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Divine South India Pilgrimage

10 Days 9 Nights

A Soul-Stirring Odyssey Through the Sacred Heart of South India.

Overview

Divine South India Pilgrimage

Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days

Tour Overview This comprehensive 10-day pilgrimage offers a deep immersion into the spiritual and architectural soul of South India, beginning in Chennai and culminating in Trivandrum. The journey features the world-renowned Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati and the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Mahabalipuram, including the Shore Temple and Five Rathas. Travelers will witness the grand Chola legacy at Thanjavur’s Brihadeeswara Temple before heading to the vibrant city of Madurai to explore the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple. The pilgrimage continues to the sacred island of Rameshwaram to visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple and the hauntingly beautiful shores of Dhanushkodi. Reaching the southernmost tip of India at Kanyakumari, you will visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial at the confluence of three oceans before concluding the trip in Trivandrum with the majestic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This Private Van Tour ensures a comfortable experience with 3-Star Hotel accommodations, a dedicated vehicle for all transfers, and a meal plan including daily Breakfast and Dinner, making it an ideal choice during the Best Season from October to March.

Highlights

  • 2 Night(s) in Tirupati at Hotel MountView Comforts or similar
  • 1 Night(s) in Mahabalipuram at Hotel Mamalla Heritage or similar
  • 1 Night(s) in Thanjavur at Hotel Grand Ashok A Bergamont Hotel - Tanjore or similar
  • 1 Night(s) in Madurai at MMR Gardens Hotel or similar
  • 2 Night(s) in Rameshwaram at Wyt Hotels - Rameswaram Near Railway Station or similar
  • 1 Night(s) in Kanyakumari at The Gopinivas Grand or similar
  • 1 Night(s) in Trivandrum at Hotel Opalo Kailas or similar

Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Day 1 :Arrival in Chennai and Drive to Tirupathi

    Upon your arrival at Chennai airport or railway station, our representative will meet you to begin your spiritual journey toward Tirupathi. The drive covers approximately 140 km, taking you through the changing landscapes of the region. On arrival, complete the check-in formalities at your hotel and take the afternoon to relax and recover from your travels. The evening is yours to settle in, soak up the spiritual atmosphere of the town, and prepare for your darshan the following morning. Enjoy a warm dinner at the hotel and a restful overnight stay to ensure you are fully refreshed for the pilgrimage ahead.

    Meal Plan: Dinner

    3 hour
    Breakfast + Dinner
  • Day
    2

    Day 2 :Full Day in Tirupathi

    Your day begins early with a journey up the sacred Tirumala hills to visit the Venkateswara Temple, one of the most revered shrines in the world. After experiencing the divine darshan, head to the Padmavathi Temple in Tiruchanoor to offer prayers to Goddess Padmavathi. In the afternoon, take a break from the temple trail to witness Silathoranam, a fascinating natural rock arch of great geological and religious significance. Conclude your spiritual circuit with a peaceful visit to the Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple, located at the foot of the Tirumala hills near a sacred waterfall. You will return to the comfort of your hotel by 7:00 PM to relax and reflect on the day's experiences.

    Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

    Breakfast + Dinner
  • Day
    3

    Day 3 :Tirupathi to Mahabalipuram

    After a hearty breakfast, you will leave Tirupathi behind and head toward the coastal town of Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival, step back in time as you visit the iconic Shore Temple, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site standing on the edge of the Bay of Bengal. Your exploration continues with the Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas), a series of monolithic structures intricately carved into solid rock. In the afternoon, marvel at the incredible detail of Arjuna’s Penance, one of the largest bas-reliefs in the world, and stop for a photo at Krishna’s Butterball, a massive boulder famously balanced on a slippery slope. By evening, check into your hotel and enjoy a quiet night by the coast to unwind.

    Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

    Breakfast + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    4

    Day 4 :Mahabalipuram to Tanjore

    After breakfast, you will depart from the coast and head inland towards Thanjavur (Tanjore), the historical powerhouse of the Chola Empire. The highlight of your afternoon is the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a true masterpiece of South Indian temple architecture. Following this, you will explore the Thanjavur Palace complex, home to a vast museum that showcases an incredible collection of bronze statues, ancient stone sculptures, and Chola-era artifacts. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of the oldest libraries in Asia, which houses a rare collection of historic manuscripts and palm-leaf records. You'll check into your hotel by the evening to relax and enjoy your dinner.

    Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

    Breakfast + Dinner
    Home Stay
  • Day
    5

    Day 5 :Tanjore to Madurai

    Following breakfast, you will set off for Madurai, one of the oldest living cities in the world. Your exploration begins at the heart of the city with the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a sprawling complex world-renowned for its towering gopurams and vibrant, intricate carvings. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, an architectural marvel blending Dravidian and Islamic styles, famous for its massive white pillars. To conclude the day’s journey on a thoughtful note, you will visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which offers a deep dive into India's freedom struggle. You will return to your hotel by 7:00 PM for a relaxing dinner and a good night's rest.

    Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

    Breakfast + Dinner
  • Day
    6

    Day 6 :Madurai to Rameswaram

    After a fulfilling breakfast, you will depart for Rameswaram, a journey of roughly 170 km that culminates in a spectacular drive across the Pamban Bridge. This century-old engineering marvel offers breathtaking views as you cross the turquoise waters of the Palk Strait to reach the island. Upon arrival, your spiritual journey continues at the Ramanathaswamy Temple, famous for its majestic third corridor—the longest in the world—and its 22 sacred wells, where pilgrims partake in ritual bathing. In the afternoon, you will visit Agnitheertham, the holy calm stretch of sea located right in front of the temple, where devotees offer prayers and take a symbolic dip. After a day of deep spiritual connection and scenic beauty, check into your hotel for a peaceful dinner and a relaxed overnight stay.

    Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

    Breakfast + Dinner
  • Day
    7

    Day 7 :Full Day in Rameswaram

    Your full day in Rameswaram begins with a trip to Dhanushkodi, a hauntingly beautiful ghost town located at the southeastern tip of the island. Once a bustling port, it was frozen in time by the 1964 cyclone; today, you can explore the eerie ruins of the church and railway station set against the stunning backdrop where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean. While here, visit the Kothandaramaswamy Temple, the only structure to survive the cyclone and the site where Vibhishana is said to have surrendered to Lord Rama. Next, head to Gandhamadhana Parvatham, the highest point on the island, to see the marble footprints of Lord Rama and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire island. You will also visit Villoondi Theertham, a unique freshwater spring located right in the middle of the salty sea—legend says it emerged when Rama shot an arrow into the ocean to quench Sita's thirst. After a day rich in history and legend, you’ll return to your hotel by 7:00 PM to relax.

    Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

    Breakfast + Dinner
  • Day
    08

    Day 10 :Trivandrum Airport Drop

    On your final morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and take some time to reflect on your incredible 10-day spiritual journey. Depending on your flight or train schedule, you may choose to visit the local markets for some last-minute souvenirs, such as traditional Kerala handicrafts or spices. When it is time, you will check out from your hotel and be transferred to Trivandrum International Airport (conveniently located just about 6 km from the city center) or the railway station for your onward journey. Bid farewell to the "God’s Own Country" as you head home with a heart full of divine memories.

    Meal Plan: Breakfast

Inclusions

  • Accommodation
  • Daily Breakfast & Dinner
  • All Hotel Taxes
  • Toll & Parking
  • Transfers and sightseeing By Ac Tourist Vehicle ( AC Not Work In Hilly Area )
  • All local sightseeing in the same vehicle, every day after breakfast till sunset. (except arrival and departure dates)

Exclusions

  • GST 5%
  • Any international / Domestic Air Fare if any quoted separately
  • English speaking guide / escort charges Airport Tax
  • Extra bed All meals (other than above mentioned ones)
  • Personal nature expenses such as telephone calls, Laundry, soft / hard drinks, lunch tipping etc.,
  • Camera fee at monuments.
  • Monument OR TEMPLE Entrance Fees Boat ride
  • Insurance
  • Any Porterage services at Airport / Railway station.
  • Any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost.
  • Rates are subject to change in case of inflation or tax hikes, rates based on currently applicable taxes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will we be able to get "Special Entry" or "VIP Darshan" at Tirupati?

We highly recommend booking the Rs. 300 Special Entry Darshan online well in advance. While we assist with the timing and logistics of your visit, the actual tickets must be booked by the pilgrim due to ID verification requirements. We plan your itinerary to ensure you are in Tirupati on the correct day for your slot.

How much walking or standing is involved in the temples?

South Indian temples are massive. While our private van drops you as close as possible, expect to walk 1–2 km within larger complexes. Most temples have stone flooring which can get hot, so we schedule visits for early mornings or late evenings to keep you comfortable.

Are non-Hindus allowed to enter the inner sanctums?

In most Tamil Nadu temples (like Madurai and Thanjavur), non-Hindus can explore the outer complexes and admire the architecture. However, the "Garbhagriha" (inner sanctum) is often restricted to Hindus only. In Trivandrum (Padmanabhaswamy Temple), the rules are the strictest and apply to all visitors regarding both faith and dress code.

Can we customize the tour to include specific "Sevas" or Rituals?

Yes. Since this is a Private Van Tour, we can adjust the morning departure times to accommodate specific temple rituals. If you wish to perform Pitru Tharpanam (ancestral rites) in Rameshwaram, we can coordinate with local priests to ensure you have enough time before the regular sightseeing begins.

What is the "Ghost Town" of Dhanushkodi like for seniors?

Dhanushkodi is a highlight of the trip! The road is now well-paved, so the van can take you right to the "Land’s End" where the oceans meet. There is very little walking required to see the ruins, making it very accessible and comfortable for all age groups.

Is it easy to find clean washrooms and pure vegetarian food on the highways?

We specifically use the main national highways where high-quality "Pure Veg" restaurants (like Saravana Bhavan or A2B) are frequent. These establishments offer hygienic food and well-maintained restroom facilities, ensuring your comfort throughout the long driving days.

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