South India Temple Tours

South India, a delightful travel destination in India is almost untouched by invasions throughout its history. The Indian culture and heritage is more intact here than in other regions of the country. This is a land of temples, a land of the devout where new wonders await - the profusion of orange flowers, the shade of the banyan tree, and the soft beat of distant drums as yet another festival starts. A Myriad of Temples.

South India covers states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh. Kerala is most popular among Travelers for Eco-tourism, Backwaters & Ayurveda/ Rejuvenation Tours. Tamilnadu is popular because of temples &cultural tourism.

South India Temple Tours takes you on a fascinating journey to the land rich in momentous temples. There are several towns in South India that are specifically known as the 'Temple Towns' owing to some of the brilliant temples of the town.

The first temple on South India Temple Tours is the Guruvayoor Temple, one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala. Located 29 km to the west of Trichur, the Sri Krishna Temple draws maximum pilgrims and tourists. According to local legends, Guru, the Teacher of the Gods and Vayu, the God of Winds, together build this temple. The square shaped Sri Kovil is the sacred sanctum of the temple and enshrines the main deity. The temple also houses the images of Ganapati, Sri Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus can enter the temple.

The second temple on South India Temple Tours is 2000-year-old Meenakshi Temple is situated in the city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati known here as Sundareswarar and Meenakshi, the temple s a masterpiece of Dravidian Temple Architecture. The original temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya but the real credit for making the temple as grand as it stands today goes to the Nayaks. The present temple was conceived in 1560 AD by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently built during the reign of Thirumalai Nayak.

The Brihadeeswara Temple is situated at Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. The temple was constructed under the patronage of the King Rajaraja Chola in the 10th century AD and designed by Sama Varma, the architect. The most unique feature of the temple is that no shadow of the temple is cast on the ground at any time of the year. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The inner wall of the sanctum is embellished with 108 different dancing postures of Shiva. The temple is one of the finest contributions of the Chola Dynasty to the Dravidian Temple Architecture.

Kanchipuram is 75 km from Chennai in Tamil Nadu and is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers in India. Kanchipuram is famous for magnificent and elegant Dravidian temples. On the tour of Kanchipuram, one must visit the Kailashanatha Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kumara Kottam, Ekambareshwar Temple and Varadaraja Temple.

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram, once the port city of the Pallava rulers, is located 50 km from the south of Chennai on the shores of Bay of Bengal in Tamil Nadu. The temples of Mamallapuram are excellent specimen of Dravidian temple architecture and Pallava art. There are 11 temples at Mahabalipuram excavate out of the rock. The most important temple here is the Shore Temple. The Shore Temple built during the reign of Rajasimha in the 7th century AD. Rajasimha constructed the Shore Temple in the 7th century AD. It was the first Pallava structure to be built of stone rather than being carved out of stone like the older temples.

Another temple to visit on South India Temple Tours is at Somnathpur village located on the banks of river Kaveri, 140 km from Bangalore in Karnataka. The commander of the Hoysalas, Somnath built the Keshava Temple almost 740 years ago with permission grants received from the king. The names of the sculptors can be seen on the sculptures, as they have inscribed their names on their works. It was not a common practice during that time.

The most important temple to visit on South India Temple Tours is at Tirupati, 67 km from Chittor district in Andhra Pradesh. The town is famous for the holy shrine of the Shri Venkateshwara. The Balaji Temple with its gopuram at Tirupati is a classical example of Dravidian architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara also known as Srinivasa or Balaji, who is believed to have attributes of both Shiva and Vishnu.

Our South India Temple Tours are designed to give our customers the best travel experience in South India. We make all arrangements of South India Travel Packages like itinerary planning, hotels booking, car rentals, travel guide, Rail and Air Tickets Reservation etc., so that the tourists can fully enjoy their dream holidays in India. Our South India Temple Tours Packages and Itineraries are designed by our best travel professionals in India, the tours would cover the most exotic and breathtaking sightseeings in South India, luxury and discounted hotels would be booked for the tours, best transportation with reliable and experienced drivers would be provided to our clients during the tours, services of our experienced and multi lingual staff and travel guide are provided and every minute details of the travel packages are taken care of in advance. So book your South India Temple Tour Packages with us and give us an opportunity to take you on an incredible and memorable South India Temple Tour and show you our world class hospitality, Personalized travel services and extensive experience at the most competitive prices and give you a comfortable and hassle free South India Temple Tours.

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South India Temple Tours

Places to visit : Chennai - Tirupati - Kanchipuram - Mamallapooram - Tiruvannamalai - Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Tanjore - Trichy - Madurai -Trivandrum
Duration of the Tour : 12 Days / 11 nights

Day-wise itinerary of the tour

Day 01 : Arrive Chennai
On arrival at the airport you would be welcome by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Chennai.

