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South India Temples Tour

0/5
Duration

6 Nights / 7 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Explore the spiritual and architectural grandeur of South India on this temple-focused cultural journey. Starting in Chennai, uncover its colonial charm and sacred sites before visiting the ancient temple town of Kanchipuram and the rock-cut marvels of Mahabalipuram. Discover Pondicherry’s serene French heritage and the visionary community of Auroville. Delve into the legacy of the Great Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Darasuram, and Thanjavur. In Trichy and Madurai, witness South India’s largest active temples pulsating with devotion. These immersive itinerary blends history, art, devotion, and living heritage in an unforgettable way.

Highlights

  • Explore UNESCO-listed Chola temples, masterpieces of Tamil architecture.
  • Witness ceremonial rituals at Meenakshi Temple, a living temple wonder.
  • Walk through French quarters and heritage streets of Pondicherry.
  • Discover sculptural marvels at Mahabalipuram, carved out of stone.
  • Visit Kanchipuram’s ancient temples, known for their architectural splendor.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 43.8%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 44.3%
4 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 51.5%
5 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 50.3%
6 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 55.8%
7 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 54.3%
8 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 59.2%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

• Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. Standard check-in at 12 PM.
• Afternoon city tour of Chennai.
• Fort St. George – 17th-century British fortress housing the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
• St. Mary’s Church – The oldest Anglican Church in India within Fort St. George.
• Kapaleeshwarar Temple – Vibrant Dravidian-style Shiva temple built by the Pallavas.
• Vadapalani Murugan Temple – Popular temple dedicated to Lord Muruga.
• Government Museum – Houses bronze idols, sculptures, and ancient manuscripts.
• DakshinaChitra Museum – A living museum showcasing South Indian heritage.
• Santhome Cathedral Basilica – Basilica built over the tomb of Apostle St. Thomas.
• Prakasam Salai – Red-brick Indo-Saracenic styled colonial-era boulevard.
• Drive along Marina Beach – One of the longest urban beaches in the world.
• Overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (120 km / 3 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram.
• Kailasanathar Temple – Oldest structural temple in South India, built in the 8th century.
• Ekambareswarar Temple – Massive temple complex with a sacred 2,500-year-old mango tree.
• Varadharaja Perumal Temple – Revered Vishnu temple built by the Cholas.
• Vaikunta Perumal Temple – An early Vishnu temple known for its detailed carvings.
• Kamakshi Amman Temple – Major Shakti Peeth dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
• Continue drive to Mahabalipuram. Check-in at hotel.
• Afternoon sightseeing in Mahabalipuram.
• Five Rathas – Monolithic rock-cut shrines representing different architectural styles.
• Krishna’s Butterball – Gravity-defying giant boulder perched on a slope.
• Cave Temples – Rock-cut shrines adorned with intricate bas-reliefs.
• Shore Temple – Twin shrines facing the sea, built in the 8th century.
• Arjuna’s Penance – Giant rock relief depicting scenes from the Mahabharata.
• Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (120 km / 2.5 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Pondicherry. Check-in at hotel.
• Auroville & Matrimandir – Experimental township and spiritual meditation center.
• Pondicherry Museum – Rich collection of Chola bronzes and French-era artifacts.
• French Quarters Heritage Walk – Tree-lined streets, pastel villas, and colonial charm.
• Raj Nivas & Government Square – Colonial-era administrative buildings.
• Evening at Promenade Beach – Relax or walk along the serene beachfront.Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Day 4: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Darasuram – Thanjavur (180 km / 5 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Thanjavur with en route sightseeing.
• Chidambaram Nataraja Temple – Ancient Shiva temple representing cosmic dance.
• Gangaikonda Cholapuram – 11th-century Chola temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple – Ornate temple shaped like a chariot.
• Check-in at hotel in Thanjavur.
• Overnight stay in Thanjavur.

Day 5: Thanjavur – Trichy (60 km / 1.5 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. Morning sightseeing in Thanjavur.
• Brihadeshwara Temple – UNESCO temple with 216-ft tower, built by Raja Raja Chola.
• Thanjavur Palace & Art Gallery – Maratha palace with sculpture and painting collections.
• Saraswathi Mahal Library – Historic library with rare palm-leaf manuscripts.
• Drive to Trichy and check-in at hotel.
• Afternoon sightseeing in Trichy.
• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple – India’s largest functioning Hindu temple.
• Rock Fort Temple – Hilltop temple with panoramic city views.
• Jambukeswarar Temple – Ancient temple symbolizing water among Panchabhoota Sthalas.
• Overnight stay in Trichy.

Day 6: Trichy – Madurai (135 km / 3 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Madurai. Check-in at hotel.
• Meenakshi Amman Temple – Enormous temple complex with 14 gopurams and vivid sculptures.
• Thirumalai Nayakar Palace – Fusion-style palace with majestic pillars and arches.
• Alagar Kovil – Hill temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple – One of the six abodes of Lord Muruga.
• Pazhamudircholai Temple – Forest temple dedicated to Lord Murugan.
• Overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 7: Madurai – Departure

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer to airport as per flight schedule for departure.

Included/Excluded

  • 6 Nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast at all hotels.
  • 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.
  • Madurai - Chennai flight fare approx. INR 4,500 per person in economy class.
  • 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?

Q: What kind of hotel accommodation is included in the package price?
We provide accommodation at carefully selected 5-star hotels as part of the tour package. Hotels are chosen for their comfort, quality service, and prime locations to enhance your overall travel experience. In heritage towns or remote areas where luxury options may be limited, the best available quality properties, boutique retreats, or heritage hotels are provided. If a listed hotel is unavailable, a similar standard property will be offered.

Hotels used or similar for 6 nights accommodation:
5 Star Hotels / Best Available
Chennai – 1 Night: Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai OR Hilton Chennai
Mahabalipuram – 1 Night: Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay OR WH by ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach
Pondicherry – 1 Night: Palais De Mahe OR La Villa (Best Available)
Thanjore – 1 Night: Svatma (Best Available)
Trichy – 1 Night: Courtyard by Marriott
Madurai – 1 Night: Courtyard by Marriott OR The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Q: Can I request a specific hotel or upgrade the hotel category?

Yes, we offer flexibility to upgrade hotels to luxury five-star or boutique properties at an additional cost, subject to availability. You can also request specific hotels during the booking process, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Q: Are breakfast and other meals included at the hotels?

Breakfast is generally included with hotel stays unless stated otherwise. Lunch and dinner are optional and can be added to your package upon request. You can also explore local dining during the tour.

Q: Will I get confirmation for the exact hotels before my trip?

Yes, once your booking is confirmed, we will share the final list of hotel names and contact details along with your tour confirmation documents

Q: I’m looking for a more budget-friendly tour. Can you provide prices with standard or 4-star hotels?

Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has different preferences and budgets. If you prefer standard accommodation or 4-star hotel options instead of the default 5-star hotels, we can customize the tour and provide a tailored quote based on your requirements.

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