The Majestic South India Tour offers a captivating journey through the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and historical marvels of the southern region of India. This immersive tour typically spans over several days and includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the majestic temples of Madurai, the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, the architectural wonders of Hampi, and the bustling cities of Chennai and Bangalore. Travelers are treated to diverse experiences, including traditional art forms, flavorful cuisine, lush greenery, and encounters with local traditions. This tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the enchanting charm and vibrant spirit of South India, leaving visitors with lasting memories of its beauty and splendor.
Destination
Departure
Chennai
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Day 01 Arrive Chennai
Upon arrival, after clearing immigration and custom’s, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at hotel
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Day 02 Chennai / Kanchipuram / Mahabalipuram (110kms / 3hrs)
Following breakfast Tour of Chennai City: Typical Indian city, it’s the capital of Tamil Nadu. Though it was the oldest settlement of the British, Madras remained unaffected in spirit. Only the cathedral and the Fort of St. George are a reminder of its British past. Visit the Marina Beach – second longest beach in the world, it’s an elegant promenade; Fort St. George – the first foothold of British from Chenhere Robert Clive started the expansion of British Rule. After visit, continue your drive to Mahabalipuram en-route visit Kanchipuram: Kanchipuram Known as the Golden city of a Thousand Temples. This is one of India’s sacred cities. Many early styles of temple architecture may be seen here. Visit Ekambareshwar Temple, Kailashnath Temple, Kamakshi Temple, the Vaikunthaperumal Temple. After visit continue drive to Mahabalipuram Upon arrival, check-in into your hotel. Overnight at hotel
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Day 03 Mahabalipuram
Following breakfast visit Mahabalipuram: An ancient coastal port South of Madras, here you will see many sculptures and temples of typical South India architectural designs; the five Radhas – A group of Monolithic monuments of animal figures carved out of solid rock; the shore temple, lashed by the waves of the sea, and the huge frescoes; the penance of Bhagirath. Afternoon free Overnight at hotel
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Day 04 Mahabalipuram / Pondicherry (110Kms / 03hrs approx)
Following breakfast, drive to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, check-in into your hotel. Afternoon, visit Pondicherry: Sri Aurobindo Ashram – see the marble ‘Samadhi’ where Sri Aurobindo’s and the Mother’s remains are kept. Ecole Francaise d’ Extreme Orient and The French Institute. Overnight at hotel
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Day 05 Pondicherry / Swamimalai (166kms / 4hrs approx)
Following breakfast, Visit Chidambaram: The town of Chidambaram is situated in the east-central part of Tamil Nadu state The town is in the Coleroon River Valley. Chidambaram (also Thillai) literally means the sky permeated by an atmosphere of intelligence and wisdom. According to legend, it was once a forest of tillai, a mangrove species of trees. There was once a small shrine on the banks of a tank. Lord Nataraja is said to have emerged from the sacred space and performed his Cosmic Dance before his two devotees. This city was a part of the Chola dynasty and is today, an important pilgrim centre and known for its Nataraja Temple or Chidambaram Temple Gangaikonda Cholapuram was erected as the capital of the Chola s by Rajendra Chola I, the son and successor of Rajaraja Chola, the great Chola who conquered a large area in South India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Sumatra, Kadaram (Kedah in Malyasia) at the beginning of the 11th century C.E. It occupies an important place in the history of India. As the capital of the Cholas from about 1025 C.E. for about 250 years, the city controlled the affairs of entire southern India, from the Tungabhadra in the north to Ceylon in the south and other south east Asian countries. The great temple of Siva at this place is next only to the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur in its monumental nature and surpasses it in sculptural quality.The Gangaikondaan temple is an architectural and engineering marvel because the shadow of the main tower never falls on the ground throughout the year. After visit drive to Swamimalai Upon arrival, check-in into the hotel. Overnight at hotel
