22 Nights / 23 Days
Package Price :₹1.00/-Per Person
Booking Price :₹ 1.00/- Per Person
With the passage of time human being realized the importance and developments of the Vijayanagar kings at Srirangam, close to Tiruchirapalli, and Madurai, 150 km (93 miles) to the south. Temples now had to support an increasing number of social functions. For marriages, for example, the 1,000-pillared mandapams (pavilions) were added. The gopurams were made taller and water tanks were also introduced.
Although each temple town has a distinct character, they share common elements. Processions of the god or goddess are accompanied by the loud temple ensemble of nagasvaram (a long oboe with a piercing tone) and tavil (barrel drum, played with a stick in the left hand and fingers clad in plaster "thimbles" on the right). The music from the procession is considered very auspicious. The overpowering fragrance of incense and jasmine and marigold garlands, the sight of hundreds of slippers piled up outside temple gopurams and the thousands of pilgrims pressing forward for a better view of an idol being paraded on a palanquin are common to all temples during festivals. Visitors should note that many Tamil temples forbid non-Hindus to enter the inner sanctum, although they are usually free to wander around the rest of the complex. The Exotic aura is an experience in itself what you may experience if booked with us.
Package Include
- Arrival and Departure flight transfers by car
- Accommodation with breakfast and dinner at the hotel
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary
- All hotel tax
Package Exclude:
- Guide, entry tickets, portage , tips, GST 5% , puja booking , medical insurance, emergency expense, extras not mentioned as inclusions
DAY 1 : Arrival at Chennai International Airport
Arrival assistance at Chennai International Airport, then transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, start your India Tour of South by visiting some of the important sightseeing places of Chennai like Fort St. George, St. Mary's Church, St. Thomas Church, Marina Beach and Kapaleeswarar Temple dedicated for Lord Shiva, one among the three principal deities of Hindus. Overnight stay in Chennai
DAY 2 : Chennai - Mahabalipuram
In the Morning, start your drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour in Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram, an ancient port city of the Pallavas. Visit the famous World Heritage UNESCO sites of Mahabalipuram. First, to the Sea Shore Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, and then to Five Rathas "Five Chariots", a monolithic structure, representing an unique style built by the Pallavas, then finally to Arjuna's Penance, Varaha Cave and Krishna's Butter Ball. Have a walk in the artisan's streets who makes stone sculptures. Have a rest in the beach resort. Overnight Stay in Mahabalipuram
DAY 3 : Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
In the morning, drive to Pondicherry (Puducherry) "The French Colony". Check-in to the hotel. In the late afternoon, start your Pondicherry City Tour. Have a visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, an Ashram dedicated to Sri Aurobindo & "The Mother" Have a visit to "The Church of Sacred Heart" and "Notre dame des Anges", French Colony and markets. Have a rickshaw ride in the commercial streets. Return back to the Hotel. Overnight Stay in Puducherry
DAY 4 : Pondicherry - Gangaikondacholapuram - Darasuram Temple - Tanjore
After the breakfast, start your Heritage Tour on the way to Tanjore. Enroute visit the famous Shiva Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram which was built in the 11th century by the chola dynasty, one of the World Protected UNESCO Site. In the late afternoon, visit the 12th century Chola temple Airavatesvara Temple in a small village named Darasuram and then proceed your drive to Tanjore (Thanjavur). Have a rest in the hotel. Overnight Stay in Thanjavur
DAY 5 : Thanjavur - Trichy
In the morning, start your day to experience the Thanjavur Sculptural Tour. Visit the famous Brihadeeswara Temple also known as Big Temple which is one of the World Heritage Monument built by the chola dynasty in the 10th century. Have a short drive to visit the famous Thanjavur Art Gallery which houses the collection of sculptures and statues, Saraswati Mahal Library, Museum and then to Bronze Making Artisan's Village to see the Bronze Casting and Tanjore Paintings. Drive to Trichy. In the evening have a visit to the famous Rockfort Uchchipillayar Temple where you have a good panoramic view of the Trichy City. Have a rest in the hotel. Overnight stay in Trichy
DAY 6 : Trichy - Madurai
In the morning, have a stop for Cultural Tour at 'Amma Mandapam'- the holy banks of River Cauvery, where you can see the Hindu rituals after the cremation. It's quite interesting to see the rituals performed by the Hindus with the help of the priest. Then proceed your Srirangam Spiritual Tour to visit the famous Vishnu temple called Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, the most important pilgrimage centre for the Hindus. Drive to Madurai. Visit the famous Gandhi Museum where you can have an idea about the life of Gandhi and his activities towards the freedom struggle. In the late afternoon, visit the famous Thirumalai Nayaka Palace built by the Nayaka Dynasty in the 18th century and Meenakshi Amman Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and a thousand pillared hall with eye-catching sculptures. Have a rest in the hotel. Overnight stay in Madurai
DAY 7 : Madurai - Periyar (Thekkady)
Today you are going to cross many villages. Enroute you can able to see many plantations like rice, sugarcane, cotton, papaya, grapes etc. In the afternoon after reaching Periyar "the frontier between Tamil Nadu and Kerala", start your Spice Plantation Tour. Have a guided visit to the Spice Plantations to know about the medicinal values about the spices like cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, green chilly, pepper etc. In the evening, attend the Martial Arts Show called Kalaripayattu in Malayalam Language. If you feel free you can do the Elephant Ride and Traditional Ayurvedic Massage. Overnight stay in Thekkady
DAY 8 : Thekkady - Alleppey Houseboat
