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South India Temple Tour
Duration: 12 Nights/ 13 Days
South India Temple Tour
Overview
South India Temple Tour trails around the strong bastion of customs and traditions of peninsular region. The gopurams, mandapas, and lavish treasures, all form a part of South Indian Temples. Beginning from Chennai, the tour moves towards Kanchipuram - the Varanasi of South famed for 1000 Temples. The seven pagodas of Mahabalipuram also have a lot of temples to explore including Seashore Temple. The next halt at Pondicherry is the home of St. Aurobindo, Auroville, where harmony, tranquility and peace can be experienced on the rocky shore.
The next spiritual halt is in Chidambaram, famous for its Nataraja Temple. Tanjore’s Brihadeshwara Temple and Trichy’s Srirangam Temple also form an inevitable part of this tour. Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple and Rameshwaram form the apogee of South India Temple Tour with the impeccable architecture and associative legends. The tranquil beaches of Kovalam and Kanyakumari sum up the South India Temple Tour where one can sit and contemplate the whereabouts of life.
Trip Facts
- Destination: India
- Activities: Tours
- Duration: 7 - 14 Days
- Group Size: 02+ Pax
Itinerary
Day 01 Arrive Chennai
Arrive Chennai. On arrival at the airport, you will meet our representative and be transferred to hotel.Overnight in Hotel.
Day 02 Chennai
After breakfast leave for city tour of Madras visiting the Museum to see the Art and Bronze Gallery (Closed on Fridays and Public holidays). Drive through the Flower and Fruit market, High court, Fort museum, Marina Beach, Santhome Cathedral and snake park.Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram
Drive to Mahabalipuram (58 kms / 1½ Hrs) enroute visiting Kanchipuram - it is the ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 Temples and still has 124 shrines. Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks. On arrival, check in at hotel. Afternoon visit Mahabalipuram - it is famous for the seven pagodas. Here on the seashore is an interesting group of ancient rock hewn temples which are the examples of Dravidian style of Architecture. Day 04 Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
Drive to Pondicherry (134 kms / 3 ½ hrs) this erstwhile French colony on the east coast of South India merged with the rest of the country in 1954. Legend says that Pondicherry is the place where St. Agasthaya settled down. Enroute visit Tiruvannaamalai - a pilgrim centre with an ancient temple of Lord Shiva. On arrival, check in at hotel. Day 05 Pondicherry
Morning visit Aurbindo Ashram, the city of dawn, which is 10 Kms 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. Afternoon 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. Day 06 Pondicherry - Chidamparam - Tanjore
Drive to Tanjore (196 kms / 5 hrs) enroute visiting Chidambaram also called Thillai, which 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. On arrival, check in at hotel. Afternoon visit Tanjore, once the capital of Chola Kings, has the Brahadeswara temple (or the big temple of God). Day 07 Tanjore - Trichy
Drive to Trichy (55 kms / 1 hr). Upon arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon visit the Trichy city, shortname of Trichurapalli, situated on the banks of Kaveri River is a blend of history and tradition as well as pilgrim centre. Visit the famous Rock fort and its temple at a height of over 23mts. Also visit Srirangam and Jambukeshwar Temple. Day 08 Trichy - Madurai
Drive to Madurai (142 kms / 4 hrs). Later check in at hotel. The ancient city of Madurai some 2600 years old is laid out in the banks River of Vaigai as a lotus flower with the Meenakshi temple in the centre. Afternoon,visit Meenakshi temple, King Tirumala's Palace, Great Tank and Gandhi museum. Day 09 Madurai - Rameshwaram
Morning drive to Rameshwaram (170 kms / 3 hrs) - 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 to battle of Sri Lanka. One of the twelve Jyotirlingam shrines is also well known for its magnificent corridors and the massive sculptured pillars lining them. Day 10 Rameshwaam - Kanyakumari
Morning drive to Kanyakumari (about 250 kms / 5 hrs) and check into hotel. Afternoon visit Vivekanada Rock, Kumari Amman temple etc. In the evening watch spectacular sunset from the beach. Overnight at hotel Day 11 Kanyakumari - Kovalam
Morning watch sunrise from the beach or from the hotel. Later drive to Kovalam enroute visiting Padmanabhapuram Palace noted for its solid wood works. Evening free for leisure at beach. Overnight at hotel. Day 12 Kovalam - Excursion to Trivandrum
After breakfast full day excursion to Trivandrum (16 kms away). Here visit Kanakakunnu Palace, Napier Museum, Museume complex, Padmanabha Swamy Temple (for non Hindus from outside only), Sri chitra Art Gallery etc. Evening free at beach. Overnight at hotel.Includes
- Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car / van / bus as per the group size
- Accommodation as required by you like -Budget Hotels, Tourist standard Hotel ,Threee star category Hotels ,Four Star Hotels, Five Star Hotels in ( Bed & Breakfast Basis , Bed Breakfast & Dinner Basis , Bed Breakfast Lunch Dinner Basis )or as specified in the appropriate itinerary
- Guided city tours as per the Itinerary by Private Car, Van, Jeep, Costar, Bus, Flights, Train etc as per the group sizes and your request.
