South India Temple Tour

On your arrival at Delhi airport, meet our representative (preferred language speaking) and greeted with a warm welcome with garlanding. Then our representative will escort you to the pre-booked hotel. Arrive hotel & fulfil check-in formalities. Spare little time with our representative to provide brief information about the tour.

Overnight stay at hotel.

This day introduces you with the city Delhi where you can witness a unique blend of the traditional and cosmopolitan styles. Delhi is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and

imposing government buildings. In Delhi, you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets. After breakfast gather at hotel’s lobby & proceed for guided city tour of Delhi including Jama Masjid followed by Rikshaw ride, Raj Ghat, Humayun’s Tomb – the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drive past through India Gate & Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s House), Akshardham Temple (closed on Mondays) – A Hindu temple which exemplifies traditional Hindu culture and architecture. 7000 artisans were involved in the construction of the temple aided by 3000 volunteers. At last visit Qutab Minar to experience night view (visit permitted till 9 pm). The Qutub Minar is a towering 73-meter-high tower built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1193. The tower was built to celebrate Muslim dominance in Delhi after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu ruler. This tower is the highest tower in India, complete with five storeys and projecting balconies. The first three storeys of the Qutub Minar are made of red sandstone and the last two are made of marble and sandstone.Apart from the tower, the Qutub Minar complex comprises of the Quwwat-us-Islam Mosque (the first mosque to be built in India), a 7-metre-high iron pillar, the tomb of Iltutmish, Ala’i-Darwaza and the Ala’I Minar. After sightseeing return to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast check out from hotel & proceed for Delhi airport to board flight for Tirupati. Arrive Tirupati airport, pick up & drive towards hotel.Afternoon drive to Tirumala (located at a distance of around 1 Hr from Tirupati) to visit the world renowned Lord Venkateshwara Temple. This magnanimous temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, an

avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple is flocked by ardent devotees who try their best to get a glimpse of the Lord residing in the inner sanctum. Known by many names including Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple and Tirupati temple, this abode of the Gods is a place where you will find inner peace and calm. After finishing this piece of sightseeing return to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast check out from hotel & proceed to visit ISKCON Temple & Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple. After visiting these temples, continue your journey for Chennai. Arrive Chennai & check-in at hotel. Evening at leisure to carry on with your own activities.

Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast enjoy a sightseeing tour of Chennai city, visiting Kapaleeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the oldest temples in Chennai , The St. George Fort, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government’s secretariat; Santhome Cathedral was built around the 14th-15th century and is another colonial structure worth visiting.

This afternoon visits the Egmore Museum & ends your tour with a stroll at Marina Beach while enjoying the sunset, the second longest beach in the world. After sightseeing return to hotel & Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast, check out from hotel & proceed to Kanchipuram to visit a stunning set of temples, all built in the 7th and 8th centuries. With a weaving tradition dating back to the Pallava era (when silk was the royal cloth), Kanchipuram is also justly famous for its fine silk saris each embellished with stunning patterns. In 2005, “Kanchipuram Silk Sarees” received the Geographical Indication tag, the first product in India to carry this label.

After visiting Kanchipuram, continue your journey to Mahabalipuram (Also known as Mamallapuram). On arrival in Mahabalipuram, transfer directly to your hotel and check-in. Later, take a sightseeing tour of this World Heritage city that boasts of some of India’s most sublime rock-cut art. The seven pagoda-style Shore Temples, lashed by the waves of the sea and the seven rathas or temple chariots, a group of monolithic monuments and animal figures carved out of solid rock, the earliest known examples of Dravidian architecture, deserve special mention. They were constructed in a single century-long burst of creative enthusiasm.
Later, drive back to hotel & Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast check out from hotel & proceed for Tiruvanamalai to visit Annamalaiyar Temple & Gingee Fort. Tiruvannamalai is very famous place both spiritually and historically. The temple possesses more than 1000 statues and 450 stone inscriptions. The temple has more than 100 sannidhis. Various idols, bronze statues, paintings, Thirusutrugal, Thirtakulangal, 1000 pillar Mahal and towering gopurams are the specialties of the temple.