This is the day to enjoy the Alleppey House Boat Tour. Drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha) "the land of backwaters". Enroute you can see the tea plantations that serve as the natural greenish carpets. In the afternoon check in the houseboat and have a delicious lunch and enjoy the cruise in the Vembanadu Lake by passing through its canals for about 5 hours. Your boat will be stopped at one place. Have a nice dinner and comfortable stay in the houseboat. Overnight stay in Alappuzha
DAY 9 : Alappuzha - Cochin
Drive to Cochin (Kochi). Explore the Kochi City Tour. Kochi is also known as the "Queen of the Arabian sea". First visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest protestant church built by the Portuguese in 1510, where you can see the tomb of a Portuguese Sailor Vasco-da-gama. Then to Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, a catholic church and Chinese Fishing nets. Have a short drive to visit the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), Jewish Synagogue. Have a walk in the Jew town. In the evening attend the Kerala Traditional Dance Show named "KATHAKALI". Overnight stay in Kochi
DAY 10 : Kochi - Ooty
In the morning drive to Ooty also called as Nilgiris "The Queen of hill stations". Enroute you can able to see beautiful landscapes, vegetation, misty mountains and the houses. Have a rest in the hill resort. Overnight stay in Ooty
DAY 11 : Ooty
In the morning, start your drive enjoy the Hill station Tour in Ooty. Have a Nilgiri Mountain toy train ride from Ooty to Coonoor. This train was declared as a World Heritage UNESCO Site. In the late afternoon visit the famous Botanical Garden, Rose Garden and Spice Markets. One more night stay in Ooty
DAY 12 : Ooty - Mysore (Mysuru)
In the morning drive to Mysore. Today you are going to cross two wildlife forests namely Mudumalai belongs to Tamil Nadu and Bandipur National Park belongs to Karnataka State. There is a chance of spotting some animals roaming in the nature while you are travelling. In the evening have a spitritual tour to the famous Chamundi Hills. There is one temple dedicated for goddess "Chamundeshwari" a principal deity of Wodeyar Dynasty. Overnight stay in Mysuru
DAY 13 : Mysuru
This is the day to joy yourself with Mysore Heritage Tour. In the morning have a visit to Devarajah Market which was housed in an old building. Then have a short drive to visit the famous Mysore Maharaja Palace, a huge complex belongs to 19th century designed by an Italian architect "Henry Irwin" and built by the Wodeyars. In the afternoon visit the Somnathpur Chennakeshava Temple which was built in 12th century. Then return back to Mysore. Have a pleasant stay. Have a drive to visit an historial city "Srirangapatna" which was the great capital of Muslim Warrior Tipu Sultan. Visit the famous Srirangapatna Vishnu Temple and Tipu Summer Palace. Then return back to Mysuru. One more night stay in Mysuru
DAY 14 : Mysuru - Hassan
After the breakfast, drive to Hassan for an Sculptural Tour. Enroute visit the most popular Jain pilgrimage centre called "Shravanabelogola". This place is known for its Colossal monolithic statue of Gomateshwara. If you are not able to climb 650 kms, you can hire DOLI service and pay directly. Then continue your drive. Have a rest in the hotel. Overnight stay in Hassan
DAY 15 : Hassan - Halebid - Belur - Hassan
This is the day to feast your eyes with an Architectural Tour in Hassan. In the morning drive to a small village called Halebid to visit the Hoysaleshwara temple built in 12th century by the Hoysala Dynasty. Then have a drive to Belur to visit the Chennakesava Temple which was built in the same period. Both the above said temple depicts the detailed architecture of Hoysala dynasty. Drive back to the hotel. One more night stay in Hassan
DAY 16 : Hassan - Hospet
In the morning have a long drive to reach Hospet. Enroute have a stop for Historical Tour at the grand fortress named "Chitradurga" on the top of the granite hills that raises from the ground. This fort was used by different rulers like Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara, Nayakas, Tipusultan and finally by the British between 18th and 19th centuries. Continue your drive. Have a rest in the hotel. Overnight stay in Hospet
DAY 17 : Hospet - Hampi - Hospet
After the breakfast, have a full day visit of UNESCO World Heritage Monumental Tour in Hampi "The capital of great Vijayanagara dynasty" which is situated 13km from Hospet. The interesting places are Kadalekalu Ganesha Statue, Ugra Narasimha Statue, Krishna Temple, Hazara Rama Temple, Mahanavami Dibba, Stepped tank, Virupaksha Temple (the only functioning temple), Queen's Bath. In the late afternoon, visit the remaining places like Underground Shiva Temple, Hampi like Zanana Enclosure, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, Vittala Temple, Stone Chariot (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). Then return back to the hotel. One more night stay in Hospet
DAY 18 : Hospet - Badami
Start your journey to have Sculptural Tour. In the morning drive to Aihole, the 5th century Durga Temple built by the Chalukyan dynasty and then proceed your drive to Pattadakal, a huge temple complex which houses seven Shiva temples. In the evening have a visit to Badami Caves which is also built by the Chalukyas. The surrounding areas are covered by massive rocks with red stones gives an impressive outlook of the caves and offers a good sun setting point. Overnight stay in Badami
DAY 19 : Badami - Goa
Drive to Goa. Relax and enjoy the Goa Beach Tour in beach resort. Overnight stay in Goa
DAY 20 : Goa
Relax and enjoy the Goa Beach Tour in beach resort. One more night stay in Goa
DAY 21 : Goa
Start your Goa City Tour. Visit the famous churches like Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral Church and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Have a walk in the Goan streets, markets etc. Return back to the Hotel. Two more night stay in Goa
DAY 22 : Goa
Relax and enjoy the Goa Beach Tour in beach resort. Three more night stay in Goa
DAY 23 : Departure from Goa
This day you will be ended with India Tour of South Memories. You will be transferred to Dabolim International Airport, Goa as per your flight schedule back to home!
