Day 01 : Arrival Chennai (Madras)
Begin your Tour.
Arrive into Madras. Welcome to 'Vardhman's South Religious India Tour'. On arrival in Madras, assistance at airport and transfer to hotel.
Afternoon city sightseeing of Madras.
Visit Fort St. George, San Thome Cathedral and the museum to see the Art and Bronze Gallery. (Closed on Fridays and Public holidays). High court, Marina Beach, San Thome Cathedral and Snake Park.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 2: Chennai (Excursion - Tirupathi,154kms/3.5hours)
After breakfast, proceed to Tirupathi. Tirupathi is a temple town known for the famous ancient temple of Lord Venkateswara (Lord of seven hills or Balaji, as he is affectionately known ) on the top of the 860mts high Tirumala hills. The temple of Lord Venkateswara is not only believed to be amongst the oldest temples in the country, but also the richest of them all .Legend has it that Lord Venkateswara borrowed money from the divine treasurer Kubera for his wedding expenses. He is still paying back this debt which is why the pilgrims donate generously to the temple funds.
In the evening return to Chennai to stay overnight in your hotel.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 3: Chennai-Kanchipuram-Mamallapuram
After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram ( 76 kms/01.50 hrs ) is the ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 Temples and still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the 7th and 8th century and has paintings on the walls. Temples of Ekambaswara , Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks.
Later drive to Mamallapuram.
Afternoon visit the city - built in 7th century, earlier called Mahabalipooram, this ancient Pallava port, is today the sight of several antique sculptural marvels. In this ancient seaside town , shrines and huge sculptures cut-out of rocks more than 1200 years back during the reign of Pallava Kings in the region can be seen. The rock carvings depicting mythological episodes - of demons, Gods and animals in battle and others - are truly poems in stone. The only shore temple which remains here is the spectacular two - spired shrine, unique because it houses both Lord Shiva and the Lord Vishnu in its sanctum-sanctorum.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 4: Mamallapuram-Tiruvannamalai-Pondicherry
This morning after breakfast drive to Tiruvannamalai (112kms/03hrs) and upon arrival, check into the hotel
It is a pilgrim centre with an ancient temple of Lord Shiva. After lunch at local restaurant, proceed to Pondicherry (131kms/ 3.5hrs), which carries a strong whiff of the French presence in India. This erstwhile French colony on the east coast of South India merged with the rest of the country in 1954.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 5: Pondicherry
After breakfast drive to visit Aurbindo Ashram, the city of dawn, which is 10kms north of Pondicherry. This ashram promotes Aurbindo's ideas in bringing about a synthesis of Yoga and modern science, so as to unite the spirit and matter. After lunch at hotel, visit Auroville - a unique experiment in international living and in creating a new environment where men and women of all nationalities live together in harmony.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 6: Pondicherry-Chidambaram-Tanjore
This morning after breakfast drive to Tanjore visiting Chidambaram(65kms/1.5hrs) also called as Thillai enroute.
It has the famous Nataraja temple with the root of the sanctum-sanctorum covered with golden plates is located in the centre of the town covering an area of 40 acres. In this temple, postures from the Bharatnatayam form of dance are depicted in sculpture. Natraja is Lord Shiva as a cosmic dancer. After lunch at local restaurant, drive to Thanjavur (104kms/03hrs) enroute visiting the Brass factory at Kumbakonam.
Upon arrival, check into the hotel.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 7: Tanjore-Trichy
This morning after breakfast, vsit the 9th century Chola Temple of Brihadeeswara at Tanjore.
This temple, dating back to more than a thousand years, was built during the reign of the Chola king, Parantaka II, also known as Sundara Chola (956-973 A.D.), father of Rajaraja Chola I, who constructed the famous Brihadeeswara temple in Thanjavur. This temple was probably rebuilt of stone during the reign of Kulottunga Chola I.
After visiting Tanjore drive to Trichy.
Afternoon visit Srirangam and Rock Fort temple.
Overnight : Hotel.

Day 8: Trichy-Madurai
After breakfast proceed to Madurai and check into hotel. The ancient city of Madurai, some 2600 years old is laid out in the banks of river Vaigai as a lotus flower with the Meenakshi temple in the centre.
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Madurai.
Meenakshi temple, King Tirumala's Palace, Great tank and Gandhi museum. Dinner and overnite at hotel.
Overnight : Hotel.

Day 9: Madurai (Excursion-Rameshwaram,154kms/04hrs)
This morning after breakfast proceed to Rameshwaram- the most sacred temple town of India is an island hallowed by the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama is said to have visited before going into battle of Srilanka. Legend has it that Lord Rama sent Hanuman to Mount Kailash to bring a Lingam for worship when he set foot after defeating Ravana. As Hanuman did not return when the auspicious hour was approaching, Sita made a sand Lingam so that worship could be performed in time, which is where the present day Ramanatha Swamy Temple stands close to sea on the eastern side of the island. One of the twelve Jyotirlingam shrines is also well known for its magnificent corridors and the massive sculptured pillars lining them.
In the evening return to Madurai
Overnight : Hotel.

Day 10: Madurai-Trivandrum
This morning after breakfast drive to Trivandrum and check into hotel.
Rest of the day free at leisure
Overnight : Hotel.

Day 11: Trivandrum
Excursion Kanyakumari
After breakfast proceed for Kanyakumari - is the land's end of India where the water of the Arabian Sea , the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet. An important pilgrim centre of India , it is famous for the Amman Temples - a symbol of unity and sanctity - deidicated to the virgin Goddess , Kanya Kumari. To its South - East lies the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial , a blend of all the architectural styles of India.
Evening enjoy the beautiful sun set and later return to Trivandrum to stay overnight in your hotel.
Overnight : Hotel.

Day 12: Trivandrum
In time transfer to Trivandrum airport to board the flight for your onward journey to back home with sweet and unforgettable memories of your 'Vardhman's South Religious India Tour' escorted by Vardhman Vacations.

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