28

    Visit Jalakandeswarar Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located within the fort complex. Its intricate carvings, magnificent sculptures, and serene ambiance make it a must-see.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 29
    Bengaluru

    After sightseeing, depart for Bangalore, enjoying the scenic views of the countryside during the drive. Arrive in Bangalore by evening and be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, concluding your enriching journey through South India.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Agora Voyages Pvt. Ltd.

Tags

Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Car Tours
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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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