Overview
‘Southern India Pilgrim Tour’ is well planned itinerary explore the major historical destinations of southern part of India along with the renowned temples of Tamil Nadu. During this tour you will explore the glorious history of the region while visiting the various monuments, Apart from the history you will also get an opportunity to take blessings from various oldest temples. You will also explore the colonial heritage, scenic beaches and historical museums as well Along with that you will also explore the major attractions of Pondicherry such as the coastline, which spread over 32 Kilometres, palm-fringed beaches, backwaters and fishing villages. While taking this tour you will explore the glimpse of two different regions. The duration of the tour is 13 nights and 14 days, covering the places such as Chennai, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Rameshwaram and Madurai.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Chennai
Upon arrival in Chennai, meet our representative, after welcome, proceed to the hotel. It is the capital of Tamil Nadu, which is known for its rich culture and traditions. Earlier the city was known as Madras, layers of history that made this city as one of the most vibrant city of southern part of India. Its spectacular beaches, enhanced the beauty of the city.
After finishing check-in formalities. Rest day is free at leisure. In the evening, visit local markets of Chennai. Have your dinner. Overnight Stay in hotel.
Day 2: Chennai
Post breakfast in the morning, proceed for a half day sightseeing tour of Chennai includes Kalakshetra which is the school of traditional art and music, Fort St. George – previously a fort which is now the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu, St. Mary's Church- the oldest Anglican Church in the country.
Further visit the Sri Parthasarathy Temple, it is the oldest temple which was built by the Pallava rulers in 8th Century. After that proceed to visit Kapaleeswarar Temple, another 8th century temple, devoted to Lord Shiva. The other visits of the day are St Thomas Cathedral Basilica and the Theosophical Society. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Chennai – Kanchipuram (By Road-74 Kilometres) – Mahabalipuram (By Road-66 Kilometres)
Today after breakfast; proceed towards Mahabalipuram, It is also known as Mamallapuram, it is a historical town and this 7th century former port city is famous for its rock-cut shore temples. It is also a great destination for lazy beach holiday with sea, sand and sun
En-route visiting Kanchipuram, The major Kanchipuram tourist attractions include visits to the Kailasanthar Temple, Ekambareshwarar Temple, The Vardarajanperumal Temple and the Sakkiswarar Temple.
After visit, resume the drive towards Mahabalipuram . On arrival, check-in at your pre-booked hotel. Have dinner and staying overnight.
Day 4: Mahabalipuram
Post breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram. The major tourist attractions to visit in Mahabalipuram include Pancha Rathas, Descent of Ganges, Varaha Cave Temple, Tiger cave and the Thirukadalmallai temple. In the evening feel free to explore the local markets for handicrafts and South Indian cuisines. Post that, overnight leisure stay at the hotel.
Day 5: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (By Road-100 Kilometres)
After breakfast, drive towards Pondicherry. Puducherry (previously called Pondicherry) charms tourists with its three lined avenues, painted colonial buildings and sea breeze. In 1974, the French built a base here.
Upon reaching Pondicherry, check-in to your pre booked hotel, after freshen up, and embark on a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry including Aurbindo Ashram, Pondicherry Museum, Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Nineteenth Century Light House. In the evening return to the hotel. Have your dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6: Pondicherry
Post breakfast, proceed for sightseeing in Pondicherry. The attractions that you visit today include the Sacred Heart Church, the Rai Niwas and Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Apart from being a religious site, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is an oriental specimen of Gothic style of architecture.
The other attraction, Raj Niwas, is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry. The last attraction of the day is Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo, way back in the year 1926. This spiritual community is flocked by a huge number of visitors all-round the year. Stay overnight in Pondicherry..
Day 7: Pondicherry-Thanjavur (By Road-167 Kilometres)
After having an early breakfast, drive straight to Thanjavur. It is the popular city of Tamil Nadu and an important centre of South Indian Art, culture and religion. It is the home of Tanjore paintings. Apart from this Great Living Chola Temples is one of the most popular temple of the region which come under UNESCO World Heritage Monuments.
En-route, visit the Chidambaram temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Thillai Nataraja - Shiva, The Lord of Dance. Also known as Thillai Natarajah Temple, it was erected between the 12th and the 13th centuries.
On reaching Tanjore, check-in to your pre booked hotel. After freshen up, proceed for a guided city tour of Tanjore including major tourist destinations such as the Vijayanagar Fort, Shiva Ganga Garden, Aalangudi temple, Brahadeshwara temple and the Chandra Bagawan Temple. In the evening return to the hotel for overnight stay at hotel.
Day 8: Thanjavur - Trichy (By Road-58 Kilometres)
Post breakfast in the morning, leave by road for Trichy. It is also known as Tiruchirappalli. It is one of the major city of Tamil Nadu.
Upon arrival at Trichy, check in to the hotel. You can explore the surroundings and the nearby attractions or you can visit the local market to shop for souvenirs. Back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 9: Trichy
After breakfast proceed to visit the major attractions of Trichy today. The first visit is to the Srirangam, located at a distance of around 5 km from Trichy. Further, visit Rock Fort temple- erected during the 7th century, it is also known as Ucchi Pillayar Koil, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha that is reclining form of Lord Vishnu, Sri Jambukeshwara Temple, which is 5 main temples of Lord Shiva in Tamil Nadu that was built around 1800 years ago and St. John's Church which was constructed in 1821. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10: Trichy - Madurai (By Road-135 Kilometres)
Today after having an early breakfast, proceed to Madurai, Madurai is one of the oldest city of India, which is the third largest city of Tamil Nadu. The city is popular for its vibrant culture, tradition and rich history. The city has various historical monuments and temples, among them Meenakshi Amman Temple and Tirumalai Nayak Palace are most popular.
Upon arrival at Madurai, check in at your pre booked hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure. You can visit the local market and enjoy the shopping and test the local food. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Day 11: Madurai
Today after breakfast leave for visiting the city of temples such as, covering Mariamman Teppakulam temple, Meenakshi Temple and the Palace of Tirumalai Nayak. Meenakshi Amman Temple magnificent temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.
In the evening attend the prayer ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Stay overnight in Madurai.
Day 12: Madurai-Rameswaram - Madurai (By Road-170 Kilometres)
After having an early morning breakfast, proceed for the excursion to Rameswaram. It is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre and an integral part of Ramayana legend.
Visit to Sri Ramanathaswamy temple. It is the centre of Ramaeswaram as it has been since ancient times. The shivalinga in this temple is believed to have been consecrated and worshipped by Lord Rama on his return from Lanka. Post Darshan, visit the famous Hanuman temple. After Darshan, return back to the hotel in Madurai for overnight stay.
Day 13: Madurai - Chennai (By Train)
In the morning, after having an early breakfast, get an assisted transfer to the railway station to go on-board a train for Chennai. As you reach, get transferred to the hotel. The rest day is free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 14: Departure from Chennai
Today is the last day of the trip, after an early breakfast, proceed to the Chennai airport to go aboard a flight for your onward destination. We hope you have enjoyed your trip and look forward to organizing your next tour with us.