South India Temple Tour, Chennai

About this activity

Embark on a captivating journey through the cultural heartland of South India with our "South India Temple Tour." Begin your adventure in Chennai, where the colonial charm of Fort St. George and the tranquil beauty of Semmozhi Poonga await. Explore the ancient temples of Kanchipuram, the City of Thousand Temples, before marveling at the monolithic wonders of Mahabalipuram. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Pondicherry, discovering the serenity of Auroville and the colonial charm of the French Quarter. Journey through Chidambaram's sacred sites, marvel at the architectural marvels of Thanjore, and explore the spiritual legacy of Trichy's Rock Fort Temple. Conclude your odyssey in Madurai, where the magnificent Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple beckons with its timeless grandeur. Join us on this divine pilgrimage through the timeless traditions and architectural splendors of South India.

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At a glance

Duration: 7 days
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Agora Voyages Pvt. Ltd.

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–10 years) · Adults (11–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
Included: 6 Nights' accommodation (if option selected) in selected price category hotels.
Included: Government taxes.
Included: Bottled drinking water in the car.
Included: Breakfast
Included: Monument entrances and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary.
Included: English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per the program
Included: Assistance on arrival at the airport.

Not included

Not included: Any flight ticket.approx.
Not included: Camera charges at monuments if any.
Not included: Meals other than mentioned in inclusions.
Not included: Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
Not included: Gratuities and optional activities.

Itinerary

Day 1 · Arrive Chennai

Chennai (Madras)

Passing by

Upon arrival at Chennai airport, be greeted by a representative who will facilitate a seamless transfer to your hotel.

After check-in and some relaxation, begin your half-day city tour of Chenna
Madras High Court

Passing by

Drive past the iconic Madras High Court, an architectural marvel boasting a blend of Indo-Saracenic and Gothic Revival styles, known for its striking red brick facade and intricate detailing.
Ripon Building

one hour

Continue to admire the majestic Ripon Building, a fine example of Neoclassical architecture, serving as the seat of the Chennai Corporation since its completion in 1913.
Fort St. George

2 hours Admission included

Proceed to Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, where history echoes through its corridors and museum exhibits, offering insights into Chennai's colonial past.
Stop 5

one hour

Explore the divine ambiance of Kapaleeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, adorned with intricate carvings depicting Hindu mythology and vibrant rituals that captivate devotees and visitors alike.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 2 · Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (120kms/ 3hrs approx)

Chennai (Madras)

8 hours

Depart for Kanchipuram, the 'City of Thousand Temples', renowned for its architectural splendor and rich cultural heritage.
Kailasanatha Temple

30 min

Explore the ancient Kailasanathar Temple, a masterpiece of Pallava architecture, dedicated to Lord Shiva and dating back to the 8th century AD, adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings portraying various mythological tales.
Ekambareswarar Temple

30 min

Visit the Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas representing the element of Earth, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of an ancient mango tree, symbolizing fertility and prosperity.
Stop 4

3 hours Admission included

Proceed to Mahabalipuram, a coastal town renowned for its UNESCO-listed monuments, where the timeless Shore Temple stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Pallava dynasty, overlooking the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal.

Explore the Five Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and architectural brilliance, each dedicated to a different deity and carved from a single rock formation, providing insight into ancient temple architecture and sculpture.
Mahabalipuram

4 hours

Later visit Monolithic Temples - locally known as Rathas. They were executed by chiseling out the exterior face of the boulder. Work started from top to bottom. Shore Temple - built with blocks of granitein in 7th century during the rule of King Narsimha-Varman II Rajasimha the temple complex consisting of two Siva temples and a carving of Anantasayana Vishnu. Cave Temples - cut and decorated with panels in the Mamalla style of the Pallava period in the 7th century. Remnants seen in the caves also indicate that they were plastered and painted when built. Krishna's Butterball - a gigantic granite boulder resting on a short incline.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 3 · Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (100kms/ 2hrs approx)

Stop 1

8 hours

Depart for Pondicherry, a charming blend of French and Indian cultures, known for its tranquil beaches, spiritual ambiance, and vibrant streets.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram

one hour Admission included

Visit the Aurobindo Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother in 1926, serving as a spiritual retreat and center for integral yoga, with serene surroundings and meditation halls that provide a tranquil sanctuary for seekers.
Auroville

2 hours

Explore the experimental township of Auroville, a utopian community promoting peace, sustainability, and cultural diversity, where visitors can engage in various activities, workshops, and volunteer programs aimed at fostering unity and harmony among people of different backgrounds.
French Quarter

2 hours

Stroll through the picturesque French Quarter, admiring its colonial architecture, vibrant cafes, and serene promenades, which offer a glimpse into Pondicherry's unique cultural heritage and laid-back atmosphere, reminiscent of its colonial past.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 4 · Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Gangai Kondacholapuram - Darasuram - Thanjore (170kms/ 4hrs approx)

