South India Temple Tour
Duration: 08 Nights/09 Days
South India Temple Tour is about a fascinating journey to a land rich in momentous temples. There are several towns in South India that are especially called the 'Temple Towns'. This is due to some of the brilliant temples of the town. The south Indian style of temple architecture is called the Dravida Style of Temple Architecture. The Vimana and the Gopurams characterize this style of architecture. South India Temple Tour should be a part of your tour itineraries around India. The Vimana is a tall pyramidal tower. It consists of several diminishing smaller storeys standing on a square base. The Gopuram is a two storeys gateway to the temple separated by a horizontal molding. The Prakara or the outer wall encloses the temple. The Pallavas, the Cholas, the Pandyas, the Vijayanagar rulers and the Nayaks have contributed to the establishment of these South Indian temples.
Duration: 08 Nights/09 Days. The places that are covered are Mumbai, Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Tanjore, Trichy and Madurai.
Day 01 Arrival Mumbai
Arrive at Mumbai airport or station. After that we arrange your transfer to the hotel.Check in the hotel and relax for the evening and the rest of the night.
Day 02 Mumbai / Chennai
After taking breakfast in the hotel proceed for an excursion to the world-renowned Elephanta caves. These caves are granted as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. It takes only a half an hour drive from Mumbai. Once you reach Mumbai do cover the Gateway of India, Jain Temple at Malabar Hill and some other places if you wish. Then you can take a flight for Chenna. After reaching Chennai transfer to the hotel. Stay for a full night.
Day 03 Chennai / Mahabalipuram
Chennai is the place for a proper South India Temple Tour. The places of interest in and around the capital city of Tamil Nadu are Fort St. George, temples and museum and Marina beach. Marina beach is the second largest beach in the world and a popular tourist destination. It is the perfect example of a mixture of modernism and tradition.
Pay a visit to the National Art Gallery and Museum, the San Thomas Cathedral, the Mylapore Temple and St. Mary's Church in the next morning. In the afternoon take a ride to Mahabalipuram by land.
Day 04 Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is world famous for its Shore Temples also known as Mamallapuram. Mahabalipuram served as the second capital of the Pallava Dynasty of South India. It is considered as a seaside village in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is often called the Seven Pagodas because of the high pinnacles of seven that it possesses. In the morning do go to see the Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance and Five Rathas.
Day 05 Mahabalipuram / Tanjore
The 5th day of your South India Temple Tour should be a visit to Tanjore. Tanjore was once the capital of the mighty Chola Empire of the South India. Once you reach here do see the Brihadeshwara temple which was built by the great Chola King Raja Raja I in the 10th century. Also known as the 'Big Temple', this massive temple is 216 feet high and the single spherical stone on top weighs 80 tons. A gigantic statue of Nandi, the Bull stands guard for the inner shrine of the temple. The courtyard walls of the sanctum sanctorum are covered with paintings. These paintings are similar to the frescoes of Ajanta.
Day 06 Tanjore / Trichy
After taking the breakfast you will proceed to Trichy. We will arrange for your transfer to the hotel once you reach here. Trichy was one of the most important cities during the Chola reign in the medieval period. In the 18th century it stood as a witness to the Carnatic Wars fought between the French and the English. This was for supremacy in India. Here you must visit the Srirangam temple and Rock Fort Temple. The Rock Fort Temple has been built on an 83m high rock. It is the landmark of Trichy. Further upwards, a climb of 434 steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganapati. A little further takes one to the top of a Shiva temple. Apart from this do visit Lord Robert Clive's house and the Danish Church
Day 07 Trichy / Madurai
The next step from Trichy is to reach Madurai. A drive to Madurai takes about 3-4 hrs. Stay at a hotel and in the afternoon visit the famous Meenakshi Temple. This temple is the best example of the Dravidan School of Architecture. Trimalai Nayak Palace should also be a part of your trip.
Day 08 Madurai / Mumbai
In the 8th day go for a sightseeing tour of Madurai. During the noon hours transfer from your hotel to the airport is arranged to board the flight to Mumbai.On your arrival check in to the hotel and stay for a night.
Day 09 Mumbai
The last day is to go back to your respective destination from the South.
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