Tamil Nadu Temple Tour

Kick start your day with a hearty breakfast and head out for the local sightseeing tour of Chennai. Start from Fort St. George, also called the 'White Town'. It was a British headquarter and the main purpose of establishing this massive fort was to show the British stronghold in the Coromandel Coast and the rest of South India. But now, this fort is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and the station of Tamilnadu Government. Next, move towards the San Thome Cathedral which is an ancient pilgrim and historical center. It was built during the 14th to the 15th century by Portuguese and is designed in Neo-Gothic architectural styles. It is one of the prominent attractions of Chennai.

Later on, you will also visit some of the famous museums in Chennai. The fascinating ancient and colonial history of Chennai is presented at the city's several breathtaking museums. These museums have a huge collection of traditional artworks, currency, rare relics, medals, coins, books, oriental manuscripts, toy train and engines belonging to the British era and much more.

In the afternoon, you will drive towards Mahabalipuram by road. It is mainly popular for its rock-cut caves as well as intricately carved temples. It is also known as Mamallapuram. The town is historically important and a well-loved tourist location that is situated on the Coromandel Coast. It is one of the most attractive places in South India where culture meets history to create a great opportunity for explorers.

As you reach Mahabalipuram, check-in at your pre-booked hotel and retire for the night in your room.

Wake up early in the morning with a southern specialty as your morning meal and get ready to familiarize yourself with one of the prime attractions i.e., Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be visiting Arjuna's Penance, also known as "Descent of the Ganges" and is a huge open-air rock-cut relief carved on 2 monolithic rock boulders. The structure is a fine specimen of the art of carving and sculpting on rock forms. The structure is named so because it depicts both of these two significant and symbolic events, i.e., Arjuna's Penance and Descent of holy River Ganga on the earth, of Hindu mythology.

After that, set your foot into Five Rathas, also called the 'Panch Rathas'. It is an exemplary set of rock temples and presents an excellent example of the evolution of Dravidian architectural style. The temples resemble the shapes of pagodas and are associated with the great Epic Mahabharata.

Now, move to the next tourist point which is the Shore Temple which was built in the 7th-century. It depicts the royal taste of the Pallava Dynasty and is constructed in Dravidian style. Every year the very renowned Mamallapuram Dance Festival takes place here with the Shore Temple forming its backdrop. During weekend evenings, it looks enchanting due to the lights. This temple comprises three shrines. Out of the three, one is dedicated to Lord Shiva, another to Lord Vishnu and the last one is dedicated to Ksatriyasimnesvara. At the end of the day, get back to your hotel and savor your dinner.

Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

After munching your breakfast in the hotel, pack your belongings and check-out from the hotel to leave for Tanjore. Also called Thanjavur, this city rose to glory during the Chola Empire and became the center of learning and culture. From magnificent buildings, temples to cultural & artistic venues, there are many places to explore in Tanjore. On arrival at the hotel, complete all your check-in formalities.

After relaxing for a while, you will be out to visit Brihadewswara Temple. It is an ancient temple that was built by King of Chola Empire like a fortress on the shores of a river. The deity of this temple is Lord Shiva who resides here in his dancing pose and is called the 'Nataraja'. The astonishing structure of the temple showcases the architectural skills and affinity of the South Indian Kings. This thousand-year-old temple portrays its exceptional cultural and historical value to the visitors. The most important architectural feature of this temple is that the shadow of the temple never falls on the ground at noon.

In the evening, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

On the 5th day of your Tamilnadu Temple Tour, treat your taste buds to a wholesome breakfast at the hotel. Now, you will hit the road to Trichy. This city spiritually awakens your senses at numerous temples and churches.

Today, you will explore the Ranganath Temple, a Hindu Temple and one the 108 "Divya Desams" of Lord Vishnu. It is dedicated to the Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form Lord Vishnu. This temple was constructed in Dravidian architectural style and is rich in legend and history. It includes 21 surroundings "Gopurams", 81 shrines, 39 pavilions and an ornate gateway. This temple holds the annual chariot festival of Tamil Nadu that lasts for 21 days.

