Overview
South India is brimming with examples that demonstrate that unity in diversity has existed in the roots of Indian culture since prehistoric times. A plethora of Hindu temples with beautiful architecture can be found throughout south India. These temples are ideal for religious visitors who want to immerse themselves in the sacred energy emanating from these holy sites.
Furthermore, there are primeval churches founded by Europeans in South India, which display beautiful sculpture and architecture. This 15-night/16-day itinerary allows the traveler to thoroughly and satisfyingly explore various Hindu sacred temples and Christian churches.
Itinerary
The day is fixed for departure from your home country for Chennai.
Check into your pre-booked hotel in Chennai after arriving early in the morning. In the afternoon, we’ll go to the 7th century Kapaleeshwar Temple, which is dominated by a magnificent 37-meter-high Gopuram. We will also see the 63 Shaivate bronze carvings of Saints that are carried in procession during the Aruvathumoovartay festival. An overnight stay in a Chennai hotel.
We’ll be visiting Santhome Cathedral and St. Thomas Mount today. According to Christian belief, St. Thomas came to Kerala and then to Tamil Nadu to preach from around 52AD to 72AD, when he was martyred at St. Thomas Mount and a church was built over his tomb.
Later return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, we will travel to the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram on the Coromandel Coast to see the pleasant, delicate Shore Temple and extraordinary 10th century rock sculptures, including Aarjuna’s Penance and the five Rathas (chariots), which are considered the architectural forerunners of South Indian Temples. Unfortunately, the sea, sand, and wars have taken their toll on these magnificent works of art, but their absolute beauty continues to captivate the viewer.
Enjoy an overnight stay in the hotel in Chennai.
We’ll take the Vairagi Express in CC (1305-1750 hrs) to Tiruchirapalli today (Trichy). We’ll be driving through the diverse Tamil landscape. Check into the hotel in Tiruchirapalli for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, we will climb the carved steps to see the spectacular Rock Fort, which includes the Ucchi Pillayar Temple, which is dedicated to Kangaala Moorthy, one of Shiva’s 64 manifestations. Later, we’ll go to Srirangam to see the vast Ranganathaswamy Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This 156-acre temple site, formed by the rivers Cauvery and Coleroon, is considered to be of immense spiritual importance among Lord Vishnu devotees.
Enjoy an overnight stay in the hotel in Tiruchirapalli.
We will leave early in the morning for Kulitalai to spend the day at Bede Griffiths’ Shantivanam Ashram, experiencing the ashram’s meditative environment and routine. Return to the hotel later for an overnight stay.
Today, we will either drive or take the train to Madurai. We will visit the Gandhi Museum in Madurai and explore its fascinating exhibitions and collections related to the Father of the Nation. An overnight stay in a Madurai hotel.
In the morning, we will visit the magnificent Shree Meenakshi Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s magnificent Gopurams soar to the heavens, adorned with colorful stucco deities and mythical creatures. The 1000-pillared hall is a marvel, as are the musical pillars. Return to the hotel for the night after exploring the temple.
The day is free to meander through Madurai’s pulsating streets filled with bazaars, craft and textile markets. One can also return to Madurai to soak in the atmosphere of the eclectic temple complex. Later, return to your Madurai hotel for an overnight stay.
We’ll leave the frenetic temple city this morning and drive to Munnar, a delightful hill station surrounded by tea plantations, forests, and soaring slopes. We’ll go on a tea plantation tour in the afternoon. After that, return to your hotel in Munnar for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, we will drive through the lush green Keralan countryside, which is densely forested with scented spice trees, teak and rubber plantations. We will stop along the way for a traditional Kerala meal before continuing on to the coast and the old seaport of Kochi – Cochin. Check into the Kochi hotel for an overnight stay.
This morning, we’ll go to the Cathedral, India’s oldest European church. We’ll see Cochin’s famous Jewish Synagogue, which dates from 1568, as well as the Mattancherry Palace and the intriguing Chinese cantilevered fishing nets. We will see a Kathakali dance performance in the evening. Later, return to the hotel for a restful night’s sleep.
The day has been set aside to relax on the Kerala Backwaters on a traditional converted Rice Boat and explore the river ways and islands of this fascinating region. The Kottayam area was and continues to be a vital center for the ancient Syrian Orthodox Church. A stay on a houseboat for the night.
We will return to Cochin today. The rest of the day is free for leisure or shopping in Cochin’s vibrant local market. See an exciting performance of the fascinating Kathakali dance in the evening. It is recommended that you arrive early to watch the performers apply their intricate makeup. After that, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
We will transfer you to the airport in the morning to catch your flight to your next destination. The tour and services are completed.
Cost
Inclusions
- Accommodation for nights on double/twin share basis in the mentioned hotels or similar
- Meals as per itinerary.
- Services of English-Speaking Local Guide for the sightseeing as per the itinerary.
- One-time entrances to the monuments as per the itinerary
- Transport will be using air-conditioned tourist vehicles.
- All current Government taxes are included in the above price, which are subject to change without any notice.
Exclusions
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Insurance.
- Mules or porters to carry personal luggage.
- Anything not specifically mentioned in Inclusions.
