Divine Treasures of South (11N / 12D)

Package Highlights

• Kapalesshwara Temple
• Shore Temple
• Five Rathas
• Nava Graha Temples
• Brihadeshwara temple
• Madurai Meenakshi temple
• Pamban Bridge
• Vivekanandha rock memorial
• Padmanabhaswamy temple
• Trivandrum zoo

Day 1: Chennai
Pick up from Chennai airport/railway station and check into the hotel. Today proceed for a sightseeing of Chennai- the bustling metropolis in Southern India. Visit the Fort St. George (the British built fortress, which still retains its colonial charm, San Thoma Basilica , the National Art Gallery etc. Visit Marina beach – the 2nd longest seashore of India. Later proceed to visit  the sacred hillock St. Thomas Mount. It is a church built on a hilltop in 72 AD and that St. Thomas, the apostle of Christ, carried out his missionary activities there.  You can find how harmoniously the traditional Tamil culture and modern British culture are blended. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02: Chennai
Today visit Kapalesshwarar Temple,  an 8th Century old Pallava Temple, dedicated of Lord Shiva. This temple has some beautiful sculptures, among which the bronze idols of 63 Saivaite Saints or the Nayanmars. Continew to visit  Sri Parthasarathy Temple, National art Gallary, Fort Museum etc. Evening free for you to relax at Marina Beach, the longest natural urban beach in India .Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03: Chennai- Mahabalipuram
Morning drive to Mahabalipuram- a7th century former port city is famous for its rock-cut shore temples. En route visit Kancheepuram which includes  Kancheepuramilasanthar Temple, Ekambareshwarar Temple, The Vardarajanperumal Temple. Then proceed to Mahabalipuram and continue your sightseeing. Visit Shore Temple, Five Rathas,, Arjuna’s Penance, and  Tiger’s Cave. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 04: Mahabalipuram – Kumbakonam
Today checkout from the hotel and drive to Kumbakonam-.- The Temple city of South India. Visit Vaitheeswaran Temple which is associated with the planet Mars or Sevvai . This temple is dedicated to the god Shiva. Here Shiva is worshipped as Vaitheeswaran or the “God of healing” and it is believed that prayers to Vaitheeswaran can cure diseases. Then proceed to visit Thiruvenkadu which is  dedicated to Planet Mercury or Budhan. Continue visiting Keelaperumpallam dedicated to shadow planet Ketu. Return back to hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 05: Kumbakonam
Today visit Suryanar koil temple which is dedicated to Suryan or Sun who is known as the giver of health, success ,  Tirunageswaram temple known for its shrine to Rahu , Thingaloor temple which is dedicated to the Moon or Chandran, Thirunallar temple- the only temple that is dedicated to Lord Sani Or Saturn. Continue to visit Alangudi,  regarded as a Guru Sthalam or Jupiter and Darasuram temple which is a UNESCO world heritage site. This temple is a storehouse of art and architecture and has some exquisite stone carvings. Return back to hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06: Kumbakonam- Tanjore
After  breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Tanjore. – the ages-old capital royal of Chola Kings. Check into the hotel and thereafter start your sightseeing tours with the big temple ‘Brihandeswara’- 1000+ years old shrine, built by the esteemed Chola emperor Rajaraja and a fine masterpiece of Chola-styled architecture. Later, visit the nearby water tank Shivaganga and Thanjavur Palace, Royal Museum and Art Gallery. Return back to hotel and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 07: Tanjore – Madurai
Proceed to Madurai- an extremely sacred city. It is the third largest city in Tamil Nadu and is  located on the banks of River Vaigai. Check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is free for you to relax.Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 08: Madurai
Today morning visitrenowned Meenakshi Temple- one of the biggest temples in India. The temple complex with its 12 massive gopurams, the four tallest gopurams at the outer walls and The golden lotus pond , The thousand pillared hall makes it south India’s finest example of Dravidian architecture. There are musical granite pillars here, which when struck yield different musical notes. Proceed to visit , Koodal Alagar Temple, Gandhi Memorial Museum Madurai. In the evening watch the light and sound show at the temple. the Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 09: Madurai – Rameshwaram
Proceed to Rameshwaram- he most sacred temple town of India.this is the place from where the Hindu god Rama built a bridge, across the sea to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from her abductor Ravana. The Ramanatha Swamy Temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva is located at the centre of the town and is closely associated with Rama.  Mythology says Lord Rama sent Hanuman to Mount Kailash to bring a Lingam for worship when he set foot after defeating Ravana.  As Hanuman did not return when the auspicious hour was approaching, Sita made a sand Lingam so that worship could be performed in time, which is where the present day Ramanatha Swamy Temple stands. Visit Hanuman Temple, Pamban Bridge, Navpanigriham. Overnight stay at hotel

Day 10: Rameshwaram- Kanyakumari
Today drive to  Kanyakumari- Once known as the “Alexandaria of the East”, Kanyakumari is an abode for art, culture, civilization and pilgrimage for years. It was a popular centre for commerce and trade. Visit the temples, Vivekananda Rock memorial,Govt Museum, Valluvar Statue and witness the sunset in the evening. Overnight stay at hotel

Day 11: Kanyakumari – Trivandrum
Proceed to Trivandrum. Check into the hotel. Visit Padmanabhaswamy temple- Vedic temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is not possible to determine when and by whom the original idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy was consecrated but the legends of the Temple are handed down through the centuries. Then visit Trivandrum zoo, Kowdiar palace, Napier museum, Attukal temple.Overnight stay at hotel

Day 12: Leave Trivandrum
Check out from the hotel and proceed to Trivandrum airport/railway station for your onward journey.