South India Temple Tour

Tour Duration: 14 Days/13 Nights
Routing: Chennai - Tirupati - Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Tanjore - Trichy - Tanjore - Madurai - Rameshwaram Excursion - Madurai - Trivendrum

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Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Flight to India (Chennai)
You arrive in Chennai by international flight. After a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at the airport and to our hotel for check in and overnight stay.

Day 02: Chennai - Tirupati (140 km /3 hrs)
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Tirupati. Tirupati - A temple and pilgrim town. Located at the foot of the Tirumala Hills on which the ancient and beautiful temple of Lord Venkateshwara stands. Spread over seven hills, this township is the most picturesque pilgrimage centre in the south. One must see the fervor with which the devotees stand in long queues for a glimpse of their Lord. Masses of coins, jewelry & hair are received as offerings. On arrival, check in at hotel. In the afternoon proceed for Darshan of Lord Balaji. Overnight at Tirupati.

Day 03: Tirupati - Chennai (140 km / 3 hrs)
After breakfast, proceed for Chennai. Check in at hotel in Chennai. In the afternoon, proceed for city tour of Chennai visiting Museum (Closed on Fridays and holidays). Drive through the flower and fruit market, High Court, Fort Museum, Marina Beach, San Thome Cathedral and Snake Park. Relax in the evening. Overnight at Chennai.

Day 04: Chennai - Mahabalipuram (60 kms /1 hr)
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for Mahabalipuram by surface. On arrival, check in at hotel. In the afternoon sight seeing of Mahabalipuram - famous for the seven pagodas. Here, on the seashore is an interesting group of ancient rock hewn temples, which are the examples of Dravidian style of architecture. Return to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, proceed for morning sight seeing. Visit Kanchipuram, ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 temples that still has 124 shrines. Kanchipuram is also famous for silk. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Mahabalipuram - Tanjore (309 kms / 7 hrs)
Breakfast at hotel. Leave for Tanjore. Reach and relax at hotel. In the afternoon drive to Tanjore also known as Thanjavur (The rice bowl of Tamil Nadu). Proceed for sight seeing of Tanjore. Visit the famous Chola Temple of Brihadeeshwara - a world heritage monument. Its bronze and handicrafts make Tanjore one of the highlights of the tour to South India. The majesty of the palaces and art gallery attached to the temple is really awe-inspiring. It is also famous for the silk. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Tanjore - Trichy - Tanjore (Full Day excursion)
Breakfast at hotel. Full day excursion to the city of Trichy. Visit the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganapathi, 434 steps cut out into the rock side and interspersed with shrines, lead to the temple. Visit Srirangam, a massive temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu sprawled on a Island in Cauvery River which contains within its walls a Bazaar (traditional market of India) as well. Gaze up at the twenty-one magnificent towers of the temple surrounded by seven walls. Return to hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Tanjore
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for a sight seeing of the city of Tanjore also known as Thanjavur. See the beautiful Chola temple of Brihadeeshwara. The temple is capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighing 80 tons which was taken to the top with the help of a 6 km long ramp- an old technique used by the Egyptians for building pyramids. You will also visit the Palace and its Art Gallery, which contains several granite and bronze statues of the Chola period. Relax in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Tanjore - Madurai (183 kms / 4 hrs)
Later leave for Madurai by surface and en-route visit Karaikudi (Chettinad). On arrival, transfer to hotel and relax. Madurai is over 2500 years old and is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu - Ancient seat of learning. The city is planned in the shape of a lotus. If time permits enjoy a 'light & sound Panorama' in Thirumala Naik Temple (optional) or visit to Alagar hills & Thirupura Rock Temple. Overnight at Madurai.

Day 10: Madurai (Rameshwaram excursion)
Breakfast at hotel. Freshen up and by afternoon visit the famous Madurai Meenakshi temple (dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams) - There are four entrances to this amazing temple complex set in 6 hectares. Beat some of the stone pillars in the complex with any hard object and feel incredible on hearing sweet metal sounds. The total number of pillars in the temple is a staggering one Thousand. Watch the eveningz Aarti at Meenakshi Temple - 'The highlight of the tour'. Overnight at Madurai.

Day 11: Rameshwaram Excursion
Breakfast at hotel. Full day excursion to Rameshwaram, a city of swell and gentle sand dunes, embellished with the delicacy of casurina trees and stark palms. This is a sacred place for Hindus since according to Ramayana, this where Lord Rama worshipped God Shiva to absolve himself of the sin of killing. Return to Madurai by evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Madurai - Trivendrum (264 kms / 6 hrs)
Breakfast at hotel. Leave for Trivandrum by surface and reach late evening. Relax at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Trivandrum
Breakfast at hotel. Start tour in the morning visiting the Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, Napier Museum, Chitralayam Arts Gallery, Zoological gardens, Reptile house, Observatory and Kanakakunnu Palace. Return to hotel by early evening. Proceed for the sunset view against the sea - 'an unforgettable view.' Overnight at Trivandrum.

Day 14: Depart Trivandrum
Tour concludes. Caper thanks you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to Airport / Railway Station for onward travel.