Next, proceed to Jambukeshwar Temple. The priest of this temple performs Pooja of Lord Shiva in female attire. It is believed that Goddess Parvati made Shiv Lingam out of the water of River Cauvery under Venn Naaval tree in the Jambu forest and worshipped Lord Shiva. This ShivaLingam is also called by the name "Appu Linga" (Water Lingam). The temple was built by the Chola King in 2nd century AD.

At last, you will see the Srirangam Temple which is the foremost of the 8 self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu. The temple lies on an island between the twin rivers Kollidam and Cauvery. This temple is also known as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Bhogamandabam, Periyakoil, and Bhoologa Vaikundam. This temple has enormous size and has 7 enclosures or prakaras and 21 magnificent towers.

Later, come back to the hotel for an overnight stay in Trichy.

Post a delectable morning meal, check-out from the hotel and get transferred to another destination, Madurai. It is the prime site of heritage in Tamil Nadu as well as a famous pilgrimage center in India. The city is mainly popular for its Meenakshi Temple which you will be exploring today. The mesmerizing architecture of this temple is renowned globally. It is primarily dedicated to Goddess Parvati, also known as Meenakshi and her spouse, Lord Shiva. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva visited Madurai to marry Parvati. Hence, this temple was built here to pay respect to the Goddess. This temple complex is made in accordance with the Shilpa Shastra. Its exquisite façade describes the details with great art pieces incorporated in the pillars & walls.

In the afternoon, you will go for a half-day trip to Tirumala Palace and the Gandhi Museum. Tirumala Palace depicts the perfect blend of Rajput & Dravidian architectural styles. It was erected by King Thirumalai Nayak in 1636 AD and became the residence of King Thirumalai Nayak. The interiors, as well as the exterior, have been richly adorned. The excellent stucco work is done on the domes and arches of the palace. Tourists enjoy the magnificent Sound and Light Show at this mahal.

The Gandhi Museum pays a tribute to the efforts of the 'Father of the Nation', Mahatma Gandhi. This museum was established in 1959 in his cherished memory after his demise. It houses a wealth of remarkable mementos associated with Indian history such as the bloodstained cloth, Mahatma Gandhi was wearing when he was assassinated in 1948. It comes under the Peace Museums worldwide selected by the United Nations Organization (UNO).

Head back to your lodge and retire in your room for a good night's sleep.

On the 7th day of the Tamil Nadu Temple Tour, savor the delicious breakfast and then check out from the hotel. You will start your drive towards Rameshwaram, which is a religious pilgrimage site and one of the four Dhams in India. It is situated on Pamban Island which is connected from mainland India by the Pamban Channel. Pamban Island is also known as Rameshwaram Island, which is situated in the Gulf of Mannar and is about 40 km from Mannar Island, Sri Lanka. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Ram built a bridge across the sea to Sri Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from the demon Ravana.

The island accommodates one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Rameshwaram Temple, or Ramanathaswamy Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Upon your arrival, you will have an assisted transfer to the hotel. Complete the check-in formalities and then later visit Rameshwaram Temple. The sanctum of the temple comprises the two lingas–one of them was built by Lord Ram from the residing sand of the seashore, and this linga is known as Ramalingam. The other linga was built from the sand brought by the Lord Hanuman from the Kailash, and this is known as Vishwalingam.

Also, visit the Five Faced Hanuman Temple, which is one of the most renowned temples in Rameshwaram. Soak in the tranquil aura of this majestic religious site.

Return to the hotel after the sightseeing tour. Overnight stay at the hotel in Rameshwaram.

