Remarkable Temples of South

About South India Tour Package

On this tour explore the remarkable temples of South India popular for their elegant architecture and design. The central point of this tour of ours is entirely about the activities and rituals for the religious. South India is astonished to see the dominating power of the state due to its many ancient, towering masterpieces, brightly painted sculptures. The temples of South India have a lot to offer in terms of architectural beauty and mythological significance. These temples were commissioned by the erstwhile rulers of South India in veneration of their favorite deities. Most of these temples have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01 – Arrive Chennai
Arriving Chennai, you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the airport, you will be met by our representative, holding a placard with your name on it in the arrival lounge. Arrival transfer to hotel. Assistance for check-in will be provided. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 – Chennai
After breakfast enjoys full day city sightseeing of Chennai which is a gracious city that has a clear skyline, long sandy beaches, parks, historic landmarks, and tourist infrastructural facilities which make it a convenient entry point.

First of all visit Fort St. George, It was built in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. This bastion achieved its name from St. George, the patron saint of England. St. Mary’s Church the oldest Anglican Church in India built in 1680 and the tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British tombstones in India.

Later on visit The Fort Museum which is the repository of the exhibits of weapons, uniforms, coins, costumes, medals, and some other artifacts dating back to the British period. Also visit Santhome Cathedral, at the southern end of Marina derives its name from St Thomas, the apostle of Christ who is believed to have come to Madras sometime during 52 AD.

In the afternoon visit Kapaleswarar Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Fragmentary inscriptions date back to 1250 A.D. The majestic 37metere gopuram is profusely carved depicting Puranic legends. The present structure was renovated by the Vijayanagara Kings in the 16th century. It has some beautiful sculptures among which are the bronze idols of 63 Saivite saints or the Nayanmars. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 03 – Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram 
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Mahabalipuram. En-route visit Kanchipuram (64 km from Chennai) is the ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 Temples and still has 124 shrines.

In the afternoon continue the drive to Mahabalipuram which is famous for the seven pagodas. On arrival check-in into hotel. Rest of the day free to explore Mahabalipuram. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 04 – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Thanjavur
After an early breakfast visits the famous shore temples of Mahabalipuram. The most notable frieze is that of Arjuna’s Penance which depicts in bas relief the story of the River Ganges. Also visit Krishna Mandapam, Varaha Mandapam, Five Rathas, and Shore Temples.

Later on check-out from the hotel and drive to Thanjavur. En-route visit Pondicherry – the undiscovered land. Later on continue drive to Thanjavur which was the ancient capital of the Chola kings whose origins, go back to the beginning of the Christian era.  On arrival check-in into hotel. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 05 – Thanjavur – Srirangam – Trichy
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and visit Brihadeeswara Temple or the Peruvudaiyar Kovil which is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Thanjavur. This temple is one of the most beautiful architectural sites in India. Raja Raja Chola I had this temple constructed in 1010 AD. The Brihadeeswara Temple was built for royal ceremonies and to display the emperor’s power and vision. Later on visit the Palace, housing the Tamil University Museum, the Art Gallery and the Saraswati Mahal Library which houses palm leaf and paper manuscripts.

Then, drive to Trichy. En-route visit Srirangam which is a living example of a temple town where all life centres round the temple. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple which is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Hindu deity, Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, this temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil literature canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD and is counted as the first and foremost among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu.

Later on continue drive to Trichy which is located on the banks of the Cauvery river and is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. On arrival check-in into hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 06 – Trichy – Madurai
After breakfast visit Rock Fort Temple which is situated on 83 m high outcrops. Later on continue drive to Madurai, situated on the bank of river Vaigai is also referred to as the Athens of the East.  On arrival check-in into hotel.

In the evening visit Meenakshi Temple, where thousands of priests and worshippers come daily, temple elephant people are blessed and astrologists read the stars and hands. You can also get your fortune read by parrots that pick tarot cards out of a pile. All the believers bathe themselves in the temple baths. The temple also has a museum with beautiful bronze statues. In the evening sermons are held within the walls of the temple and concerts are often given in honor of the gods. The one thing that you must not miss is the evening ceremony with a fanfare, where the god Shiva is led to the bedroom of his wife, Meenakshi. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 07 – Madurai – Chennai (Departure)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Chennai. Arrive in Chennai and transfer to International airport catch flight for onward journey. (Breakfast)