South India Highlights
Chennai – Tirupati – Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram – Thiruannamalai - Pondicherry - Chidambaram – Kumbakonam – Tanjore - Trichy – Madurai – Rameshwaram – Kanyakumari – Trivendrum
South India is peninsular region bounded by the sea on three sides and separated by a northern river from rest of India. South India has been ruled by various native dynasties since times immemorial till its colonization in modern era. The kings being native were steeped in the local culture and ethos.
Whenever a king established his kingdom, he raised a fabulous temple engaging the best of the artisans and artists to raise the structure in the prevalent architecture form.
Temple architecture in South India with its various forms developed to its perfection unlike in other parts of India. The native rulers paid less attention to their forts as compared to the temples.
Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a short orientation drive through the colonial part of the city including Fort St. George, the High Court and a sunset walk at Marina Beach.
Overnight in Chennai.
After breakfast at the hotel, begin a full day of sightseeing in Chennai. Start with a visit to the magnificent Kapaleeshwarar Temple, known for its towering gopuram and Dravidian architecture. Continue to San Thome Basilica, built atop the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle.
Later explore the Government Museum and its rich collections. In the evening enjoy a relaxing walk along Marina Beach and witness the local life.
Overnight in Chennai.
Today drive to the holy city of Tirupati, located about four hours from Chennai. On arrival check in at the hotel and freshen up. In the afternoon, drive up to Tirumala Hills to visit the renowned Sri Venkateswara Temple where you will have darshan of the deity (subject to availability of the time slot). Spend the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Tirupati.
After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram, also referred to as the City of Thousand Temples. Upon arrival start your sightseeing with visits to Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple and Varadaraja Perumal Temple.
Later visit a local silk weaving center to observe the making of the famous Kanchipuram sarees.
Overnight in Kanchipuram.
Check out from the hotel and drive to Mahabalipuram. After arrival and check-in, proceed for sightseeing of the magnificent Shore Temple facing the Bay of Bengal, the monolithic Five Rathas and the massive bas relief of Arjuna’s Penance. Early evening at leisure to explore the beach.
Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
After breakfast begin the drive to Tiruvannamalai. On arrival visit Arunachaleswarar Temple, an important temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to represent the element fire. Also visit the peaceful Ramana Maharshi Ashram, a major spiritual center.
Overnight inTiruvannamalai.
Depart for Pondicherry. En route stop at Auroville to view the Matri Mandir from the outside. Reach Pondicherry and visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, followed by a walk through the old French Quarter with its tree-lined avenues and colonial buildings. In the evening enjoy a walk along the seaside promenade.
Overnight in Pondicherry.
After breakfast drive to Kumbakonam with a stop in Chidambaram to visit the famous Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance form. Continue to
Kumbakonam and visit the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple and Sarangapani Temple.
Overnight in Kumbakonam.
In the morning drive to Tanjore. On arrival check-in and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Brihadeeswar temple an outstanding example of Chola architecture. Later explore the Tanjore Palace complex and visit the Art Gallery with its collection of bronze sculptures and old manuscripts.
Overnight in Tanjore.
Depart for Madurai. En route stop in Trichy to visit the massive Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam and then the famous Rock Fort Temple for panoramic views. Continue to Madurai and check into your hotel. In the evening visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple to witness the colorful evening aarti ceremony.
Overnight in Madurai.
After breakfast depart for Rameshwaram. Upon arrival visit the sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple, renowned for its long corridors and elaborately carved pillars. You may also visit Agni Theertham, Pamban Bridge and, if time permits, the ghost town of Dhanushkodi.
Overnight in Rameshwaram.
This morning drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of mainland India where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean meet. On arrival take a boat ride to visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue, followed by a visit to the Kanyakumari Temple. In the evening enjoy the spectacular sunset over the ocean.
Overnightin Kanyakumari.
After breakfast proceed to Trivandrum. On arrival visit Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple (exterior view for non-Hindus) and the Napier Museum with its rich artistic and cultural exhibits.
Later spend some time at Shangumugham Beach.
Overnight in Trivandrum.
Breakfast at the hotel and later transfer to Trivandrum Airport for your onward flight.