Enliven spirit and soul with South India Pilgrimage Tourism Packages

South India Temple Tours is a perfect destination in pursuit of "real" India-the exotic India-South India Temple Tour enliven spiritual quest for divinity. South India Temple Tours provide a perfect retreat to the vibrant traditions whereas Kerala backwaters offer stupendous getaway as you pass through the countryside rich with palm trees, rice fields and tea plantations. Be ready to be driven back to past with South India Temple Tour Packages.

If you are on a pilgrimage and want to explore the many temples that are found in India, then you need to take a South India Pilgrimage Tour. You’ll be able to visit some of the world’s oldest temples that take you back in time to ancient times.

South India is where most temples are located, nestled among the mountainsides and forests. From the ancient 6th century temples to those built during the 1500’s, you’ll step into buildings that resounded with people singing and praying during the ages. Not only will you be in awe at the architecture and artwork you’ll find at the temples, but you’ll walk away with a renewed spiritual sense that should last with you for a lifetime.

As more people search for peace and a renewed sense of spiritual bliss, the South India temple tourism has become one of the most popular tours to take. Not only will you visit temples, but also churches and synagogues built during the decades by new dynasties, religious leaders and residents of the cities and countryside. India has always been a multi cultural area where the people are friendly and tolerant.

The South India Travel package includes 10 days and nights of travel throughout this region allowing you to visit a new area every day of your trip. The all-inclusive South India Temple Tours includes your travel, accommodations, some meals, your tour operator and entrance fees to the sites. You must experience the cuisine of the cities you visit as it by far the best meals you will ever eat!

10 nights / 11 days

Private car round trip: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Rameshwaram - Periyar - Kumarakom - Cochin - Mumbai/Chennai

Day 1 - Arrival Chennai (Madras)

Upon your arrival at the Chennai International airport you will have a reception at the airport and then be transferred to the hotel. Chennai is the capital of State Tamilnadu and one of the four largest metropolises of India.

Kathakali Drama Performer

Route of South India Pilgrimage Tour

Day 2 - Chennai

After breakfast, you will go on a city excursion. Madras is a pulsating metropolitan city with over 6 million residents. Because many south Indian feature films are shot here, the town is called the "Hollywood of India". On the city excursion, you will see the Kapaleshvara temple, which is dedicated to God Shiva and is a good example if the colorful south Indian temple architecture. After that you will visit the Fort St. George which was the trade post during 1639. You’ll also visit the 16th century St. Thomas Church. At the National Museum, you will see sculptures out of the Pallava, Pandava and Chola time. Your excursion also includes a visit to the National Art Gallery and Marina Beach. After that you will return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 3 - Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram

After breakfast you will drive about 40 miles to the far temple city, Kanchipuram. It is among the "seven holy cities of" India. After each Kanchipuram was the capital of the Pallava, the Chola and the Vijayanagar kings. While the country is dotted with fabulous temples, you will visit the three most important temples in South India: the Kailasanatha-temple, the Vaikunthaperumal temple, as well as the Ekambareshwara temple. Kanchipuram is also very well known for its hand woven silk materials. You’ll then drive to Mahabalipuram which is well known for its 7th century Five Rathas. These are the world's largest stone relief. You’ll then arrive and be transferred to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon free to rest on the beach.

Images of gods in Meenakshi Temple

Marina Beach Chennai

Day 4 - Mahabalipuram

After breakfast you will start your tour by visiting the 7th-century Shore temple which is surrounded by lush gardens. In addition you’ll visit the 7th- century Five Rathas, which are the world's largest stone relief; Bhagiratha’s Penance, a 1900-square-foot rock block; and rock cut caves from the 6th and 7th centuries. In the evening, you can explore this small town, where you can also see the soap stone workers making designs and sculptures with chisel and hammer. You will stay overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 5 - Mahaballipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore (Thanjavur)

After breakfast, you will drive to Tanjore. En route you’ll visit Pondicherry, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the city Auroville, which covers more than 2000 acres. Today also, you can see the influence of French rule in Pondicherry, because the Frenchmen strongly were represented here until 1954. Many residents still speak French in addition to Tamil. You’ll then continue on to Tanjore where you’ll be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Meditation Center, Auroville, Pondicherry

Elephant in Street of Tanjore

Day 6 - Tanjore - Rameshwaram

After breakfast you’ll visit the 9th-century Brihadeshwara Temple. This temple gave Tanjore it’s name of the “Jewel of South India”. The temple–dedicated to the God Shiva–features a 200-foot-high tower shaped like a pyramid. It is crowned by a heavy cupola weighing 88 tons. You’ll also visit Raja Rajan Art Gallery which houses bronze statues of the 9th through 16th centuries.