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Day 06 Swamimalai
Following breakfast visit Swamimalai is regarded as one of the important pilgrimage centers of South India. A small sylvan village, Swamimalai is known as Arupadai Veedu, one of the six abodes (the others being Tiruchendur, Palani, Tiruttani, Tirupparankunram, Tirukkazhukkunram), dedicated to Lord Subramanya. According to legends, once Lord Siva forgot the Pranava Mantra, and immediately asked his son Subramanya whether if he knew the Mantra. It’s said that Lord Siva stood before Subramanya with folded hands and bowed head with great veneration and learnt the Mantra. As this incident took place in this sacred place it came to be known as Swamimalai and the deity as Swaminathan, indicating that the son was superior to his father. Swamimalai is well known for its beautiful Swaminathan Temple, which is built on an artificially constructed 64 ft high mound. It is the 4th of the six sacred places (houses) of Lord Subramanya. At the lower level, there are temples dedicated to Meenakshi and Sundareswarar and the prakaram where the ratham is taken in procession on special occasions. Swamimalai is also famous for its wonderful handicrafts and brass works, which are known for their intrinsic beauty and artistic value, particularly bronze idols. Visit Swamimalai and see the beautiful Swaminathan Temple and rewarded with a unique experience on your Swamimalai Tour. Overnight at hotel
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Day 07 Swamimalai / Tanjore (91 kms / 3 hrs approx)
Following breakfast, drive to Tanjore Afternoon visit Tanjore: Famous for the Classic Dravidian style temple of Brihadishwara built by the Cholas in the 10th century A.D., dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the giant Nandi statue. Stay overnight at the hotel in Tanjore. Also noted for its art and crafts; pottery, silk, jewellery, beaten copper, bronzes & silver statuettes. visit Brihadeshwara Temple & Fort, Thanjavur Palace & Museum, Art Gallery, Saraswati Mahal Library, The Palace, Sangeetha Mahal, Library, Raja Museum, Temple Museum and Schwarz Church. Overnight at hotel
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Day 08 Tanjore / Trichy / Tanjore (110 kms / 3 hr approx)
Following breakfast excursion visit Trichy Trichy Situated on the banks of river Cauvery, This is famous for the beautifuly sculpted Ranganatha temple at Srirangam, the biggest in India & which makes Trichy a very auspicious and sacred Hindu city.The attractions here include Rock Fort, JambukeshwaraTemple, Tiruvannaikaval, Srirangam, Museums &Art Galleries. Overnight at hotel
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Day 09 Tanjore / Karaikudi 102Kms / 2hrs
Following breakfast, drive to Karaikudi Upon arrival check in to your hotel Afternoon visit Chettinadu Palace & Typical Chettinad style flooring tiles factory. Overnight at hotel
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Day 10 Karaikudi / Madurai 90Kms / 2hrs
Following breakfast, drive to Madurai. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Evening, witness Aarti ceremony at Shree Meenakshi Temple Overnight at hotel
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Day 11 Madurai
Following breakfast, visit Madurai city: Madurai is one of the oldest cities of southern India. It has been a centre of pilgrimage, for centuries. The Meenakshi temple, the main architectural attraction here, is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture, with gopurams or multi pillared halls, covered from top to bottom, in a profusion of multicoloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. However, besides the temple, our tour includes a walk along the main street leading to the temple. The well-organized confusion caused by pilgrims in traditional clothes, pavement shops of all shades, holy men in robes of different colours etc add an unmistakable colour and atmosphere to this fascinating Temple City. Afternoon Free. Overnight at hotel
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Day 12 Madurai / Kovalam 304Kms / 6hrs approx
Following breakfast, drive to Kovalam Upon arrival, check in to your hotel Overnight at hotel
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Day 13 Kovalam
Full day free for independent / beach activities Overnight at hotel
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Day 14 Kovalam / Trivandrum (16Kms / 30 min approx)
Depart Trivandrum Morning transfer to Trivandrum international airport for your flight back home
Picture Gallery