Day 02 : In Chennai
After breakfast our guide would escort you to the full day excursion to Mahabalipuram famous as a major seaport of the great Pallava Kings between 08 and 10th century AD and noted for its rock carvings and the shore temple. On your way back to Chennai visit the Gandhi Memorial, Kala Kshetra, Mylapore temple. Overnight at Chennai.

Day 03 : Chennai - Tirupati - Chennai
Morning after breakfast full day excursion to Tirupati famous for ancient temple of Lord Venkateswara. Overnight at Chennai.

Day 04 : Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mamallapooram
Morning after breakfast on your drive to Mamallapooram enroute visit Kanchipuram the ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 Temples and still has 124 shrines. On arrival check-into the hotel. Afternoon with our guide visit several antique sculptural marvels of shrines and huge sculptures cut-out of rocks that dates back to 1200 years during the reign of Pallava Kings. The rock carvings depicting mythological episodes - of demons, Gods and animals in battle and others - are truly poems in stone. The only shore temple that remains here is the spectacular two - spired shrine, unique because it houses both Lord Shiva and the Lord Vishnu in its sanctum sanctorum. Overnight at Mamallapooram.

Day 05 : Mamallapooram - Tiruvannamalai - Pondicherry
Morning after breakfast drive to Pondicherry enroute visit to Tiruvannamallai a pilgrim center with an ancient temple of Lord Shiva After lunch proceed to Pondicherry, which carries a strong whiff of the French presence in India. This erstwhile French colony on the east coast of South India merged with the rest of the country in 1954. Legend says that Pondicherry is the place where St.Agasthaya settled down. Overnight at Pondicherry.

Day 06 : In Pondicherry
After breakfast visit Aurbindo Ashram the city of dawn, which is 10kms north of Pondicherry. This ashram promotes Aurbindo's ideas in bringing about a synthesis of Yoga and modern science to unite the spirit and matter. After lunch visit Auroville a unique experiment in international living and in creating a new environment where men and women of all nationalities live together in harmony. Overnight at Pondicherry.

Day 07 : Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Tanjore
Morning after breakfast drive to Tanjore enroute visit Chidambaram famous for the Nataraja temple with the root of the sanctum-sanctorum covered with golden plates. In this temple postures from the Bharatnatayam form of dance are depicted in sculpture. Later drive to Thanjavur visiting the Brass factory at Kumbakonam. On arrival check-into the hotel. Overnight at Tanjore.

Day 08 : Tanjore - Trichy
Morning explore the famous Chola Temple of Brideshwar at Tanjore and later drive Trichy situated on the banks of Kaveri River is a blend of history and tradition as well as pilgrim center famous for Ranganath Temple at Srirangam. On arrival check-into the hotel. Afternoon explore the temples of Trichy with our guide. The prominent temple is the Rock Fort Temple and Srirangam Temple. Overnight at Trichy.

Day 09 : Trichy - Madurai
After breakfast drive to Madurai some 2600 years old is laid out in the banks of river Vaigai as a lotus flower with the Meenakshi temple in the center. After lunch explore the famous Meenakshi Temple with our guide, a superb example of the Dravida School of Architecture and is known for its profusely carved and gigantic gateways. Overnight at Madurai.

Day 10 : Madurai - Trivandrum
After breakfast drive to Trivandrum and check in at hotel. Overnight at Trivandrum

Day 11: In Trivandrum
After breakfast proceed for full day excursion to Kanyakumari where the water of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet. An important pilgrim center of India famous for the Amman Temples a symbol of unity and sanctity dedicated to the virgin Goddess, Kanya Kumari. Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a blend of all the architectural styles of India. Evening enjoy the beautiful sunset. Overnight at Trivandrum.

Day 12 : Trivandrum - Flight Back Home
Morning after breakfast transfer to airport to connect flight for onward journey.

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South India Tours

Places to visit : Madras - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Trichy - Madurai - Kovalam - Mumbai
Duration of the Tour : 10 Days / 9 nights

Day-wise itinerary of the tour

Day 01: Arrive Madras (Chennai)
On arrival traditional welcome is given by our representative and transferred to the hotel where your room is ready to welcome you and give you the first taste of Indian Hospitality. Overnight at Chennai

Day 02 : Chennai - Mahabalipuram (40Kms / 1Hrs)
Morning drive to Mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram, famous for its hand woven silk fabrics. After fresh-up at the hotel visit with our guide the Shore Temple, an impressive display of early temple construction in South India and Penance of Bhagirata, the world's largest bas relief also known as "Arjuna's Penance". Other important temples of Kanchipuram include the 16th century Ekambasreshwar Temple, Kamakshi Temple, dedicated to Parvati "The goddess with the eyes of love", and Vaikunta Perumal Temple &then to Mahabalipuram. Rest of the day relax on the beach. Overnight at Mahabalipuram

Day 03 : Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (162Kms / 4Hrs)
Morning drive to Pondicherry. Afternoon with our guide half day city tour to Aurobindo Ashram and Museum. Overnight at Pondicherry.

