The temples of South India stand as timeless symbols of architectural grandeur and spiritual devotion. Commissioned by the erstwhile rulers of South India, these temples reflect intricate craftsmanship and are steeped in mythological significance. Many of these sacred sites have earned recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, underscoring their historical and cultural importance.
The 12-day ‘South India Temple Tour’ offers an enriching journey through Tamil Nadu’s most prominent temple towns, including Chennai, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Chidambaram, Tanjore, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, and Trivandrum.
Duration : 12 Days / 11 Nights
Destinations : Chennai – Tirupati – Kancheepuram-Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Chidambaram-Tanjore – Trichy-Madurai – Kanyakumari – Kovalam – Trivandrum
Highlights
1. Visit the Sri Parthasarathy Temple and Kapaleeswarar Temple in Chennai
2. Darshan at the Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram
3. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram
4. Guided tours to the Rai Niwas and Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Pondicherry
5. Darshan at the Chidambaram temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva), en-route Thanjavur
6. Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thanjavur
7. Guided tour to the Rock Fort Temple Complex, an important landmark in Trichy
8. Darshan at the well-known temple of Madurai-Meenakshi Amman Temple
9. Visit to the Rameshwaram temple in Rameshwaram
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Chennai
Upon arrival at Chennai International airport, you will be welcomed by the Mahendra Travel Representative. Transfer to hotel, complete the check-in formalities. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Day 2: Chennai
Time to visit the capital city of Tamil Nadu, Chennai on the Coromandel coast. Start Chennai sightseeing with Kalakshetra, Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeshwar Temple and Adeeswar Temple. Relax on Marina beach, one of the longest in the world. Later I dropped by a hotel, overnight in Chennai.
Day 3 : Chennai-Tirupati-Chennai (133 km/3.5 hrs approx one way)
Begin journey with one of the holiest Hindu Pilgrimage Tirupati Temple located in the hill town of Tirumala.Temple dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu. It is richest temple in the world in terms of donations received. After Darshan at Temple, head back to Chennai city.
Day 4 : Chennai-Kancheepuram-Mahabalipuram (145 km/3.5 hrs approx)
Today we will explore 2 famous Heritage and Architecture sites Kancheepuram and Mahabalipuram. While going to Mahabalipuram, Kancheepuram falls in between. Kanceepuram offers sightseeing at Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Ekambareshwar Temple, Kamakshi Aman Temple. One can also visit the silk weaving factories of Kancheepuram. On arrival at Mahabalipuram visit to UNESCO heritage listed group of monuments<br>
recognized as World Heritage sites.
Day 5 : Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry (96km/2 hrs approx)
Having your breakfast leaves for Pondicherry the treasure and rich history and culture. Admire architecture of Auroville township, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, famous promenade beach and Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam Temple. Mahatma Gandhi Statue and French war memorial. Evening French colony walk. Back at the hotel, Night spends at Pondicherry.
Day 6 : Pondicherry-Chidambaram-Tanjore (176 km/4.5 hrs approx)
Drive to the city of Great living Chola Temples Tanjore. But before that en route visit to Thillai Natraja Temple located in a town Chidambaram. Temple is major shrine of Lord Shiva worship since the classical period. Continue your drive to Tanjore, Overnight at Tanjore.
Day 7 : Tanjore-Trichy-Madurai (104m/3.5 hrs approx)
Start your day with 1000-year-old Brihadeeshwar Temple, and Great living chola Temples Leave for glorious city of Madurai. En route visit to Tiruchirappali, once the part of chola Kingdom. Visit sculpted temples and Fortresses of Trichy. Begin with Jambukeshwarar Temple, Sri Rangnathaswamy Temple and Rockfort temple.
Day 8 : Madurai
Full day at leisure to explore this wonderful city. Start from pilgrimage site Meenakshi Amman Temple, historical monument Tirumalai Nayak Palace being the most prominent. Back to hotel relax for a while. Post dinner take you to Meenakshi Temple once again to attend Madurai temple night ceremony.
Day 9 : Madurai-Kanyakumari (245 km/3.5 hrs approx)
This morning post breakfast drive to Kanyakumari. On arrive enjoy sunset view of Kanyakuamri shore.
Overnight at Kanyakuamri.
Day 10 : Kanyakumari-Kovalam (90 km/2.5 hrs approx)
There is time this morning to explore pilgrimage sites and historical significant places of Kanyakuamri. Visit Kanyakumari Aman Temple, Thiruvallur statue and Gandhi Mandapam. Leave for Kovalam a beach destination. Rest of the day relax at beaches. Overnight at Kovalam.
Day 11 : Kovalam
Day at leisure to relax on Kovalam beaches, Overnight stay at Kovalam.
Day 12 : Kovalam -Trivandrum (18 kms/ 35 mins approx)
The temple tour came to an end at Kovalam. Drop you at Trivandrum international airport. Tour terminates here.