Unveiling the Architectural Wonders of South Indian Temples

Tour Duration

11 Nights / 12 Days

Destination Covered

Chennai – Tirupati – Kanchipuram – Tiruvannamalai – Dharamapuri – Chidambaram – Tanjore – Trichy – Palani – Madurai – Rameshwaram – Madurai

Overview

The temples of southern India are awe-inspiring. They feature finely carved structures and vibrant statues that reflect Tamil culture. Visitors will feel awestruck by the ancient masterpieces. The state showcases its rich history through its majestic mansions and lush natural beauty. Explore various museums and enjoy coffee and tea plantations. Don't miss the regal imprints of British rule. Kanyakumari offers local sightseeing that holds deep significance in Hindu mythology. This travel package captures the spirituality and positive energy of South India's temples.

Itinerary

Day 01: Chennai (By Air)

When you arrive at Chennai airport, our agent will meet you. They will take you to your hotel in Chennai. Get ready to explore some beautiful sights. First, visit Kapeleeswar Temple and Fort St. George, the oldest fort in the city. Next, head to Santhome Cathedral, the National Art Gallery, and St. Mary’s Church. Don’t miss Anna Zoological Park, Birla Planetarium, and People’s Park. Take a moment to stop by Kalakshetra and the Theosophical Society. In the evening, relax at Marina Beach, the second-largest beach in the world. After a full day of exploring, return to your hotel. Enjoy your night in Chennai!
Day 02: Chennai – Tirupati (135 Kms / 3 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Tirupati. Check into your hotel. Next, visit the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. This temple is famous among Vaishnavites. It is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an avatar of Vishnu. Legends say he came to save humanity from the challenges of the Kali Yuga. The temple is also known as Tirumala Shrine, Tirupati Temple, and Tirupati Balaji Temple. Lord Venkateswara is referred to as Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa.

Later, head to Padmavathi Temple. This is where Goddess Lakshmi was born as Alamelu, the daughter of Akasha Raja, the local king. She married Lord Venkateswara of Tirupati after twelve years of penance. According to tradition, she granted him darshan on a crimson Lotus blossom near Alamelu Mangapuram. After your visit, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 03: Tirupati – Kanchipuram – Tiruvannamalai (220 km/ 4-5 hrs)

Start your journey by driving to Vellore after breakfast. On the way, visit the Kamatchi Amman Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Vaikunda Perumal Temple, and Kailasanathar Temple. Don’t forget to shop for Kanchipuram sarees in the well-known markets.

Once you arrive in Tiruvannamalai, check into your hotel. Later, head out to explore the Arunachaleshwara Temple and Virupaksha Cave. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04: Tiruvannamalai – Dharmapuri – Chidambaram (70 km/ 2 hrs)

After breakfast, we will travel to Dharmapuri. Next, we will explore the hamlet of Alliyur. Later, we will drive to Chidambaram. In the evening, we will check into our hotel. We will stay the night there.
Day 05: Chidambaram Sightseeing

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. After that, head to Thillai Nataraja Temple for some sightseeing. Next, visit Thillai Kali Amman Temple. Then, explore Tirunallurpperumanam Temple. Finish your adventure at Pitchavaram Backwater. Return to the hotel for a pleasant evening.
Day 06: Chidambaram - Tanjore (110 km/ 2½ hrs)

Good morning! Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at the hotel. After that, depart for Tanjore. Your first stop is the stunning Brihadeswara Temple. Then, visit the Art Gallery and Swami Malai Temple. Don’t miss Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Alangudi Temple too. Enjoy a comfortable stay at the hotel in Tanjore tonight!
Day 07: Tanjore – Trichy (65 km/ 1½ hrs)

Good morning! After breakfast, we will drive to Trichy today. When you arrive, check into your hotel and take some time to rest. In the afternoon, get ready for a tour of the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple and Rock Fort.

It’s a quick 5-kilometer trip to the island of Srirangam, where both the temple and fort are located. The temple is impressive, featuring 22 gopurams with pyramid-like designs within its seven walls. Don’t miss the tallest gopuram, which is 72 meters high and has 13 stories!

After a day of exploration, return to your hotel in Trichy for a comfortable night’s stay. Enjoy your trip!
Day 08: Trichy – Palani – Madurai (140 km/ 4 hrs)

Today, we travel to Palani. After breakfast, it’s time to get ready for our next destination. Arrive in Palani and visit the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple. After exploring the temple, we will continue to Madurai. Finally, check into the hotel for the night. Enjoy your stay!
Day 09: Madurai sightseeing

Get ready to visit Sri Meenakshi Temple and Thiruparankundram Temple after breakfast. Madurai is often called the “Athens of the East.” This city is rich in temples and has a history that spans four centuries. Legend says the town got its name from the nectar (Mathuram) that dripped from Shiva’s hair. He came to thank the locals for building him a shrine.

The Meenakshi-Sundareswara Temple is a highlight, featuring 12 gopurams, or gateways. Four of the tallest gopurams rise majestically on the temple’s outer walls. The southern gopuram stands 48.8 meters high and showcases over 1500 detailed sculptures. Inside the Meenakshi temple, the Ashta Shakthi Mandapam has beautifully carved pillars. They tell the enchanting story of the Madurai princess and her wedding to Lord Shiva.
Day 10: Madurai – Rameshwaram (180 km/ 4 – 5 hrs)

We will drive from Madurai to Rameshwaram in the morning. Once we arrive, we’ll check into our accommodation. After that, take some time to rest. Enjoy your night at the hotel in Rameshwaram.
Day 11: Full-day visit of temples (Rameshwaram)

After breakfast, visit the Ramanatha Swamy Temple in Rameshwaram. This is an important Hindu pilgrimage site. It is believed that Lord Rama built three Lingams here and worshipped Lord Shiva. You can also explore other temples in the area. In the evening, check out the Pamban Bridge and Dhanushkodi Beach. After a day of exploration, return to your hotel for the night in Rameshwaram.
Day 12: Rameshwaram – Madurai (180 km/ 4 – 5 hrs)

It’s the last day of your trip. We’ll take you to Madurai Airport. Have a safe and pleasant journey ahead! We hope to see you again soon.

Inclusion

11 nights’ accommodation in the listed or similar hotels.
Double occupancy rooms provided in all hotels.
CPAI meal plan at all hotels, which includes breakfast and room.
All transfers, arrivals, and sightseeing tours by air-conditioned vehicle as per itinerary.
Daily provision of two bottles of mineral water per person.
Welcoming assistance from a representative of our company.
All applicable government taxes are covered.

Exclusion

Meals not specified in the inclusions.
Fees for laundry and camera use.
Entrance fees payable in cash.
You will be responsible for any personal items, porterage guidance, and personal expenses.
Any other items and services not explicitly included in the inclusions.