After having a scrumptious breakfast, you will check out from the hotel and towards Trivandrum. It is the capital city of Kerala and a perfect amalgamation of cultural heritage and colonial legacy. On arrival in Trivandrum, you will have an assisted transfer to the hotel. Complete the check-in formalities and then leave for the sightseeing tour of the city including Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple which is also known as Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the temple is 5,000 years old. It comprises an 18-feet tall idol of Lord Vishnu which is a prominent feature of the temple. This is the perfect example of the striking mix of Dravidian and Keralan architectural style. Seeks blessing from the Lord Vishnu and pay your respect.

Later, you will head towards the Kovalam Beach. The palm-fringed beaches offer a breathtaking view of sunrise and sunset. The beach is encompassed by the coconut groves. Enjoy the time here with your loved ones and bask in the tranquility of this serene place. Take a leisurely walk on the white sandy beaches.

The visit the Neyyar Dam which is a popular tourist spot. It is nestled on the southern hills of the Western Ghats and this dam offers the picturesque view of the surroundings. The prime attractions of the day are watch-tower, deer park, and lion safari park. There are boating facilities also available. You can enjoy the boat ride here and admire the enchanting beauty.

Later, you will visit the Padmanabhapuram Palace. This palace depicts the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India. It is believed this palace is being built in the 16th century and with the unique combination of lime, charcoal. Egg whites, burnt coconuts, jaggery, and white sand. This city is the erstwhile capital of the Travancore Empire and a perfect place to get a deep insight into the rich heritage of the country. This palace is situated in a four-kilometer long fortress. This enchanting place is adorned with the exquisite wooden carvings and designs.

After exploring this majestic palace, you will head towards the Sucheendram Temple which is also known as Thanumalayan Temple. This temple is dedicated to the Trinity of Gods – Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. The temple organizes a 10-day long Car Festival which lures a large number of devotees from all over the country. This temple holds religious importance for the devotees of both Shaivite and Vaishnavites.

After the exploration tour, you will return to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Trivandrum.

Enjoy the scrumptious breakfast and then head towards Trivandrum which is located at a distance of 94 km and it will take around 3 hours to reach. The city is a perfect blend of a cultural heritage and colonial history.

Upon your arrival, you will have an assisted transfer to the hotel. Complete the check in formalities and relax for a while. Later, you will embark on the sightseeing tour of the city, which includes Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. It is also known as Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams and embellished with the gold-plated covering. The temple is dedicated to Lord Padmanabha, who was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is the perfect blend of the Dravidian and Keralan architectural styles. The temple comprises an 18-feet high idol of Lord Vishnu. The temple is flocked by a large number of devotees every year to seek blessings.

After this, you will head towards Kovalam Beach. The palm-fringed beach offers the breathtaking view. Spend some quality time here with your loved ones. You can take a leisurely walk on the sandy beaches and soak in the serenity of this pristine beach.

Next, visit the Neyyar Dam, which is nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats. There is a scenic lake and you can also enjoy the majestic beauty of the Neyyar River through boat rides. The other prime attractions of the day are watch tower, Deer Park, and Lion Safari. After this, you will visit the Padmanabhapuram Palace. This marvelous edifice symbolizes the rich and diverse cultural heritage. This exquisite palace is believed to be built during the 16th century. Embellished with the wooden carvings and design, this charming palace is a perfect example of traditional Kerala architectural style.

Later in the evening, you will visit the Thanumalayan Temple and pay homage. This is also known as Sthanumalayan Temple and it is dedicated to the Trinity of God, namely Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. Spread over sprawling 2-acres of land, the temple complex comprises numerous shrines. The temple is the perfect example of the Dravidian architecture and the temple also accommodates a statue of Lord Hanuman which is 18 feet tall, carved from a single granite rock and one of the tallest statues of its kind in India. The most popular festival of the temple is the 10-day long Car Festival, which holds a high religious importance amongst pilgrims of both Vaishnavites and Shaivite sects.

After the sightseeing tour, return to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Trivandrum.

On the last day of the tour, after having breakfast, you will check out from the hotel and head towards the Trivandrum airport/railway station for your onward journey.