from $ 2,593.00
Book Now

South India The Temple Route

0/5
Duration

5 Nights / 6 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

This 6-day private tour offers a deep dive into South India’s magnificent temple heritage, spanning from the bustling metropolis of Chennai to the ancient cities of Kanchipuram, Vellore, Trichy, Thanjavur, and Pondicherry. You will explore a remarkable array of temples showcasing Dravidian architectural brilliance, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to living, active shrines. The journey combines spiritual visits, impressive forts, and colonial heritage, enriched by expert local guides and comfortable private transport. Witness centuries of South Indian history, culture, and art woven seamlessly across dynamic urban and serene rural landscapes.

Highlights

  • Explore Kanchipuram’s thousand-year-old sacred temples and vibrant spiritual culture
  • Visit the golden-domed Sri Lakshmi Narayani Temple and Vellore Fort’s intricate architecture
  • Experience the grandeur of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and Rock Fort in Trichy
  • Discover the UNESCO-listed Brihadeshwara Temple and Saraswathi Mahal Library in Thanjavur
  • Marvel at the UNESCO heritage temples of Darasuram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Chidambaram, and Mahabalipuram

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 45.0%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 55.1%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 53.6%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 55.7%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 54.5%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 59.3%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

• Arrival assistance at Chennai airport and transfer to hotel
• Breakfast at hotel
• City tour begins: Visit Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India (1640 AD)
• Visit St Mary’s Church, inside the fort, the oldest Anglican church in India
• Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a vibrant Shiva temple rebuilt by Vijayanagar kings
• Visit Vadapalani Murugan Temple, a popular Hindu pilgrimage site
• Tour Government Museum, housing Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings and artifacts
• Explore Dakshinachitra Museum, a cultural heritage village showcasing South Indian life
• Visit Santhome Cathedral, built by Portuguese in the 14th century
• Drive past Marina Beach, Asia’s longest urban beach (13 km)
• Overnight at hotel in Chennai

Day 2: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Vellore (140 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Vellore, enroute visit Kanchipuram, the city of a thousand temples
• Visit Kailasanathar Temple, 8th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
• Visit Ekambareswarar Temple, home to a 2500-year-old mango tree with four varieties
• Visit Varadharaja Perumal Temple, an ancient Vishnu temple
• Visit Vaikundhaperumal Temple, another important Vishnu shrine
• Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati
• Continue drive to Vellore and check in at hotel
• Visit Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, gilded with 1500 kg of pure gold
• Explore Vellore Fort, 16th century, with ornate architecture and Jalakandeswarar Temple
• Overnight at hotel in Vellore

Day 3: Vellore – Tiruvannamalai – Trichy (280 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Trichy via Tiruvannamalai, a major Hindu pilgrimage town at Arunachala Hill
• Visit Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, a grand Shiva temple complex
• Visit Unnamalai Amman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Parvati
• Continue drive to Trichy and check in at hotel
• Evening visit Ranganathaswamy Temple for the traditional Arti ceremony
• Overnight at hotel in Trichy

Day 4: Trichy – Thanjavur (60 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the largest functional Hindu temple in the world
• Visit Rock Fort, a 230-crore-year-old rock outcrop with a hilltop temple
• Drive to Thanjavur and check in at hotel
• Visit Brihadeshwara Temple, a 10th-century UNESCO World Heritage site and Chola architectural marvel
• Explore Vijayanagar Fort, built by Nayaks and Maratha rulers
• Visit Thanjavur Art Gallery, home to ancient sculptures and coins
• Explore Saraswathi Mahal Library, preserving over 30,000 ancient manuscripts
• Overnight at hotel in Thanjavur

Day 5: Thanjavur – Darasuram – Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Chidambaram – Pondicherry (180 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Pondicherry with stops at:
• Darasuram Airavateshwarar Temple, a stunning example of Chola architecture with chariot-like mandapam
• Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, an architectural wonder with a complex layout of mandapas
• Visit Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, dedicated to Shiva’s cosmic dance
• Continue to Pondicherry and check in at hotel
• Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry

Day 6: Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram – Chennai (160 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Auroville, an international township centered on the golden Matrimandir
• Explore Pondicherry Museum with a rich collection of bronzes and artifacts
• Walking or drive tour through French Quarters with colonial villas and vibrant streets
• Drive to Chennai via Mahabalipuram, UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit Five Rathas, monolithic rock temples representing Dravidian architecture
• See Krishna’s Butterball, a massive balancing granite boulder
• Explore 7th-century Cave Temples, decorated with Pallava sculptures
• Visit Shore Temple, a granite structure overlooking the sea from 7th century
• Admire Arjuna’s Penance, an enormous rock-cut relief showcasing mythological scenes
• Continue drive to Chennai for airport or hotel drop-off

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 5 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.
  • 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?

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 regions 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 5 nights accommodation:
5 Star Hotels / Best Available
Chennai – 1 Night: Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai OR Hilton Chennai
Vellore – 1 Night: Fortune Park Vellore (Best Available)
Trichy – 1 Night: Courtyard by Marriott
Thanjore – 1 Night: Svatma (Best Available)
Pondicherry – 1 Night: Palais De Mahe OR La Villa (Best Available)

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 $ 2,593.00

You might also like