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Sacred Sojourn: Temples, Heritage & Culture of South India

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Duration

7 Nights / 8 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a spiritual and cultural journey with “Sacred Sojourn: Temples, Heritage & Culture of South India.” This meticulously crafted tour takes you through the heart of South India’s rich tapestry, beginning in Chennai with visits to historic landmarks like Fort St. George and the vibrant Marina Beach. Traverse the sacred city of Kanchipuram, renowned for its ancient temples, and explore Trichy’s monumental Rock Fort and the grand Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Discover the architectural marvels of Madurai’s Meenakshi Amman Temple and the coastal charm of Rameshwaram. Experience the grandeur of Thanjavur’s Brihadeshwara Temple and the exquisite Chola temples. Conclude your journey with a blend of French colonial elegance in Pondicherry and the stunning rock-cut wonders of Mahabalipuram, offering a deep dive into South India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 %
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 %
6 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 %
7 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 %
8 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 %
9 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 %
10 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 %

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After checking in and freshening up, enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a city tour of Chennai, starting with Fort St. George, a historic colonial fortification housing the St. Mary's Church and the Fort Museum. Explore the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a magnificent Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, noted for its elaborate carvings and colorful gopurams (gateway towers). Stroll along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, where you can enjoy the sea breeze and witness the lively atmosphere along the shores of the Bay of Bengal.

Day 2: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Trichy (350kms)

Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel before departing for Trichy. En route, visit Kanchipuram, renowned as the "City of Thousand Temples" and a major pilgrimage site. Explore the Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for its towering gopurams and lush temple grounds. Visit the Kailasanathar Temple, known for its intricate carvings and serene ambiance. Continue your journey to Trichy and check in at your hotel. In the evening, visit the Rock Fort Temple, perched on a rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Explore the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India, known for its extensive corridors and impressive architecture.

Day 3: Trichy - Madurai (140kms)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before traveling to Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax for a while. Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, an iconic landmark of Madurai with its stunning gopurams and intricate sculptures depicting Hindu mythology. Explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a grand Indo-Saracenic palace known for its vast courtyards and magnificent architecture. In the evening, witness the Aarti (prayer ritual) at the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a vibrant ceremony of lights, music, and devotion.

Day 4: Madurai - Rameshwaram (170kms)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Rameshwaram, a significant pilgrimage site. Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its grand corridors and sacred architecture. Take a dip in the holy waters of the Agnitheertham, a significant bathing ghat believed to cleanse sins. Seek blessings at Gandhamadhana Parvatham, offering panoramic views of the island and the sea. Explore Dhanushkodi, a ghost town with remnants of a cyclone-ravaged village and pristine beaches. Enjoy a relaxing evening by the seashore and witness the enchanting sunset over the ocean.

Day 5: Rameshwaram - Chettinad - Thanjavur (250kms)

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before traveling to Thanjavur. En route, visit Chettinad, famous for its unique cuisine and well-preserved mansions known as "Chettinad Houses." Explore these traditional houses adorned with intricate woodwork and elaborate designs. Continue your journey to Thanjavur and check in at your hotel. In the evening, visit the Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture with its towering vimana and detailed sculptures. Explore the Vijayanagar Fort and the Thanjavur Art Gallery & Saraswathi Mahal Library, which houses a valuable collection of ancient manuscripts and artworks.

Day 6: Thanjavur - Darasuram - Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Chidambaram - Pondicherry (180kms)

After breakfast, embark on a picturesque drive to Pondicherry. En route, visit the Great Living Chola Temples at Darasuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exquisite sculptures and architectural finesse. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, another magnificent Chola dynasty temple showcasing grand architecture and detailed carvings. Proceed to Chidambaram and visit the Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dancing form, known for its grand architecture and vibrant ceremonies. Arrive in Pondicherry, check in at your hotel, and unwind. In the evening, explore Auroville, an experimental township promoting global harmony and sustainable living. Learn about its unique community and innovative practices.

Day 7: Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram - Chennai (150kms)

Start with breakfast at the hotel before discovering the charm of Pondicherry. Visit the Pondicherry Museum, showcasing artifacts and relics from the region's rich history and culture. Take a leisurely drive through the French Quarters, admiring colonial architecture and visiting landmarks such as the French consulate, Raj Nivas, Government Square, churches, and French schools. Depart for Chennai, with a stop at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock-cut temples and intricate stone carvings. Explore the Shore Temple and Arjuna's Penance, depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology. Arrive in Chennai, check in at your hotel, and relax.

Day 8: Chennai - Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a final city tour of Chennai. Visit Marina Beach, a bustling promenade along the Bay of Bengal, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Explore the Mylapore neighborhood, known for its cultural heritage and the Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Discover the Government Museum, which houses a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and natural history exhibits. Immerse yourself in the bustling markets of Chennai, where you can shop for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts. In the evening, as per your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Chennai airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your enriching South India tour.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 7 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight tickets.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

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