- Tour Guide with all sightseeing fees.
- Services charges
Excludes
- Your travel insurance
- International airfare and airport departure tax
- Appropriate visa fees
- Alcoholic, cold and hot drinks, laundry
- Personal equipment
- Any others expenses
Trip Note
Travellers Reviews
From the moment we stepped outside Kathmandu airport we knew we were in good hands. Raj and his professional team had taken care of everything. Our trek to Everest Base Camp is one we will remember for a long time. From accomodation, to meals, guide and porters. Everything went smoothly. Even the tricky weather in Lukla didn't hold us up too much. The tour of Kathmandu was great and we especially enjoyed the opening dinner that Raj planned for us.
I highly recommend Good Karma Trekking.
We are planing to return to Nepal and trek the Annapurna Circuit. We will definitely book with Raj and Good Karma Trekking again.
Best travel agency, very helpful and friendly staff. They offer great possibilities for trekking, excursions, help take care of all permits. Great company, wonderful trip, friendship for life. I would recommend!
Booked my first trip to Nepal with Good Karma after some recommendations on Tripadvisor. From my first email I was impressed with the level of attention I received and how flexible they were (something I couldn't get with several other other companies I and contacted). Had a great trip including sightseeing in Kathmandu and trekking to Everest base camp, and everything went extremely smoothly (except for the weather). Just returned from my second trip there and already planning my third. Its an amazing country, and Raj and the Good Karma team made it a great experience. Happy to answer any questions people have.
Kind, attentive, honest, dedicated attention is awaiting on your travels with Good Karma. I went to the Everest Base Camp(14 days), Bhutan (4 days) and the Chitwan game preserve (3 days) with them and was very well treated at a great price.
I recommend them for travel in Nepal under reliable conditions.
I will be glad to answer any inquiries on their subject.
A perfect travel partner on the foothills of Hiamalayas. I can proudly recommend my near and dear to Good Karma. Thanks a lot Good karma for excellent services on our trek.
I have traveled in many countries, but my experience in Nepal was special, thanks to Raj and his team who organized the exceptional way to all desired goals in this expedition which I had in Nepal and Tibet this autumn. I hope with all my heart to revisit again because I really miss Nepal. I started learning Hindi language since a few days.
So, Raj, Biji, I feel like I will visit you again! There are a lot of places that I have not seen yet! GOOD KARMA TREKKING is the best Agency for me!
Raj was knowledgeable and more than accommodating during our travels. We used Good Karma Trekking to book a trek to Annapurna, do white water rafting, and visit the elephants. It was one of the best trips I've had in my life and I've been to over 50 countries now. I would strongly recommend them to anyone who is traveling to Nepal and seeking a professional and friendly travel agency
BOOKING WITH KARMA: I booked a one-person tour to the Annapurna Circuit during the off season in August. During my inquiries with various trekking companies, Raj from Good Karma replied promptly and was always making sure that my needs were met before, during and after the trek. He was very flexible with whatever mode of transportation I desired to use even if it was just a couple of days in advance (including a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu with two days notice) . THE TOUR: The tour itself was amazing. True, the Annapurna Circuit can be done with no guide. But Raj provide me with none other than a Sherpa guide would allowed for easy communication with locals and got the best rooms and meals in all the lodges. He also knew where the shortcuts are and made sure my safety was a priority (specially with altitude sickness). TRANSPORTATION : Always keep in mind that Nepal is not the most developed nation in terms of infrastructure and road systems. I highly recommend getting a private vehicle. The drivers that Raj provides are some of the best I've seen even though they drive like maniacs. I felt relatively safe compared to a tourist bus/local bus. These are worse and the safety standards are very low OVERALL: I highly recommend this tour company. Make sure you communicate with Raj constantly so he knows what your needs are.