Q: What is the best time to visit Tamil Nadu?
Ans: The ideal time to visit Tamil Nadu is during the winter season from October to March, as the weather is cooler and pleasant, especially for sightseeing.
Q: How can I reach Tamil Nadu?
Ans: By Air: Tamil Nadu has several airports, with Chennai International Airport being the busiest and well-connected internationally. Other airports include Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, and Salem.
By Train: Tamil Nadu is well-connected to major Indian cities through the Indian Railways network, with Chennai being a central hub.
By Road: There are excellent roadways connecting Tamil Nadu to other states, and you can travel by bus, car, or taxi.
Q: What are the top tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu?
Ans: Chennai: Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort St. George, San Thome Basilica.
Madurai: Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal.
Mahabalipuram: Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance.
Ooty: Botanical Gardens, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty Lake.
Kodaikanal: Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker’s Walk, Pillar Rocks.
Rameswaram: Ramanathaswamy Temple, Pamban Bridge.
Thanjavur: Brihadeeswarar Temple (UNESCO site).
Kanyakumari: Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, and the southernmost tip where three seas meet.
Q: What are the popular activities in Tamil Nadu?
Ans: Temple tours: Visiting famous temples like Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, and Rameswaram Temple.
Hill station stays: Enjoy the serene hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal with trekking, boating, and sightseeing.
Heritage tours: Explore historical sites like Mahabalipuram’s stone carvings, the temples of Kanchipuram, and French architecture in Pondicherry.
Wildlife and nature: Visit Mudumalai and Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuaries, Crocodile Bank, and Botanical Gardens in Ooty.
Q: Is Tamil Nadu safe for solo travelers?
Ans: Tamil Nadu is generally safe for solo travelers, including women. However, it’s advisable to follow basic safety guidelines, such as avoiding secluded areas at night and keeping your belongings secure.
Q: What is the main language spoken in Tamil Nadu?
Ans: The official language is Tamil, but English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Hindi is less commonly spoken compared to the northern states.
Q: What kind of food can I expect in Tamil Nadu?
Ans: Tamil Nadu is famous for its South Indian cuisine, including dishes like idli, dosa, sambar, vada, and Chettinad cuisine. Vegetarians will find plenty of options, but non-vegetarian dishes like mutton biryani and chicken Chettinad are also popular.
Q: What is the dress code for visiting temples in Tamil Nadu?
Ans: Modest clothing is recommended when visiting temples. Men are often required to wear dhotis or remove their shirts in some temples, while women should wear sarees or cover their shoulders and knees. Many temples have strict dress codes.
Q: Do I need to hire a guide?
Ans: While it's not mandatory, hiring a local guide can enrich your experience, especially for historical sites and temples where understanding the cultural context is essential.
Q: What are the transportation options within Tamil Nadu?
Ans: Public Transport: State-run buses and auto-rickshaws are common in cities.
Taxis and Cabs: Available through ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola in most cities.
Car Rentals: You can rent a car if you prefer private transportation.
Trains: Tamil Nadu has an extensive railway network that connects major towns and cities.
Q: Are there any shopping recommendations?
Ans: Silk sarees from Kanchipuram, brassware and Tanjore paintings from Thanjavur, handicrafts from Mahabalipuram, and spices from markets in Chennai or Madurai are popular.
Q: Are there any festivals in Tamil Nadu I should know about?
Ans: Pongal (mid-January) is the most important festival, celebrating the harvest. Other festivals include Tamil New Year (April), Thaipusam, Karthigai Deepam, and Mahamaham (every 12 years in Kumbakonam).
Q: What are some common etiquettes in Tamil Nadu?
Ans: Remove footwear before entering temples and homes.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious and rural areas.
Use the right hand for eating and giving or receiving things, as the left hand is considered unclean.
Q: Do I need to be aware of any cultural sensitivities?
Ans: Tamil Nadu is known for its rich culture and traditions. It's important to be respectful in religious sites, dress conservatively, and avoid public displays of affection in rural and religious areas.