The temple is very enormous with an area covers around 25 acres and the East gopuram built by King Krishnadevarayar with a height of 217 ft which is the second tallest gopuram in Tamilnadu.
Gingee is one of the finest forts in South India. Its origin dates back to the 9th century when it was a stronghold of the Cholas but the fort as it looks today is the handiwork of the Vijaynagara kings who made it an impregnable citadel. The fortified city is built on the seven hills, the most prominent of which are Krishnagiri, Chandragiri and Rajagiri. Surrounded by high walls, it was so strategically planned as to make enemies think twice before they attacked. Strongly guarded by a triple gate beyond which lay equally heavily guarded courts, the summit of the Rajagiri could not have been easily attained by any of the enemies. Today, the summit can be reached after a two hour climb, still a strenuous task, but well worth the effort. A place of great historic interest, Gingee, no longer an insurmountable citadel, is one of the most interesting centres on the Tamil Nadu tourist circuit.

After completion of this phase of sightseeing, continue your journey to Pondicherry. Arrive Pondicherry & check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of this former French enclave which today is an interesting mix of Gallic charm and Tamil influences. Start with a visit to Aurobindo Ashram and the city of Auroville. In order to book a meditation session at Auroville, one needs to make an advance booking by visiting the centre & presence for the person is a must (one can apply for a day prior while approaching for

Pondicherry). Spend the rest of the day strolling through both the French and Tamil quarters.
In evening, you can take a stroll at one of the beaches of Pondicherry & visit the local markets.

Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast, check out from hotel & proceed for Thanjavur. Enroute visit Chidambaram and Gangaikondacholapuram. Chidambaram greets us with a beautiful temple, dedicated to Lord Nataraja – the manifestation of Siva as the Cosmic Dancer. This is also one of the few temples in India where Shiva and Vishnu are enshrined under one roof. The Gangaikondacholapuram Temple is a spectacular work of

architecture. The remarkable Temple, along with the Brihadeeswara and Darasuram temples of Thanjavur, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue your drive to Thanjavur. Thanjavur, the biggest town of the fertile Cauvery Delta – known as the ‘granary of the South’ – was once the ancient capital of the mighty Chola dynasty, which ruled large parts of South India between the 9th and 13th centuries CE. Temple architecture was redefined during their rule, and a new paradigm of Dravidian architecture was set. Thanjavur is synonymous with the three splendid Chola era temple complexes – Brihadeeswara, Darasuram, and Gangaikondacholapuram – devoted to Siva. All three are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In evening arrive Thanjavur & check-in at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Thanjavur. Major attractions include Brihadeeswarar Temple and Thanjavur Palace. The Brihadeeswarar Temple built by Raja Chola I, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This spectacular temple is over 1000 years old and is one of the largest temples in India.

Using the same construction techniques used by the ancient Egyptians to construct the pyramids, this architectural masterpiece with its bronzes and handicrafts make Tanjore one of the highlights of a visit to South India. The tower of the temple is built so the shadow of the Cupola never falls on the ground.
Thanjavur Palace is a fascinating and rich piece of history famous for its library and museum of artefacts. Overnight, stay at hotel.

Afterwards visit Thanjai Mamani Koil near Thanjavur is a set of three Vishnu temples, together called a Divyadesam. It is among the 108 such more temple premises in India. The temple has a local origin myth that has its roots in one of the many canonical myths about Lord Vishnu.

After sightseeing return to hotel & Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast check out from hotel & transfer to Trichy. Arrive Trichy & check-in at hotel. This afternoon takes a sightseeing tour of the erstwhile capital of the mighty Chola dynasty in the medieval period. In the 18th century it witnessed the Carnatic wars fought between the French and the English. Lord Robert Clive’s house is a point of attraction as is the Danish Church.

The Rock-Fort is particularly famous and the Temple on top offers stunning panoramic views. Time permitting, this evening visits the bustling bazaar before returning to the hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast, journey overland to Chettinad, ancestral homeland of the Chettiars. Home to wealthy business tycoons who made their livelihood in Burma during the last century, the area is renowned for its mansions and rich, distinctive cuisine. See these extraordinary homes with their teak pillars and marble detailing.

Post lunch, continue to Madurai, where you check in to your hotel.

Arrive Madurai & check-in at hotel.Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast you visit one of the most important and holies of all temples, Meenakshi Sundareshwar. This temple complex is one of the largest in India built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Apart from the estimated 33 million sculptures there, this is a living temple and though non-Hindus are not allowed in the inner sanctum, there is still plenty to see and absorb. The energy and devotion of the countless pilgrims who visit is remarkable.