You’ll then travel south to Rameshwaram. This island lies about 85 miles south of Madurai and is an important religious place of the Hindus. At this point of the subcontinent, you’ll be able to see Sri Lanka and the point where three seas meet. You’ll then drive on to Rameshwaram. A beautiful town, village after village dot the endless beaches. The temple has the world's largest colonnade enclosure, and is visited by millions of pilgrims every year. According to a legend, Rama arrived at the temple after his war with Ravana upon the order of the lord Shiva Not far from Rameswaram, lie beautiful beaches and the Pamban bridge. You will have an overnight stay in Rameshwaram.

Day 7 Rameshwaram

Whole day sight-seeing of Rameshwaram.

Day 8 Rameshwaram - Madurai

After breakfast you’ll drive to Madurai where you’ll be transferred to your hotel for refreshment and rest. Madurai is home to many: Pilgrims, beggars, business persons, cow vehicles and many awaiting Rickshaw drivers. It is one of the oldest cities of South India and a center for Pilgrimage. The main attraction which lies in the middle of town is the Sri Meenakshi Temple. It was built during the 17th century in the Dravidian style with many Gopurams (soaring temple towers)and features colorful pictures of God, Goddesses, animals and mystical figures. Religious ceremonies take place here from early morning to late night. Pilgrims from all over the world visit here and sometimes up to 10000 persons are at the Temple. One of the largest temple complexes of India, within the Sri Meenakshi Temple is a market. Evenings you can pursue a temple ceremony. You’ll also have time to visit the 16th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace before retiring at your hotel for an overnight stay in Madurai.

A Scene of Bull Race from South India

Bridge to Rameshwaram

Day 9 - Madurai - Periyar (Thekaddy)

After breakfast you’ll drive to Thekaddy. This trip through the mountains, spice plantations and tea plantations will definitely energize your senses. After your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for rest and refreshment. In the late afternoon you’ll enjoy a boat trip in Periyar Wildlife National Park. This park is one of the world’s best places to see elephants in their natural surroundings. Before sunset, you’ll also be fortunate to see other wild animals visit the bank of Periyar Lake to drink and eat. You can also enjoy a pleasant walk in the markets before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 10 - Periyar - Kumarakom (Backwaters) - Cochin

After breakfast you’ll drive to Cochin. On the way you’ll visit a Spice Farm (optional), where you can see various spice plantations such as cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, peppermint, clove, vanilla, ginger, chili, tea and coffee plants. Then you’ll continue on to Kovalam where you will enjoy a boat ride in the Backwaters. Along the bank, you will see the traditional life of people living on the banks nestled in coves of coconut and palm trees. After the boat trip, you will continue your drive to Cochin. After your arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a short break. That evening you will enjoy a Kathakali Dance Show which depicts 400 years of history and old legends in this breathtaking dance drama. The dancers wear painted fantastic costumes and color their faces with red, green and black inks. Every gesture and movement by every dancer has a special meaning. After the show you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Lake Periyar of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

The Santa Cruz Basilica, Cochin

Day 11 - Cochin - Mumbai/Chennai

After breakfast you will travel on to Cochin where your first stop is at the St. Francis Church, built in 1503 by the Portuguese. Then you’ll visit the Mattancherry Palace or "Dutch Palace" built by the Dutch and later on handed over to the local king. At the harbor, you can see unique Chinese fishing nets, which marks the visit of Chinese people in Cochin. You’ll also visit the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1558. Around the Synagogue, you can buy many antique things. During the afternoon you’ll be transferred to the Cochin airport to board your flight to Mumbai or Chennai. After arrival in Mumbai or Chennai you’ll first have dinner, and then you will be transferred to the international airport for your journey home.

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