Had an unforgettable experience trekking the Annapurna Circuit with Good Karma in 2012. Nabraj and his team are knowledgable, passionate and great hosts, and are genuine in providing the best experience possible. They went above and beyond to cater to our interests and provided outstanding hospitality. Nabraj has become a good friend since, we are regularly in touch and I look forward to joining Good Karma on a trek again soon!
I worked with Good Karma Trekking a few years ago when they organized a trip through Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan for me and a group of almost 30 people. They were the best choice for our trip. The hotels they booked, the accommodation, the vehicles used for our transportation were all top class. Raj and his team really know their country (and the neighboring countries) and are able to custom made programs that suit each and every individual on a group, no matter the size. We particularly enjoyed the trips around Kathmandu valley, up to Nagarkot, down in the jungle in Chitwan and resting at the foot of Anapurna in Pokhara. Raj even organized some trips that were not in the initial schedule and which were greatly appreciated - for instance the visit to Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu.
I was also on the group that took a tour of Tibet with Good Karma Trekking. Everything went smooth, from crossing the border into China to altering the program so we could stay at a lower altitude when some of our colleagues felt sick.
For all of us on that trip Raj also became a good friend and we kept in touch ever since.
Whenever I hear someone thinking of visiting Nepal I always recommend Good Karma Trekking. I am also sure that next time myself and any other member of the group would want to go to the Himalayan region Good Karma Trekking would be our first choice.
Good job, Good Karma Trekking!
I went on a one month trip to Nepal with Good Karma Trekking, and I must say it was really amazing! Well worth the time and the cost of traveling there! Part of what made my experience so wonderful was the guide that I had. His name is Raj Ghimire, and he is the sole proprietor of GOOD KARMA TREKKING LTD. He is a truly honest guy, with a very kind heart, and I believe that he would give you the BEST Nepal experience, no matter where in the country you want to travel. When my friends and I were over there, he treated us like family (no, I'm not exaggerating), and I still stay in touch with him. His rates are GREAT too! And if you need porters, tea house reservations, or a personal driver to show you Kathmandu or Chitwan Park, he did ALL of these arrangements for us.
Go with Raj, he will take care of you!
This was literally the best experience I've had with a travel company anywhere in the world. They are efficient, culturally smart and very friendly. They even went out of their way to help with issues that were not necessarily part of our contract. I will definitely trust them to organize any trip for me in the future.
Good Karma organized everything for my trip including city tours, travel, hotels and trekking. They were very professional and helpful creating a trip that included what i wanted to see and not just the standard itinerary. The owner Raj even helped bargain for lower prices on souvenirs and trekking equipment while i was in Kathmandu. He also showed me some of his favorite restaurants and some of the local specialties and offered me some wild honey from his home town. The trek went great and the guide was very knowledgeable about the trails and flora and fauna of the himalayas. I have done a trip with abovethehimalays before and the service and price of Good Karma was much better. I would suggest this company to anyone looking for an authentic experience.
We had a great experience with Good Karma Trekking in Kathmandu, Nepal. Raj, the owner of the company, was very helpful. He has an excellent knowledge about the Kathmandu area, and generally about Nepal. He is more than a usual travel agency, passionate about his work, and about promoting the Nepal sights. I am sure that we will use his services again when we return to Nepal, hopefully soon.
I met Raj in Kathmandu through a mutual friend and I've been amazed by his hospitality and generosity. They gave me all the informations I needed about the transportation, treks and more! Thank you for your kindness and your support and I really hope to meet you again! Cheers
Fantastic experience with Good Karma Trekking. Always keen to help and to make sure you are well taken care of in Nepal. Would not hesitate to recommend them to friends and family!
I was In Nepal last year and I really enjoyed the time. I must say that the service offered by Good Karma Trekking is excellent. I would recommend it to all, if you went to Nepal.
I used Good Karma Trekking for a first trip to Nepal in Nov 2011 and from the moment of contact the trip went very smoothly. I would highly recommend this company and would be happy to be contacted independently to provide a review.
A good company, thoroughly recommended. Their 16 day tour is ideal for first time visitors. Reasonably priced tours.
En 2012 tuve el agrado de conocer a Nabraj Ghimire en Katmandú. Su ayuda en una país desconocido me sirvió de mucho. Es una persona honesta y desinteresada que realiza su trabajo con vocación.
믿을만한 친구가하는 일입니다. 네팔에서 가격차이 그리 심하지 않습니다. 가장 싼 곳을 찾기보다, 안전함과 신뢰도, 그리고 만족도를 높이세요. :) It's great to do the trekking nad!!! :)
Excellence Review from Trip Adviser
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