The Temple Trail

 

 

 

 

The temples of South India are unmatched in their architectural brilliance.  Together with the historical splendor and classical arts of Chennai, we invite you to explore the religious heritage in Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, and Madurai.

Arrival (evening): Chennai

Namaste. Welcome to India! Arrive at Chennai International airport. You will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu, the exotic state famous for its temple architecture. It is also one of the four major metropolitan cities in India and the base of South India’s classical music and dance performances.  Overnight at the hotel.

 

 

Day 1: Chennai—Mahabalipuram

The morning is free for resting after your journey. In the afternoon, visit some of Chennai’s oldest British monuments including Fort St. George, presently used as the offices of the Tamil Nadu Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly, and the Garrison Church of St. Mary's, the oldest Anglican church in India. Thereafter, proceed to Mahabalipuram (1 hr). Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

 

 

Day 2: Mahabalipuram—Chennai

Full day excursion to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. Kanchipuram is a spectacular temple city which reflects the glorious traditions of South India. It is popularly called the Golden Town of a Thousand Temples and is renowned for the Kamakshi, Varadarajaswami, and Kailasanathan temples. Later proceed to Mahabalipuram, once  the capital of the Pallava Kings. The magnificent Shore Temple, built by king Rajasimha in the seventh century, is a unique temple that houses the shrines of both Shiva and Vishnu.    Return to Chennai in the evening. Overnight in Chennai.

Day 3: Chennai—Thanjavur

This morning, drive to Thanjavur (9 hours). Thanjavur was once the royal city of the Cholas and the Nayaks and is considered the center of all Indian classical arts and music. It is also well known for its unique Tanjore painting style. Overnight in Thanjavur.

 

 

Day 4: Thanjavur

After breakfast, proceed on a city tour of Thanjavur.  Home to 93 temples, Thanjavur stands out as a towering monument proclaiming the glory of the Chola regime and its commitment to the arts and culture. Visit the Gangaikondacholapuram Temple, located next to Kumbakonam  Rajendra Chola, the son of Chola King Raja Raja, built the temple on the lines of the Big Temple of Thanjavur. To date, even the ruins of the temple are visited for the splendid Chola sculpture.  Overnight in Thanjavur. 

 

 

Day 5: Thanjavur—Madurai

Drive to Madurai via Trichy - visit the Rock Fort Temple and Srirangam Temple, a 17th century temple dedicated to Vishnu. Srirangam, surrounded by the waters of river Kaveri on one side and its tributary Kollidan on the other, is a 600 acre island-town enclosed within the seven walls of the gigantic Sri Ranganathaswami Temple. There are 21 gopurams, among which the Rajagopuram is the largest in South India.  Arrive at Madurai and check into your hotel. Overnight in Madurai.

Day 6: Madurai

Madurai was the capital city for the great Pandya kings, and today is Tamil Nadu's cultural arena. In the morning, visit the Meenakshi Temple, the Teppakkulam Tank and the ancient Tirumala Nayak Palace. The structures of the Meenakshi Temple that are standing today date mostly from the twelfth to the eighteenth century. Its enormous gopurams, covered with gaily-colored statues, dominate the landscape and are visible from all over Madurai. At every turn there is magnificent architecture. The Tirumala Nayak Palace is a gracious building in the Indo Saracenic style, famous for the stucco work on its domes and arches. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Madurai.

Day 7: Madurai—Chennai

Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chennai. Overnight in Chennai.

Day 8: Departure

Day at leisure to explore Chennai or rest before your journey home. We recommend taking time to visit the vibrant marketplaces and bazaars for fantastic shopping! In the evening, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S.  Bon Voyage!

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Temple Trail is available with standard and superior rates.

Package includes domestic airfare, transportation (including airport transfers), touring, entrance fees, hotel accommodations with daily breakfast, taxes and fees. 

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Package does not include international airfare, additional meals, visa and passport fees, optional excursions, gratuities, and any expenses of a personal nature. If requested, Sodha Travel will reserve air travel on behalf of the passenger.

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A visa is required for travel to India. 

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Itineraries are subject to change without notice.

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