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  5. 12 Days – South India Temple Tour

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Destinations

Chennai - Tirupati - Kancheepuram-Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Chidambaram-Tanjore - Trichy-Madurai - Kanyakumari - Kovalam - Trivandrum

Duration

11 Nights / 12 Days

Customize This Tour

This itinerary is customizable according to your need.

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.

This meticulously planned itinerary invites travelers to explore ancient architectural marvels, witness vibrant traditions, and experience the spiritual essence of South India’s rich cultural heritage.

Highlights

  • Visit the Sri Parthasarathy Temple and Kapaleeswarar Temple in Chennai
  • Darshan at the Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram
  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram
  • Guided tours to the Rai Niwas and Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Pondicherry
  • Darshan at the Chidambaram temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva), en-route Thanjavur
  • Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thanjavur
  • Guided tour to the Rock Fort Temple Complex, an important landmark in Trichy
  • Darshan at the well-known temple of Madurai-Meenakshi Amman Temple
  • Visit to the Rameshwaram temple in Rameshwaram

Itinerary

Day 01 : Chennai Arrival
Upon arrival at Chennai International airport, you will be welcomed by the Travelogy India Representative. Transfer to hotel, complete the check-in formalities. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Day 02 : 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 drop at the hotel, overnight in Chennai.
Day 03 : Chennai-Tirupati-Chennai (133 km/3.5 hrs approx one way)
Begin the journey with one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites, Tirupati Temple, located in the hill town of Tirumala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, and is the richest temple in the world in terms of donations received. After Darshan at the temple, head back to Chennai city.
Day 04 : Chennai-Kancheepuram-Mahabalipuram (145 km/3.5 hrs approx)
Today we will explore two famous heritage and architectural sites — Kancheepuram and Mahabalipuram. While travelling toward Mahabalipuram, Kancheepuram falls on the way. Kancheepuram offers sightseeing at Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Ekambareshwar Temple, and Kamakshi Aman Temple. One can also visit the silk-weaving factories of Kancheepuram. On arrival in Mahabalipuram, visit the UNESCO-listed Group of Monuments recognized as World Heritage Sites.
Day 05 : Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry (96km/2 hrs approx)
Having your breakfast, leave for Pondicherry, a city rich in history and culture. Admire the architecture of Auroville township, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the famous Promenade Beach, and Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam Temple. Explore the Mahatma Gandhi Statue and the French War Memorial. In the evening, enjoy a walk through the French Colony. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Day 06 : Pondicherry-Chidambaram-Tanjore (176 km/4.5 hrs approx)
Drive to the city of the Great Living Chola Temples, Tanjore. En route, visit the Thillai Nataraja Temple located in the town of Chidambaram. The temple is a major shrine of Lord Shiva, worshipped since the classical period. Continue your drive to Tanjore. Overnight stay in Tanjore.
Day 07 : Tanjore-Trichy-Madurai (104m/3.5 hrs approx)
Start your day with a visit to the 1000-year-old Brihadeeshwar Temple, one of the Great Living Chola Temples. Leave for the glorious city of Madurai. En route, visit Tiruchirappalli, once part of the Chola Kingdom. Explore the beautifully sculpted temples and fortresses of Trichy, beginning with Jambukeshwarar Temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, and the Rockfort Temple. Continue your drive to Madurai. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Day 08 : Madurai
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this wonderful city. Start with the pilgrimage site Meenakshi Amman Temple, followed by the historical Tirumalai Nayak Palace, the most prominent monument in the city. Return to the hotel and relax for a while. After dinner, visit the Meenakshi Temple once again to attend the Madurai Temple night ceremony. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Day 09 : Madurai-Kanyakumari (245 km/3.5 hrs approx)
This morning, post breakfast, drive to Kanyakumari. On arrival, enjoy the beautiful sunset view along the Kanyakumari shore. Overnight stay in Kanyakumari.
Day 10 : Kanyakumari-Kovalam (90 km/2.5 hrs approx)
There is time this morning to explore the pilgrimage sites and historically significant places of Kanyakumari. Visit Kanyakumari Amman Temple, the Thiruvalluvar Statue, and Gandhi Mandapam. Later, leave for Kovalam, a beautiful beach destination. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beaches. Overnight stay in 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 comes to an end at Kovalam. You will be dropped at Trivandrum International Airport. The tour terminates here.
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