from $ 3,511.00
Book Now

South India Temples Tour

0/5
Duration

7 Nights / 8 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Explore the majestic temple towns of South India on this cultural odyssey through Tamil Nadu’s sacred landscapes. Begin in Chennai, the colonial coastal capital, and discover ancient temple cities like Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. Admire the Indo-French heritage of Pondicherry before visiting the UNESCO-listed Chola temples in Thanjavur and Darasuram. Experience the grandeur of Trichy’s Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and the spiritual fervor of Madurai’s Meenakshi Amman Temple. This journey seamlessly blends architectural marvels, vibrant traditions, and refined hospitality with stays in handpicked luxury hotels. Conclude with a relaxing night in Chennai before your onward journey.

Highlights

  • UNESCO Chola Temples Tour – Explore majestic temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Darasuram & Thanjavur.
  • French Colonial Pondicherry – Walk through colorful streets, historic churches & seaside charm.
  • Living Temples of Tamil Nadu – Visit active temples at Kanchipuram, Trichy & Madurai.
  • Dravidian Art & Culture – Witness intricate stone carvings and towering gopurams across sacred sites.
  • Luxury Stays – Experience curated luxury accommodations throughout the tour.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 44.5%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 43.9%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 51.4%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 49.6%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 55.5%
7 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 53.7%
8 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 58.8%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Assistance on arrival at Chennai airport and transfer to hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Fort St. George & St. Mary’s Church – The first English fortress in India.
• Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple – Vibrant Dravidian-style shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Stop at Vadapalani Murugan Temple – A key temple for local devotees.
• Tour Government Museum – Rich collection of art, bronze sculptures & archaeology.
• Walk through DakshinaChitra Museum – Living history of South Indian cultures.
• See Santhome Cathedral Basilica – 16th-century church built over Saint Thomas’ tomb.
• Drive past Marina Beach & colonial landmarks – Including Prakasam Salai and Indo-Saracenic buildings.
Overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (240 km)

Breakfast at hotel.
Drive to Pondicherry with enroute sightseeing:
• Visit Kailasanathar Temple – Oldest structure in Kanchipuram, dedicated to Shiva.
• Explore Ekambareswarar Temple – Massive gopuram and ancient mango tree legend.
• See Varadharaja Perumal & Vaikunta Perumal Temples – Historic Vishnu temples.
• Offer prayers at Kamakshi Amman Temple – Sacred abode of Goddess Parvati.
Continue to Mahabalipuram:
• Marvel at Five Rathas – Rock-cut monoliths from the Pallava era.
• See Krishna’s Butterball – A giant granite boulder balanced on a slope.
• Visit Shore Temple – Seaside shrine dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu.
• Explore Arjuna’s Penance – A massive relief sculpture with epic scenes.
Continue to Pondicherry, check in and overnight stay.

Day 3: Pondicherry

Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Auroville & Matrimandir – A spiritual township promoting human unity.
• Tour Pondicherry Museum – Collection of colonial artifacts and Chola bronzes.
• Walk through French Quarters – Picturesque alleys, villas, churches & consulates.
• Relax at Promenade Beach – Ideal for evening walks and serene views.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Day 4: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Darasuram – Thanjore (180 km)

Breakfast at hotel.
Drive to Thanjavur via sacred and heritage-rich stops:
• Visit Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram – Celebrated for cosmic dance of Shiva.
• Explore Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple – Grand Chola architecture and Nandi Mandapa.
• Admire Darasuram’s Airavatesvara Temple – Carved chariot-shaped sanctum.
Arrive in Thanjavur, check in and overnight stay.

Day 5: Thanjavur

Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Brihadeshwara Temple – The “Big Temple” and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Explore Vijayanagar Fort & Thanjavur Palace – Mix of Nayak and Maratha architecture.
• Tour Thanjavur Art Gallery – Fine sculptures, paintings, and Chola bronzes.
• Browse Saraswathi Mahal Library – Ancient palm-leaf manuscripts and rare books.
• Evening village visit (optional) – Interact with local artisans and traditional weavers.
Overnight stay in Thanjavur.

Day 6: Thanjavur – Trichy – Madurai (190 km)

Breakfast at hotel.
Drive to Madurai with enroute sightseeing in Trichy:
• Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple – Massive temple complex dedicated to Vishnu.
• Climb Rock Fort Temple – Hilltop shrine with panoramic city views.
• Explore Jambukeswarar Temple – Water-themed Shiva temple with five concentric walls.
Arrive in Madurai, check in and overnight stay.

Day 7: Madurai – Chennai (Flight)

Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple – Sprawling complex with over 33 million sculptures.
• See Thirumalai Nayakar Palace – Indo-Saracenic palace with impressive courtyard.
• Excursion to Alagar Koil & Tiruparankundram Murugan Temples – Important spiritual sites.
• Transfer to airport and board flight for Chennai.
On arrival, transfer to hotel and overnight stay.

Day 8: Chennai – Departure

Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer to airport for onward journey.
(Standard check-out time: 11:00 AM)

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 7 Nights' accommodation in 5-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.
  • Madurai - Chennai flight fare approx. INR 5000 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities and 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 travel experience. In heritage towns and boutique destinations where luxury hotels are limited, the best available heritage properties or premium boutique hotels are provided. If a listed hotel is unavailable, a similar standard property will be offered.

Hotels used or similar for 7 nights accommodation:
5 Star Hotels / Best Available
Chennai – 2 Nights: Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai OR Hilton Chennai
Pondicherry – 2 Nights: Palais De Mahe OR La Villa (Heritage Boutique)
Thanjore – 2 Nights: 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.

Reviews

0/5
Not Rated
Based on 0 review
Excellent
0
Very Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Showing 1 - 0 of 0 in total

Write a review

from $ 3,511.00

You might also like