Day 04 : Pondicherry - Thanjavur (237Kms / 6Hrs)
Morning drive to Thanjavur. Afternoon with our guide half day city tour to Brihadeshwara Fort &Temple, Thanjavur Palace &Museum. Overnight at Thanjavur.

Day 05 : Thanjavur - Trichy (54Kms / 2Hrs)
Morning drive to Trichy. Afternoon with our guide half day city tour to Srirangam Temple &Jambukeshwara Temple Overnight at Trichy.

Day 06 : Trichy - Madurai (128Kms / 3Hrs)
Drive to Madurai. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight Madurai.

Day 07 : In Madurai
Morning with our guide half day city tour of Madurai City visiting Famous Meenakshi Temple &Tirumalai Nayak Palace. Overnight at Madurai.

Day 08 : Madurai - Periyar (134Kms / 3Hrs)
Morning drive to Periyar. Afternoon boat ride at The Periyar Lake. Overnight at Periyar.

Day 09 : Periyar - Trivandrum - Kovalam (272Kms / 5Hrs)
Morning drive to Kovalam enroute visit Trivandrum. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight Kovalam.

Day 10 : Kovalam - Mumbai
Morning after breakfast transfer to the Trivandrum airport for your flight to Mumbai. On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transfer to the International airport for your flight back home

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South India Panoramic Tour

Places to visit : Chennai - Trichy - Tanjore - Madurai - Periyar - Quilon - Cochin - Mumbai
Duration of the Tour : 11 Days / 10 nights

Day-wise itinerary of the tour

Day 01 : Arrive Chennai
On arrival at the airport you would be welcome by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Chennai

Day 02 : In Chennai
After breakfast our guide would escort you to the full day excursion to Mahabalipuram famous as a major seaport of the great Pallava Kings between 08 and 10th century AD and noted for its rock carvings and the shore temple. Overnight at Chennai

Day 03 : Chennai - Trichy
Morning with our guide explore the Fort St. George and St. Mary's Church. Afternoon transfer to the railway station to board train for Trichy. On arrival at Trichy railway station you would be met by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Trichy

Day 04 : In Trichy
Explore the temples of Trichy with our guide. The prominent temple is the Rock Fort Temple and Srirangam Temple. Overnight at Trichy

Day 05 : Trichy - Tanjore - Madurai
Morning explore the famous Chola Temple of Brideshwar at Tanjore and later drive to Madurai. On arrival check-into the hotel. Overnight at Madurai

Day 06 : In Madurai
The day begins with the sweet sound of temple bells that would be your wake up call. After breakfast explore the famous Meenakshi Temple with our guide, a superb example of the Dravida School of Architecture and is known for its profusely carved and gigantic gateways. Overnight at Madurai

Day 07 : Madurai - Periyar
Morning after breakfast drive to Periyar. On arrival check-into the hotel. Afternoon with our guide enjoy spice plantation tour followed by a boat ride on Lake Periyar to view the wild animals that can be spotted drinking and bathing from this 100 year-old lake. Overnight at Periyar.

Day 08 : Periyar - Quilon
Morning after breakfast drive to Quilon, which is a four-hour descent through rubber, cardamom and concount plantations, brings you to the tropical planins of Kerala. Enjoy a fascinating 3-hrs cruise on the famous backwaters from Kottayam to Allepey and view village life along the banks. A short drive will take you to Quilon, known for cashew, coir and marine products. Overnight at Quilon

Day 09 : In Quilon
Day free to relax at the hotel. Overnight at Quilon

Day 10 : Quilon - Cochin
Morning after breakfast drive to Cochin. On arrival check-into the hotel. After fresh-up visit the Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace. Overnight at Cochin

Day 11 : Cochin - Mumbai
Morning after breakfast transfer to the airprt for your flight to Mumbai. On arrival proceed for sightseeing of Bombay visiting Gateway of India, Dhobi Ghat, Rajabai Clock Tower, Marine Drive, Aquarium, Hanging Garden, Crawford market, Victoria Terminus and the Prince of Wales museum. Transfer to airport in time to catch flight for return destination.