South India Temple 06N / 07D

A week-long trail through Tamil Nadu’s temple towns and coastal heritage: start in Madurai with the towering Meenakshi Temple, head to Rameshwaram for the Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga and Pamban Island, explore Tanjore’s Brihadeeswara Temple, a Chola masterpiece, then unwind in Pondicherry’s French Quarter and beaches. Finish with Mahabalipuram’s rock-cut shore temples, Kanchipuram’s city of a thousand temples, and end in Chennai.

• Day 01 : Arrive Madurai Airport – Sightseeing / drive to Rameshwaram (180Kms, 4 Hrs drive)

  Scheduled arrive Madurai Airport, meet our representative cum driver who will warmly welcome and bring you in the city for sightseeing. Explore the temple town which is a 2,600 years old famous temple town of south India. Visit the famous Meenakshi Temple, Mariamman Teppakulam (Great Tank).
  
  In the afternoon drive straightway to Rameshwaram. In the evening arrive and check into hotel.
  Overnight stay in Hotel.

• Day 02 : Rameshwaram – Rituals & Sightseeing

  This morning performs the rituals with the help to local Priests (at your own cost). Post breakfast at hotel proceed for Rameshwaram via Tanjore is an important pilgrim tourist destination just equivalent to Benaras (Kasi). The presiding deity here is in the form of Linga with name of Sriramanatha swamy temple. It is one of the twelve jyotirlingas.The Grandest part of the temple is the 1219m pillared corridor consisting of 3.6m high granite pillars, rich carved and well proportioned. Visit Ra Ramanathswamy temple Manathswamy temple, Sita Kund & Rama’s bridge etc.
  Overnight stay at Hotel.

• Day 03 : Rameshwaram – Tanjore (Thanjavur) (250Kms, 5Hrs drive)

  Take breakfast at hotel and explore the city of Tanjore which was once the capital of the ancient state ruled by the Cholas. Tanjore is popular for its temples and paintings. Visit the famous Brihadeeswarar temple housing a huge Shiva lingam and a stone sculpture of the Nandi bull.
  Overnight stay in Hotel.

• Day 04 : Tanjore –Pondicherry(200Kms, 4 Hrs drive)

  Post breakfast at hotel depart foris one of the union territories of India. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India which showcase the systematic town planning and well planned French styled buildings. It is quite fascinating destination due to many beaches, churches and renowned Ashram etc. On reaching visit the places including the famous Aurobindo Ashram; located 10 km north of Pondicherry. The ashram promotes Aurobindo's ideas in bringing about a synthesis of Yoga and modern science, so as to unite the spirit and matter. Also visit Auroville - a unique experiment in international living and in creating a new environment where men and women of all nationalities live together in harmony. Later visit Chunnambar (7-km) if you interested to Swim, row a boat, or simply watch the sunrise and picnic at the beach, or go trekking, or feel comfortable on a tree house. Chunnambar is the right place, and to reach Chunnambar in Ariankuppam, which is just 7-km from Pondicherry (commonly known as Pondy), one has to go to Cuddalore. Evening check into hotel. Rest of time free to spend the time in Sea Coast/ beaches.
  Overnight stay in Hotel.

• Day 05 : Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram (100Km,2 Hrs drive)

  Post morning breakfast check out and depart for Mahabalipuram. On reaching check into hotel. Post fresh up explores the ancient historic town which flourished too much in the ancient time due to trade by sea port. The city was largely developed by the Pallava King Narshimhavarman in the 07thCentaury AD. The mandapa or pavilions and the rathas or shrines shaped as temple chariots were hewn from the granite rock face, while the famed Shore Temple, erected half a century later, was built from dressed stone. What makes Mamallapuram so culturally resonant are the influences it absorbs and disseminates. The Shore Temple includes many base reliefs, including one 100 ft. long and 45 ft. high, carved out of granite. The modern city of Mahabalipuram was established by the British Raj in 1827. Enjoy the sightseeing including Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas (five Chariots), Tiger Cave & Varaha Temples etc. Rest of time free and unwind yourself on the sandy beach of Mahabalipuram.

• Day 06 : Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram – Chennai (140Kms, 4 Hrs drive)

  Post breakfast at hotel check out to depart for Chennai via Kanchipuram. Following 1.5 Hrs drive arrive Kanchipuram and enjoy local sightseeing visiting the popular temples including Kailasanthar Temple, Ekambareshwarar Temple, the Vardarajanperumal Temple etc. In the afternoon arrive Chennai and check into hotel.Rest of time free at leisure.
  Overnight stay in Hotel.

• Day 07 : Chennai – Sightseeing / Airport Departure

  Post breakfast at hotel check out and enjoy half day city tour of Chennai including Kapaleeswar Temple (one of Mylapore Seven Temple) lies on the shorelines near the Elliot's beach and Marina Beachetc until scheduled transfer to Chennai Airport to board the flight for onward destination.
  Tour Ends with happy memories.