TEMPLE TOUR OF SOUTH INDIA

Board the flight at Mumbai airport for Chennai. On arrival at Chennai airport, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Thereafter, proceed for tour of the city to witness its rich architectural and cultural wealth. Visit the Government Museum and Art Gallery, to see the art and bronze gallery (closed on Fridays and public holidays). Also visit the famous 16th century Kapaleeshwarar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Overnight in Chennai.

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram, enroute visiting Kanchipuram, the Golden City of thousand temples and once the capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas of Vijayanagar Empire. Visit the beautiful temples, built during the 6th and 7th centuries, by the Pallavas. Continue your drive and reach Mahabalipuram. Visit the famous rock cut temples and the 7th century Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Post breakfast, drive to Pondicherry, which was the largest French colony in India. On arrival in Pondicherry, check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing of Pondicherry visiting Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville – which was the final resting place of Sri Aurobindo, a Saint who blended yoga and modern science. Visit Matrimandir - meaning "Temple of the Mother", a creation of spiritual significance for practitioners of Integral yoga. Also visit The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which has some beautiful stained glass windows depicting the life of Jesus. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Morning drive to Tanjore, also called Thanjavur, an important center of South Indian religion, art and architecture. Tanjore is also referred as ‘The Art Capital of South India’. Reach Tanjore and check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing of Tanjore visiting the beautiful Chola Temple of Brihadishwara, a remarkable example of Dravidian artisanship, which has exquisitely detailed Gopurams (towers) carved with images of Hindu deities on the outside, as on the inside the carvings are all Buddhist. Overnight in Tanjore.

This day, drive to Trichy or Tiruchirapalli, which is an ancient city in South India. Witness its rich cultural heritage manifested in its awe-inspiring temples especially the Rock Fort Temple and the Srirangam, one of the largest temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Overnight in Trichy.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Madurai, an ancient city located on the Vaigai River which is famous for its religious importance. Reach Madurai and check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Madurai.

After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing of Madurai, visiting the Meenakshi Temple, whose high towers are covered with figures of deities, legendary animals and monsters painted in vivid colours. The temple is dedicated to the wife of Lord Shiva with its towers rising high above the surrounding township. Also visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace, which was built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect. Evening, proceed for the aarti ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple. Overnight in Madurai.

Morning drive from Madurai to Rameshwaram and on arrival, check-in at the hotel. Afternoon, visit Ramanathswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. Also, visit Agnitheertham – a sacred water body, and thereafter, proceed for Dhanushkodi also known as Ram Setu, a peaceful and tranquil spot. Overnight in Rameshwaram.

After breakfast, drive to Kanyakumari, a coastal town on the southern tip of India which was known as Cape Comorin during British rule. Reach Kanyakumari and visit Kumari Amman Temple, also known as Kanyakumari Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kumari. Then visit Vivekanand Rock Memorial and Mahatma Gandhi Museum. Evening, visit sunset view point to witness the magnificent sunset over the ocean. Overnight in Kanyakumari.

Morning, post breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Trivandrum and on arrival check-in at the hotel. Later, visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the oldest and famous shrines in Kerala dedicated to the divine idol of Lord Vishnu. Visit Kuthira Malika also which is an architectural palace built on the south-eastern side of Padmanabhaswamy temple. Napier Museum is another attraction in Trivandrum which is an art and natural history museum. Overnight in Trivandrum.

This day, visit Kovalam which is very much famous for its beaches. Full day at leisure in the beaches and to explore the surroundings. Overnight in Trivandrum.

Morning, after breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to Trivandrum airport to board the flight for your onward journey.

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