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Southern Splendor: Temples & Treasures of Tamil Nadu

0/5
Duration

7 Nights / 8 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Tamil Nadu with our “Southern Splendor: Temples & Treasures of Tamil Nadu” tour. From the bustling streets of Chennai, where ancient temples and colonial landmarks blend seamlessly, to the spiritual oasis of Madurai with its majestic Meenakshi Amman Temple, each day unfolds a new chapter of South Indian heritage. Explore the architectural marvels of Thanjavur, home to the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple, and traverse the historic paths of Rameshwaram, known for its sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple and mythical Adam’s Bridge. Delve into the cultural tapestry of Trichy and Vellore, where ancient forts and spiritual retreats offer glimpses into Tamil Nadu’s rich past. This journey promises an immersive experience in India’s cultural tapestry, where every step reveals a new treasure of history and spirituality.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Explore all major active temples of south India.
  • 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 %
4 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 %
5 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 %
6 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

Arrival in Chennai and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Explore Fort St. George: Visit the 17th-century British fortress housing St. Mary's Church and the Fort Museum, displaying colonial artifacts. Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Explore this ancient Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its towering gopurams (gateway towers) and intricate sculptures. Overnight in Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai - Vellore (140kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Vellore. Enroute visit Kanchipuram: Kailasanathar Temple: Explore the oldest temple in Kanchipuram, dedicated to Lord Shiva and known for its exquisite Pallava architecture. Ekambareswarar Temple: Visit one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a massive mango tree and ancient inscriptions. Kamakshi Amman Temple: Pay homage at this ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, known for its spiritual significance and architectural beauty. Drive to Sripuram Golden Temple: Marvel at the golden exterior of this spiritual complex dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Explore Vellore Fort: Discover the 16th-century fort known for its double-walled construction and the Jalakandeswarar Temple inside. Overnight in Vellore.

Day 3: Vellore - Trichy (280kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Trichy. Enroute visit Arunachaleshwar Temple, Tiruvannamalai: Pay respects at this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated at the foothills of Arunachala hill. Then, continue the drive to Trichy. Visit Ramana Ashram, Tiruvannamalai: Explore the ashram founded by Ramana Maharshi, a spiritual retreat known for its peaceful atmosphere and teachings. Overnight in Trichy.

Day 4: Trichy - Madurai (135kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Rock Fort Temple, Trichy: Climb the rock-cut steps to explore the ancient cave temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva, offering panoramic views of Trichy. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam: Explore one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world, known for its 21 gopurams (gateway towers) and intricate sculptures. Drive to Madurai, check in at the hotel. Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple: Explore the iconic temple complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, known for its vibrant gopurams and intricate carvings. Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace: Discover the 17th-century palace known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and grandeur. Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum: Learn about the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi through exhibits, photographs, and memorabilia. Overnight in Madurai.

Day 5: Madurai - Rameshwaram (170kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Rameshwaram. Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple: Explore the sacred pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring 22 sacred wells (theerthams) and intricate corridors. Drive over Pamban Bridge: View this historic bridge connecting Rameshwaram island to the mainland, offering scenic views of the Palk Strait and nearby islands. Explore Dhanuskodi: Visit the ghost town with serene beaches and remnants of a once-thriving settlement. View Adam's Bridge (Rama Setu): See the natural limestone shoals, believed to be remnants of the ancient bridge built by Lord Rama to Lanka in the epic Ramayana. Overnight in Rameshwaram.

Day 6: Rameshwaram - Thanjavur (250kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thanjavur. Enroute visit Chettinadu Mansions: Explore the opulent heritage homes known for their unique architecture, intricate woodwork, and vibrant decor. Visit Athangudi Tile-making Factories: Witness the traditional craft of making handmade, colorful tiles using local materials and techniques. Overnight in Thanjavur.

Day 7: Thanjavur - Pondicherry (180kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur: Explore the UNESCO-listed temple known for its massive stone dome (vimana) and intricate carvings depicting mythological tales. Visit Thanjavur Palace: Explore the grand palace complex housing the Saraswathi Mahal Library with a rare collection of ancient manuscripts, artworks, and sculptures. Drive to Pondicherry via visiting Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple: Discover the 12th-century temple known for its exquisite stone carvings and architectural brilliance. Visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple: Explore the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, constructed by the Chola King Rajendra I, showcasing Chola architecture at its peak. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Day 8: Pondicherry - Chennai (160kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Auroville: Visit this international township dedicated to human unity and sustainable living, centered around the Matrimandir. Visit Aurobindo Ashram: Explore the spiritual retreat founded by Sri Aurobindo, promoting integral yoga, meditation, and spiritual growth. Drive to Chennai, enroute visit Mahabalipuram: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient rock-cut temples, including the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots), and Arjuna's Penance (Descent of the Ganges). Drop off at Chennai airport in the evening/night.

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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