Pondicherry

Passing by

Journey to Thanjavur, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, renowned for its rich history, architectural wonders, and contributions to art and literature.
Nataraja Temple - Chidambaram

one hour

En route, visit the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dancing form, known as Nataraja, symbolizing the eternal rhythm of creation and destruction, with its intricately carved pillars and gopurams showcasing the architectural prowess of the Chola dynasty.
Arulmigu Peruvudaiyar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram

2 hours Admission included

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, once the capital of the Chola dynasty under Rajendra Chola I, boasting majestic temples, intricate sculptures, and a rich cultural legacy that reflects the grandeur of its glorious past.
Stop 4

2 hours

Continue to Thanjavur and marvel at the Darasuram Temple, a splendid example of Dravidian architecture, adorned with intricate carvings, sculptures, and inscriptions that depict mythological tales, historical events, and cultural practices of ancient India.
Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery

2 hours

Visit the Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery, which houses a rich collection of artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and royal memorabilia from the Chola dynasty, offering insights into the region's royal heritage, artistic traditions, and cultural achievements.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 5 · Thanjore - Trichy (60kms/ 1.5hrs approx)

Stop 1

2 hours

Begin your day with a visit to the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture, dedicated to Lord Shiva, with its towering vimana, intricately carved sculptures, and majestic Nandi statue, symbolizing the zenith of Dravidian temple architecture and artistic excellence.
Rock Fort Temple

2 hours Admission included

Drive to Trichy and ascend the Rock Fort Temple, an ancient fortification perched atop a 272-foot high rock, offering panoramic views of the cityscape and surrounding landscapes, with its sacred shrines, meditation caves, and gopurams that attract pilgrims and tourists from far and wide.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

2 hours

Explore the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple complex, one of the largest temple complexes in India, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu, with its sprawling architecture, intricate carvings, and colorful gopurams, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and religious fervor of the region.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 6 · Trichy - Madurai (140kms/ 3hrs approx)

Tiruchirappalli

Passing by

Depart for Madurai, one of the oldest and holiest cities in India, known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant temple architecture, and bustling markets.
Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

2 hours

Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a sprawling complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, with its towering gopurams, intricately carved pillars, and colorful mandapams, reflecting the grandeur of Dravidian temple architecture and the devotion of its worshippers.
Stop 3

2 hours Admission included

Explore the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, an architectural marvel built in the 17th century by King Tirumalai Nayak, with its grand courtyard, ornate pillars, and exquisite stucco work, showcasing the opulence and splendor of the Nayak dynasty.
Gandhi Memorial Museum

one hour Admission included

Discover the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Memorial Museum, housed in the historic Tamukkam Palace, with its galleries, exhibits, and artifacts that chronicle the Mahatma's struggle for freedom, nonviolent resistance, and vision of a united India.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 · Madurai - Chennai (flight)

Madurai

Passing by

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before bidding farewell to South India's cultural treasures.
Chennai (Madras)

Passing by

Transfer to Chennai airport for your onward journey, departing with cherished memories of a journey filled with history, spirituality, and architectural wonders.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

OYO Flagship 83347 Mjr Residency
Pharos Hotels
Crescent Park Hotel
Apoorva's Guest House
The Malayalee Club
Aruna Hotels Limited
Park Avenue Hotel
Hotel Royal Park
Hotel Angels Nest
Temple Tree Homes Next to Sankara Nethralaya & Apollo Hospitals
The Redstone Hotel

and 6 more pickup points

As per your flight schedule, coordinated pickup will be arranged from Chennai International Airport (MAA). Pickup is also available from Chennai Port and all hotels, residences, and other accommodations in Chennai. A private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned vehicle will be provided for the entire tour. Travelers arriving at the airport or port will be welcomed and assisted by our office executive. Please provide your hotel, cruise, or flight details at least 3 days before the tour. Hotel check-in/check-out time is 12:00 PM; early check-in is subject to room availability and can be pre-booked at an additional cost. Office executive and driver contact details will be shared one day prior to the tour.

Using your ticket

Hotels are used or similar

Chennai x 1 night

3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods

4* - The Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan

5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace

Mahabalipuram x 1 night

3* - INDeco Hotels/ Mamalla Beach Resort

4* - Ideal Beach Resort/ Confluence The Banquet & Resort

5* - Radisson BLU Resort Temple Bay/ Fisherman's Cove

Pondicherry x 1 night

3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International

4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa

5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Thnjore x 1 night

3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers

4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort

5* - Svatma

Trichy x 1 night

3* - Red Fox Hotel/ Grand Gardenia

4* & 5* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort

Madurai x 1 night

3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency

4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel

5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Cancellation

Free cancellation

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

If you cancel	You get back
At least 6 days before	100%
At least 2 days before	50%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Options

Price with 3 star hotels

Stay in 3 star hotels: + Private Car with Driver + Private Guides + Entrance & activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

Pickup included
Tour Price Without Hotels

Includes: Private Car with Driver + Private Guides + Entrance & activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

Pickup included
Price with 5 star hotels

Stay in 5 star hotels: + Private Car with Driver + Private Guides + Entrance & activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

Pickup included
Price with 4 star hotels

Stay in 4 star hotels: + Private Car with Driver + Private Guides + Entrance & activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

Pickup included