South India Temple Tour (trip)

South India Temple Tour

  • India
  • Culture & Nature
India, Asia

from $1,213* per person7 DaysYear-round
Boutique accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: AGORA VOYAGES (OPC) PRIVATE LIMITED 10 people max
Your voyage to South India Temples begin from the colonial port Chennai. Advance toward the journey you will visit to Kanchipuram the city of thousand temple & one of the four math for Sankaracharya. Some of the UNESCO World Heritage listed temples & world renowned Auroville Asharm of Pondicherry are the part of your itinerary. The beach resort will be added advantage for your accommodation.

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Locations visited/nearby

India, Asia

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Special information

  • You need to form your own private group for this trip. It will be scheduled for a date you arrange with the provider. The itinerary here is just a sample.
  • Accommodates certain types of disabilities. Contact the operator for more information.
  • Family oriented trip.
  • Offers some solo-only/singles departures.
  • Offers some women-only departures.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Chennai
Upon your arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After completing the check-in formalities and taking some time to relax, begin your exploration of Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu and one of South India's oldest colonial cities.
Visit the historic Fort St. George, established in 1644 by the British East India Company. The fort houses colonial-era buildings, St. Mary's Church, and a museum displaying artifacts from the British period.
Continue to the revered Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva. Admire its towering, brightly decorated gopuram, intricate sculptures, and the vibrant atmosphere created by local devotees.
If time permits, drive along the famous Marina Beach, one of the world's longest urban beaches, offering scenic coastal views and a glimpse of local life.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight in Chennai.
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Day 2 | Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram
Drive: Approx. 120 km | 3–4 hrs
After breakfast, depart for Kanchipuram, one of India's seven sacred pilgrimage cities and renowned worldwide for its magnificent temples and handwoven silk sarees.
Your first visit is to the ancient Kailasanathar Temple, the oldest surviving sandstone temple in Kanchipuram. Built during the Pallava dynasty, it is admired for its elegant carvings and peaceful surroundings.
Next, explore the impressive Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams representing the element of Earth. The temple features a towering entrance gateway, expansive courtyards, and the legendary ancient mango tree believed to be over 3,000 years old.
Later, continue your drive to the coastal town of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its extraordinary rock-cut architecture.
Visit the iconic Shore Temple, beautifully positioned overlooking the Bay of Bengal and considered one of the earliest structural stone temples in South India.
Continue to the remarkable Five Rathas, a collection of monolithic temples carved from single granite boulders, each displaying unique architectural styles inspired by the Mahabharata.
Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
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Day 3 | Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry
Drive: Approx. 120 km | 3 hrs
Following breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive along the picturesque East Coast Road towards Pondicherry (Puducherry), a charming seaside town known for its blend of French colonial heritage and Indian culture.
Begin your sightseeing at the peaceful Sri Aurobindo Ashram, one of India's most respected spiritual centers, attracting visitors from around the world seeking meditation and inner peace.
Continue to Auroville, an internationally recognized experimental township founded to promote human unity, sustainable living, and cultural harmony. Visit the visitor's center and learn about its unique philosophy while enjoying views of the iconic Matrimandir from the designated viewpoint.
Later, stroll through the beautifully preserved French Quarter, lined with colorful colonial villas, boutique cafés, art galleries, and tree-lined streets that reflect Pondicherry's European influence.
Spend the evening at leisure along the scenic seaside promenade.
Overnight in Pondicherry.
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Day 4 | Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Darasuram – Thanjavur
Drive: Approx. 180 km | 5–6 hrs
After breakfast, depart for Thanjavur, stopping en route to visit several of Tamil Nadu's most celebrated temple monuments.
Your first stop is the sacred Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, one of the most important Shiva temples in India, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in his cosmic dancing form. The temple is renowned for its impressive architecture, golden roof, and spiritual significance.
Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, another UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Emperor Rajendra Chola I. Admire the magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing exquisite Chola-period sculptures and remarkable engineering.
Proceed to the elegant Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This architectural masterpiece is celebrated for its intricate stone carvings, beautifully sculpted pillars, and finely detailed mandapams.
Arrive in Thanjavur by evening.
Overnight in Thanjavur.
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Day 5 | Thanjavur – Trichy
Drive: Approx. 60 km | 1.5 hrs
After breakfast, visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, popularly known as the Big Temple and one of India's greatest architectural achievements. Constructed during the reign of Raja Raja Chola I, this UNESCO World Heritage monument is famous for its towering vimana, massive Nandi statue, and exceptional granite craftsmanship.
Later, drive to Tiruchirappalli (Trichy).
Visit the historic Rock Fort Temple, built atop a massive rock estimated to be over three billion years old. Climb the steps to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Cauvery River.
Continue to the vast Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, one of the largest functioning Hindu temple complexes in the world. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple features impressive gopurams, spacious courtyards, and centuries of religious history.
Overnight in Trichy.
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Day 6 | Trichy – Madurai
Drive: Approx. 130 km | 3 hrs
After breakfast, travel to the ancient city of Madurai, one of South India's oldest continuously inhabited cities and an important center of Tamil culture.
Visit the world-famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. Marvel at its towering gateway towers adorned with thousands of colorful sculptures, intricately carved halls, and sacred temple tanks.
Continue to the magnificent Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, an elegant 17th-century royal residence blending Dravidian and Indo-Saracenic architectural styles with grand courtyards and towering pillars.
Later, visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which presents an insightful collection of photographs, documents, and exhibits illustrating Mahatma Gandhi's life and India's struggle for independence.
Spend the evening exploring Madurai's lively local markets, famous for handicrafts, textiles, spices, and traditional South Indian snacks.
Overnight in Madurai.
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Day 7 | Departure from Madurai
After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Madurai Airport for your onward journey.
Your memorable journey through the sacred temples, UNESCO World Heritage monuments, and cultural treasures of South India concludes with wonderful memories of Tamil Nadu's rich spiritual and architectural heritage.

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