Not to be missed also is the colourful market around the temple, the opulent Nayak Palace and Thirupparan Kundram Temple. This evening, visit Meenakshi Temple to witness a Pooja ceremony, in which an idol of Shiva is carried in a colorful procession accompanied by musicians.Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast, check out from hotel & proceed towards Rameshwaram. Arrive Rameshwaram & check-in at hotel. After relaxing for a while proceed to visit Ramehswaram Temple. A perfect blend of mind-boggling architecture and spiritual significance, Rameshwaram Temple, also known as Ramanathaswamy Temple of Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Not just spiritually, Rameshwaram Temple is appealing architecturally also.

With the longest corridor of the world and immaculate carvings on pillars, it is definitely a treat for your eyes. Then visit Agnitheertham, is the most significant Theertham (pilgrimage) in Rameswaram. As per Hindu Religious fact, it is at this place Lord Rama offered prayers to Lord Shiva and worshipped him after winning the battle against Asura King Raavan. Lord Rama took a dip in this sea to wash away the sin of killing Raavan who is basically a Brahmin. Hence devotees take a dip in the sea near Agnitheertham before worshipping Lord Shiva in Ramanathaswamy Temple. Tourists can see many people offering prayers to their ancestors in the steps of the Agnitheertham.
Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast, check out from hotel & proceed for Dhanushkodi Beach. Dhanushkodi is a small town located southeast of Pamban in Rameswaram. This place is popular for its two attractions, namely the Dhanushkodi Beach and Dhanushkodi Temple, which attract people from places near and far. The Dhanushkodi Beach, popularly known as Archal Munai by locals, is considered as one of the most beautiful

sites in the town that visitors simply cannot afford to miss. It makes for an enthralling landscape, owing to the endless blue waters of the ocean touching the wide stretch of sandy shores. Owing to its crystal clear water, the coral reefs are easily visible. After sightseeing continue your journey to proceed for Kanyakumari. Arrive Kanyakumari & check-in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast, check out from hotel & proceed for sightseeing tour of Kanyakumari visiting the most famous monument – Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Back on the mainland, visit the Gandhi Memorial & the ancient Kanyakumari Temple. Then on your way to Kovalam, your next stop will be at Padmanabhapuram Palace (closed on Mondays) on the way.

The palace was constructed around 1601 CE and last stop is Suchindram Temple.
After sightseeing continue your journey to Kovalam. Kovalam beach is the world famous Indian tropical beach, boarded by blue waters and lush coconut gardens, is a western cultural dot on a traditional and orthodox Kerala physique. Blue water and favorable climate make Kovalam a favorite year-round spot for swimming. Sea, here, is pacific and shallow where you can take a dip in the saline waters. The warm and clean atmosphere by the coconut trees and the white sand bed are perfect for relaxing holidays, as the sea breeze gently plays with the waves.

Arrive Kovalam by evening and check-in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple & Napier’s Museum at Trivandrum. Thereafter proceed for Poovar Beach, located 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), here one gets to see a slice of life in a coastal village. It offers one a wonderful view of the formation of the backwaters.

The golden sands are home to some of the best picnic spots in the area. This area is located at the juncture of the Neyyar River joining with the Arabian Sea. The serene beauty of the place can be explored through a boat ride providing you an opportunity to see the mangrove forest, Golden sand beach, floating cottages, elephant rock and many more.
By evening return to Kovalam and have a relaxing time while strolling at the beach, as Kovalam has three incredible beaches. The lighthouse beach, Hawah beach and Samudra beach. The three beaches together form the famous crescent beach with a coastline length of 17km. The iconic Lighthouse Beach is the kind of beach with a lighthouse, straight out of a picture book. With its red and white painted tower structure standing tall above a hillock at a height of 118 feet. The beach is loved for its soft expanse of sand and calm waters. Ideal to idle away. Hawah Beach with its rocky cape is preferred for swimming and sun bath. You can also spot fishermen in action on their catamarans. Samudra Beach is a calm and secluded beach which is less visited by tourists. This beach is mostly preferred by honeymooners for its privacy.

Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast check out from hotel & proceed for Trivandrum airport to board flight for Delhi. Arrive Delhi airport, greeted by our representative & transfer to hotel pre-booked for you. Rest of the day at leisure or if time permits you can go for shopping.

Overnight stay at hotel.

This is the last day of the tour & it’s time to say Goodbye to India. The morning is at leisure. Your escort and vehicle are at your disposal. Later, depending on the time of your international flight you are assisted with your transfer to the airport for your homebound journey.